AnyWay Weddings

Bridal Bargain-Hunting Tip #2: Shop Duty Free

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 16:20:00 +0000

Whilst I wholeheartedly believe that shopping for various wedding items is generally worth the splurge of going retail and/or upscale, there are bridal bargains to be found out there. Don't be afraid to look!

Our second installment of bridal bargain-hunting tips comes as the hubby and I depart for a little weekend jaunt to London, so I will soon be practicing what I preach and plundering the airport duty free shops in search of holiday gifts.

Duty free works for weddings, too! If you're a bride who happens to be traveling internationally between now and your wedding, keep your eyes peeled for some great stuff: top of the line makeup and fragrances (hello, Jo Malone at Heathrow!) at bargain basement prices; and fashionable splurges like designer shoes, jewelry and handbags that won't break your wedding budget (but, granted, might still ding it a bit).

Heathrow's Terminal 3 alone is home to Bally, Bulgari, Burberry, Cartier, Chanel, Gucci, Harrod's, Hermes, Jo Malone, M.A.C., Mulberry, Tiffany, Tod's, Versace... it's rather dangerous actually.

I had two teenagers as bridesmaids way back when I got married in 2009, and I knew the girls were lusting after Longchamp Le Pliage totes.

As their bridesmaid gifts I decided to fill the totes above with other goodies (Sara Lenart jewelry and Philosophy products, to be exact!). I found an amazing deal at Heathrow: Le Pliage totes for GBP46 (about $72) - which retail for $125 in the US!

Brides beware: shopping duty free can be like braving the outlets - you never know exactly what you will find. So leave yourself plenty of time for shopping, manage your expectations, and keep an open mind.

Now if you will excuse me, I have to get back to making my list of William and Kate paraphernalia I'll be purchasing in London.

Cheerio,

All the Goss on NYC Wedding Connection's Holiday Happy Hour

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 19:32:00 +0000

A diverse and fun group of NYC wedding vendors descended upon the House of Brews on 51st Street last night for NYC Wedding Connection's second event, a holiday happy hour.

Attendees included pastry chefs (and all French Culinary Institute grads!) Victoria from Numily Creations, Jen from Sweet Element, and Roxanne from Cake in a Cup NY...

From left to right: Numily Creations, Sweet Element (photo: Archlight Images), and Cake in a Cup NY

... invitation designers Maria from Lela New York and Kisha from Royale Amethyst Invitations...

Left: Lela New York; Right: Royale Amethyst Invitations

... photographers Stephen Devries and Fay Chang...

Left: Stephen Devries; Right: Fay Chang of Lucky Sights Photography

... and planners (and event organizers!) Mary Hines from Chandelier Productions and yours truly.

We gabbed about a variety of topics, from day jobs and entrepreneurship to leveraging social media to connect with fellow professionals and - importantly! - attract new clients. Tips and business cards were exchanged, and we toasted to another successful NYC Wedding Connection!

As you can see from the photos above, there was a MAYJAH amount of talent in the room last night. If you are a wedding vendor in NYC and would like to join us at our next event on January 4th, please contact Mary Hines of Chandelier Productions.

Many thanks to all who attended, and happy holidays!

Cheers,

Top 5 Reasons to Attend NYC Wedding Connection

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 20:12:00 +0000

If you are a wedding vendor or bridal blogger in NYC, your calendar should be marked for our second NYC Wedding Connection event, taking place TOMORROW! Woohoo!

Here are the details:

NYC Wedding Connection Holiday Happy Hour

Tuesday, December 7

5:00pm and on into the blustery winter evening

House of Brews

302 W. 51st Street at 8th Avenue, NYC

And now, as promised, here are the top five reasons to schmooze with us:

1. Because schmoozing is FUN. And important for building your business!

2. Because schmoozing while boozing is even better!

3. Cold feet? Literally and figuratively? No worries. There are no membership fees to join NYC Wedding Connection - we are a casual, fun group eager to meet and network with our fellow wedding professionals.

4. A nice glass of wine or cocktail is the perfect way to warm up in this frigid weather.

5. Did we mention we have FUN? We do!

See you tomorrow!

Cheers,

The By No Means Comprehensive But Nonetheless Quite Useful AnyWay Weddings Step-by-Step Name Change Guide

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 16:50:00 +0000

A note before we begin: when I was changing my name, the hubby and I were living in London so I had to change my work visa in addition to my passport. Therefore this guide applies to both US-based and expat brides. I've tried to make it clear which info applies to whom - please get in touch if you have any questions!

First and foremost: make sure you have several certified copies of your marriage license as you will need a lot of them! And pay close attention - for some name changes you can just send a photocopy, others you need to send a certified copy.

It is also useful to have your birth certificate available, so pick up a few certified copies of this as well (which you should already have in order to get your marriage license).

