Bridal Boutique
With modern European styles mixed with traditional looks. This designer is dominating the bridal landscape. Blue Enzoani offers a beautiful modern style mixed in with an unforgettable classic look. [Read more…] about Designer Spotlight: Blue By Enzoani at Ashley & Alexandria’s Bridal Boutique
We’ve all run into an imaginative rut when thinking of gifts for our loved ones. There’s even more pressure when you’re shopping for your groom, especially if it’s for a present he’ll open on the day that you’re getting married. If you decide to honor the tradition of surprising him with a groom’s gift on your wedding day, it should be a bit more special than your average birthday goodie. But don’t stress! We’re here to make your hunt for the perfect present as easy as possible. [Read more…] about Awesome Groom’s Gifts for Your Future Husband
Fall weddings have been gaining popularity over the last few years, and for good reasons! Autumn celebrations offer unique color palettes, seasonal ingredients, and bold florals. We asked two top wedding planners—Shannon Leahy and Beth Helmstetter—to share the benefits that come with choosing a fall wedding date. Here, the two pros share their top five.
You’ll get unforgettable photos.
It’s no secret that fall foliage provides a vibrant backdrop for your wedding photos. Highlight the colorful leaves by taking photos beneath voluminous trees, incorporate pumpkins or leaves into your photos, or taking advantage of the fall breeze that makes your veil flow during your portrait session. “In the Northeast you see all the beautiful oranges and yellows of the maples,” Leahy says. “The aspens in the mountains of Colorado and Wyoming are on fire—it’s a stunning time of year for outdoor photos!”
It’s the perfect time of year for an outdoor ceremony or reception.
“You can typically count on cooler temperatures and less direct sunlight, which is amazing for guest comfort. They get to be fully present for the ceremony rather than thinking about how hot they are or if the sun is in their eyes,” says Helmstetter. Leahy agrees, adding that your guests will appreciate being able to spend time outdoors without feeling hot and sticky. “No one wants to be sweating through their formal attire, so waiting until the fall ensures that your guests will enjoy an outdoor wedding in the crisp cool air.” [Read more…] about 5 Benefits of Having a Fall Wedding, According to Professional Planners
The anticipation when you start to open a wedding gift is high: Will the contents of the box be that deluxe coffeemaker that brews lattes and espressos you registered for, or could it hold the gorgeous stand mixer you loved the moment you saw it in the store? The box is open, the tissue paper unfolded, and you lift out the gift: It’s…an electric cheese grater. What? Why? You don’t come across as a person who needs voltage to grate her Parmesan. But bad gifts happen all the time, so be prepared for what lies ahead. Here are more presents that are generally unwelcome.
Anything that’s not on the registry.
Why veer off to the Land of Non-Registry Gifts, where the temptation to buy odd appliances and statues of farm animals is as strong as an ocean current? Buying a gift from the bride and groom’s registry is the way to go. It’s easy, it’s quick, and it’s a guaranteed winner. They picked out some items they really, really like, put together a list, and told people about it. Gift buying couldn’t be easier.
Something that suits the giver but not the couple.
Monogrammed towels are lovely but very traditional. So are crystal candlesticks and fine china. But if the couple has a very informal lifestyle where personal lettering and shiny things are of no interest, the gift giver is better off getting them the wind-surfing lessons they registered for instead.
Re-gifted items.
Oh yeah, it happens. There are brides and grooms who’ve found a “Merry Christmas, Judy” tag stuck to a box of napkin rings or a toaster in a yellowed box that looks like it’d been sitting in the basement for years. Everyone likes to save a buck but giving someone a gift you’ve rejected is just wrong.
“Cute” his-and-hers gifts.
If an engaged couple truly wanted matching aprons or bathrobes, they would’ve registered for them.
Artwork.
Surprised by this one? The reason it ranks as a worst gift is because no one is gifting a Matisse or Warhol—the newlyweds are more likely to get a kitschy painting of kittens dressed as pirates. Unless the gift-giver knows the taste of the couple extremely well, they need to step away from the wall art.
A bounced check.
This gift is just as embarrassing for the couple
At Ashley & Alexandria’s we love getting photos from our bride’s big day. We are happy to share with our community the joy and excitement that our brides share with us. This month, Our Real Bride Megan is radiant and glowing on her wedding day in a beautiful silk taffeta Paloma Blanca ball gown.
Megan is just as beautiful inside and out. From the time she entered our boutique with her Mom, we had an amazing time. She looked absolutely beautiful on her wedding day. The emotional connection between Meghan and her groom is infectious and everyone can feel it. We love and absolutely cherish these moments. [Read more…] about Ashley & Alexandria’s Real Bride Megan Shines in Paloma Blanca