LOLLIA + BLUE
February 18, 2012 at 10:56 pm | the dish | No comment
The latest addition at our Blue Bridal Castle Rock location are the wonderfully cute and deliciously smelling Lollia candles, soaps, hand creams and bubble baths. They are the perfect gift item to pamper your bridal party, or for yourself. Stop into Blue soon and take a look!
{ photo by steve stanton photography }
{ photo by adam and imthiaz photography }
DECISIONS, DECISIONS
February 18, 2012 at 10:30 pm | the dish | No comment
{adam and imthiaz photography}
Shopping for a wedding gown is generally one of the most exciting events in an entire lifetime, which is the very same reason it can be completely overwhelming! There are many suggestions as to where to begin and the possibilities are endless.
“Straps or strapless?”
“What shape is going to make my waist stand out?”
“I don’t want to look like a cake topper, how do I manage that and still look like a bride!”
The easiest way to find a starting point, in our opinion, is by identifying how you want to FEEL. Do you want to feel glamorous, sleek and sophisticated? Do you want to feel fun, dramatic and unique? Do you want to feel like a bohemian Colorado flower child, a fairy, a princess, a fairy princess? Think about how you want to feel, and let your stylist know! Once you have identified that, it’s much easier to narrow down silhouettes, and straps, and lace, and beading, and all the other variables without really having to think about each individual decision. You will realize which details you like gradually, while always having the feel you were going for.
If you already have chosen your venue and are in the process of choosing your gown, let your venue complement your gown, do not let your venue choose your gown! If you are getting married in the mountains outside of Denver, it may be nice to have a very simple lace dress with a shorter train if that is the feel you are going for. In contrast, a bright blue sky is also an amazing backdrop for a fun and fabulous gown with asymmetrical pleating and crystal details, which will make the gown pop even more! It’s your day, there are no rules, and you can never be overdressed because you are the bride!
Another great point to keep in mind is that it’s never too early to start looking! Most designers can take anywhere from four to eight months to actually make your gown from the time you place your order. Add to that, your time frame for trying on enough gowns to make a comfortable decision, several weeks for alterations, and you can see, the earlier you can start looking, the better!
Many bridal boutiques offer trunk shows at the beginning of each season, which is a great opportunity to preview a huge selection of wedding dresses from a specific designer before they are actually available in stores, and many will offer a discount if an order is placed during a trunk show! This is a wonderful opportunity for any bride, no matter how far along she is in the gown selection process. Sample sales are another great time to snag beautiful gowns at ridiculously low prices as the bridal store is making room for the new season. As a general rule, sample sales generally happen towards the end of the calendar year, in either November or December.
The good news is, once your wedding dress is ordered, you have plenty of time to wrap up the other details such as your wedding accessories. Shoes, veils and jewelry usually only take a couple of months in production, so you will have the most time to make those choices. Bridesmaids tend to take a little longer, so it’s good to get started on those as soon as you know what you will be wearing. Keep in mind, depending on how many girls you have in your bridal party, and how many procrastinators you are friends with, it may take some extra time. Most bridal stores will wait to place a maids order until the entire bridal party has placed their order so all the gowns will be cut from the same dye lot.
In our experience girls tend to procrastinate far less than boys do with their tuxedos. Boys tend to be much more last minute if left to their own devices (can you say two days before the wedding anyone?) Most boutiques will get your bridal parties info and do the reminder phone calls for you (preventing any two day before the wedding orders,) so make sure to let them take care of it for you if this is a service they offer. It’s easier for everyone involved, and its one less thing for you to worry about! The easier you can make things on yourself, the better.
Remember ladies, there are no rules on your wedding day other than for you to make amazing memories and HAVE FUN! Although it can be overwhelming, try to enjoy the processes because it is the one, if not the only time in your life where you get to decide everything and nobody can argue with you! Well, they can argue with you, but you don’t have to listen!
TOP TEN 2011
December 31, 2011 at 9:41 pm | the dish | No comment
With 2011 coming to a close, we thought it would be fun to revisit some of our favorite events from the past year. Here is just a small list of some of the moments we wanted to remember:
When we decided to do our first annual gown giveaway last January, we knew it was going to be fun, but we had no idea how much fun it would be! Our winner Jodi, still stops by the shop on occasion just to say hi and thank us for giving her the opportunity to win her dress! We think we had just as much fun, if not more, calling Jodi to let her know the good news! Here’s a pic of the gorgeous Mrs. Jodi on her wedding day!
How could we forget our simply todiefor photo shoot with Steve Stanton Photography. We are still trying to get over the breathtaking elegance captured on this shoot, showcasing some of our absolute fave Tara Keely gowns! This one may just be our favorite photo shoot of all time.