Now then, let's get started with The Three Biggies (four if you are an expat). Here is the order I recommend:

1. US Passport

Click here and here for info
Of course there are a couple different forms depending on your situation (they can't make it that easy!) but I used form DS-82
You also need to provide two passport photos (if you are not in the US make sure you get the US size - who knew passport photos come in different sizes depending on the country?!) and a certified copy of your marriage certificate (don't count on getting it back, as I don't think I did)
Depending on your whereabouts and travel plans, it might be worth paying for an expedited service - otherwise these things can take a long time. Check with your local US Embassy for more information.

1a. Visa - for expats only!

Look up your local US Embassy online for info. This step has to happen after you change your passport since your embassy will likely require your new passport - but check on the web to make sure!

2. Social security card

Click here for info - you will need to provide proof of your name change (i.e. marriage certificate), citizenship (i.e. birth certificate or new passport), and identity (i.e. new passport or drivers license)
All of these must be either certified copies or originals!
Fill out Form SS-5 and follow the additional instructions

3. Drivers License

If you are in the US: Go to your state's DMV website and follow the instructions
If you are an expat: Do a web search for the authority who has granted you your license and follow the instructions

So those are The Three/Four Biggies in that they take the most time and require immediate and focused attention. While you're working on those, other items you can check off your list are below. For each of these (except those which only required a phone call) I included a cover letter with my old name and old signature, new name and new signature, and also any associated account number(s).

Bank accounts

You can change your name by going to your bank in person with your marriage certificate. Relatively painless.
If you are an expat with US accounts, you can call your bank and have them send you a form - but I would recommend waiting until your next trip to the US and following the instruction above. Much easier and less room for error.

Insurance

Call your insurance company. For me, all it took was a simple phone call and the company changed my name in their records and sent me a new card. Totally painless. (Thank you Cigna!)
Once you have your new insurance card, the next time you see your doctor make sure to change your name in their office records as well

Credit cards

This varies widely. Call each of your credit card companies. Some you can do over the phone, others you have to send a letter and/or marriage certificate.

Cell phone

Call your provider. Mine needed a marriage certificate sent to them, which I attached with the cover letter I describe above.

Frequent flyer programs

Note: this must be done after you get your new passport!
As I mentioned yesterday, this was surprisingly annoying. Call each program to see what they need. Some require a photocopy of your new passport and a marriage certificate, others just require the marriage certificate. While both of my programs got the name change WRONG, they did correct it over the phone (so I did not have to resend the forms). I wish you better luck than I had!

And don't forget...

Any other financial accounts (savings, retirement, etc.)
Student or other loans
Gym membership
Professional affiliations
Business cards
Email addresses
Utilities, mortgages, and all that grown up stuff

PHEW! If you've read this far down the post, I hope you are not hyperventilating. As I've said, this is a process that can be fraught with complexities and annoyances big and small - but it is well worth going through!

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I am here to help!

Cheers,

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changin' Your Name: It's Worth the Pain!

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 16:03:00 +0000

I had a big moment yesterday, courtesy of Facebook. I changed my personal profile name from Jennifer Beckmann Butler to... drum roll please... Jennifer Butler (Beckmann). Yes indeedy. My maiden name has been subjugated to parentheses and my married name has taken center stage.

Call me old fashioned, but I love that I changed my name as soon as I got married. I love sharing my husband's name. It makes us feel like an invincible little family unit of two, and that makes me rather insanely happy.

How I became a Butler

The name change process, however, was rather fraught with loads of paperwork and surprising levels of incompetence. The biggest pain for me was not my passport or UK visa (we were living in London at the time) or social security or anything that you might think would be bad - but my two frequent flier programs!

I completed all the required paperwork, submitted all the info they needed... and yet both Virgin and Delta got it wrong. Instead of Jennifer Beckmann Butler, Virgin decided I was changing my name to - wait for it - Jennifer Beckmannbutler. Delta preferred verbosity over preposterosity: Jennifer Beckmann Beckmann Butler. Uy yuy yuy. SO not hot.

Of course you don't have to slog your way through it alone, as I did. There are services out there that can automate much of the process for you. Chief among these is MissNowMrs.com, one of the best known (and cutest-named) web services out there. For only $29.95, they alert everyone from the passport office to the post office, submitting all the necessary forms for you. They will also draw up a number of letters you can send to various other folks such as your insurance and utility companies. See below or click here for their full list of services.

Ok, yeah, so this looks a little neater than my list...

I think it's great that a well-priced service like this exists. And yet I will freely admit that I was WAY too Type-A to let anyone else do this for me. I liked knowing that it was all in my hands. Either way, it's important to know that any automated service is not going to cover ALL of your name change needs. And just when you think you've thought of every place your maiden name was lurking, you will remember something else ("Ah! My gym membership! Eureka!").

Just keep in mind that this is a process. It's not foolproof, and it won't be painless (Beckmannbutler?! REALLY???). But try not to get bogged down in the paper. After all, if you choose to change your name, then from the moment you say "I do" you are a Mrs. Woohoo!

