Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Charming.

Etsy is a bride's best friend- especially if her bridestyle is equal parts casually chic and whimsically fabulous.  And with the DIY phenomena heading out the door as brides realize the time commitment and stress level the projects take, Etsy is a god send.  You'll get hand crafted charm, moderate prices and often customizable additions to your wedding day.

Here are a few of our favorite finds...

Hand Stamped Fabric Ribbon
Etsy Shop: FleaMarketFloozie
Click here to buy.

Love Bird Confetti
Etsy Shop: ddeforest


Grey and White Zig-Zag Stripe Chevron Table Runner
Etsy Shop: ExclusiveElements

Sweet White and Ballerina Pink Tulle Tutu Halter
Etsy Shop: tallulahandbelle


Tiffany Blue Silk Garter with Vintage Rhinestones
Etsy Shop: LeAnge Bridal
Photo Credit: www.elephantjuicedesign.com

Crystal I DO Shoe Stickers in Blue
Etsy Shop: Your Happily Ever After

All of the fabbies above are greatly priced and sure to catch the attention of your guests.  
Happy Shopping :)

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

10 Things a "Bride-to-be" Has to Be Thankful For.

As Thanksgiving approaches, we've put together a little list to help you reflect on this stage of your life and all you have to be thankful for.  Some are silly and some are serious- but, hey, it's the little things, right?



  1. Your fiance: Be thankful for this time you have together before being married.  Enjoy planning with him and the anticipation of being his wife.
  2. Your bridesmaids:  Be thankful for the extra girl time.  Planning a wedding means you have an excuse to go shopping on Black Friday with your girlfriends for some honeymoon duds.
  3. The internet: Be thankful that you have a resource that brides 20 years ago didn’t have.  It may seem frivolous, but time is precious, and thanks to the internet, you have more of it.
  4. The “Country Chic” phenomena: You no longer have to get married in a ballroom or in a church.  You have the wide open spaces at your disposal- and everyone will be in awe of the simple romance of it.
  5. That “white-white” is “out”: Very few people can rock stark white.  In the 1900’s (doesn’t that sound so funny?!), it was pretty risque to wear off white.  Thus, we had fair skinned girls stuck in a shade nearing neon on their wedding day.  These days, you can choose a warmer shade of ivory, or even champagne, to walk down the aisle in and everyone will marvel at your beautifully fair complexion.
  6. Pretty Shoes:  Brides have so many more options to adorn their toots with than brides of the past.  You have more than dye-ables at your disposal.  Wear color or bling or a pair of sophisticated flats- the options are endless.
  7. Your Mom:  Even if she’s not super-involved, just be thankful that you have someone that loves you who is there when you’re ready to pull your hair out.  Mom’s are an amazing source of support when planning a wedding.
  8. Advances in Photography:  Be thankful that today’s photographers do more than take some formal shots in front of the altar.  They can edit like crazy with high-tech software and get shots that you actually want to keep on your wall forever.  By hiring a photographer in today's bridal industry, you’re basically commissioning a work of art.
  9. The anticipation: Be thankful for the butterflies you get when thinking about being married.  Once you’re married, the excitement will eventually settle.  But, for now, enjoy being able to be openly excited with everyone you talk to.  It’s acceptable to talk about yourself (well, your wedding) almost 24-7 because people get it.  They get that this is a huge step you’re about to take and that the process of planning, while stressful, is invigorating, and talking about the planning is like therapy.
  10. Being in Love: Be thankful that you’ve found someone who loves you, thinks your beautiful, wants to spend the rest of his life with you and would do anything just to be close to you for a second.  Not everyone gets it for real.  You do.  You're one lucky lady ;)


Have a wonderfully fabulous Thanksgiving!!

Love,
The K&B Team

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Spotlight: The Flower Girl

 It's where every bride began- as a little girl in awe of a big world that breathes romance just waiting to be deeply inhaled.  She is the picture of the sweet innocence that only a child can have.  And, on your big day, it's her big day too.  So, here are are some tips to let her inhale that romance that the world has to offer and to remind your guests of where love begins.


