The Controversial First Look

Here's a tricky question:

When should a bride and groom have their first look of one another on the day of their wedding?

The traditional notion is that the First Look should occur as the bride descends the aisle.

Rumor has it that this tradition came from the days of arranged marriages. 

Since these marriages were based more on the financial union of two families than 

they were on the union of two people in love, the parents would do anything they could

to prevent the bride and groom from seeing each other until their wedding ceremony.

That way, in case the bride and groom found each other unattractive, they couldn't 

back out of the agreement! It was too late!!!! (Cue dramatic music)

All superstition aside, many people feel that saving the First Look 

for this moment makes the day more special.

A more modern perspective, however, is that a bride and groom should 

schedule time alone together before the ceremony to have their First Look. 

Supporters of this idea explain that seeing your loved one before the ceremony:

1. Allows for a more intimate, personal experience with your soon-to-be spouse

2. Soothes the nerves that almost everyone has on such a big day

3. And provides a perfect opportunity for great pictures!

Take a look at Janet and Geoff's First Look photos from their wedding on July 16, 2010.

What do you think: are you more traditional or do you like the modern perspective?!

Janet & Geoff's Wedding

Ceremony: El Presidio Chapel

Reception: The Harbor Restaurant

Photography: Kacie Jean Photography

Accomodations: The Canary Hotel 

Musicians: Jason Sulkin and  Jeff Colella
Flowers: Marilyn, Janet's sister

Cake: Montecito Confections

Rentals: Classic Party Rental

If the shoe fits...

While perusing a few of my favorite wedding sites, I came across these Vivienne Westwood Lady Dragon Heart heels. They would be amazing with a shorter dress because of the striking contrast of the white shoe and the big red plastic heart. There is no need to dye your shoes since they come in a variety of different colors to suit your needs! 

Red soles have been all the rage since Christian Louboutin launched his shiny red-lacquered soles. The designer professed that his goal was to make a woman look "sexy, beautiful, and make her legs as long as I can". Any bride who wants glamour from head to toe should definitely check these sparkly Louboutins out. 

Another option for brides who want their bridesmaids dresses to match their shoes shoes is Shoes of Prey. This company allows customers to custom make their own shoes, right down to the heel height and color. 

Good luck finding your perfect pair of shoes! 

Something Old, Yet Something New

Every mother's secret wish is that her daughter will one day wear the same dress she wore on her wedding day. While this is a sweet idea, many brides choose to purchase a new dress for their special day because, well, their mother's dresses are ... old. About twenty years old, to be exact.

How can you honor your mother while ensuring that you don't look outdated and frumpy on your wedding day?  Take a tip from Kelly, one of our recent brides. 

Kelly had one of her crafty friends take her mother's old wedding dress and tailor it to a more modern-day style. The dress turned out gorgeous, almost like something out of Vogue magazine -- high neck, short hem, intricate lace, and flirty, ruffly sleeves. Kelly's friend also designed original dresses for the bridesmaids, which featured a short hem and ruffly sleeves, similar to Kelly's mother's dress. The bridesmaids dresses were made in an elegant black satin material and boasted deep V necklines.

Here are a few photos we saw on Austin and Dara Photography's facebook page.
"Like" their Facebook page and check out the rest of the wonderful photographs!

Kelly looked absolutely stunning in her mother's dress.
Wearing this dress was very important to Kelly, as her mother passed away a year ago. She explains that she wore it as a way to honor her mother.






Kelly with her bridal party:

As you can see from these photos, incorporating something as treasured as your mother's
wedding dress can certainly make your wedding day feel that much more special.

Congratulations, Kelly and Julian!
♥

P.S. Kelly just sent us the following picture of her mother in the dress. Isn't that incredible?!