Celebrity Style Weddings 2010

12.31.2010

New Year's Eve is finally here! I know for certain I can't move on to 2011 without mentioning some of the 2010's celebrity wedding highlights. Celebrity brides from Alicia Keys marrying Swizz Beats in a Mediterranean setting, Megan Fox tying the knot with the handsome, Brian Austin Green in an intimate sunset ceremony on the beach in Hawaii, and pop star, Katy Perry saying, "I Do" to her new hubby, Russell Brand with a days long celebration in India. Whose your favorite celeb wedding in 2010? I know I have several!

3rd Place: The former first daughter, Chelsea Clinton married her long time love and  investment banker, Marc Mezvinsky on July 31st 2010 in Rhinebeck, N.Y. The radiant bride wore a strapless, Vera Wang gown and was escorted down the isle by the former president, Bill Clinton. Chelsea said,  "I do" to Mark in front of 400 guests under a gazebo deck filled with white roses. The only problem is, how could you have a small wedding when your father is the ex president right?

Photos by Shibawi

2nd Place: The Southern Belle, Carrie Underwood & Canadian, hockey player, Mike Fisher got married on July 10th 2010 at the beautiful Georgia's Ritz-Carlton Reynolds Plantation resort . The country star wore a huge gown with Chantilly lace and silk organza by Monique Lhuillier . After the ceremony, the bride opted for a short, strapless cocktail dress by Lhuillier . I love the different color shades of pink incorporated into the wedding adding a very sweet and feminine touch.

People

LDT Winner: Hillary Duff married her hockey player, Mike  Comrie on August 14th 2010, on a private residence in Santa Barbara, California in front of the couple's 100 closest friends and family. The stunning bride wore a gown from Vera Wang and borrowed all of the jewelry from Van Cleef & Arpels . My favorite part of the wedding was the wedding cake from Fantasy Frostings which had everyone talking. The vintage, teired cake with no frosting was simply elegant and great for anyone whose not a huge frosting fan. The cake had both good and bad reviews from the public but it was an absolute winner for me!

OK
Don't forget to keep a close lookout for the newly engaged. From Natalie Portman, Reese Witherspoon, Hugh Hefner and many more! Whose wedding do you think will be off the charts? My predictions for 2011 would be the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate which will take place on Friday, April 29th 2011.

Lemon Drop Team wishes you and your loved ones a very happy and safe New Year's. Thank you for following our blog and supporting us since our launch. We can't wait to see what 2011 has in store for us!

Sweet Planning!
Linda

I Do to the SPA

12.16.2010

I bet there isn’t a Bride out there who isn’t a fan of spas. Being pampered before walking down the Aisle to say “I Do” is perfect for reviving your body and allowing your mind to get away from all the stress and chaotic details of your wedding. Spas can be costly but I’m sure you would all agree with me that it’s well worth the money to feel renewed! I’ve been to many spas but one particular place that I recommend to all Brides is Lotus Mind + Body Spa in Needham, MA. Owner, Catherine Harris, opened her luxury spa in July 2007 after leaving her career as an analyst for a banking firm to pursue her dreams. The Zen-like environment and superb service will without a doubt get you coming back for more. Other ways to take advantage of this  therapeutic treatment is by throwing a spa party for a bridal shower or for a more laid back and intimate bachelorette party; a day of pampering would be perfect too!


Front Entrance

Some of the wonderful amenities at Lotus are the changing rooms, robes, soaking your feet in the wading pool and enjoying a complimentary fruit platter.  The price ranges from $50 for a 30-minute massage or facial to $140 for a 90-minutes Javanese Mandi Lular , a royal treatment for the bride and grooms-to-be, starting with a massage, followed by an exfoliation and a refreshing shower and ending with an application of aromatic flower lotion.


Lobby

Locker Room

Couple of weekends ago, my girlfriends and I got together for a spa date at Lotus . We spent half of our Saturday getting pampered and we enjoyed every minute of it!! When we first arrived there, we were greeted by the spa attendant who gave us a form to fill out. Basically, the questions on the form were to see if we've gotten facials or massages pre- Lotus so that they could match us to a specialist that fit our needs. After we changed in our robes and slippers, we were escorted to a private Zen room where we soaked our feet in the wading pool where  owner, Catherine was so sweet enough to have mimosas and fruit platter waiting for us. It was my girlfriend, Jane's birthday, so the mimosas were a special treat.

My esthetician, Vyvy, who did my facial, was fantastic and knew so much about the products that she was using on me. She taught me about my skin type and not once was Vyvy aggressive or pushy about asking me to purchase products from the spa (I hate when that happens), but informed me what type of products would work similar if I had purchased them at a drug store. My spa experience with my girlfriends was truly marvelous! I treated myself to a facial, sipped on mimosas, and the entire staff was great. Best of all, I got to catch up with my girlfriends who I haven't seen in forever. The only thing my girlfriends and I regret was that we waited so long for our day of pampering. 

