Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Bella Bride: Martha & Steve

Martha & Steve's big day was more of a party than your typical wedding! Both were so cool and casual - the bride eventually changed out of her gown halfway into the reception so she could be more comfortable! Watch this lively couple's highlight clip as they look back on their big day.

Steve and Martha's Wedding from Elixir Entertainment on Vimeo.



More to come on the rest of their wedding day - stay posted for part II!

Team Bella

Monday, June 29, 2009

Bella Bride: Heather & Kevin

We can't stop looking at these pictures from Heather & Kevin's wedding at The Stoneleigh Hotel, courtesy of Thisbe Grace Photography. Not many brides are as daring to choose red (and black!) as their colors, but Heather envisioned a really great design. The black and white patterns of the linen and the walls against the red floral and lounge furniture was so eyecatching and really made her stand out!






It all looked so refreshing! Everything from the bouquet to the decor was clean-cut and kept simply chic. Her modern concept also added to her casual style as she and the other bridesmaids let their hair down.




Getting the rings from the ringbearer - look at her excitement!


Thanks again for allowing Bella Flora to be a part of your wedding, Heather & Kevin!

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Bella Bride: Desiree & Travis

Earlier this year in January, Desiree & Travis tied the knot in the Cox Chapel of Highland Park United Methodist Church.

On the way to the church!



She was such a fun bride!

Mother & son share a tender moment

The cute flower girl!


Our bride & groom wanted a modern wedding with clean lines, and the venue was a perfect fit. The chapel has high ceilings and large decors which gives it a cathedral-like feeling but isn't too extravagant with the details. It was both modest and gorgeous at the same time.




The bride carried a stylish and regal bouquet with all white mini calla lilies bound by an ivory satin ribbon and rhinestone lining.With shades of butter, ivory, and creams, accents of gold was the perfect finish to a chic, elegant look.


Love her expression!

Their reception was held at Three Three Three, a loft-style venue. Rather than a typical setting, we designed the space to be fun and interactive. The centerpieces were definitely unique. Each table had a tall glass vessel of gold and ivory orchids, surrounded by smaller, linear glass vessels filled with simple stems of calla lilies within looped grasses.



People were so hungry!


The cake was set on a modern Lucite table surrounded by a display of ivory toned orchids.


A few of our favorite detail shots:




Congratulations to Desiree & Travis. It was a beautiful, fun night for all!


Credits:
Photography: F8 Studio | Gown: Patsy's Bridal | Hair: Pompeo Salon | Band: Random Axis | Catering: Food Glorious Food | Bakery: Frosted Art | Rentals: Ducky Bobs | Linens: BBJ | Floral: Bella Flora of Dallas

Fall Report: Top 10 Colors for Your Fall Wedding

Fall is coming faster than you think! In a few months, the bright, vibrant colors of summer will evolve into deeper, autumn hues. Except this fall, the colors aren’t so traditional. They are a bit more distinct and carry over the vibrant tone of spring to enliven the basic colors of fall. We give full credit to The Pantone Fashion Color Report for surveying New York Fashion Week and identifying the top ten colors of fall 2009. (www.pantone.com)

The designers that were surveyed say they were inspired by nature and creatures, especially by the rich jewel tones and culture of exotic lands like Egypt, India, and other Oriental nations. They also chose colors that represented the state of society today. Iron reflects the mood of society in its decadence while Rapture Rose and Crème Brulee focus on hope for society and the unprecedented changes for America.


It reads from left to right: American Beauty, Purple Heart, Honey Yellow, Iron, Burnt Sienna, Nomad, Rapture Rose, Warm Olive, Majolica Blue, Crème Brulee. Pantone describes these unique colors perfectly:

“A natural choice during uncertain times, patriotic American Beauty, wonderfully balanced, true red, speaks to the need for cohesiveness. Perfect for all skin tones… a feel-good color. Purple Heart connotes a sense of refinement and sensuality, adding an air of creativity and excitement …

A warmer, more subdued Honey Yellow carries the 2009 color of the year, Mimosa, through to fall and winter with its golden tones…

Strong yet understated Iron serves as the “new black,” making traditional basics much more interesting. Neither gray nor brown, Iron is a grounding color that coordinates well with all colors in the palette. Crème Brulee, a grayed-down beige, and Nomad, which brides the gap between beige and light gray, also speak to the need for timeless neutrals. All three classics can stand alone or serve as anchors when paired with other colors…

A seasonal favorite like Burnt Sienna, a deepened, earthy shade of orange, reminiscent of an autumn sunset… Rapture Rose artfully captures the vibrancy of fuchsia and the softness of pink. Underscored by nurturing and feminine tones, the addition of Rapture Rose enlivens the more traditionally subdued fall hues…

Like the olive in a martini, Warm Olive, a rich yellow-green, adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to fall… this tangy, intriguing hue makes all other colors come alive… Majolica Blue, a deep, mysterious teal blue with more vibrancy than the usual navy [and] brings an exotic flair to the group…”

Surprisingly perfect combinations:
o American Beauty & Purple Heart
o Purple Heart & Honey Yellow
o Burnt Sienna, Nomad & Rapture Rose
o Warm Olive & Majolica Blue
o Majolica Blue & Burnt Sienna
o Majolica Blue & Purple Heart

A bit more traditional:
o Honey Yellow, Burnt Sienna & Iron
o Iron, Nomad & Crème Brulee

Hope these colors have inspired you for your fall wedding! Put a spin on the typical fall colors and embrace the glamour of the rich and exotic hues.

