warm, romantic, elegant: a bridal shoot

Back in the frigid winter, I had the pleasure of collaborating with wonderful vendors to create a warm, romantic bridal shoot for Tiffany's Bridal. It was easy to create something simple, but effective when you're working with s-t-u-n-n-i-n-g gowns and a truly elegant venue, Historic Mankin Mansion. The Rockefeller Room in the Historic Mankin Mansion was truly what inspired the entire day. Warm, romantic, elegant. Emily Hudspeth was the vision behind the hair and makeup for models Alexandra and Ashlee. She was working hard mixing up the look for each different dress and styled shot. Bob Schnell was the man behind the camera for this shoot and he truly captured some remarkable shots.



Check out Bob's Blog, Emily's Blog and Historic Mankin Mansion's Blog for more fun details of the day. Thanks for a great shoot, folks!

ballet, bourbon + bowties

Join us for Ballet, Bourbon and Bowties! On May 7th, the Richmond Ballet is hosting this fabulous derby affair at The Boathouse at Rockett's Landing. Tickets are still on sale!

We hope to see you there!

While no sponsor for this event paid or bartered for this posting on Dulcet and Dapper, Richmond Ballet holds a special place in my heart as I was a student for 13 years. I am attending to support this event, and likewise posted to share with interested readers.

derby days

The Kentucky Derby is right around the corner and I couldn't be more excited! Whilst work calls and I won't able to attend, I'll still be donning a sundress, a big hat and sipping all the julep glory at some fabulous parties.

Here's an inspiration board I created just for the event. Take a peek back at our Southern Derby Soiree we created for a birthday party a few years back. Not in the mood yet? Stay tuned tomorrow for a party around Richmond that will surely get you in Derby mood!

{top row: Meghan McSweeney Photography, invitation via Red Stamp, mint juleps via Southern Living, cuff links via Wedding Dress Blog, bride and groom via todd pellowe weddings, bridesmaids and bouquets via weddingbee, horse via Meghan McSweeney Photography}

suit pairings: the how to's

{omiru}

Fact: your groom and groomsmen will not keep their jackets on for the entire reception. This means, that your photographer and all your guests will be seeing (and photographing) his under goodies. No, not that kind.

What your man wears is important. And how he pairs his shirt, tie and suit is even more important. I'm all about the patterns, but their are rules when it comes to suit pairings. Think same pattern, different size (with exceptions to the rule, of course). For example, if you're wearing a thin striped shirt, pair it with a bigger bolder tie pattern.

Because I think this article so perfectly puts these combinations and is my go to for menswear advice, take a gander at: How to Pair a Shirt and Tie.

[Except I really disagree with the paisley comment. Listen to me men: paisley rocks. You are man enough to pull this off.]

why wear white? (grooms edition)

Who says your groom has to wear white too? Add some playful color and patterns to your man's attire and make those beautiful boutonnieres and expensive suits pop!

{top left: amelia tarbet photography, top right: dove wedding photography via perfectbound, bottom left: the knot, bottom right: zofie photography via Elizabeth Anne Designs}

It's a great, simple, cost effective way to add color to your wedding. Plus it adds a bit of a unique flair and you'll never lose him in the crowd of guests! Because how many wedding guests wear a white shirt too?

Is your hubby-to-be and his groomsmen wearing something other than white? How about a bold tie or pin-striped suit? Tell us what your men are donning!

Don't forget to check back tomorrow when we'll have the Do's and Don'ts of suit pairings!

you spin me right round, baby

Many may think that pinwheels are overdone, out, finito. Oh, but I still think they can shine on for at least another season or two. They are just so darn playful and pretty.

My bride's inspiration for pinwheels stemmed from bouncing around non-traditional boutonniere ideas. We got so stuck on having pinwheels for the groomsmen, that incorporating these festive crafts were a must. While we're doing it subtly, hidden in some centerpieces and such, it will make for that pop of color and playfulness we're looking for in her neutral, organic, garden wedding.




Be on the look out for a pinwheel crafting tutorial when I get crackin' on creating these for her big day.

Are you having a pinwheel wedding as well? What else are you incorporating to make your design pop? Are you bridesmaids carrying anything unique and fun? How about your boutonniere inspiration?

{Ashley Rose Photography via Green Wedding Shoes, Kate Spade via oh happy day, Etsy, Jagger Photography}

hotel room blocks

This topic is always up there as the most confusing for the majority of my brides and families. I totally get it. It's a logistical nightmare if you don't know at least the basics of setting up a hotel room block for your wedding. So here's the skinny:

It is always a great idea, especially if you're having a lot of out of town guests.

When receiving negotiated rates from the hotel, keep in mind that this may not be the lowest price they'll offer. While it ensures all of your guests will have a room at a set, discounted rate, if the hotel still has rooms available closer to your wedding date, they may drop the price to big internet discounters.

If you'd like to reserve more than about 10 rooms (varying with each hotel) you will need a contract. Read it carefully and keep aware of the cut off date. While most hotels just drop the rooms from your specific hotel block at a certain time, some make you financially responsible for the unbooked rooms. Ask if you can make the cut off date earlier, so that you are not responsible for paying for your irresponsible guests.

If you are going to distribute welcome bags to guests, be aware many hotels charge for this service.

Often hotels offer an incentive for the bride and groom if a certain number of rooms are booked by their guests--like a free wedding night hotel room!

Be very aware of how you label your room block with the hotel and be clear with this label to your guests. If a guest calls in and asks for the Smith Wedding Block, it could be under the Smith-Jones block and they'll miss out on your discounted room rate--and the possible welcome bag from you!

Select your hotel that you'll offer to your guests based on things like location, parking, and shuttle services. Your guests will appreciate ease of transition into a new city!

Did you set up a hotel room block for your wedding? Was it an easy process or did you find it challenging? How have your guests responded to the hotels you've booked?