At least Facebook makes it easy.

AnyWay Weddings Step-by-Step Name Change Guide is comin' atcha tomorrow! Keep your eyes peeled!

Cheers,

Friday Fashionspiration #6: Best Disney Wedding Dresses

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 16:08:00 +0000

A quick note from Jen: The hubs and I are off to Disney World today for a week of work for him and guilt-free pool-lounging for me. I am also going to cut myself off from the blogosphere/Twittersphere - which I think everyone should do once in awhile. So the AWW blog will be quiet next week but back in full force on November 15!

In honor of our Disney adventure, this week's Friday Fashionspiration comprises a few of my fave Disney Fairy Tale Wedding dresses. Yes, the label is cheesy. And the names of the dresses are also cheesy. And yes, there is probably a premium price attached because of the Disney association, which is lame. But putting those things aside, I think these dresses are actually quite lovely.

Sleeping Beauty is anything but a snoozer! Love the cap sleeves and detail on the full skirt.


Via Big Day Plunge

Jasmine is hotter than hot in a lot of good ways. I love the simplicity and the color. Fab for a destination wedding.

Via Kleinfeld

Snow White is no-nonsense, understated and elegant. Happy, not dopey.

Via Weddingo

And finally, a gown fit for a princess: Cinderella. Off the shoulder with sheer cap sleeves? Love.

Via Big Day Plunge

Indeed, it's almost as good as the real thing:

~ ~ ~ ~

Kirstie Kelly designed the dresses above, but bridal king Alfred Angelo is at the helm of Disney's newest bridal collection - the Fairy Tale Princess Collection (IT JUST GETS CHEESIER!). The gowns were unveiled at Spring 2011 NYC Bridal Market last month and will be available for purchase in February 2011. Aisle Dash has the full slide show. (Their Bridal Market coverage rocks by the way, so be sure to click around when you follow that link!)

See y'all soon. I'm going to Disney World!

Cheers,

Chili Today, Hot Tamale (and Bridal Body!)

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 17:34:00 +0000

The weather in NYC today is craptastic. Chilly and rainy. I want nothing more than to get back in my pj's, curl up on the couch, put on a DVRed episode of ReHo and warm up with a piping hot bowl of chili.

It's that time of year again, when it is all to easy to hide behind layers of warm clothing and turn to comfort food. But whether you are a bootcamp enthusiast bride-to-be or attempting to get back into shape after somewhat embarrassingly yet predictably gaining weight after your wedding because after a year of being so diligent with your diet in anticipation of getting hitched it's all too easy to eat an entire jar of Nutella in one sitting (ahem, ME) - it is important to remember that comfort food CAN be healthy! Hallelujah!

Exhibit A: chili. One of my favorite foods, and one of the only meals I can cook rather brilliantly, if I do say so myself, from scratch.

Photo via Epicurious.com

Ladies, protein is our friend. And none of us eat enough of it. Protein is absolutely essential to build and maintain gorgeous, toned muscles. Protein keeps you fuller for longer, and a steady stream of protein throughout the day will help you skip right over a mid-afternoon crasheroo. Seriously! If there is one food group you should focus on, especially during bridal bootcamp, it is protein. Lean, mean protein.

Chili is an excellent source of protein, fiber, and lots of other vitamins and minerals depending on how much good stuff you throw in there. And that is the best thing about chili - you can basically throw in whatever veg is in your fridge and as long as you spice it well and cook it long enough, it is guaranteed to taste YUM.

My new favorite chili recipe comes from a fabulous book called The Healthiest Meals on Earth:

Flip to page 284 (or just click here) and you will find a recipe for Turkey Chili with Cashews and Kale. Then cook it. You won't be sorry.

Epicurious.com also has some great chili recipes. Check 'em out:

Chicken and White Bean Chili

Beef and Bean Chili

Vegetarian Black Bean Chili

Yum!

Cheers,

Saying "I Do" at Disney

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 13:43:00 +0000

First of all, apologies for the irregular blogging this week. Four consecutive weekends of travel have taken their toll here at AWW... But! We'll be here all week! Try the veal.

This weekend, I am off to Disney World with the hubby. He will be doing a consulting project while I practice being a trophy wife - hitting the gym, sitting by the pool, reading chick lit on my Kindle. I haven't been to Disney World since I was six (and was too shy to talk to Minnie Mouse) so I am pretty excited to see how the place has changed. And to ride the rollercoasters.

I also hope to catch a glimpse of some weddings while we're there, as I must admit I'm fascinated by the whole "Disney Fairy Tale Weddings" culture.

I mean, this? Is undeniably cheesy:

Photo via About.com

But all of this? I could get into:

Photo via Luxury Launches

As it turns out, you don't have to invite Mickey and Minnie and arrive in Cinderella's carriage if you get hitched in Disney World (unless you want to, that is). Au contraire, Disney can put on a heckofa classy party too - thanks to this guy:

Photo via Disney Weddings

All hail David Tutera, lord of the classy wedding! David and Disney have joined forces to create Disney's Couture Collection - one of three different wedding collections from which a Disney bride can choose. This is the most flexible of the three collections, with an emphasis on personalization. After choosing one of the four themes depicted above, you can customize your wedding menu, decor, and more.

