Ties anyone?

So I don't know about you but I am all about anything unique and gorgeous and I have to say that this is not just a brilliant idea but a wonderful way to recycle as well. These dreses would be an awesome choice for the off beat bride, or even for the bride that wants her bridesmaids decked out along with her...I think they are gorgeous and you sure as heck would not have to worry about how unique you are, as the dresses say it all :). Enjoy and take a look at www.etsy.com/shop/glamarita for more. Personally I couldn't get enough :). Thanks Ronnie for such a great treat.

Ethnic wedding?

Being of African decent myself, I thought it would be great fun to find ways to infuse our ethnic cultures into that special day. So for the ethnic bride or groom, here are some fun ways to infuse your big day with your culture or at the very least I hope you find some inspiration in these pictures I found, as they inspired me :).

Claire Pettibone Unique goodness!

Hi Ladies, looking for some unusual bridal gowns? Take a look at these. I am such a fan of Claire Pettibone because of the risks she takes with her designs. I thought you might enjoy checking out the beautiful and unusual designs in her collection. Check her out at http://www.clairepettibone.com/ . I think it is awesome how she infuses a bunch of different elements in her designs to create flair and personality. I am especially loving her couture and rock n roll bride collection. Share your thoughts and enjoy!

An Irregular Choice for the Irregular Bride

I thought I would introduce you to these awesome shoes made by the company Irregular Choice. I can’t tell you how amazing and creative their designs are, and how perfect I think they are for the whimsical or offbeat bride.
So if you are looking to infuse a touch of whimsy or a splash of fun and color into your already stylish wedding or if you are just looking for something unusual with which to express yourself, these just might be the shoes for you. Check them out at www.irregularchoice.com . Enjoy!!!

I bet you didn't know you wanted one till now...

I think it is the brilliantly unusual accessory for the unusual bride. These are designed and made by Nicole Deponte, who is often found hidden amongst her flowers, always sewing, and most certainly accompanied by her beloved mutt, Mon Chere (‘Monkey’ for short).

Get this- they are all made out of recycled vintage neck ties of assorted styles as you can see below. Among the various beauties you will find whimsical ascots, vests, ruffle cuffs as well as necklaces I bet you have never seen anywhere before - all in varied colors and textures.
Nicole will make any of these items especially for you as needed. She takes orders through her website and will be happy to do so for all your wedding needs, including your stylish groomsmen. The coolest thing I discovered when I spoke with her was that she will even make orders with ties you supply and accommodate pretty much any color scheme you prefer, if you find your tie collection lacking. The options are endless, and let's be honest- who doesn't want to be stylish and unique as well as environmentally friendly :)? It is a win-win from where I am standing and I love it. Thanks Nicole for the lovely gift of creativity!! Check out the rest of her stuff at http://www.nicoledeponte.com/ Enjoy!

Something White? How about color?

I was never one of those girls that dreamed about what she wanted her wedding to look like. In fact I wasn't too sure that marriage was for a girl like me. I was constantly told how impossible I was and how no man would take me for a wife - because he would have more trouble with me than anyone would want. In my effort to cope I learned to make peace with the idea that I was probably never going to meet a man that would want a woman as opinionated, imperfect, odd, strong, and independent as I am. Somewhere along the way, it also occured to me that maybe it was just as well since I would probably make a horrible bride. I didn't really see myself in the long white veil, or the big white puffy dress. I was 200% sure that I would not be able or willing to have a wedding that was filled with a bunch of conventions that were part of someone else’s ‘tradition' since I am not one to do anything that has no meaning to me. I was sure that if I did get married, I would feel like an impostor if it had to be done the 'traditional' way.

Today I am 33 and I still have not walked down the aisle, but several things have changed since then. I have learned to love my offbeat self, and that these quirks and oddities make me unique in ways that are refreshing (even to men)–who knew? I am not sure my mother is convinced of this yet, but I'm working on it :) … I have learned that I am free to be exactly who I am and that I can and should translate that to pretty much anything and everything I do. And surprisingly, I have learned that I am really not as immune to the idea of walking down the aisle as I thought I was; I just needed to know that it could be done my way.

So to that end this blog is dedicated to you girls like me who know that what you want may not be the norm, but that it is true to who you are. There are also you girls out there who are just figuring out what your off-beatness looks like and I share this blog with you as well.
As an artist who is also now a wedding planner, I am honored with the opportunity to inspire the people I work with to be themselves on one of the most important days of their lives. I mean, let's face it, your life partner deserves to experience the real you on this of all days. He/ she deserves the real you all the time, but without a doubt, on your wedding day - and frankly, so do you. I know that the wedding is only the beginning of the rest of the story, but I firmly believe that it is worth celebrating with authenticity because how we start anything informs the journey that follows. As an artist, creativity and personal-expression are a part of who I am, so how could I be true to anything if I couldn't honor that part of me?

My hope is that you will all find inspiration here not only to be true to yourselves in every day life, but to accomplish that unapologetically on the day you yourselves are blessed to walk down the aisle with the love of your life: in complete freedom, with your own unique beauty and great joy–fearlessly. As for me, I fully intend to do just that and will let you know when that day comes :)! In the meantime, I am happy to cheer you on as you get closer to your walk down the aisle.
Cheers!!!