Pink + Green + Yellow

This week's Inspiration Board was inspired by Spring! Shades of pink, green, and yellow bring in flirty touches to the perfect outdoor Spring wedding. With the classic bridal gown inspired by Watters, your wedding will be an event your guests will not forget! Also, check out the brand new flower girl dress by Us Angles that just arrived into our Gainesville location. It's a perfect simple dress for any flower gril!

Sources:

Bridal Gown: Austin by Watters
Bridesmaid Dress: Dessy Style 2787
Flower Girl Dress: Us Angles
Shoes: Salon Shoes
Cake: The Knot
Boutonniere: The Knot
Reception: The Knot

Shoes That Really Shine!

The latest line of bridal shoes from Angela Nuran are sure to put a little extra skip in your step!

Before she began designing shoes, Angela started "A Dance to Remember" studio, teaching brides their "first dance." As a frequent guest at her clients' weddings, she noticed so many brides kicking off their uncomfortable heels halfway through the reception so they could actually enjoy their special day pain-free. That's when Angela realized she had the ultimate solution to every woman's shoe dilemma-- a hybrid shoe that combines the beauty and style you want, with the comfort you need. In 2007, her very first line of bridal shoes was born.

And starting in January 2010, Solutions Bridal will offer Angela's latest creation, The Astoria. It comes in white, pearl and black and features a super cute buckle at the toe and ankle covered in gorgeous Swarovski crystals. And here's the "kicker"... there are none of those annoying prongs to snag your dress. The toe and ankle straps are adjustable, so you're comfortable whether your feet are wide or narrow. And with extra thick padding and a choice of 2 1/2 or 3 1/2 inch heels, you'll literally feel like you're walking on cloud nine on your wedding day!

Guide to Style

The cover of Bridal Guide features one of the several new pieces from the Lori London Spring collection. With flowers being the hottest trend, its no surprise Lori London was picked the designer for this fashion shoot. Both Solutions Bridal carry the Lori London line and will be hosting a Spring Trunk Show. Make sure to call your local SB to schedule an appointment to try on this flower piece and many others!

Glam Going Rebel

Rebel Glam photographer, Charity De Meer, scooped up our Torrean gown for a fashionista filled shoot. Since Sunday, the Solutions Bridal buying team has been at NYC Bridal Market. The shoot is filled with the same energy we have found here. Brides (including Southern belles) are starting to push the envelope. I just can't explain how excited we are about it! We have been running from one designer showroom to the next in search of the best of the best in bridal. The Spring collections are all about luxurious organzas, hand-crafted rosettes, natural waists, tulle skirts, and delicately placed beading. It was difficult to come across a full beaded gown. The designers are taking a more softer feminine approach, but adding drama by styling the gown with vintage inspired jewelry. After seeing Charity's photographs, I just got all excited again about the current bridal trends. Spring 2010 can only be described as nothing less than dreamy.

Re-wearing your bridesmaid dress.

This past weekend I stumbled upon the style guide for bridesmaids. As every soon-to-be bride knows, picking out the perfect bridesmaid dress can be a stressful event. Questions arise rather or not the girls you've selected will be able to re-wear their bridesmaids dresses. We say go for it! In Style Weddings Summer 2009 issue gave some great hints on how to re-wear and turn your bridesmaid dress into a hot new look for a party or date, and with the right accessories for the office too! Some ideas to re-wear your bridesmaid dress to the office are to match it with a short sleeved cardigan, heels and fun accessories such as a plated necklace. Re-wearing your bridesmaid dress to a date or party is less of a challenge then you might think. Matching the dress with a vintage belt, clutch, and a unique cuff is the perfect look to a semi-formal night out. Hope these ideas are insightful & valuable! -Brittany E.

Real Brides Go Editorial

Image by Rivini Bridal

With many thanks to Abby Liga Photography and our Solutions Bridal Stylist, Alicia, our Rivini gown "Thirteen" was transformed. The concept of the shoot was to showcase how a bride should celebrate her marriage by having unique, fashion-forward images taken of her days before her wedding. As Abby mentioned on her blog, everyone is looking for something different. These shoots represent who the bride is. Sometimes the bride gets suckered into wearing sister's early 90's veil down the aisle or the blusher over the face for her father. These are all great wedding traditions that are hard to do without, but may not necessarily represents the bride's personal style. The Couture Dress Sessions by Abby Liga gives the bride a chance to experience what its like to be on an editorial shoot adorn with accessories she loves. As consultants we have seen the same dress look completely different on two different brides. The dress really does become the brides after all the accessories, hair, and make-up styles are selected.

A day at the Courtyard

This past Thursday afternoon at the Courtyard at Lake Lucerne an amazing photo shoot took place. Abby Liga an extremely talented photographer based out of Orlando shot the photos. Her unique & fresh taste brought the location to life. Abby has a true talent for capturing the right moments & emotions in her photos. Designer dresses from Solutions Bridal were provided for the shoot and looked stunning in the hints of outside lighting provided from the Courtyard. The beautiful veils, necklaces, earrings & broaches were provided by Paris. Also joining the fun was Simone from Makeover station, she used her unique skills to give our model the big gorgeous hair & beautiful bright eyes that sealed the deal for the perfect picture. -Brittany E.

The

Blushing Bride

Tanks have arrived!