1) A Tutu: There's something about a tutu that just speaks romance.  It's soft, yet playful.  It's sugary sweet and most importantly, will make your flower girl feel like a princess.  Everyone will be "ooh-ing" and "ahh-ing" all night long and she will feel like dancing all night long- until she falls asleep by the milk and cookies bar.  Have the photographer on standby, because you'll be sure to capture shots she (and you) will treasure forever.
Photo Credit: www.erinheartscourt.com

2) A Cue from Royalty: Choose one honor attendant and multiple flower girls and surround yourself with giggles and grins.
Photo Credit: JAC Photography via Style Me Pretty- http://www.stylemepretty.com/2010/12/02/southern-california-wedding/

3) Avoid putting too much makeup on your flower girl or too much product in her hair.  Let her relish in the natural beauty of her youth.  She has many years ahead of her to worry about eyeshadow and hairspray.  On your day, show her she is beautiful without even trying.
Photo Credit: www.Shopuntamedpetals.com


4) The Details: Pair her up with details that will make her feel like she's playing dress up.  We love the gorgeous wings this couple paired their flower girl with.  And choose a unique flower basket- such as this teapot adorned with petals and natural grasses.  Give her details that are just as unique as she is!
Photo Credit: Jerry Yoon Photographers via http://greenweddingshoes.com/a-miami-destination-wedding-kristi-paul/

5) The Gift: Thank your flower girl with a music box she'll cherish forever.  When she sees the doll twirling and hears the music playing, she'll fondly remember the day she walked down the aisle and felt like a princess.  MK&Co. offers beautiful keepsakes of heirloom quality that will keep the memory alive for years to come.
Photo Credit: www.mkandco.com

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Jumping into Style

Ready to take a leap?  Maybe a very large jump?  Because we are here to fill you in on one of the newest bridal trends, straight from New York Bridal Market...

The Bridal Jumpsuit

That's right.  You read correctly.  The world of fashion has combined one of our favorite 70's staples with the modern bridal runway.

Check out what little Pnina Tornai creation we stumbled upon at Market...




But, it turns out Ms. Tornai isn't the first one to pull this design off impeccably...

Here are a few more takes on the very fashion foward bridal jumpsuit...


Stephanie Allin



Deenola


So, what do you think?  Are you ready to jump into casual sophistication? 
Or would you rather swim in your gown of satin and lace?

Friday, September 30, 2011

Rustic Romance

We were thrilled to style a photo shoot at the Evergreen Museum in Baltimore, Maryland.  The venue is gorgeous and our photographer, Stacey Vaeth, was such an artist with these gorgeous shots.  

With home-spun weddings becoming all the rage, draw inspiration from our mismatched china, burlap menus, soft color palette and natural textures.








Photo Shoot Credits:
Venue: Evergreen Museum
Photo: Stacey Vaeth
Hair/Makeup: Belle Soeur Styles
Floral: Fine Florals by Linda
Accessories/Brooch Bouquet: Faye Daniel Designs
Bridesmaids Dress: Tiger Lily- Bel Air
Paper Props: Say Cheese Paper Props
Photo Shoot Styling/Gowns/Tuxes: K&B Bridals and Event Planning

Sunday, September 18, 2011

The Modern Trousseau

"Trousseau" comes from the french word for "bundle."  Traditionally, it referred to all of the bride's possessions that she would bring to the marriage, from her clothes to china to her dowry.  In early America, frontier women translated this tradition into a "hope chest."  But, today, the "trousseau" refers to something a little more fun.  Hint: it requires shopping!

The Modern Trousseau=The Honeymoon Wardrobe

Today, newlyweds have international travel at their disposal.  So, it's natural to "have" to shop to fit the fashions and climate of the country you're visiting.  OK, well maybe you don't "have" to, but it sure is a great excuse!  We've put together a little go-to manual to refer to when shopping for your trousseau.




Travel:  The Scarf
It's the handiest travel accessory!  Choose an oversized style that can double as a light blanket on the plane or a wrap to cover your shoulders when visiting those medieval churches!


Paris in November: The Cape
This is fall's hottest trend.  Like the trench, it has a classic appeal, but offers a little bit of European flair.

The Carribean: The Bikini
A majority of couples choose white sandy beaches for honeymooning.  The bikini is a must-have for resort wear.  Choose a bright, fun color for a tropical treat.

The Cruise: The Maxi Dress
If you've ever been on a cruise, you know it can get a bit windy.  But, with tropical temperatures, you'll need a piece that can provide you a casually fun evening dress without the risk of a hot mini+wind incident.  Our solution=the maxi.

African Safari: The Cargo Pant
If you're an active couple, nothing could be more exotic than a safari honeymoon!  If you're a fabulous explorer, start your trousseau with these pants from the Gap.


No Matter the Destination:

A Hot Little Number











Friday, September 2, 2011

Seeing Red

It's going to be 2012's hottest color.  It's been seen all over the runways and now it's made it's return to the bridal scene.

