Royal Wedding Week: THE BIG DAY!!!

Well, folks, the big day has come and gone and I would love to know...what did you think?!?! I have to say that when my alarm clock went off at 4:30 this morning, it was the earliest I have ever voluntarily woken up. And instead of hitting snooze 89 times like I normally do, I jumped out of bed, wide-eyed, and raced over to the TV as if my very own prince was going to pop out of it like a jack-in-the-box. It's no secret that London is my favorite city, that I love British culture and am fascinated by the royal family. So I was kind of surprised this week when reading so many negative comments about the royal wedding. To all of you cynics out there...yes, America is celebrity obsessed and yes, the media coverage on the event has been overwhelming and yes, there are much much much more serious news stories taking place. The world isn't exactly a joyous place right now. But isn't that exactly why we need hopeful celebrations like this today? To remind us that true fairy tales really do exist. Personally, I shed a few tears this morning watching the royal nuptials. Not only for the lucky couple, but for the spirit of a country that had so much joy in celebrating with them. The pomp and circumstance, the traditions, the national pride and the shear history behind it all - I loved every second and only wish I could have been there!

As for THE DRESS, the Duchess of Cambridge (nee Kate Middleton) chose Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, as was speculated. I won't lie, I wasn't very impressed at first. After months and months of hype, I expected to be completely blown through the roof with amazement. But it quickly grew on me - the lace sleeves, lace V-neck overlay reminiscent of Grace Kelly, the skirt that was juuuuust grand enough and the elegantly pleated train - it was classic, sophisticated and traditional, just as a royal should be. I think because I expected her to wear Alexander McQueen, I anticipated a style slightly more edgy and modern with a real wow factor, but I kept having to remind myself that this is not just any celebrity wedding. This is Westminster Abbey and, in the end, she chose a beautiful gown that fit her classically elegant style and will stand the test of time. Rumors are that Kate has a total of 3 dresses planned for today's celebrations. I hope we'll catch glimpses of the others soon! And how can I not mention Pippa's dress, also by Sarah Burton? Absolutely stunning!!!

What about you? Did you wake up early to watch the wedding? What did you think of it all? Did you like the dress?

Images via People.

Royal Wedding Week: Oscar de la Renta

I am obsessed with all things British. I lived in London for a year, fell in love with the city, and am just dying to go back sometime very very soon. I am also obsessed with the Royal Family, as I find their history and their lifestyle to be so intriguing. And considering I work in the wedding industry, I therefore am completely CONSUMED by the upcoming royal wedding. So, for the next week leading up to the big event, Sand Dune Lane will be overtaken by all things royal, wedding, and British...


After months of speculation, rumors began circulating this week that the lovely Kate Middleton had chosen Sophie Cranston, of the British label Libelula, as her wedding gown designer. Cranston, who has worked with both Alexander McQueen and Alice Temperley, seemed like an obvious choice. Check out a few of her bridal designs here. Sure enough, I read this morning that Cranston is denying rumors that she will design the princess-to-be's gown. Perhaps the coveted role will go to Sarah Burton, who took over as Creative Director for Alexander McQueen. Burton's name has been in the running all along and her latest collection at Paris Fashion Week was heavily bridal inspired.

Nevertheless, I think we'll be waiting until April 29th to find out the official designer. I'm ok with that - I like surprises. However, if I were shopping for a wedding gown now (and had unlimited funds), my first stop would be Oscar de la Renta. His Spring 2012 Collection at Bridal Fashion Week proved to be elegant and chic but with modern, often colorful, and detailed twists. I love the idea of wearing a short wedding dress and his collection was full of many different lengths - from mini to tea length to full train.

LOVE how the Oscar de la Renta for Lee Jofa collection was incorporated into the bridal collection - check out the beautiful embroidery on this skirt. Very fresh and cool!

 My favorite? A tie between these last two!...

Wedded Bliss

Whether you enjoyed a quiet evening at home or ventured out to a fabulous party, I hope you all had a wonderfully joyous New Year's Eve. I know I did. After a much-needed holiday break, I can finally say that I feel recharged and ready to face 2011 with enthusiasm and a positive outlook. So here we go!

Because I work in the bridal industry, I am constantly hit with amazing wedding inspiration and ideas. And since I am not getting married any time soon, I often find myself applying this fancy to ideas for decor, events and fashion...and my faux wedding of course (or all twelve of them). Wedding blogs especially are great for creative inspiration. My favorite is the popular Style Me Pretty, which is a comprehensive and beautifully sweet resource. A few months ago, a little birdie told me that the lovely editors behind Style Me Pretty were launching their first online magazine and I have been waiting anxiously ever since. Well, the Style Me Pretty online magazine launched today and words cannot express how impressed I am. The magazine showcases twenty of the best "real weddings" from this past year. From an elegant French countryside gathering to a circus-themed Nashville soiree and a show-stopping gown from a stylish Georgetown affair, SMP is chock full of eye candy. The best part? You don't have to be a bride to be struck by these beautiful stories. Each wedding features buying guides that serve as amazing inspiration boards for your next creative "story," whether it be room decor, an upcoming event, or wardrobe styling. I highly encourage you to check it out!