Being a Disney princess come cheap though. Disney Couture weddings start at $65,000 (Eek!). The other collections are less pricey but also less customizable. Quite.

I remain of a mixed opinion about weddings chez Disney. Perhaps our little vacay will sway me one way or the other.

Would you ever have a Disney wedding?

Cheers,

Friday Fashionspiration #5: The Be All End All Bouquet Bag

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 14:54:00 +0000

A mayjah shout-out to Brides magazine's Tweeters for calling our attention to Judith Leiber's new bridal bag collection - the perfect way to end this week's alternative flower kick!

Behold the BLING:

Photo via Bazaar Blog

This collection, which also includes fabric bags and a fabulous bedazzled wedding cake miniaudiere (is it wrong to describe Leiber's bags as bedazzled? Probably.), will be available in February 2011. So brides, start pinching those pennies! Based on Leiber's other creations, I suspect these babies will go for between $5,000-$6,000 a pop.

Rather the ultimate bridal accessory, no?

Happy Weekend!

Cheers,

The Clutchquet: A Fun and Fashionable Bouquet Alternative!

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 16:38:00 +0000

Thanks to yesterday's post on the fabulous sugar flowers created by Victoria of Numily Creations, I am on a flower alternative kick and finally have an inkling to post one of my all-time favorite wedding ideas: the bridesmaid clutch-bouquet... clutchquet? I think yes.

The clutchquet is a triple threat:

1. Bridesmaid gift

2. Bridesmaid bouquet

3. Handy and fashionable storage for your bridesmaids' valuables (like lipstick) - and something they might really seriously use again! After they dye their bridesmaid dress a color they will also wear again. Bonus!

This here's my absolute favorite:

Photo: Bella Destinee via Offbeat Bride

As floral bills continue to skyrocket and brides become more inclined to make their weddings "green", the clutchquet seems to be a trend that is catching on.

I found these and many other beauties on Etsy.

First, peacock delight! The brooch actually looks like a little bouquet itself, adding to the character of this cutie patootie:

Angee W on Etsy

And you know I wouldn't have let this post pass me by without showing some orange goodness:

Bella Fiore on Etsy

So fun!

Which is your favorite? Would you ever choose a clutchquet for your bridesmaids?

Cheers,

Bridal Bouquet Alternative: Sugar Flowers!

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 17:11:00 +0000

We are on a bouquet kick here at AWW...

Yesterday we posted about a great way to immortalize your bridal bouquet. Today, we are very excited to share an alternative to the traditional flower bouquet: sugar flowers!

Chef Victoria Cen of Numily Creations was one of the talented wedding vendors who attended NYC Wedding Connection on October 14 (get the deets on our next event here!). Victoria makes gobsmacking cakes like this one, inspired by Klimt's "The Kiss":

Photos courtesy of Victoria Cen at Numily Creations

She has also come up with a fun and innovative alternative to a traditional floral bouquet - the sugar flower bouquet:

Now, this gal is so talented that she can basically make any flower out of sugar, matched to any wedding color palette. Her bouquets can be carried by the bride and bridesmaids, and her sugar flowers can also be used as boutonnieres.

Check out these same sugar flowers in action as cake decor:

Lovely.

Sugar flowers are a great alternative to regular flowers. Here's why:

*They are better for the environment.

*They are long-lasting (both during your wedding day and as a keepsake afterwards).

*They can be matched to even the most fantastical wedding color palettes.

*Plus, sugar flowers are a great way to have your favorite flowers at your wedding, regardless of the season!

*And you can eat them. If you really want to.

What's not to love?

Click here to contact Victoria and see more of her creations.

Cheers,

Bridal Tip: Immortalize Your Bouquet

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 17:43:00 +0000

One of the best things about being a bride adviser is sharing lessons learned - both the good and the bad - from my own wedding. From finding a nice hanger for your wedding dress to freezing your wedding cake... these are the little details that can make a big difference.

I learned a TON from bridal blogs and magazines when planning my wedding. But one of my favorite lessons (and its accompanying memento) came courtesy of my mother-in-law. The day after my wedding, my mother-in-law whisked my bridal bouquet away... and I didn't see it for several months. I was a little nervous - after all, I hadn't given her permission to take my bouquet and I had no idea what she had done with it. Was she having it pressed? Frozen? What else can you even do with a bouquet?

Well, something like this:

Photos via Salt Marsh Pottery

How brilliant is this? Salt Marsh Pottery, in Dartmouth, MA, creates these lovely "wedding commemoratives" by pressing the bouquet flowers into the clay, arranging and drying them, and then painting and glazing. The entire process is done by hand. They make a variety of products, from bowls and large plates to more affordable trivets:

Their smallest piece would be well suited to your groom's boutonniere:

The perfect wedding mementos to feather your newlywed nest!

