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Q: I’d really like to keep my bridal party small, but how do I do that without offending any of the friends who have been by my side for years? Especially the ones who had me in their weddings?
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ASK THE EXPERT: HOW DO I KEEP MY BRIDAL PARTY SMALL WITHOUT OFFENDING MY FRIENDS?Posted by Alexandra Leshner on 8/14/2012 at 5:43PM | No Comments
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YOU’RE TOTALLY GOING TO WANT THIS: THE NEW VOGUE WEDDINGS BOOKWe know we do.Posted by Alexandra Leshner on 8/14/2012 at 4:43PM | No Comments
 Vogue Weddings will be out on October 30th. My obsession with coffee table books is no secret—in fact it’s quite obvious to anyone who steps foot in my house. But how could one not love these oversized, heavy-as-a-brick publications? They’re pretty to look at, perfect conversation pieces and double as décor for your living room. Now, thanks to the editors at Vogue, I will soon be able to indulge my passion for coffee table books and all things weddings simultaneously with VOGUE WEDDINGS: Brides, Dresses, Designers. This 372-page read is filled to the brim with romantic, colorful and awe-inspiring images (over 400 of them—both color and black-and-white from names like Annie Leibovitz, Helmut Newton, Steven Meisel, Bruce Weber, Irving Penn) that have appeared throughout the magazine during its 120-year history. |
LOCAL JEWELRY DESIGNER JOHN WIND’S NEW INITIAL STYLES MAKE THE PERFECT BRIDESMAID GIFTPosted by Alexandra Leshner on 8/8/2012 at 4:00PM | 2 Comments
 John Wind Inspired Initial jewelry; all photos courtesy John Wind. We’ve got the scoop on what we can safely say is currently our fave gift for brides to bestow upon their ‘maids. Bridesmaids are, after all, the good sports who fearlessly stand by your side from the engagement to the altar, and whose encouraging smiles never seem to fade despite every Bridezilla moment that leaves them shaking in their heels. Oftentimes, they’re nothing short of superheroes—so when it’s all said and done, it’s always a kind gesture to gift them a little token to show how much they mean to you. |
WHAT A BUSINESS-OWNER BRIDE SHOULD KNOW BEFORE TYING THE KNOTPosted by Alexandra Leshner on 8/3/2012 at 10:54AM | 1 Comment
 iStockphoto Here at PW, we’re always eager to pick the brains of our wedding experts for wise words and useful tips that will aid our brides throughout the planning process. Whether it’s the good, the bad or the ugly, we want you to be ready for every “what-if” so that your “I Do’s” go off without a hitch. Today’s lesson comes from Philadelphia attorney Randi Rubin who has offered up her sage advice for brides-to-be who also own their own business. Whether your business is a solo venture (run your own PR shop?) or you’ve got a partner (own a fabulous boutique with your best friend since grade school?), adding a groom into the mix can oftentimes be tricky (cue the not-so-romantic discussion about finances and the future). And while we don’t want to rain on anyone’s Big Day parade, it’s important for both you and your business to be prepared for any situation that can arise once you’ve got that ring on your finger. |
PURE BARRE’S NEW BRIDAL FITNESS PACKAGEThis is really quite the deal.Posted by Alexandra Leshner on 8/2/2012 at 12:51PM | No Comments
 The workout utilizes the ballet barre to stretch and tighten muscles. Photo from purebarre.com. Hey Philly brides, we’ve just gotten word of a super special offer that can pretty much guarantee your bod will be in tip-top shape for that walk down the aisle. Pure Barre—a fitness craze that combines ballet, yoga and pilates—has received rave reviews for its ability to sculpt long, lean muscles fast. (Students say that they actually see results in just 10 classes.) The effective routine targets your abs, thighs, arms and bum with small isometric movements that fatigue your muscles and and stretch them to toned perfection. With personalized attention and a few tunes to keep you motivated, the Pure Barre workout is a great way to slim down and look fabulous on your Big Day. Here’s where it gets exciting: Pure Barre now has a package for brides-to-be that gives you all of the benefits of the specialized workout at a discounted rate. The bridal bundle consists of three months of unlimited classes for $375, as opposed to the regular $600 price tag. To receive this offer, you’ve just got to show some photographic evidence of your betrothal—a pic of you and your guy, of the bling, or hey, if you have it, of the actual moment it happened!—and you’re on your way to being wedding dress ready! Pure Barre has two local locations, one at 17th and Walnut, and the other in Eagle Village Shops in Wayne |
