Welcome to part 2 of what I promise will be an inspiring take of city romance.  Jewel and Adam’s skyline soiree is brought to you by Kristina Carter of Vrai Photo and takes you on a fresh frolic through modern love stories, filled with Burberry blue ties, chocolate dresses, and architectural finesse.

Scene #4: THE BRIDAL PARTY

In defiance of convention to embrace personality, Jewel and Adam chose a Chicago street trolley as the vehicle of choice for the bridal party, shuttling to various portrait locations such as the world famous Millennium Park.

(Above: Bridal Gown & Sash by Vera Wang;  Bride’s Make up by Nicole Ventura; Bride’s hair by Lisa of  Blo Dri Salon; Bridal Jewelry from Alhambra collection by Van Cleef & Arpels; Bridesmaid’s dress by Vera Wang Style 23M15; Bridesmaids Shoes by Blue Tux Shoes)

Scene #5: A VIEW WORTH CELEBRATING

Now here’s another great example of how to celebrate your location for out-of-town guests:  Pick a venue that offers the best bang for your buck, as well as spectacular angles of the hosting city.  In New York, it’s the Empire State Building; In Los Angeles it’s Griffith Observatory.  In Chicago, it’s the Adler Planeterium (among others) which offers stunning views of the Chicago skyline, the lively night scene of the harbor and the sunrise glow of Lake Michigan.

Let architecture influence Style:  Just take one envious look at the cake below, which on it’s own is absolutely stunning.  Then you take a second look.  It’s only when I went back through the album, that I noticed the connection. On a cake, it’s delicious and eye-catching.  On a tie, it’s classy and complementary.  Talk about a wink and a smile!  I bet you missed another wink:  The metal ball “Table Number” holders that pay homage to another Chicago landmark – the Cloud Gate, designed by Anish Kapoor.  And don’t get me going about the mini disco balls which I’m so tempted to hang over my 3-month old daughter’s crib.  Fabulous!  What a sexy way to awaken the space, next to some ambient candle light.

(Above: Wedding Cake by CakeGirls; Tie by Burberry)

Make it Personal: When asked how heritage was reflected in her wedding style, Jewel responded by talking about one of my favorite topics: Food.  She told me that  “Food For Thought who did the catering, incorporated a Filipino appetizer called ‘lumpia‘ Filipino eggrolls.” A donation was also made to a charity to honor her deceased father.  Jewel walked down the aisle with a pinned cameo locket to her bouquet, bearing her father’s picture in it.

(Above: Reception at the Adler Planeterium; Catering by Food for Thought; Event Design by Stacy Saltzman of So Stacy; All flowers by Gretchen Harwood of Flora Chicago, Lighting by Sound Investment; All images by Vrai Photo)

The delightful nature of any engagement over 12 months, is the appearance of “enough time.”  It can diffuse the pressure to tackle all the elements of wedding planning all at once.  However, whether you’re engaged for 10 years or 10 days, planning a wedding can be stressful.  Then, when you add the challenges of sticking to a budget, you’ve got yourself  many inevitable reasons to get overwhelmed (this is why I love to close each real wedding feature with words of advice from someone who’s “been there, done that.”)

“Not every box may be checked off and not everything will go according to plan, but you just need to roll with it.  It ended up to be the wedding of our dreams.”

-Jewel, The Bride-

Through it all, Jewel and Adam were able to pull off the perfect wedding, with the help of Stacy Saltzman, their event planner.  Congratulations!  I would like to extend my deep gratitude to Kristina Carter for sending over these beautiful wedding photos.

Today’s real wedding, shot by the Kristina Carter of Vrai Photo, sums up why I share wedding stories.  Kristina’s work weaves passion, candid moments and fresh style into a  blanket of images that warms the soul like your favorite childhood memory.  Adding her to the Vendor J’Adore list was a “no brainer”, and you’re about to see why:

Amidst the towering boudoir of the Swiss Hotel in the windy city of Chicago, sits our heroine – Jewel and her entourage of Vera Wang clad maidens, awaiting the culmination of her two year engagement to Adam.

Setting: Chicago, IL

Heroine & Hero: Filipino American Bride – Jewel and her Caucasian American Beau – Adam

Colors: Blue & Chocolate

Scene #1: SOMETHING CHOCOLATE SOMETHING BLUE

(Above: Bridal Gown by Vera Wang; Bride’s Shoes by Manolo Blahnik; Bride’s Make up by Nicole Ventura; Bride’s hair by Lisa of  Blo Dri Salon; Bridal Jewelry from Alhambra collection by Van Cleef & Arpels; Flower girl’s dress by Fox N Lily; Bridesmaid’s dress by Vera Wang Style 23M15; Bridesmaids Shoes by Blue Tux Shoes; Flowers by Gretchen Harwood of Flora Chicago)

Scene #2: THE GROOM’S POSSE

(Above: Groom’s Tux by Calvin Klein via Men’s Wearhouse; Boutonniere by Flora Chicago )

An entourage of men in fine suits is always a great photo to take.  As if style weren’t enough, the attention to detail and overall cohesive vision was quite inspiring.  You’ll see how the grooms men’s tie come into play later on…

Scene #3:  I’LL BE AT THE ALTAR

In accordance with Jewel’s heritage, the couple incorporated traditional wedding customs from the Philippines into their ceremony.

I’ve talked before about Filipino wedding customs:  Typically, at the beginning of the ceremony the parents of both the bride and groom will light two candles, one on each side of the Unity Candle. These will later be used by the bride and groom to light the Unity Candle to symbolize the union of the two families. The lighting of the Unity Candle is used to invoke the light of Christ in their married life.