Former brides, what did *you* do with your bouquet?

Cheers,

The Great Short Wedding Dress Debate

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 20:36:00 +0000

Short knockouts from Fall 2010 collections: Monique Lhuillier, Jewel by Priscilla of Boston, and Oscar de la Renta (all photos via NYMag.com)

The bridal tweet-and-blogosphere is abuzz these days with the Great Short Wedding Dress Debate. Short dresses are becoming a bridal runway feature, and everyone is weighing in on the big question:

Would you show a little leg on your wedding day?

Priscilla of Boston opened three of its four Fall 2010 shows (Melissa Sweet, Platinum Bridal, and Priscilla of Boston proper) with short dresses. Classic bridal gown designers like Oscar de la Renta and Monique Lhuillier are starting to feature multiple short dresses in their collections. And at the recent NYC Bridal Market, short dresses were everywhere! (For a great blog post on the best short dresses from NYC, check out one of our fave bridal bloggers, The Knotty Bride.)

Opening (left - rosettes AND pockets?! LOVE) and closing (right) looks at Melissa Sweet for Priscilla of Boston Fall 2010

I have never been a big fan of the short wedding dress. I found it to be too informal and simply not "here comes the bride" enough. But recent events and dazzling runway designs are starting to change my mind.

A wedding should reflect the bride and groom, and a bride's wedding dress should reflect the way she wants to celebrate while complimenting her body.

Coveting a shortie? Listen up, girl:

*Short dresses are ideal for a bride with great gams.

*They are also perfect for petite brides who want the fun of a poufy skirt without drowning in yards and yards of fabric.

*Short dresses are also a great choice for less traditional wedding celebrations (such as cocktail receptions) and sophisticated, cosmopolitan, frou-frou-free weddings.

A friend of mine got married last weekend in a dress that looked just like this:

Oscar de la Renta Fall 2009

And she. Looked. KILLER.

Below the knee, we of course have to have a moment for the impact that Mad Men has had on the fashion world lately. I have a feeling we will be seeing plenty of retro-style, tea length dresses with layers of tulle in 2011. Dresses such as this beauty:

Sarantina by Sarah Jassir Fall 2011 (via Martha Stewart Weddings)

Who knew showing some leg could look so bridal? Consider me convinced.

If you're loving these dresses but still unsure, remember that short dresses also make FAB reception dresses! Ooh. That opens up a whole new can o' worms...

Cheers,

Best Bridal Market Bloggers

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 15:41:00 +0000

You know you want more where this came from... (photo via Project Wedding)

There has been so much great coverage of this season's NYC Bridal Market, it could take weeks to sort through all the posts and dresses. Never fear, we have boiled down the best Bridal Market coverage and, since it's Friday and this was the big birthday week and we are headed to Toronto today for a fabulous wedding (read: we don't have the time to write a real blog post ourselves), we're just going to throw a concise yet fabulous link list atcha. Enjoy!

Best Bridal Market Bloggers

Project Wedding Blog

Weddingbee

Yours in Bridal on Facebook

The Knotty Bride

Have another favorite link? Leave it for all of us in the comments!

Stay tuned... next week we are back to work and blogging, and will be posting some amazing photos from recent runway shows and weddings as well as interviews with inspiring wedding professionals!

Cheers,

The PERFECT Wedding Gown Transformation

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 16:40:00 +0000

Merci, Monique!

For her Fall 2011 Bridal show, Monique Lhuillier transformed a Spring 2011 runway knockout into a to-die-for wedding gown.

Left: Spring 2011 via NYMag.com | Right: Bridal Fall 2011 via Project Wedding

Perfection such as this is rather beyond words. So I will stop writing and just continue to drool.

Cheers,

Bridal Scents at Every Price!

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 16:54:00 +0000

I've written before about the fabulous Jo Malone and the art of fragrance combining to create a signature bridal scent for your big day. But you know, I realize that some brides have other priorities besides sniffing dozens of colognes for hours in a quest to define their bridal style via scent combo.

So for those of you looking for a quick bridal scent guide, below are a few standouts at different price points.

UNDER $50
While Carrie Bradshaw's dramafest of a first attempt at marrying Mr. Big at the New York Public Library is not necessarily a bridal moment for which to strive, Sarah Jessica Parker has created a gaggle of scents to compliment a sophisticated bride on a budget. This Lovely Gift Set includes shower gel and lotion for layering, which extends the life of the scent on your skin.

$39 at Kohl's

These days it's a rare bride who does not incorporate Vera Wang into her wedding somehow (my touch of Vera? We registered for some of her Wedgwood silverware!). Bouquet is one of her most popular scents - perfect for the classic bride.

Vera for under $50?! Thank you, Amazon.com!

