SPRING WEDDING - KEANE-SHEA

TERRY SHEA & LAUREN KEANE CELEBRATE THEIR WEDDING DAYWhile most of us are thinking of new coats and sweaters as the weather gets colder, those planning Spring weddings are right in the thick of deliberations and decision making. Holiday shopping is nothing compared to the myriad of choices every bride makes, for even the smallest of wedding receptions.

This past Spring a New York couple had the perfect THE SHEA-KEANE-BELFORD FAMILY CELEBRATE THEIR UNION IN CONNECTICUTidea.   A wedding ceremony in the green countryside of Connecticut, followed by a reception on the water in NYC.   Lauren Keane and Terry Shea celebrated their day surrounded by family and friends.  With both the bride and groom's children involved in the ceremony, the Keane-Shea wedding truly celebrated the marriage of these two families.

Ms. Keane was a beautiful bride from head-to-toe.  Her choices were top notch, but one thing sheTHE UNDERSTATED AND ELEGANT TABLE wore impressed me more than any dress could - that smile!   In photo after photo Ms. Keane has the confident glow of a content and happy bride.  This expression of joy isLAUREN KEANE-SHEA - A BEAUTIFUL BRIDE rarely seen in brides in their twenties.  How could it be?  This sense of happiness is reserved for someone who has faced challenges and gained the rewards of adulthood.  Professional success, motherhood, buying a home - all milestones in a well examined life.

The couple were married in the garden of a friends beautiful home in Fairfield, Connecticut.   The manicured lawns - luxurious, yet understated, were the perfect backdrop for Ms. Keane & Mr. Shea.   The two have a carefree style that is natural, not studied.  They met while working on a project together at Pzizer.  The groom is originally from Michigan, and cupid helped him make the move to New York.  Mr. Shea is now a partner at Onestream Software.  The bride lives in New York and is an executive at Edgewater consulting.

The lifelong friends in the wedding, SOPHISTICATED PLANTINGS MAKE A STATEMENTand in attendance are testament to the character of Lauren & Terry.  Having childhood friends in your life when you're twenty is not such a challenge, but maintaining those relationships into your thirties - that is a committment.   One such friend was happy to celebrate, but also happy to lend his artistic skill to the day.  Chris Lopez is a talented photographer and lifelong friend of the bride.  Lopez is a versatile photographer with a huge range in his portfolio. Click Chris Lopez Photography to visit his site.

DuringNYC BACKDROP AT THE RECEPTION the ceremony Ms. Keane wore a white floral lace dress by Beth Bowley from BHLDN.com.  The sheer sleeves and bodice gave the look a subtle vintage feel.  Think Chloe meets Marni.  BHLDN (Beholden) is a great on-line resource that has a fantastic assortment of romantic wedding and party dresses.COLORFUL DAISES CELEBRATE THE DAY  Many have that old-world-charm  or glam-vintage flair.   Ms. Keane chose wisely!  Also, her hair and makeup choices were modern and beautiful.  Wearing her hair down was feminine and pretty as her soft curls fell on the sheer tulle on her neck and shoulders.  (Amazingly there are still brides who end up looking like a child pagaent stars on their Wedding Day - Big Mistake).    The groom's style was perfectly balanced with the bride's, completing this picture of happiness in a movie set worthy Connecticut garden.  Mr. Shea wore Banana Republic and he was a stylish groom!   

For the reception at Harbour Lights on Pier 17, Lauren chose an Ivory Tracy Reese dress (also found at BHLDN) to celebrate the night!  Wearing her hair up gave a sophisticated look that was beautiful and yet somehow playful.   Super chic choices that really let her personality shine. 

It is incredible how many resources are available  on-line today.  With iPhones, iPads, and every tablet you can think of brimming with apps, brides can find everything from shoes to invites on the web. Sites like Beholden are terrific for wardrobe, and American Bridal is an excellent resource for wedding favors of all kinds.  HelloLucky.com was Ms. Keane's choice for invites. 

Brides to be -take note: CHIC & FUN- that's how you have a flawless wedding!

Congratulations to Lauren & Terry!THE KEANE-SHEA WEDDING PARTY MAY 2012

TOWN & COUNTRY WEDDINGS

The quintessential guide for all things that matter north of 57th street has a Weddings issue bursting with ideas.  Town & Country Magazine has a beautiful issue dedicated to all things Weddings this fall.  Two stand out features are a focus on colorful wedding dresses and designer scents for different styles of weddings.  DOUGLAS HANNANT - SPRING 2013 BRIDAL Non-traditional options from Douglas Hannant, Carolina Herrera, Oscar De La Renta, & Vera Wang all light up a room with gorgeous color.  

For the skin, scents from Stella McCartney & Tom Ford.  Stella's LILY with hints of Lilly of the Valley and Tom Ford's STELLA McCARTNEY LILLY EAU DE PARFUMJonquille de Nuit Eau de Parfum with narcissus for her.. or is that for him?

Speaking of Stella - her Fall collection is Red Hot and available on Net-a-Porter right now!

Talk about thinking of every detail, but after all, if you are planning your ultimate fantasy day - shouldn't it smell like you want it to?