Here is Emily, our bride who came in to be a model-for-a-day! After she ordered her dress, we called her up and invited her to leave her day job and join us for a photo shoot showcasing some of our newest gowns for 2011! We had a blast working with Laura Murray Photography, and our gorgeous La Sposa gowns! Emily ordered a La Sposa gown, but we can’t tell you which one! You will be able to see her actual wedding photos soon, but you can bet she will be just as gorgeous in her own gown. Thanks Emily!!
The fave photo of a Tara Keely gown, taken by Kelli Hunt Photography at Estes Park. This photo really showcases the gorgeous backdrop that Colorado brides are so lucky to have! Not to mention, we still can’t get over how cute that little umbrella is!
We were so honored to be included in the first issue of Aspen Bride Magazine! Here is just a peek, but you can read the rest of the article in the “buzz” section of our website. Photo by adam & imthiaz photography.
A stunning fall-inspired weekend photo shoot, with the talented duo adam & imthiaz photography!
Meeting our favorite new designer for 2012 was definitely a moment to remember. Here is a picture from bridal fashion week when we met Miss Hayley Paige for the first time during the unveiling of her collection! We are so proud to be the exclusive retailer for Hayley Paige in Colorado. We had so much fun when she joined us in Denver for our first Hayley Paige trunk show, and we can’t wait until she can come back again for future shows! We love you Hayley!!!
Best photo shoot by an intern! This styled photo shoot was organized from top to bottom by our lovely intern Alex, and boy were we sad to see her go…come back Alex! Alex is back in Oklahoma now working as a buyer, but luckily we still have these photo shoot memories!
Gown: Rivini “Azalia” $4,445 Ivory
Shoes: Benjamin Adams “Charlize” Swarovski Crystal peep-toe platform $375
Headpiece: Bride’s Head Revisited “105c” crystal and pearl comb $150
Photographer: Angie Wilson
Model: Victoria at Wilhelmina Denver
Hairstyling: Hilary Hackney Hilahac2000@gmail.com
Makeup: makeup by janine
Bridal Bouquet: Bella Fiori Events
What a fun, whimsical photo from adam & imthiaz photography! We love how they always seem to capture those unexpected shots, and yet still showcase the gown and the bride perfectly!
Finally, we can’t forget our Style Me Pretty feature!!! Featuring gowns by Pronovias and Tara Keely by Lazaro and accessories by local designer Sara Gabriel, we love how it all came together.
Photography: Laura Murray Photography / Flowers + Event Design: Pink Posey Design / Location: Villa Parker Cultural & Event Center / Invitations: Dear Emma / Hair + Make-up: Aphrodite Affairs / Wedding Dress: Courtesy of Blue Bridal Boutique / Linens: Event Rents Denver / Wedding Cake: Kelley Kakes
HAPPY 2012!!!
PHOTO FAVES!
May 25, 2011 at 6:04 pm | the dish | No comment
We are going to be celebrating our second anniversary in the next few months, so we thought it would be fun to revisit some of our favorite photo shoots from the last couple of years. We have had the chance to work with so many talented people, it doesn’t seem fair to only show the pictures once! Ahh, memories. Here are just a few of our faves:
{An impromptu shot taken by Adam Houseman as the models take the escalator, getting ready for our very first fashion show at Blue!}
{One of our brides, Emily, came back to play dress-up after finding her own bridal gown at Blue by the same designer! Photo by Laura Murray, gowns by La Sposa, and birdcage veil by Bride’s Head Revisited.}
{A styled shoot by Kelli Hunt Photography in Estes Park featuring a Tara Keely by Lazaro bridal gown and Benjamin Adams bridal shoes.}
{Styled shoot at the Manor House by photographer Dawn Sparks, featuring a gown by Aire Barcelona and accessories by Bride’s Head Revisited.}
{One of our all-time favorite shoots featuring a Tara Keely by Lazaro bridal gown in black! Photos by Adam & Imthiaz Photography.}
PHOTO SHOOT MAKE-UP
April 28, 2011 at 10:27 pm | the dish | No comment
Check out this recent blog by Sarah Betsy from a photo shoot that we did awhile back featuring a Tara Keely by Lazaro gown. It was one of our favorite photo shoots to date, and it’s fun to see it from the make-up artist’s perspective as well:
While I did the make-up for this photo shoot, I must say all the credit goes to the amazing photographers, Adam and Imthiaz. I mean, seriously. Have you ever seen a tree look this amazing? It’s ridiculous.
