A Spring State of Mind

Like a lot of people, I sure am looking forward to spring this year. I think that's clearly obvious when you see the cover to our new issue, due out in Australia next Wednesday, the 8th of September. Bursting with colour, it really is our prettiest yet. So, keep your eyes peeled next week, our new issue is full of all the inspiring theming ideas you have come to expect together with the best real weddings from around the world.



I'll post some sneak peeks a bit later in the week to keep you in that spring state of mind.

Posted by Jane Cameron

Island Adventure

The uber-lovely Collette Dinnigan celebrated the launch of her 2010 Resort Collection on Saturday 21st August with a show at Audi Hamilton Island Race Week. The Hamptons High Tea collection was unveiled at the Long Pavillion at luxury resort Qualia during an invitation only event. The collection, channeling silver screen vintage glamour, offered elegantly suggestive shapes with full skirted dresses of silk and pure cottons, ruffled swimsuits and cheeky playsuits. This year Collette is celebrating her 20th year in business so we wish all the lovely people at Collette Dinniagn a very happy 20th birthday!

I spent the weekend just been in Sydney wedding dress shopping with my dear friend Amie who is getting married next year. I'm super excited to be her bridesmaid and it so happens we've fallen madly in love with a couple of Collette Dinnigan dresses that would make amazing bridesmaid dresses. We paid a visit to Collette's Paddington boutique and if you haven't poppped in before I suggest you do. Simply beautiful! The only problem you'll face is narrowing down your favourites. Her pieces are all simply divine! Visit www.collettedinnigan.com.au for boutique and stockist details.










Photography by Andrea Francolini

Posted by Emilie Harrison

Hankey Blankeys

I don't know about you, but I think this is a fantastic idea - a blankey made out of hankerchiefs from Made By Mosey in Melbourne. This would make a wonderful keepsake if you asked all guests to your bridal shower to bring along a hankey as a gift. Of course, you'd need to give everyone a colour palette to ensure everything matched, but it would be a lovely way to remember everyone who shared in that day.





There are countless other beautiful and original items including ever-so-sweet mini bunting at Made by Mosey so do have a look.

Posted by Jane Cameron

Take a Number

Love these cute Letterpress Number Clips from UK company Present and Correct. At £9.50 + shipping to Australia for a tub of 4, they'd make organising easy.





Posted by Jane Cameron

Dog Days of Summer Party

Jennifer and I had the pleasure of hosting a end of summer cocktail party for wedding industry at the Roger Williams a couple of days ago. On a hot August afternoon I came up with the theme of "Dog Days". The name comes from the ancient belief that Sirius, also called the Dog Star, is responsible for the hot weather due to its close proximity to the sun at this time. We used the theme for the invite and asked our friends at Levy Lighting project the constellation on the hotel's massive limestone walls.

From left to right, me!, Jennifer and our friend Francesca Abbracciamento worked to bring the team (and theme!) of the event to fruition.

From left to right: Co-host/photographer Kathi Littwin took all these great images; co-host Ceci Johnson created the cool invite; me; Shalu Sharma brought the team together from The Roger; and co-host Francesca rallied us all the make it happen.

I love the cool space of the Roger, check out the guest rooms for your next room block; or the roof deck on a sunny day!

Lewis Miller of LMD designed the gorgeous flowers, and co-host Armani provided the Dolci!

See what I mean about dreamy?

Jason Fioto of Generation Events and the happiest DJ alive, spun tunes for us while drinks and bites were served by the Roger.

Levy Lighting provided their cool new interactive bar surface -- you touch the tabletop and roses (or any other image you like) spring up.
Wedding Library ladies Michelle and Allie keep track of guests!

Ira Levy with Francesca.

The invite. A great way to kick-off the fall season!

Tea Party

Every now and then I am lucky enough to receive a lovely little something that brightens my day. I've been so busy overseeing the printing of our Spring Issue and working on photo shoots for our Summer Issue, it was lovely to come back to my desk and find a pretty pink package waiting for me. Inside was a beautiful teacup and saucer, a selection of boutique teas and a lovely note from Jessica at Cristina Re introducing the High Tea Collection.



Of course I already know all about this great new range as we are featuring Cristina in our upcoming gift registry story. Keep your eyes peeled, our Spring Issue hits the shelves very soon so you too can read all about Cristina and her positively-pretty products. I'll post a preview of the cover next week – I guarantee it will get you in a sunshine state of mind!

Posted by Jane Cameron

Duff's Day

I'm officially a sucker for celebrity weddings. Considering there are so many at the moment I'm definitely getting my fix. A wedding that's been high on my 'to see' list was that of Hilary Duff and Mike Comrie. They wed on August 15 in front of 100 family and friends at a private 1920's estate in Santa Barbara. Hilary chose a custom designed Vera Wang gown, Christian Louboutin heels and borrowed jewels from Van Cleef & Arpels. Wedding planner extrodinaire Mandy Weiss created a homage to the couples Southern roots with an organic touch kept simple in soft colours. If you're keen to check out more pics the story is featured in the current issue of Ok! magazine.



