California Country Wedding

I must be craving a bit of country fresh air at the moment, because all the weddings i am drawn to are set in the countryside. This next wedding is completely country chic, and featured one of those infamous long winding dinner tables. Gorg-eous !!! So many details i love... the rustic "keys to a happy marriage", the vases of flowers hanging from the tress, the brides fur shrug, the open fire.... aawwwww .... so pretty.

All images by Larissa Cleveland Photography

Champagne Coupe

I think i'm in a retro funk at the moment. Between my obsession with cane peacock chairs, one piece catsuits and Bridgette Bardot bouffants... i'm now adding Champagne coupes to that list.

The uber-chic open-lip, rounded glasses are said to be inspired by Marie Anoinette's breast and actually came into Vogue in the 1930's. Now-a-days they are mainly used for weddings as a dramatic and elegant display for a Champagne tower. But for me, i love their classic glamour and would use them any day of the week.

The problem with these beauties is that over the years the general taste of Champagne has changed, from sweet carbonated Champagnes to mostly dry less fizzy varieties of today. And, since the broad area of the coupe allows the liquid to lose its carbonation quickly, something that dry champagnes do not sit well with, the usage of these classy glassy's has become a Champagne no-no !! But to heck with that !!! The glamour of them far out-weights the practicality of them.

Row 1: Martha Stewart

Row 2: Hip Hip Gin Gin, ChampagneMacarons

Row 3: Lucky Mag, Martha Stewart

Row 4: Style Notes, Marie Antoinette

Row 5: Elizabeth Ann Designs, Elizabeth Messina, Elizabeth Ann Designs

Row 6: Blue Fruit Design

Row 7: James Christianson, Kristin Vining, Wikipedia

Melissa Sweet Iris/Bardot Gown

Every time i think i've found my all time favourite gown, along comes another amazing creation. Today i'm adding this Melissa Sweet design to my cache of 'loves'. It is from her Fall 2011 collection and actually consists of two parts, "Iris" the bustier, and "Bardot" the skirt. The bustier is made of embroidered net which is gently gathered at the bust line, and the "Bardot" skirt is bias bands of organza which creates a ripple pattern on the long skirt with a slight train at the back. Add a chic mother-of-pearl bib necklace, like the runway look, and you are well on your way to having the hottest wedding in town. Completely swooning !!

Bustier cost: $2,475 US

Skirt cost: $3,475 US

Melissa Sweet "Iris/Bardot" is available at Priscilla of Boston