Balsa Wood & Coral Bouquet

Did you see this beautiful bouquet on 100 Layer Cake? The entire wedding is actually lovely but I've yet to get over the bouquet. I would have never guessed what it was made out of! It was created by the talented Krislyn and the photos are courtesy of Gia Canali. Head over to 100 Layer Cake to see the rest of the pictures!

Claudia Griffiths Giveaway

My apologies for the delay on announcing the winner to the Claudia Griffiths Giveaway! The randomly generated winner is Katie, who said "Yay! This is adorable. I'm not planning on wearing a veil (of any kind) and this is exactly what I've got in mind to wear on my head instead!" Congratulations, Katie! I hope that the headband will work out perfectly for you. Send me an email with your contact information and I will make sure it is in the mail!

And for everyone else, stay tuned - I will be announcing the Minted winners on Monday!

Real Wedding Video: Galloway, New Jersey

I am always a fan of a well made wedding video, and Nicole & Michael's is certainly no exception. Shot by the talented Absolute Media Productions, the ceremony took place at St. Thomas Church in Brigantine, NJ and the reception was held at The Carriage House in Galloway, NJ. You can see more pictures from the wedding at photographer Paula Cella's website!

View on ExposureRoom

Bella Figura Sale

Bella Figura is having an election day sale today (my apologies for the late notice)! If you take a picture of yourself voting, you will receive 25 free invitation sets when you buy 75 during the month of November. More incentive to get out there and cast your ballot!

Swoon Dresses

I absolutely love these dresses from Swoon! Designer Amy Wong Micucci set out to create a line of bridesmaid dresses that didn't feel like the standards we're all so used to seeing, and she definitely succeeded. And the best part? All of the dresses are under $300, with most in the $250 range (and several under $200). They're affordable and beautiful, and certainly something that can be worn after the wedding. Bridesmaid or not, I would certainly wear any of these to a wedding!

Sneak Peek...

Here is an early look at the Fall issue of Martha Stewart Weddings - their first ever destination & honeymoon issue! The magazine will feature dresses that travel well, and a variety of both exotic and US destinations.

Also, MS Weddings is hosting a free online wedding expo! Here are the details in case you're interested:

Saturday, November 14 and Sunday, November 15, 2009 – Attend the first FREE national digital Luxury Wedding Expo presented by Martha Stewart Weddings to chat with renowned experts for creative ideas and tips, while browsing booths from vendors like Lela Rose and Anne Barge to find the perfect gown and bridesmaid dresses – all without leaving home. Visit www.luxuryweddingexpo.com.

Real Wedding: Chicago, IL

Today I have another beautiful Chicago wedding to share with you from Andrew Collings. The couple got ready for the day at the beautiful Drake hotel downtown and continued to the Hindsdale Golf Club for the ceremony and reception. The gorgeous flowers were created by the ever talented Blumen (I am particularly loving the aisle decor)! The rest of the vendors are listed below:

Hinsdale Golf Club Manager: Jim Kravcik
DJ: StyleMatters, Spencer Lokken, 773.301.6110; Duke Shin, 312.286.7375
Trio for Ceremony & Cocktail Hour: Amarante Ensembles, Karl Rzasa, 773.733.6895
Cake: Kirstin’s Bakery, 630.655.2066
Officiant: Reverend Roger Brewin
Bus: Rockford Charter Coach LLC 800.332.0906; 815.387.9122 S
Sedan and Bus: Base Inc. 800.472.1115
Make Up: Rodney M. Ross 773.440.0803
Hair: Mario Tricoci (Nicole)