UNDER $100
Chanel Chance is my favorite designer fragrance - and now with a trio of scents, there is a Chance for all seasons. The best scent for brides is Chance Eau Fraiche. Perfect for the bride who wants to make a splash. Shower gel and body cream are available too - layer, layer, layer!

(Under $75 if you get it Duty Free!) Or splurge on Chanel.com.

UNDER, um, $216,000
For the truly insane - I mean, discerning - bride, Clive Christian offers Imperial Majesty: a $2,150-per-ounce perfume poured into a handcrafted Baccarat crystal bottle adorned with a five-carat diamond set in an 18-carat gold collar. WHOA. What's more, the perfume is personally delivered by Rolls Royce. This is your chance to own a piece of history - the very limited edition Imperial Majesty is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the World's Most Expensive Perfume. (I would hope it is!)

Clive Christian = Be to the Yond

What is your favorite bridal scent? To save or to splurge? Let me know your thoughts!

Cheers,

Embracing the Big 3-0

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 14:57:00 +0000

Well, I've done all the pampering, primping, and exercising I can. The hubby and I have gone out for celebratory meals with great friends. And I bought myself an uberfab Michael Kors watch.

Today is my 30th birthday. Nothing left to do but EMBRACE my new decade (and the fine lines around my eyes and on my forehead that come with it).

If you'd asked me one, or five, or ten years ago what I'd be doing at 30, I would never have guessed I'd be the founder of AnyWay Weddings. Life takes unexpected turns, and the best thing you can do is enjoy the ride.

Happy birthday to me, and cheers to all of you!

Bridal Tip: Freeze your Wedding Cake. Seriously. Do it.

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 16:44:00 +0000

It might not look as good, but YUM. (Photo on the right by Snap!)

This week I am celebrating my 30th birthday (which is tomorrow, y'all) and my mom is in town and it is HER 60th birthday ON THE SAME DAY so I am going to keep the blog posts short and sweet this week. Mom and I have an extravaganza of a birthday to celebrate, after all.

So a quick tip for all you brides-to-be out there: if there is any one wedding tradition that you choose to follow, let it be the freezing of the top tier of your wedding cake. Now, I know that cupcakes and dessert tables seem to be mayjah trends right now. And that is fine by me. I am an equal opportunity dessert advocate. The more sweets the better. Just trust me when I say this: get yourself a good pastry chef, and make sure there is something to freeze.

For those of you paying attention, yes, I have already mentioned that our cake (shown above in September 2009 and September 2010) tasted just as good on our first anniversary as it did at our wedding. But even if the cake had tasted crap, the experience of opening the cake box one year after our wedding was so much fun, and brought back all our memories of our day.

Life moves fast, and your wedding goes by in the blink of an eye. Give yourself a chance to experience a little of the magic of your wedding day when you toast yourselves one year later. You'll be glad you did!

Cheers,

Friday Fashionspiration #4: Jewel Tone Manolos. Hot.

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 19:43:00 +0000

Believe it or not, I am not actually a shoe person. (Don't worry about me though! Where I lack lust for shoes I more than make up in my obsession with handbags. I promise.) However I can't stop gawking at the current crop of jewel-tone Manolo Blahnik beauties out this season. And in my gawking I can't help but think how fabulous two of his iconic models - the Sedaraby D'Orsay and the Hangisi - would look on fall and winter brides. The jewel tones add an unexpected twist, while the designs are absolutely classic and stunning.

I'll take one of each please. Thank you, Bergdorf Goodman.

The "Something Blue" jeweled satin Hangisi (bottom right) was of course made beyond iconic by SJP in the first "Sex and the City" movie. The object of Carrie Bradshaw's lust - possibly the most fabulous "something blue" a bride can wear, no? - has since been transformed into a gorgeous dark gray model which is right on trend with current hot wedding color palettes. Drool.

In general though, brides like to show off a good pedi. And what better way than to don a pair of jeweled satin Sedaraby D'Orsay pumps? I absolutely love the peacock blue, and the extra bling on the claret red is basically to die for. Winter wedding perfection.

Which pair is your fave? Would you choose jewel tones over classic bridal white for your wedding shoe?

Cheers,

First NYC Wedding Connection = Resounding Success!

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 18:44:00 +0000

I am thrilled to report that our inaugural NYC Wedding Connection was a mayjah success! We had a fantastic and diverse group of wedding vendors in attendance, and it was great to finally put some faces to names (and Twitter aliases!). Attendees included representatives from Big Apple Florist, Numily Creations, Royale Amethyst Invitations, plus a wedding photographer, wedding videographer, makeup artist, publicist, AND the gals behind Navy and Lavender and NewlyWish! PHEW!

Personally, it was so inspiring to meet other people who have started their own businesses - and who have met with great success. Starting a business has been the most daunting professional endeavor of my life. I have many moments of self-doubt and hesitation. So it was beyond fab to meet such inspiring wedding vendors and business owners. I absorbed as much useful advice as I could - thank you all for the amazing feedback on my budding business!