For the Brides who are getting married, I have a few suggestions:

1- If you have never gotten a facial before or don’t go on a regularly basis, make sure you get it at least a month before. Your skin could get a reaction, cause breakouts, or even redness. Brides-to-be that have been getting regular facials, a week before the big day would be just fine.

2- I wouldn’t recommend brides to get a massage the day before because you'll be too stressed and then you won't get to enjoy it. Go the week before. Enjoy it, after planning your wedding, girl, you deserve it!

3- A couple’s massage is a fantastic treat for the two of you to reconnect and enjoy the moment together. It's also a great present for his birthday, Christmas present, or even just because I love you gift.

Waiting Room
One of the many facial rooms
Vichy shower and soaking tub
Soaking Tub

Catherine launched the premium membership on radio at 96.9 WTKK's Jim and Margery Show for a one year prepaid membership at Lotus Mind + Body Spa for $150 per person or $200 for 2 people, which includes 40% off EVERYTHING; services, products and even gift cards!

But for our special readers, mention Linda from LDT , and you'll get the membership for $100 and $150 for 2 people! That's $48 for a 60 minute facial or massage! Get as much gift cards as you would like. Especially since Christmas is around the corner! Visit   Lotus Mind + Body Spa in Needham, MA, and get your membership today. I promise you, you'll thank me afterwards.

Promotions valid until December 31st 2010.

Sweet Planning!
Linda

Susan & Moses' Brunch Reception Wedding l Part 2 of 2

12.08.2010

Happy Wednesday LDT readers! If you haven't read Susan and Moses' (SuMo) Wedding Part 1 , take a glance because you'll find some helpful Do-It-Yourself ideas! On the beautiful sunny yet windy morning of May 15, 2010, Diane and I were the day-of coordinators for SuMo’s aqua and red affair. The gorgeous, bride wore a stunning, strapless, mermaid dress with a sweetheart neckline by Allure and held a all white bouquet made of Hydrangeas, Ranunculus and Freesia. Dana Tran, from Bumble Bee Landing , created all the flowers for the entire wedding party. I would highly recommend her because she’s absolutely fabulous.


The ceremony was held outdoors with the back drop of Boston at the Hyatt Harborside Hotel and the brunch reception was at Rocca Kitchen and Bar . The last stop of the night was at Hai Le Moon restaurant in Chinatown. The very talented photographer,   Joshua Behan , captured every moment brilliantly!

SuMo decided on a brunch reception because they wanted an atmosphere that was intimate, fun and budget friendly. The wedding was most definitely one of a kind. Some of the many highlights of the brunch were the three different flavors of Bellini's: Mimosa, Pear, and Blood Orange.  The delicious hor' dourves were prepared by Chef Tiffani Faison, who appeared on Bravo’s Top Chef Season 1! The photo-booth with fun props and six different types of cake were from  Dessert Works in Norwood. My most favorite moment of this wedding was when Susan sang Moses a song which was a total surprise to him and the guests.


All the vendors we worked with were phenomenal. A special thanks to Diane for assisting me.

Susan and Moses, I love you both and thank you for allowing me to take part of your wedding. I can see the love you have for one another.  It's simply pure, kind, and incredible.

The wedding of SuMo was also featured in one of my favorite blogs, La Belle Bride .

Sweet Planning!
Linda

BRIDES Magazine party at the W Hotel in Boston

11.24.2010

On Wednesday, October 27th 2010, my girlfriend, Diane, and I attended the Brides Magazine Party at the W Hotel in Boston at the Mezzanine Level, sponsored by Beantown Bride . The affair at the W Hotel  was a lot fun and the hotel of course was stunning! We toured the chic function rooms, sipped on complimentary cocktails, ate delicious hors d'oeuvres, sampled varies types of cakes and Diane even got a complimentary manicure! Afterwards, we stopped by Shutter Booth , to strike a few poses! Photo booths are extremely popular at weddings and events and will definitely get the crowd excited. The best part of it all is the wait time to print the pictures is only 30 seconds! I also saw a few of my favorite vendors; Brittany Blando of BKB Photography , and the creator of Beantown Bride , and Tyra Bleek from Tyra Bleek Photography .

My good friend, Jess, who works at the W Hotel , was also there manning the gorgeous models in wedding dresses by David's Bridal .  These wedding events are so much fun for both the brides-to-be and wedding professionals. Brides can meet vendors they've never heard of and explore the different options for their weddings. Wedding professionals can network and get to know each other a little bit better. Best of both worlds. You have got to love that.

 
Photos by the fabulous Brittany .