C-WEDDINGS - NOT JUST FOR CALIFORNIA

Super chic C Magazine has an issue dedicated to Weddings that should be on the list for every bride to be.   The California based Fashion / Style / Culture Glossy has built a strong following of readers all over the country.  I first discovered C while in LA one weekend and although I live in NYC, I look forward to my issue every month!   Good news for all those planning to say "I DO" - C Magazine now dedicates a whole issue to alll things Weddings.  Subcribe today, because the magazine is a great reference for all occasions - not just your wedding.   Click the cover to vist the info-packed website right now!

THE MASTER WEDDING PLANNER

CLICK COVER TO SUBSCRIBEFor any woman you know planning the big day - turn to the expert in all things Wedding.   Martha Stewart has built an empire by reshaping America's view of good taste and good manners.  Martha's sometimes excessive attention to detail has set her apart from any home decor, cooking, or gardening expert that has come before her.  Add her roster of impeccable magazines to the mix and there is no other choice.  Do the young lady you know planning to walk down the aisle a big favor and subscribe her to Martha Stewart Weddings now.MARTHA STEWART  This glossy is the best planning tool for all things nuptial.   click the cover to send a gift subscription now.

For any bride in need of last minute favors - check AMERICAN BRIDAL - they have just about everything!

WEDDING WATCH-ERS

LADIES STAINLESS OYSTER BLUE FACE ROMAN Few accessories have as much statusLADIES PINK FACE STICK DIAL as a statement watch.   While new shoes or a handbag are chic, a new luxury watch - that is substantial!  Right up there with your engagment ring, a Rolex can be your prized possession.

AuthenticWatches.com has a great selection of Rolex watches for men and women. 

With the holidays coming, make it easy for that special guy in your life to get you that watch you have been dreaming of!   Melrose has free next day shipping for all you guys that almost forgot that anniversary or birthday that is TODAY!   Click ROLEX to see these and so many more choices.

FALL for OVANDO

The Summer is over!  Cooler weather is creeping into reality here in the Northeast.  Fall foliage and the brilliant colors of Autumn are getting brighter by the day!  Two of the most colorful spots in NYC are made possible by the same creative talent - Sandra de Ovando.

Ovando works with color and texture in a way that sets her apart from all other floral and event designers.  Both Ovando boutiques are famous landmarks for locals and tourists from around the city,  and also around the world!   The innovative window displays changed the face of floral design for NY and the industry.  The feel is a cross between the laboratory of a sci-fi mad scientist and the flower garden of mother nature!  The Bleecker street location has become as famous as the Magnolia Bakery -just down the block.   In fact, the whole street feels like the back lot of a movie studio these days!

One of the best aspects to the Ovando design team is that they work with huge hotel groups and fashion houses, and yet they maintain relationships with local customers.  Ovando can create an intimate arrangement or display for a small party - or even that one special bouquet you need to help celebrate, thank, or apologize..you know who you are!

This Summer we paid a visit to Ovando's latest space on the Upper East Side of NYC.  The beautiful shop is also an event space - perfect for that intimate celebration - or perfect for a business event.   ** The space is already a favorite with the fragrance and beauty industry for product launches**    Click above to watch the latest video visit from aLIFEofSTYLE.com -

Special thanks to Sandra de Ovando and her super pro team.  Click- Ovando to visit the website and to get in touch with the design team.   Let this creative force make your next event something to remember!

Additional thanks to Kevin Russell & Red Shadow Productions. Click Kevin to find out more about Red Shadow and the work they do.

YOUR RED CARPET DAY!

FERRAGAMO RED CARPET COLLECTION - MAKE THEM YOUR OWNPlanning your wedding dress is one of the biggest fashion decisions you will probably every make.  Even though we now live in a world full of ever changing online profile pics, your wedding picture is still the one that will be framed- front and center for (hopefully) the next 50 years!

With all the endless options that are involved with choosing your dress:  length, silhouette, shade of white, FERRAGAMO RED CARPET COLLECTIONfabric, etc - I hate to tell you that there are almost as many options to choosing your shoes.  

Why not skip all the stress and worry and head straight to the authority on designer shoes - Salvatore Ferragamo.  Ferragamo is the man that invented the concept of designer shoes back in the 1920's.   The legend of Salvatore's dream and the way he achieved it reads like a fable - or at least a Hollywood tale - but it all really happened.   From a barefoot child in Southern Italy, to the most famous shoe designer in history are the bullet points of Ferragamo's tale.   But you have more pressing issues if you are planning your big day!  fyi. if you need any help with party favors or theme decorations - check out American Bridal - great resource!

The company recently launched an exclusive program offered at Ferragamo boutiques.   The Red Carpet Collection is a series of six styles that can be special ordered in a range of 23 colors and with various hardware options - making your shoes as unique as your flowers or your dress.   The shoes can even be monogrammed, making them truly your own.  One of the best parts is that the shoes won't cost you an arm and a leg - most are under $1,000.00, and take about 6 weeks to arrive.  

Make a day of it to go shopping with your whole bridal party.   Everyone can find a pair of shoes that they love.  All the styles can be dyed to match the chosen color for the brides maids - this way, everybody gets what they want!  The MOTB and the MOTG can also find shoes - that is, if you want to invite them!

To find out more about the Ferragamo Red Carpet Collection - call the boutique near you today.   To find the nearest store (they have about 600 around the world!) - click MY FERRAGAMO BOUTIQUE.