Huge thanks to all who attended, and extra special kudos to the brains behind the operation - Mary at Chandelier Productions. Look for the next NYC Wedding Connection event in early December, and email me (jen {at} anywayweddings.com) if you'd like to join our mailing list!

NYC Wedding Connection:

Connecting people into personal and working relationships to strengthen the wedding industry in New York City.

Cheers,

Friday Fashionspiration #4: More Bumpin' Bridal Gowns!

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 14:37:00 +0000

I have gotten such a fantastic to reponse to Tuesday's post on Jessica Iverson's spectacular maternity bridal collection that I wanted to toss a few more favorite dresses into the blogosphere. So without further ado...

Behold, the Madeline. The rosettes above the belly! The sheer, criss-crossing back straps! Youthful and delightful!

The Madeline (all images via Maternity Bride by Jessica Iverson Couture)

Next up, the Stephanie. The beaded straps add a touch of bling while the chiffon tiers are playful and flattering. A fun silhouette for the pregnant bride.

The Stephanie

And finally, the Naomi. This is a classic "here comes the bride dress" and the little lace jacket offers extra coverage if you're knocked up and not as ripped as Bethenny Frankel (and let's face it - she was rather otherworldly in her bridal buffness, no?). This taffeta number is covered in lace details and has a lace-up corset back.

The Naomi

Viva la bumping bride!

Cheers,

P.S. For more maternity bridal inspiration, check out this post from the SmartBride Boutique blog!

Etsy's BEST Wedding Dress Hangers

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 15:03:00 +0000

As much as I loved my wedding day, there are a few things I would have done differently - and that I do do differently with my brides now that I am a bride adviser. My wedding day "woulda, coulda, shoulda"'s are all in the wee details - and I'll always be grateful that nothing mayjah went awry. Still, there are some small but powerful lessons to be imparted unto the nearlywed. So listen up, lovelies.

There is no excuse to burden your wedding dress of dreams with a crappy, ugly hanger.

You will only wear this dress on this one very important day. And unless you plan to cut a viewing window into your archival box, you will not lay eyes on it again for decades. Your photographer will inevitably snap your gown. So give it a chance to look as fabulous on its hanger as it will look on you! Or, well, almost as fabulous, obv.

Case in point:

I loved my dress. It did not deserve this fugtastic hanger. (Photo by Snap!)

Fortunately, a closetful of creative folks on Etsy have caught on to this fashion tragedy and come up with some very cute, affordable options that will turn your hanging dress into a true photo op.

The "Original Silver" hanger has gotten a lot of attention in the wedblogosphere, and for good reason! This hanger is simple and adorable. You can personalize your hanger with up to 14 characters. The artist, LilaFrances, is clearly an expert metal manipulator. A great choice for a light, simple, classic wedding dress.

Photo via LilaFrances on Etsy.com

If your dress has a little more oomph, you need a hanger that is stronger. Here is a lovely wooden hanger covered in silk, with cute little ties on each end to secure your dress straps.

Photo via Silayaya on Etsy.com

I also love these monogrammed padded woven hangers. The ribbon and monogram color are customizable - hello, wedding color palette! A hanger like this would look great with a vintage-looking ivory gown.

Photo via NutfieldWeaver on Etsy.com

If I could do it all again, which would I choose? Well, I think I would have to stay loyal to my favorite color, orange, which was also the accent color in my wedding color palette. Finding this orange satin dress hanger sent a momentary pang of longing through my heart and made me wish I knew how to use Photoshop. A to the Dorable.

Photo via Kim Grant, Ink on Etsy.com

Want to have a super cute dress photo? Get personalized hangers for your bridesmaids too!

Which hanger is your favorite? What other creative wedding dress hangers or photo op options are out there? Leave a comment!

Cheers,

Adorable Wedding DIY: The Framily Tree

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 16:47:00 +0000

Yes, that's right: framily, not family! I had never heard of this idea before my Vermont couple's mother of the groom planned this for their wedding, and I think it is a brilliant idea that I hope future clients will want to use.

What it is: The "Framily Tree" is a DIY project that happens before or at the wedding, and is created by everyone - friends and family, get it? - in attendance.

A friend of the bride creates his Nilla likeness.

Tada! The completed Framily Tree. Could this be more adorable?

Why yes it could... cue ridiculously adorable bride and groom!

How to do it: You can use a variety of materials, but I do love this family's choice of cookies and frosting, which helped set the tone for this laid-back, colorful, personal, rustic Vermont wedding. However, if you want to create a more sophisticated, lasting piece of wedding memorabilia, the Framily Tree can just as easily be made out of canvas, paper or fabric.

For this Framily Tree, the mother of the groom baked two rectangular sheets of cookie and frosted each of them in the shape of half a tree, so when put together they form one "framily" tree. Each wedding guest decorated a Nilla wafer in his or her likeness and placed the wafer on one of the branches on either the bride or groom's side of the tree.

