Posted by Brenda Lopez, CEO & Founder - AffluentBride.com
I will admit watching the magnificent wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton unfold had me captivated for hours and shedding the occasional tears of joy. There were so many poignant moments throughout the entire wedding ceremony which certainly tugged at one’s heart, beginning with Kate’s grand entrance down the aisle of the majestic Westminster Abbey, leading up to their heartfelt exchange of vows and lastly the kiss!
It’s no secret the media was buzzing in much anticipation of Kate’s wedding dress. Designed exclusively by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, Kate’s gorgeous gown was fashionably reminiscent of a Grace Kelly era of elegance gone by with its intricate French Chantilly and charming English lace bodice. This iconic, yet classic look is sure to be one that leading couture wedding gown designers worldwide will be eager to emulate, amidst a fury of high demand from brides who desire a royalesque look of their own.
Enjoying their new title of “Duke and Duchess of Cambridge“, Kate and Prince William’s wedding graciously exemplifies the very epitome of elegance and taste that today’s affluent bride seeks for her own wedding. While most of us won’t ever bear the titles of royalty there was truly something so magical in being able to witness firsthand the Royal Wedding in all its splendor and beauty. A royal wedding we know will be long remembered as one of the most anticipated weddings of 2011 in providing the breathtaking inspiration to those planning their own luxury wedding for many decades to come.
And if you happened to miss all the pomp and royal splendor of that special day you can still view the COMPLETE royal wedding video of Prince William and Catherine Middleton below:
Posted by Brenda Lopez, CEO & Founder - AffluentBride.com
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Posted by Brenda Lopez, CEO & Founder - AffluentBride.com
Planning a Luxury Wedding for 2010? Our style editors are here to share some inspirational tips and advice as you move forward in the wedding planning process.
On the fashion runway for 2010 you’ll find a return to timeless Romanticism from top couture wedding dress designers as evident within their outpouring of bridal collections this year that evoke intricate lace, metallic fabrics, boldly elaborate flower appliques and billowing ruffled tiers reminiscent of exquisite bridal fashions dating back to a bygone era. Just as popular in 2010 as it was for 2009 are couture gowns presented with all-over beaded embellishments. Brides will also want to consider the the daring asymmetrical, one shoulder necklines that project a different dimension over strapless gowns this season.
Brides will additionally see varying shades of violet, rose, blues and greens to reflect the more popular color palette for wedding gowns this season not only for the bride but her bridal party entourage as well.
Classic wedding veils, the long or short of it and those offering simplistic blusher styling will also made a big return this year in popularity. As well, custom feather headpieces continue to retain high marks in unspoken elegance for discerning brides who wish to add a more dramatic finishing touch to their couture ensemble.
Expect custom wedding cakes to tower to new heights for 2010, taking center stage at your stylish reception as a delectable fondant masterpiece and making triple layered wedding cakes a thing of the past outside of the smaller intimate wedding reception gathering.
Another wedding trend that is being revisited for 2010 is the addition of a “Groom’s Cake” to offer just a bit of history about the groom and take your wedding guests by surprise!
Luxury wedding photography also takes on a new meaning this year with a return to a more nostalgic photojournalistic approach that will tell your inspirational wedding story from start to finish with plenty of “celebrity style” to capture those once-in-lifetime moments.
Eco-friendly weddings and the trends toward such remain in full swing this year as it did for last, but with a more sophisticated touch for 2010. In one example, many elaborate table arrangements and wedding centerpieces are now being replaced by miniature fruit or ornamental trees, live topiaries and herb baskets ready for easy transplant into ones garden after the wedding event.
The focus on edible favors adds a delightful twist to and continues to present a strong footing for 2010. Personalized and delectable dark chocolates, candies, and exotic fruits give a new dimension to the term wedding favor.
Social media savvy brides have more choices than ever to engage others in the excitement of their upcoming nuptials online. With the increased popularity of Twitter, Facebook and vast number of wedding blogs coming full circle, brides have no reason to hold anything back when it comes to blogging and announcing their wedding online. Social networking is most definitely here to stay!
