The Things We LOVE – Pretty & Pink Cakes & Florals

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Happy Valentine’s Day Loves!

Wishing you all wonderful day filled with much joy, happiness, lots of chocolates & candy, a few sappy cards, and everything perfect & pretty!

Remember, love conquers all!

To celebrate today, 143Bridal brings to you wedding bliss in the form of the most elegant and lovely flower and cake ideas we have seen in our two years of blogging!

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The Things We LOVE – Dashing Grooms

“You know how the bride makes her entrance and everybody turns to look at her? That’s when I look at the groom. Cause his face says it all you know? The pure love there.” – 27 Dresses

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We couldn’t possibly forget the groom in our mushy-gushy Valentine’s Day extravaganza!

Here are our sexiest recommendations for the man of your dreams!

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The Things We LOVE – Symbols of Love

4-5-Gorgeous-Monogram-Metal-Love-Wedding-Cake-Topper-Silver-FREE-SHIPPINGSometimes you just can’t get enough LOVE.

You find it all around you, but you still want more and more!

This post is for my head-over-heels, love-sick puppy brides and grooms out there, who want to incorporate a little extra LOVE into their wedding ceremony and receptions.

Watch as 143Bridal plays Cupid…

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The Things We LOVE – Sweetheart Wedding Gowns

sweetheart-allure-designer-wedding-dresses-style-8950-1Love is in the Air!

Whether you’re recently engaged or well on your way to your wedding essentials, we have the most romantic ideas for you to embrace LOVE!

143Bridal is your mushy source for suggestions on decor, attire, menus, stationary, and more because we can’t get enough of this sappy holiday (and of course the candy hearts!)

And apparently we’re not alone; More than 250,000 couples get engaged in February!

So, with that being said, we bring to you our favorite “sweetheart” gown styles…

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Lessons Learned From Being Engaged 1 Week…

197Some of you may say it’s too soon to learn a thing or two about being engaged, but I think I got a very strong dose my first week.

Here is my list for 5 very important lessons I took to heart…

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My Engagement Journey

downloadOne week ago from yesterday, I got proposed to by the love of my life.

It was just what I wanted: simple, sweet, and unforgettable.

For those of you who don’t know, my fiance made me a beautiful scrapbook featuring all the things he loves about me. Being very crafty myself,  I had done something similar for Valentine’s Day a few years before highlighting all the little things that I adored about him.

What touched my heart the most was how personal the proposal was. He had taken one of my biggest interests (scrapbooking) and turned it into something that I could physically share with other people (and our own family someday) without having to share the moment (I had wanted it to be just us alone).

I could tell how much time, work, and effort he had put into every page (especially since he struggles with ‘hand jitters’ apparently).

And best of all, the last page had the very words I had been longing to hear, alongside a handsome picture of him all dressed up and down on one knee.

Of course I was a teary mess, but without hesitation I “swamped” him with some smooches and said Yes!

NY & Connecticut Castles

Whitby CastleEvery girl dreams of the full-blown princess treatment for their wedding – an elegant gown, a handsome prince, a charming castle – but how many engaged ladies actually get to live the dream?

One of the most important things to realize before searching is that you are going to be paying “per guest” for the ambiance, not for the menu. Secondly, you might have to start searching “out of the box” for that similar look; whether it’s a rustic old estate house or a manor of some type, it may do you justice in terms of ambiance and appearance.

Here are some local options in the Hudson Valley, NY and Connecticut areas.

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2013 Valentine’s Day Specials

We’re scanning the New York & Connecticut area so you don’t have to spend time looking for great deals for the sexiest day of the year!

Here are a couple fabulous offers you should consider from our friends!

Wedding Ceremony Spectacular

Spread some Valentine’s Day love by getting hitched or by renewing your vows on February 14, 2013 through Wedding Officiant Lisa Zaro! Lisa is a pro you should know, and is offering this great deal at only $214.13 per couple for the ceremony.

Timeslots are limited though, and the promotion is first come, first serve in terms of time/location. Contact Lisa for more information. (845) 222-5146 (NY) or  (201) 785-7933 (NJ)

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Get Your Sexy On Boudoir Shoot

Turn up the charm with a special Valentine’s Day-themed Boudoir package with Kerri Vision Photography, located in Stamford, CT. This $325 package includes a two-hour photo shoot session with professional hair and make-up. Participants will receive eight retouched images in a gift package portfolio box too! Please call 203-322-2225 for more information, or visit their studio at 838 High Ridge Rd in Stamford, CT. Book before February 4th to guarantee your pictures will arrive by Valentine’s Day to surprise for your special someone!

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Free Shipping on Almond Cosmetics

Get ready to pucker up! Almond Cosmetics is offering free shipping on all products now through Valentine’s Day! Check out their great products, including my favorite lip gloss which I will definitely have on for the holiday! Remember, a portion of each purchase is donated to Women for Afghan Women, a grassroots organization that supports opportunity for womena nd children in NY and Afghanistan!

 No minimum necessary, shipping will be deducted at check out. Visit their online collection and like them on Facebook!

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Check back daily for more offers!

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Sew in Love

Savannah Sewing and button themed wedding 6Some people are so in love, while others are sew in love.

My mother – for example – is a former seamstress and pattern writer (for the fashion gurus McCalls and Simplicity Patterns) and loves to get her hands on a good DIY project.

My best friend, another crafter at heart, started Love Struck Creations (which specializes in one-of-a-kind handmade products) and is deeply in love with fabric of all kinds.

Sewing isn’t just about creating something; it’s about taking a bunch of small items and accessories to produce something unique.

Sew simple!

Here are our favorite sewing-themed wedding pictures and boards for a tight-knit extravaganza! Continue reading

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Pursuing A Blessing

Asking for a blessing or someone’s hand in marriage can be one of the most daunting situations an individual will have to go through.