If you are looking for something to make your special day more memorable or to simply make a statement, this must-have wedding accessory is for you! The Blushing Bride racerback tank is made from a stretch-cotton fabric and is available in sizes S-XL. The Blushing Bride graphic was made by our friends at Unique Designs.

Visit your local salon to try on!

"I Do" to Cute Shoes

As I was admiring La Dolce Vita Studio's albums I came across this image. I just fell in love with this idea. What a great way to incorporate your Something Blue! As we always say, its the little details that make a wedding!

Bold Colors in Real Wedding

Congrats to Mrs. Gretchen Kostedt! On April 25, 2009 our fabulous jewelry designer walked down a sandy aisle in Destin, FL. Her sister was married last year and purchased a Marisa gown with us. When it was Gretchen's turn to find the dress we knew we had to go with a little more bling. She designs custom jewelry for our salon so we had to take the gown a step up and incorporate rhinestones and crystals that she is use to working with on a daily basis. Her wedding colors were Red and Turquoise. Most of our beach brides tend to pick light shades of green and blue, but the bold colors against the light sand and ocean really pop in the photos. Enjoy life as a newly wed Gretchen!

Green in Spring: Real Wedding

Maggie Kellog is married! We had a blast working with this big-hearted bride. Take a look at this real wedding and get inspired. She incorporated green and pink details to give a fresh, spring look. Her gown was one of the first few she tried one while shopping in the Gainesville store with her mother this past Fall. She selected a modern, silk taffeta gown that was beautifully showcased with a French Alencon lace veil. Best Wishes Maggie!

Gown: Marisa Bridal

Silk HairFlower: Lori London Millinery

Veil: McCaffrey Haute Couture

Photography: Vue Photography

Raving over Rivini

We just unpacked the final dress to the Rivini 09' Trunk Show hosted by Solutions Bridal Winter Park. I am incredibly impressed with the variety, attention to detail, and sophisticated elegance designer Rivini has created. If you ask our consultants who their favorite designer is, many will say Rivini. They have such a signature look without loosing a good quality fit. I always describe the designer as the master of the A-line shape. Joining us this weekend is the highly knowledgeable designer rep, Monte. He will be here all day Saturday and Sunday to meet personally with brides. His expertise will sure make your wedding gown search even more memorable.

To add to it all... We are also hosting an Erin Cole Trunk Show this weekend. Rivini uses Erin Cole Accessories for their editorial shots as well as for their New York runway shows. This is a great opportunity to try on the best of the best in Bridal and Accessories all in one weekend. Simone with Makeover Station will be in all day Sunday doing free hair and make-up consulting by appointment.

Please give us a call to arrange your personal bridal fitting. I hope to meet you soon and learn all about your wedding details.

Best Wishes,

Tali Gallo

Color Matters

I was looking through a magazine and saw a fabulous picture... SHOES!!! The task of picking the bridesmaid dresses is now more open to the girls ideas or to what looks best for them. Adding creative views from the girls keeps them involved and happy too. We know really "it's all about you". Not ready to put it completely in their hands? Give the girls the option to choose their favorite color and/or personal style of shoes. You can censor of course so it won't clash with your wedding but what a great way for them to show their personality! Check out Touch Ups by Benjamin Walk for style and color selections. Finding a medium will keep everyone smiling. Trust me, it will show in your pictures. Another idea is to let them choose accessories or give them options that fits well with their style. I recently had a bride that decided that here girls were going to wear pink shoes! Not only were they adding a little color for shoes she is doing pink accessories too. Fun! One of our beloved accessory designers is expanding their selection. Last weekend we hosted a Lori London Trunk Show here in Gainesville. If you missed us, we have exciting news to share! You can now dye the feathers! Feathers not your style? No problem. The silk flowers can now be made in a color too. Its your choice by sending in a swatch or even having them made from your own favorite material. Keeping it classic with white, ivory or blush? Add a touch of color in the crystal beading of silk flowers. Lori London offers 48 different colors of Swarovski crystals to choose from as well. They make a perfect gift for the girls and a wearable again after the event. Cant wait to see all the new selection? You are in luck, the pieces will be back in store at the end of March for our "Dress Rehearsal". See you there!

love IT, dye IT, own IT

The Creative Director for Lori London Millinery, Adam, called me to fill me in on all the customizing available with his new 2009 Collection. On February 20th-22nd we will be hosting a Lori London Accessories Show so I had to get the scope. I was pleasantly surprised all the options we had available at our fingertips. Most of our bridal designers allow us to create a couture-one of a kind look for our brides, but when it comes to accessories they tend to not allow much flexibility. On the other hand, Adam loves to do just that. He says most of his ideas come from his brides wanting to remove or add something. They often create the made-to-order piece for their clients and then add the piece to their new collection.

Lori London is a master at creating silk flowers that have a trendy-twist without loosing the organic look. To create your one-of-a-kind look you can dye the flowers/feathers what ever color you desire. We can order extra charmeuse and organza from your bridesmaid and have little silk peonies made for them. If your going for a dramatic, vintage look try out a black feather. All the crystals are available in 45 different Swarovski colors. You can always opt to change the crystals to a fresh water pearl as well. Can't go wrong with options!

Please come explore the trunk full of tiaras, flowers, feathers, veils, and hair pins during our Lori London Accessories Show. It will be held in the Gainesville salon February 20th-22nd. Hope to see you there.