Registration of online wedding registries is also expected to increase steadily for 2010 offering invited guests the convenience of shopping from the comfort of their own home for that perfect gift wedding gift. In addition a trend towards high tech and time saving gifts has joined the ranks of popular wedding gifts versus the usual standard of crystal and china. This same trend is also being carried over in a prominent way regarding bridal party gifts as well.
Concern for humanity has increasingly become center focus for 2010 in regards to giving back from your wedding day and paying forward to those who are desparately in need. Amidst the recent tragic events in Haiti this has come full circle for many of us. The move towards donating leftover food and delicacies from your wedding reception to those less fortunate in a homeless shelter perhaps, has now become the sensibly responsible thing to do for many affluent couples. In addition, your donation of floral arrangements and decor to area hospices, nursing homes and hospitals once your celebration is over will enable joy and happiness to spread to others who sometimes feel they have little to smile about and BE hopeful for.
On a final note, live event painters and artists such as Southern California based Karen Wall Garrison and Miles Pelky are also gaining much popularity for brides in 2010 who choose to commission a live painting of their luxury wedding event as it unfolds on canvas and one that will provide unique entertainment for their wedding guests in attendance. Most live event artists will gladly travel to your wedding destination whether held nationally or internationally.
As always, we wish you the very best in the planning of your own luxury wedding event for 2010!
Posted by Brenda Lopez, CEO & Founder - AffluentBride.com
Sought After Designer, KATERINA BOCCI Puts Detroit on Fashion Map with Luxe Bridal Line
(Shelby Township, MI, September 8, 2009) – Detroit-based couture designer, Katerina Bocci, is expanding her profile with the launch of her premiere bridal gown collection in October. The Katerina Bocci Bridal Collection will feature Bocci’s stunning execution, complete with hand-cut patterns, custom designs, and hand-sewn wedding dresses for the most discerning brides-to-be.
Bocci’s star has been rising after an acclaimed presentation of her collection at Couture Fashion Week in New York City in 2007. The award-winning designer has since acquired international acclaim among fashion elite and celebrities, including Aretha Franklin, Fergie and Jordin Sparks.
Bocci’s 2010 Bridal Collection will be debuted both the Wedding Channel Couture Show (InterContinental The Barclay New York Oct. 17-19) and the Wedding TrendSpot Press Fashion Show (Waldorf Astoria Oct. 18) in New York this fall.
Bocci will host a sneak preview – Katerina Bocci Unveiled – at her studio in Shelby Township for press and brides-to-be at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, September 24.
The Katerina Bocci Bridal Collection will continue her tradition of using exquisite fabrics, hand-sewn craftsmanship and innovative, sophisticated designs. Her luxury line will feature the most sumptuous 100-percent silk organza and tulle, handbeaded laces and rosettes, and Swarovski trims and stones in an array of whites, creams and blushes.
Individuality is a key ingredient in Katerina Bocci bridal. From bold, avant-garde gowns fit for black-tie affairs to sleek, classic designs ideal for destination or outdoor weddings, Bocci’s collection embraces each bride’s distinctive wedding style.
“The first question I ask every bridal client is ‘describe the dress you dreamed of as a little girl,” says Bocci. “I want to turn fantasy into reality for these women. This is the gown they’ll remember forever.”
Bocci’s years of pattern-making experience further accentuates her custom design process for flawless, formfitting perfection. All of Bocci’s designs hold the bride’s exact measurements, which she either takes herself or are sent in by the select bridal boutiques that carry the line.
Creating bridal couture in Detroit adds to Bocci’s uniqueness. Her 3,200-squarefoot design studio is open from 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Monday-Saturday at Rick 14239 Drive in Shelby Township.
Bocci’s gowns are made in the USA and include eco-friendly materials, including 100-percent cotton for comfortable dress liners. Bocci sought to create attainable luxury, standing by her philosophy that dream dresses should be available to all brides.
Bocci’s collection offers a broad range of price points to accommodate brides of all budgets.
Please contact Kathleen Kennedy Ferris at 313.418.4898 or kennedyferris@gmail.com to reserve a press pass to the September 24th 2010 Bridal Collection Preview.
Sought After Designer, KATERINA BOCCI Puts Detroit on Fashion Map with Luxe Bridal Line