Guests created the Alexander-Maragliano Framily Tree the night before the wedding. The Framily Tree would also make a great activity for the wedding day, in addition to or instead of a traditional guest book.

Why we love it: Not only was the Framily Tree a fun and creative way for guests to engage in wedding DIY, but the end result was a super cute and appropriate addition to this wedding's colorful decor. This is also a fantastic activity for kids. The Framily Tree makes everyone feel young at heart!

Have you ever seen a Framily Tree before? Do you love it or do you love it? Leave a comment!

Cheers,

Gorgeous Gowns for Brides with Bumps

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 15:38:00 +0000

At AnyWay Weddings, we specialize in working with brides (and grooms!) who are in a time crunch. There are many reasons why a couple might not have all the time in the world to plan their nuptials, but I suspect that chief among them is having a bun in the oven.

It used to be that pregnant brides didn't have much of a choice when picking a wedding gown. Fortunately, as more brides decide to commence baby-makin' before walking down the aisle, wedding dress designers are starting to catch on and create gorgeous options for the glowing bumping bride.

In researching various maternity wedding dress options, I stumbled upon this lovely website: Jessica Iverson Maternity - a woman who not only designs gorgeous dresses but was also smart enough to buy the domain name "maternitybride.com" (I say, with my business hat on)! Jessica (is it me or does she have a striking resemblance to Naomi Watts?) was a pregnant bride herself, and clearly her experience shaped her vision for her gorgeous, affordable and eco-minded collection.

Here are my top three favorites from Jessica's stunning maternity collection:

1. The Astrea - I love the sheer straps here. Check out the beaded detail! It's difficult to see in these sun-drenched photos but the entire gown is beaded. Lovely.

The Astrea (this and all images via Maternity Bride by Jessica Iverson Couture)

The Astrea

2. The Felicia - The unexpected one-shoulder sheer strap makes this classic draped chiffon silhouette quite chic! I love how the trail of pearl-beading creates what Jessica calls a "floating bodice" effect (check out the detail shot). So unique!

The Felicia

3. The Julia - Fit for a princess! Who says that just because you're pregnant you can't feel like a princess on your wedding day? The details on this gown are exceptional. Check out the floral pickups, pleated organza hem, and the lace-up corset back.

The Julia

Perhaps the best thing about gorgeous wedding dresses like these is that they are helping break down the stigma that has been attached to pregnant brides. Considering that brides with bumps are comprise a mayjah part of AnyWay Weddings' clientele, we are so excited to be seeing designers like Jessica rise in prominence.

Which gown is your favorite?

Are you pregnant and planning a wedding? Contact us today!

Cheers,

The Decision to Go Sponsor-less: Are We Nuts?

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 14:51:00 +0000

Those of you are particularly astute blog-stalkers (I know you're out there... right?) will have noticed a little note I left in the right column last Friday. It reads:

As much as we could use the cash, we have decided that this blog will not seek sponsorship support. Any products or vendors that are mentioned on this blog are here because AWW ♥'s 'em. Are you nuts, you ask? Nope, we just like spotlighting things we love with no strings attached. Cheers!

Let us ponder the question contained therein (sans royal "we") for a moment. Am. I. NUTS?!

Back in the bygone days of my bridal blogging, a whole 23 months ago, there were a handful of beautiful wedding blogs out there. I mean, this was the era when Brooklyn Bride was still on Blogger. I feel so old!

Ahem. AnyWay, so there used to be a mere gaggle of wedding bloggers, and now - well, even the New York Times has recognized the wedding blog explosion! Wedding blogs have not only become an influential part of the multi-billion dollar wedding industry, they have become an industry all unto their own.

When I re-entered the wonderful world of wedding weblogs, I couldn't believe how professional everyone looked! The spun-sugary layouts. The jaw-dropping graphic design. The awe-inspiring photos. The oodles of sponsors. Holy moley, the $pon$or$! Ka. Ching.

Surely I am insane for not getting in on this action. After all, AWW is a budding business and, at least until time-crunched brides come knocking down our ~~apartment~~ office doors, I could use all the moolah I can get!

Here's the thing, the difference: I am not building my business around my blog. Kudos to those who are (check 'em out on my blogroll), because y'all are doing a fabulous job and I am inspired every day by the gorgeous presentation and fun content of your posts.

I am building a bridal advisory company, and the purpose of this blog is to compliment that. This blog is a marketing tool - another way to reach the masses, increase my web presence, and connect me with my future clients. Most importantly, this blog is a way for me to show my personality, share personal and professional tips, and post about things I like. I am making so many fun discoveries along my entrepreneurial journey, and I want to be able to share them genuinely, with no strings attached.

So whether I'm posting about Hanky Pankies or Google Kool-Aid, you can trust that I'm just being me. Even if it puts me in the poor house.

Would love to hear your thoughts - am I insane? Or does this actually make sense? Leave a comment!

Cheers,