Sweet Planning!
Linda

Edible Favors l A Dozen Eggs Bake Shoppe

11.18.2010

So how do you really feel about wedding favors? Although some favors can be remarkably charming, it can get expensive and are pretty useless. Most of the time, they end up hinding in your house somewhere. One type of favors I do enjoy are edible ones! Edible favors could be decorated any way you want it! Whether it's a couple's initials, a picture of a bride and groom or my favorite type,  a cookie that represent your home town.  So, when I browsed upon a website called, A Dozen Eggs Bake Shoppe , (based in Vermont, but delivers anywhere in the U.S.), and saw they had a section on, "Beantown Cookie Favors", I jumped up and down with joy! I was born and raise in Boston and these beautifully decorated cookies resembles so much of some of Boston's must see sights. The Citco Sign in Kenmore, the Swan Boats in Boston Commons, the MBTA and of course our beloved Red Sox team.

A Dozen Eggs Bake Shoppe , has a huge variety of cookies. They are bagged individually, comes with a complimentary gift message for each one, and remains fresh for about four to six weeks. They require a minimum of twelve favors per order, but I'm sure that wouldn't be a problem for most of us! If you order fifty or more, you'll qualitfy for the discount. I'd recommend trying the cookies before ordering them in bulk. You can purchase a sample box for $5.95 plus shipping.


 

If you need help with wedding favor ideas, email us at linda@tshirtspascherfrance.com .

Sweet Planning!
Linda

Elegant Centerpieces l Baby's Breath

11.09.2010

We could all agree that beautiful centerpieces are one of the main focuses of any wedding. Generally, flower arrangements are used as the center on tables at receptions. A budget friendly showpiece that is becoming more popular and commonly used are Gypsophila (also known as Baby’s Breath). These gorgeous fillers are primarily used in bouquets and arrangements but they can create a whimsical and romantic feeling when used suitably alone.


I used to think that Baby’s Breath just hid in the background of beautiful flower arrangements. Never thought that they could be utilized as its own entity until now. I just love seeing these giant, spherical shape Baby’s Breath arrangements used in thin candlelight vases! These beautiful creations could be used during any wedding season but for Winter weddings, they truly add a breath of fresh air. Absolutely ravishing and tasteful!

Photo by JLDesigns
Table décor for weddings could cost hundreds and even thousands of dollars. Stop by a flower market or even your local florist to see if you could get a discount on Baby’s Breath or any other flower if purchased in bulk. Fifteen bunches of Gypsophila will cost you approximately $5, and these beautiful tall Cielo Pilsner Clear vases for $12.99 at Jacobson Floral Supply would add a striking touch to your centerpiece. If you are not a DIY kind of gal, provide your ideas and supplies for your local florist to get a quote for them to arrange it for you. Using filler flowers such as Baby’s Breath that are in season all year round could really help you cut your budget costs.


A good friend of mine, who’s getting married next year, is considering using Baby’s Breath centerpieces as the main attraction at her reception. As I pointed out earlier, not only are they remarkably inexpensive, they are aesthetically pleasing as well. One word that definetly comes to my  mind when I think about these light and airy flowers are GORGEOUSNESS!

Sweet Planning!
Linda

Susan & Moses' Brunch Reception Wedding l Part 1 of 2

11.04.2010

The wedding I'm going to blog about is one that is very special to me because the beautiful bride is my older sister. Susan and Moses, “SuMo” were living in New York City when they got engaged, but without a doubt, they knew an intimate and fun wedding in Boston was what they were striving for.

My sister needed help, especially since they lived over 200 miles away.  I accepted the honor of planning their 119 guest wedding. “SuMo” came back one weekend a month to meet with me and organize all the details for the wedding. For months, we phoned, emailed, and texted each other A LOT!  The three of us collaborated and worked on all the creative details which came out pretty amazing.  Some of the “do it yourself” (DIY) things that were involved for the wedding were the invitations, save the date cards, floral centerpieces, and props for the photo-booth.

Moses was very involved throughout the whole wedding process. What a keeper I must say. Being a graphic designer , his skills came in very handy.  He designed the save the date cards, invitations, and drink menus.

Susan and I had to create some props for the photo-booth but our amazing photographer, Joshua Behan , came with many fun props as well.  A couple of details I’d like to share that we used are a cork board for the seating chart, which we found at Michael’s Craft Store  and bird cages, purchased from Esty.com , that we decorated which were placed at their own station for the guests to put their cards and blessings for the bride and groom.

A few days before the wedding, we were nervously waiting for the arrival of the Hydrangeas that were ordered online from BJ’s Wholesale Club so the centerpieces can be arranged. When the day of the wedding finally arrived, all the DIY’s were absolutely perfect!

Contact Lemon Drop Team today to help you with your ideas and projects for your one of a kind wedding, email us at linda@tshirtspascherfrance.com .
Sweet Planning!
Linda