(Above: Ceremony at Old St. Patrick’s Church; Event Planning/ Design by Stacy Saltzman of So Stacy; Photos by Vrai Photo)

Two of the secondary sponsors  pin a veil to the to the shoulder of the groom and drape it over the bride’s head symbolizing their unity (being  “clothed as one”.)  Another set of sponsors places a white silk cord or “lasso” loosely around the necks of the bride and groom in a figure eight configuration, symbolizing a lifelong bond and everlasting fidelity between the bride and groom.

Once the sponsors have fastened the veil and draped the cord the groom gives the bride the arrhae (13 coins) that have been blessed by the priest.  Arrhae reflects the groom’s dedication to his bride’s well being and that of their future children.

For some gorgeous fashion inspiration brought to you by trend setting designers in the Philippines, visit here.  If you missed our previous real wedding feature with elements of lovely Filipino customs, read Aina & John’s wedding.

Coming up…Part 2 of Jewel and Adam’s wedding, later on today with some Burberry blue plaid, chocolate chic and stylish architecture in decor and detail.

Wednesday will be wild with romance and modern style, I promise.  Take a look at the real wedding we have in store for tomorrow.

I can’t wait.  Have a lovely Tuesday.

I’m besides myself with excitement over today’s dream palette request, inspired by the powerful and sensual dance of Flamenco.

Inspiration: Spanish Vogue

(Above: Photos by Alexi Lubomirski via Vogue Germany Dec ‘08)

Bride’s Story: Let me tell you about Mirabel.  After falling in love with Madrid during an exchange program, Texan native -Mirabel decided to take a job teaching English in a small village in the country side.  After moving into a remote cottage, she became quickly known among the townspeople as the English school teacher from the states.  Then, like the prologue to a juicy romance movie, she met and fell in love with the son of a local wine maker…and the rest is history.

Wedding Date: Their Spanish style wedding will be in Barcelona in the fall of 2011.

Bride’s Colors: Purple & Red

Dream Palette #72: FLAMENCO & FIERCE

Colors: Plum, Pomegranate, Fire Orange and Lilac

(Above: Boutonniere photo by Carlie Statsky via Rock ‘n Roll Bride; Flamenco dress by Melisa Lozano via here; Fan via Snappy Scrappy; Guitarist photo by Shawna Herring; Bride gown by Lila Couture; Stationery by Pancake & Franks; Table setting; Cake by Stephanie Williams Photography; Courtyard; Bouquet by Stephanie Williams Photography; Married Couple; Model with flower; Illustration by Britsketch)

Just another way to explore your sensual side.  For more ideas on Spanish Wedding Customs, visit here or here.  If you’d like to submit a dream palette request, email me.

Every single one of Eduard Erlikh’s illustrations enlivens the spirit, does an infectious tango with the soul…quite simply: Makes me wish I were a canvas.  It’s the colors, the silhouettes, the contrasts, the simple strokes that speak a thousand seams and languages.  As promised, here’s a destination dream palette inspired by his work.  Because seriously, doesn’t his work make you want to jet set to…well, anywhere?

Inspiration: ILLUSTRA-CHIC

(Above: Illustration by Eduard Erlikh)

Dream Palette #71: CARRIBEAN OASIS

Colors: Ocean blue, Green and Citrus Yellow

(Above:  Beachfront Estate by Brian K Crain Photography; Bride dress by Meiling; Strap heels by Allan David; Sugar cane by Brian K Crain Photography; Lemonade stand & Yellow/green napkins by Chris Lynn Photography; Stationery via Tha Hotness; Rum cake; Lemon drink by Jess Swazey; Fruit basket; Couple in shed photo by Leigh Miller via Green Wedding Shoes; Hat by Diva Delicious; Mojito cupcakes via Vegan  Yum Yum; Blue/green dress by Zadd and Eastman)

Have a wonderful Monday.

In the spirit of the Oscars last night, decked and adorned with more fabulous gowns and jewelry than Lady Gaga’s closet, I’m inspired this Monday by one of my favorite illustrators.

Russian born New Yorker, Eduard Erlikh is by far one of the most sought after fashion artists, whose work has graced the covers of Vogue & Marie Claire (just to name a few) showcasing the collections of many exclusive designers such as Lanvin and Yves Saint Laurent.

I believe that what’s in your closet reflects your personality, but what you actually wear reflects your mood. Like a color spectrum, our mood evolves and morphs based on many different factors.  That said, any one of these hues could reflect your wedding style.  Just because your “favorite color is blue,” doesn’t mean you can’t have a totally different-colored wedding.  The question then is, WHAT’S YOUR FLAVA?

Hot n’ Spicy

Fun n’ Energized

Classic n’ Sweet

Feminine n’ Flirty

Earthy n’ Bold

Timeless n’ Chic

(All images by © Eduard Erlikh)

Coming up later today, a destination dream palette inspired by Eduard Erlikh’s work.

…..Demi Moore in VERSACE.

Best Look Overall

I know, I know, there will be way too many hours spent by the pundits tomorrow debating over her neutral tones, cascading layers and safe neckline…so let me declare it now, while it’s still fresh in my mind. Demi Moore’s look in Versace was classy, subtle yet bold in texture, complement to her skin and fit.

Best Hair & Make Up

Best Dress

(All images via here)

Cameron in Oscar De La Renta stole the show for me.  She may not have been nominated, but her dress won my vote.  Good night.

I found this on a new favorite blog of mine that I’m spending way too many hours browsing: Beauty Is Diverse.

Here’s to a beautiful weekend filled with a diverse buffet of delicious inspiration.