I used all MAC make-up on this shoot. I usually like to use a combo of all my favorite brands, but it just worked out that everything this time was from MAC. Yogi was our model and her skin is amazing, but I used MAC’s strobe cream to really draw even more attention to her natural glow. A combination of neutral shadows stayed in place all day with the use of MAC paint as an eye shadow primer. The paint color I used was “stilife,” which is a pale peach shimmery shade, and could easily be worn alone as an everyday, stay-put shadow, rather than a primer. Used as an eye-shadow primer though, I have to say, it doesn’t come off until you take it off and, neither does any eye shadow you put over it.
For the lashes, I used a No. 7 lash, which MAC describes as “everyday glamorous.” Then I added two coats of mascara to help blend the false lash with the natural lash. For eyeliner, I used fluidline gel liner on the top lashes and smudged some of the same eyeshadow I used in the crease of the eyelid underneath the bottom of the eyelashes for softer definition (color: satin taupe.) On the lips I used a combo of Viva Glam V lipstick, and Pink Poodle lipglass. Yogi brought her own body bronzing gel to give the rest of her skin that lovely glow.
PHOTO SHOOT!
March 4, 2011 at 6:55 pm | the dish | No comment
Flowers, gowns, luscious lashes, oh my! What makes us happier than seeing photos from a photo shoot with a & i photography? Not much, we have to say. Here are just a couple of the gor-geous results from the latest photo shoot we were lucky enough to participate in with a & i !
ANYTHING BUT ORDINARY
February 25, 2011 at 11:15 pm | the dish | No comment
Neutrals have always been a bridal make-up staple, but that doesn’t mean you have to feel boring on your big day. Try a new take on neutral for your big day, or a big date, and go for an updated khaki color on your eyes. Khaki and taupe are flattering on absolutely any skin-tone, and the new formulations with just a touch of shimmer, make this jazzed up neutral exciting! You can go for an understated look and opt for a sheer wash of light khaki on lids, and offset the muted eye with a pop of color on your lips. Or, you can keep the focus on your eyes by adding a darker shade of the same hue in the crease of your eyelid and along your bottom lash line. Pop some falsies on your lashes and some black liquid liner, and you’ve got a smoky eye fit for a blushing bride!
TOP TEN 2010
December 31, 2010 at 11:08 pm | the dish | No comment
With the year coming to a close, we thought it would be the perfect time to revisit some of our favorites from the past year. From our favorite gowns and trends, to our favorite photo shoots, here is our top ten list from 2010:
Here is one of our all time favorite photos by adam & imthiaz photographers. This gorgeous La Sposa gown was worn by our bridal stylist, Desiree, on the bar at Coyote Ugly! Props to both Desiree and a&i for capturing such a fun and funky shot!
Blue Bridal’s signature “something blue” statement piece…blue shoes!
Our favorite contemporary detail in 2010…peacock! We still can’t get enough! Thankfully there are so many crafty folks out there with the same obsession that we were able to quench our lust for this playful and vibrant feather phenomenon! We are thrilled to be getting in some peacock hair accessories by local designer, Sara Gabriel in 2011!
Our all time favorite photo from 2010 is definitely this shot of the Tara Keely by Lazaro finale dress in black. Genius gown, genius photo. {photo by adam & imthiaz photography}
Our Marie Antoinette inspired photo shoot featured the Tara Keely by Lazaro gown as seen in the little black dress photo shoot, but pictured here in ivory with the coordinating bolero. {photo by adam & imthiaz photography}
The La Sposa “Linda” gown as seen on the Style Me Pretty blog. Kitschy and classic, love.
Best. Cupcakes. Ever. The lovelies at Intricate Icings (as seen on the Food Network) dazzled us with this gorgeous cake adorned with our logo along with our signature colors. This is a photo from one of our favorite trunk shows this year, when we were able to sample their yummy cake pops as well as their best selling zucchini lime cupcakes with lemon curd and cream cheese icing…yum!! We all gained a pound or two that night from all the goodies, but it was soo worth it!
Hands-down our favorite pair of shoes. These Swarovski crystal beauties are like the ruby slippers we always wanted, but could never have. Retailing for $375 and $360, with duchesse silk and scattered Swarovski crystals, they are an investment. But if you ask us, it’s a small price to pay to bring a fairy tale to life, especially on a day that is supposed to be like your own personal fairy tale! {photo by laura murray photography}
One of the most exciting things we get to do each season is pack our bags and head to market in NYC to see the latest and greatest from our favorite designers. This year was no different, we had a blast! The gowns pictured below are from the Tara Keely by Lazaro trunk show.
Our biggest thrill in 2010 was definitely moving into our new space in the Pavilions downtown. With quadruple the space and six additional fitting rooms, it was a huge move and we couldn’t be happier we took the leap! Thanks to all of our lovely brides and our amazing designers for being the biggest and best part of our fantastic year! Cheers to an even better year in 2011! {photo by adam & imthiaz photography}