Let me be honest.  If you would have talked to me six months ago about a red wedding, I would've had a flashback to every 80's wedding, complete with red roses and red taffeta bridesmaids gowns with puffy sleeves.  I feel scarred by that era and have since tried to run as far away from it as possible.  I literally had to have a 30 minute intervention with my Color Theory professor addressing my fear of red.  He did not understand my color associations.

(NOTE TO ANYONE WHO GOT MARRIED IN THE 80'S AND HAD A RED WEDDING:
If I would've been a planner in the 80's, I'm sure I would've been on the "let's throw a red wedding" boat too!  The good news- now you can say you did red before everyone in 2012 did it!)

With that said, we all know color trends go in cycles.  Well, guess who's back?!  RED.  And I have to say, it has been re-invented and it's better than ever!  It's bold and glamourous and far from the red roses you pick up at the grocery store.

Check out our inspiration board!

Photo Credits (clockwise from top left): Red Lounge,  Red LipsRed StationeryRed Bouquet,  Red Velvet CakeRed Shoes with Rosette Accent, Red Bridesmaids Gown by Elie Saab, Red Centerpieces




How to keep your red wedding modern:



1) Stay away from one shade in your bouquets.  Mix bold shades of red with purples and pinks.  The last thing you want to do is have a standard "just picked these roses up from the supermarket" look.  And for love of all things red, I beg you to avoid combining the new baby's breath trend with red.  Your guests WILL think you had Joe from the local Acme put together your floral scheme.  JUST SAY NO.

2)  Choose lighter fabrics.  Red is so bold. Weighing it down with heavy fabrics like taffeta or satin just makes the color look heavy and old fashioned.  If you want to do a great raw silk bridesmaids gown, go with a light shade of grey.  Do everything in your power to keep the color from going "heavy." This means: don't pair it with too much black, don't put your attendants in red satin or taffeta and don't put red on both your table linens and centerpieces.

3)  Choose glamourous accents.  I'm not talking about blinging out your dress.  Simplicity in bridal gowns is modern, clean, and a great way to keep red looking sleek.  But, choose crystal accents in your food presentation and your reception decor.  Mirrored surfaces make anything look modern.  Glass and lucite surfaces keep the color light.  And, who doesn't love feathers?!


4)  PLEASE do not put a red sash on your dress.  Go with black or just say no to color in your dress.  Red is such a daring color.  Putting it right on your wedding dress is just too much.


5)  No red lighting.  Seriously, it will scare your guests.




So, moral of the story- red is tricky, but, if done right, it can be just what you need to "wow" your guests!


Monday, August 22, 2011

Madly in Love

I LOVE the idea of having a themed wedding!  I'm not talking just a color scheme or an era you're inspired by.  I'm talking a full out themed wedding.  As fabulously daring as this sounds, you always run the risk of taking it a little too far and regretting the pictures in twenty years when no one gets it.

So, I propose a little pre-wedding fun.

Lately, I've been catching up on all of the Mad Men I can get my hands on!  The early sixties were so cutting edge, yet so grounded in class and tradition.  Dressing for dinner, posh parties, fabulous fashion, a new era of media and pop culture- what's not to love?

So, how about giving your pre-wedding fun a mid-century modern twist?

A Mad Men themed Engagement Party!  Play cards, drink dry martinis, have a cigar bar, and please be sure to wear your very best cocktail dress!  Let us give you some inspiration...

Get inspired by Don & Betty Draper, the stars of Mad Men.
Photo Credit: TV Guide






















Saturday, August 13, 2011

Let Them Eat Cake!

This morning, I went on a cake binge.  And looking through hundreds of pictures of cake made me want to eat some!  Because that's the thing- gone are the days of elaborately piped twenty tier cakes.  Today, we're seeing simple, buttercream topped delectables.  While every detail of your wedding is all about presentation, including the cake, there is something even more important about the sweet treat that caps off your evening- it has to look and be tasty!

More and more brides are focusing on how to present the cake, rather than overly priced sugar flowers and not-so-tasty fondant.  They're playing with soft textures and color in their cake.  The cakes are getting smaller and the fillings are getting more natural- kind of like that delicious strawberry filled cake your grandma makes every summer.  Play with the proportions of your tiers, the shape and the presentation.

Here's the thing.  Cake is fun!!!  It's also delicious.  So make your guest's mouths water and serve them something that looks as delightful as it tastes!