Not only is it very intimidating, but it can be very difficult to segway into conversation.

While some couples have done away with this tradition, others – especially in diverse cultures – still take it very seriously.

Here are our tips for a smooth scenario. Continue reading

The VS Semi-Annual Sale!

It’s that time of year again!

Grab your cash, gift & credit cards, and head over to a Victoria Secret near you (or their website)!

Find bras, underwear, sleepwear & slippers, loungewear & most importantly, LINGERIE, all at a discounted price!

Speaking of lingerie, here are my top on-sale picks for your honeymoon oasis.

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2013 Editor’s Note

IMG_2167Weddings are great for so many reasons.

First and foremost, weddings allow us to witness the expression of commitment and eternal love between two souls.

Secondly, it permits us to celebrate and pay tribute to those close to us who have found something so special.

And on a final note, it gives us an outlet for creativity.

I hope that you find what you are looking for on 143Bridal in the upcoming year, and that it provides assistance in the form of both inspiration and resources that highlight wedding timelines, traditions, new trends, local stories, beauty and fashion, gowns & men’s wear, accessories, menus, flowers, transportation, & more.

For vendors, we I hope that this blog serves as a inside look into the bridal industry, offering insight into the wants and needs of a modern-day engaged couple.

Above all, I wish you a wonderful and prosperous 2013, and much love in the new year.

-love always-

gina

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2012 in Review!

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2012 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

4,329 films were submitted to the 2012 Cannes Film Festival. This blog had 55,000 views in 2012. If each view were a film, this blog would power 13 Film Festivals

Click here to see the complete report.

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The Gingerbread Rock

Tis the season for baking, so why not impress your guests with a little holiday treat? Continue reading

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Mustache Bash

In honor of No-Shave November, it was only fitting to enjoy a little chuckle and put together a stream of my favorite wedding pictures featuring some sick mustaches.

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Almond Cosmetics!

Almond Cosmetics is offering a special deal for a limited time only!

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Today’s find: Epidavros Day Spa

Located at 272 North Bedford Road, Mount Kisco, NY.

Tucked away in Mount Kisco, NY is a little treasure known as Epidavros Day Spa.

I had the pleasure of testing their serves out as an anniversary gift and enjoyed my experience thoroughly.

For someone who never goes to the same spa twice, I have a feeling I might be breaking my rules sooner than expected.

Their staff was more than friendly and were so accommodating! And for my first visit, I received an introductory rate!

Visit their website for an extensive list of treatments that include: massage, facials, and laser hair removal.

To learn more about their bridal packages, contact Sandra at 914-244-3401.

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Pinecone Party!

Looking for a more rustic winter look for your wedding?

Pinecones, which may be a little more difficult to find now in the Hudson Valley after Hurricane Sandy and the freak snowstorm, are a great way to bring the outdoors in.

Some suggested accent colors for pinecone-themed weddings include color palettes that include light greens, browns, golds, blues, and yellows.

Below are just a few ideas to help you jumpstart your natural affair.

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October: Five Song Wedding Blast

With October almost over, it’s time to present you with five new songs for your audio pleasure.

What made the top of this month’s list?

I’m sure you have some guesses, but there are a few other “gems” worth listening to! Continue reading

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A Wedding For The Books (Booklovers)

This post is for the people out there who enjoy the smell of an old book.

For people – like my boyfriend and best friend – who are always trying to get their hands on another good read.

And long after they’re finished, they still reminisce about the plot, the characters, and the moral of the story.

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5 Uses For Mason Jars

Maybe it’s that hint of Southern flair that get’s me every time when it comes to incorporating mason jars into your wedding concept.

Mason jars are a trendy way to keep yourself “organized,” while adding a dash of country spice to your tables.

Here are five common, yet creative ideas, for using mason jars.

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The True Meaning of Black Tie Affair

Black Tie Affair:

This post is inspired by one of my friends who recently received an invitation for a black tie wedding.

I figured it was the perfect opportunity to go into a little more detail and the definition for those who seek advice!

Simply put, a black tie affair refers to an event that requires formal attire , and is dictated by the season and the time of day.

Nowadays, with the economy and all, black tie is becoming more rare, but still makes an appearance every so often.

For Men:

For men, black tie is defined by a traditional black tuxedo with a matching bow tie that is usually hand-tied.

Men are advised to wear a cummerband that matches the tie, but as of late it has become more acceptable to wear a tie/cummerband that is in sync with the female dates attire.

For Women:

For women, black tie is  a little more flexible with a wider range of options. It is usually defined by a gown or dress that is floor length, as anything shorter is considered “semi-formal.” But, women can make their look less conservative by choosing dresses that are more revealing in the shoulders (strapless), back (low-cut drop), or legs (knee-high slits).

Ideas for women for black tie events.

1 – BCBG Max Azria Strapless Silk Gown ($360)

2 – Mignon Short Sleeve Evening Gown in Dove-Silver ($438)

3 – Adrianna Papell Mesh Overlay Strapless Gown in Navy ($196)

4 – Tasdashi Mesh Gown ($320)

5 – JS Collections Satin Stripe Gown ($300)

6 – Love by Enzoani Taffeta Strapless Evening Dress in Blush ($498)

Don’t break the budget:

For ladies looking to save a few bucks on a gown they may never wear again, there is a great resource called “Rent the Runway” that provides beautiful luxury designer dresses at an affordable price. You can browse their website by clicking here.

Save money. Rent a dress.

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Bridal Hair: Down and Out

Looking for a more natural look? Why not wear your hair down and loose.

From cascading curls to long semi-straight locks, wearing it down is down to earth!

What do you think of these looks?

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