Posted by Emilie Harrison

A Road Less Travelled

I can't imagine there would be many soul's out there who wouldn't love to have a Kate Spade laid table. Expanding her New York home collection, Kate has created 3 pretty new collections of bone china, crystal and silver giftware which include Gardner Street (dinnerware, crystal & giftware), Larabbe Road Platinum and Baby Makes Three. Drawing inspiration from the lifestyle of the 1960's it perfectly matches gorgeous embellishments with delicately inlade designs. Visit www.waterfordwedgwood.com.au for all collection details and to find your nearest stockist. We agree this would make the perfect addition to a wedding registry so be sure to ask your registry supplier if it's available.


Larabee Road platinum dinnerward collection 5-piece place setting $349


Gardner Stree platinum dinnerware collection 5-piece place setting $349


Gardner Street large crystal bowl $299


Gardner Street silver giftware collection starting from $99

Posted by Emilie Harrison

Sneak Peek!

Here's a sneak peek at some of the drool worthy gowns we shot yesterday as part of our summer fashion feature. Although it was pouring down to the max we were warm in our lovely new studio. To think we're shooting summer and it's not even spring yet! Can't wait for the summer issue to hit the shelves but keep your eyes peeled for our spring issue, which hits the shelves on the 8th September. Out biggest and best issue yet!



Posted by Emilie Harrison

Oh So Coco

There's something about a truly gorgeous wedding video that really stirs your emotions. On Wed 9 June model Coco Rocha wed Interior Designer James Conran in a beautiful wedding held at Chateau Challain in the Loire Valley, France. Not only was the location completely breathtaking but her dress, by designer Zac Posen was jaw dropping. That is my dream dress right there! Coco was lovely enough to share two versions of her wedding video, by American Cinema, on her blog Oh So Coco. I've supplied you with the shorter version below however if you'd like to view the longer version visit her blog at ohsococo.blogspot.com. I can guarantee you would have seen nothing like it before. She also shared a sneak peak of her stationery and dress below. Fit for a Chateau wedding most definitely!

Coco + James // Teaser from Americana Cinema on Vimeo.

Posted by Emilie Harrison

Because We Said So

Sometimes I find myslef wondering how we ever managed to get by without the internet. I can't imagine how difficult it would be to plan a wedding without it. It's made hunting for suppliers, planning the big day and keeping friends up to date with all the ins and outs easy peasy. Websites like SaySo Weddings have helped put the fun back in to planning that special day for many couples. They offer a supplier directory enabling readers to chat directly with suppliers and other brides. You can even start your own wedding blog and take part in their regular competitons and giveaways. The incentives are endless! Visit www.sayso.com.au to find out what the fuss is all about.



Posted by Emilie Harrison

Etsy Find

Lil Missi's etsy store has some really sweet wedding stationery accessories that you can customise in a range of colours and patterns to suit your wedding.


Personalised Cocktail Stirs or Cupcake Flags $30USD for 50 + postage


Personalised Matches, $20USD for 20 + postage


Custom Chair Signs, $15USD for set of 2 + postage

Posted by Emma Henderson

Shoe In

I've spent the last couple of days in Sydney meeting with some of our fabulous suppliers and hunting for the newest and most gorgeous bits and pieces. I made a stop at Joanne Panzarino's simply gorgeous salon in Balmain and was blown away. Her salon is simply gorgeous. Soft colours, beveled edge mirrors, cabinets, tables and of course racks of breathtaking gowns. Joanne is most certainly a lady with fabulous taste! One thing I did notice during my visit was her lovely collection of shoes. Stylish white/ivory shoes are sometimes hard to come by so if these are on your list do yourself and favour and make a stop at her salon located at 1 Birchgrove Road, Balmain. Visit www.joannepanzarino.com to make an appointment!





Posted by Emilie Harrison

Silverama

If a white or ivory gown isn't your thing and you're after something a little sexy and sophisticated then this Oscar de la Renta gown has your name all over it! The hammered silk-crepe skirt with fishtail train would give such an elegant silhouette. Although sold out on Net-A-Porter there is a chance they'll get more so get in touch with them at www.net-a-porter.com if you'd like to make an enquiry.


Silk-satin draped gown £3,839

Posted by Emilie Harrison

Top Tier

There's something so beautiful about a Collette Dinnigan gown. The fabrics are exquisite, the detailing is beyond detailed the cut and fit of the gowns are perfect. Everytime one of her gowns arrives here at the Style Guide studio we ooohhh and aaahhh like a pack of over zealous teenagers. Her new collection, which should be hitting the shelves early September, is true Dinnigan style. Super pretty, romantic and modern all at the same time. It also pays to know Miranda Kerr recently wore a Collette Dinnigan gown when she wed Brit Orlando Bloom. Apparantly she had four gowns sent to her from Collette's archives. Ah-mazing! Visit www.collettedinnigan.com.au for contact details and collection updates.



Posted by Emilie Harrison