ASK THE EXPERT: DO I HAVE TO INVITE ALL MY FEMALE WEDDING GUESTS TO MY SHOWER?Posted by Alexandra Leshner on 7/31/2012 at 2:39PM | No Comments
 Digital Vision Q: Do I have to invite all of my female wedding guests to my bridal shower, or can I keep it limited to close family and friends? |
HAND-PAINTED, CUSTOM-DESIGNED WATERCOLOR WEDDING INVITATIONSFrom a local artist here in Philly.Posted by Alexandra Leshner on 7/27/2012 at 11:05AM | 4 Comments
 All photos courtesy Allison Krosnick. The date and location have been booked, your guest list is finalized, and it’s now time to get creative with the all-important invitations and save-the-dates.We realize you’ve already got endless options to choose from, between the color and style and font and paper weight and all that jazz—but we just have to tell you about our latest stationery discovery: Allison Krosnick of Hand-Painted Weddings. |
FIND GORGEOUS VINTAGE BRIDAL ACCESSORIES AT THE KATACOMB IN PHILADELPHIAPosted by Alexandra Leshner on 7/25/2012 at 11:12AM | No Comments
 A sparkly headpiece is a beautiful way to incorporate a little something vintage into your Big Day. As Philadelphia’s burgeoning fashion scene continues to gain recognition, celebrated stylist and interior designer Brooke Dillon is making waves as Center City’s go-to gal for everything vintage. In her latest venture, Brooke has relocated her chic, appointment-only showroom (formerly in Rittenhouse Square) to its new outpost at 12th and Locust. The Katacomb: Vintage & Interiors houses Brooke’s exquisite collection of ready-to-wear vintage consignment, accessories and décor—all of which have been hand-selected during her extensive world travels. In the boutique’s relaxed and private atmosphere, the couture connoisseur provides her clients with exclusive access to one-of-a-kind pieces (think gorgeous silk-lined coats and intricate pencil skirts) from high-end designers such as Chanel, Dior, YSL and Prada. |
HAIRSTYLIST ETTORE MASTRODDI JOINS RICHEL D’AMBRA SPA & SALON AT THE RITZ-CARLTON PHILADELPHIAPosted by Alexandra Leshner on 7/16/2012 at 4:11PM | No Comments
 Ettore Mastroddi at work. Here in the City of Brotherly Love, there’s no shortage of incredibly talented folks who know a thing or two about beautifying a bride for her wedding day—and two of them have just joined forces. Hairstylist to the stars and South Philly native Ettore Mastroddi, who has been wowing clients—many of them brides—for decades (nearly the past two of them as the owner of Ettore Salon & Spa) in the biz, has taken his shears and expertise to the well-loved Richel D’Ambra Spa & Salon (owned by his old friend Richel D’Ambra) inside the Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia. Mastroddi, who, spurred by his 50th birthday, was looking to make a change, and D’Ambra, who recently renovated her entire spa and salon from the lobby to the locker rooms, ran into each other one day on Broad Street, started chatting, and soon after, decided to team up. |
HOW TO FEED YOUR WEDDING VENDORSThey need to eat during your wedding, too!Posted by Alexandra Leshner on 7/13/2012 at 11:27AM | No Comments
 Stockbyte While feeding your wedding guests is a no-brainer, it’s easy to overlook the people behind the scenes who are in attendance for your Big Day. You know—the wedding planner, photographer, the DJ or members of the band and other vendors who are on-hand—often, for hours and hours—to make sure everything goes off without a hitch. We came across this Washington Post article written by a wedding photographer who has experienced the highs and lows of reception food offerings. In some cases, she’s been included in the catering head count and in others, she’s not been fed at all. So this got us thinking: What’s the best way to go about feeding the vendors who are present during your day? |