Team Bella

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Bella Bride: Eve & Philip

Eve & Philip were married in April 2008 at Highland Park United Methodist, followed by the reception at The Ritz Carlton Dallas. They chose to have a traditional wedding, but the bright colors brought flavor and a fresh eye to the design.


Various shades of pink with touches of purple really stood out and made a beautiful contrast in the bouquets against the bridesmaids' smokey purple gowns. Sleek and elegant bouquets were designed with the season's best floral.


The beautiful bride really wanted a more textured and unique bouquet. With delicate white, ivory and champagne tones, we grouped lush hydrangea, garden roses, cabbage roses, spray roses, gardenias, peonies, ranunculus, and select stems of the seasons best floral. We also added lovely white dendrobium orchids to give the piece a delicate cascading appeal.


The table centerpieces were designed into a romantic and clean arrangement atop antiqued glass Venetian vases. For added appeal, a trio of lower lying antique julep vessels circles the towering displays.
Thanks to Lite Dallas who provided the pink and purple hues to give it a contemporary feel. It really added to the bright colors of the night!


We especially loved the floral dog displayed on the guestbook table! Buttery yellow carnations formed the body. As for the tail, feathered papyrus grasses sprouted out to give the piece texture.


Credits go to Anne Silverman for providing these photos - simply beautiful!

Once again, congratulations to Eve & Philip!

Friday, June 19, 2009

Play up your tresses!

Want to do something creative with your hairstyle? Try braids! Lauren “LC” Conrad popularized this trend on her reality show “The Hills.” It’s hit the streets of L.A. to the runways and now to weddings. The intricate detail is a lot more chic than a 5-year old’s pigtails. It adds texture, which has been sought-after through ruffles, draping, layering, and fringing. Braiding plays with shadows and light to add dimension to your hairstyle. For those of you that are a little “boho” and free-spirited, braids allow you to relax the typical sleek updo and still look chic and poised for your wedding.


[hairstyles6.com]

Show off your plush, luxurious locks with a side braid like this one. You can also do a crown braid that reaches from ear to ear like a headband.

Go big or go small – either way the braids will really bring out all your tones and add definition. And if you want to add even more dimension, consider adding highlights- or lowlights!


Jenna Bush loosely joined two side braids with white flowers and let the rest of her hair flow naturally. This soft, relaxed look was perfect for a low-key wedding on her parent’s ranch!

The great thing about braids is its versatility. Use it to update a traditional hairdo or to complete your boho-chic look!

Come back soon,
Team Bella

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Lace is back!

Everyone used to go for simple elegance with clean lines, but the tradition and romance of lace is making its way back. We can see it on gowns, invitations, and even cakes! Whether you go for an all-lace gown or put lace simply on the bodice or as trimmings, the sophistication of it all will be sure to make you feel like royalty. It has a unique texture, which is another growing trend, and also hides bumps and lumps that silk satin normally wouldn't. But the best thing about lace is that it's adaptable to both a traditional and modern feel - so it doesn't look like your mother's wedding dress.

Here are a few laced dresses we found at Warren Barron Bridal, located in Highland Park Village (http://www.warrenbarron.com/). It is the only boutique that carries Oscar de la Renta, along with many other couture lines.


[Oscar de la Renta]


[Monique Lhuillier] Check out the back of this dress on her official website (http://www.moniquelhuillier.com/). Look for Agnes in the Bridal Fall 2009 Collection.

If you don't want your theme to look too busy or overly feminine, add just a trim of lace to your decor. It's all in the details! Here are some ideas to incorporate this elegant design into your wedding:

  • Cake
  • Veil
  • Bouquet
  • Table runners
  • Invitations, save the dates, place cards
  • Garter
  • Doilies
  • Decor: vases, candles
  • Hanky

We love the extravagance and creativity of Fancy Cakes by Lauren, which is located in Dallas (http://www.fancycakesbylauren.com/). This cake has a white fondant rouching opening to expose just enough of the flirtatious lacey design.


Here's a shot by Scott Hagar at a wedding we designed (http://www.scotthagar.com/). Line your cake with lace, instead of the usual satin ribbon.


You can also wrap lace ribbon or trimming around your bouquet, like this one. This picture is courtesy of Stephen Karlisch, a phenomenal photographer in our region (http://www.karlischphotography.com/). He is one of the most sought-after photographers, but we were gracious to have him shoot one of our recent weddings earlier this year in March!


Invitations, place cards, and more by The White Aisle (http://www.whiteaisle.com/).

If you're just starting out planning your wedding or are looking to add an extra flair, consider a little modernized romance with lace!


Come back for more trends and wedding features!

Team Bella