Lela Rose Wedding Sample Sale

Posted by Sherri Caudell Brennan, Shopping and Fashion Market Editor

If you live in the NYC area, you're in luck! Lela Rose is having a sample sale of over 15 different wedding gown styles. Prices range from $500-$3,000 with savings of 50-80% off retail. Her gowns create a feeling of understated elegance, and at these prices you can't go wrong.

Its happening July 15th - 17th from 10am-5pm, location below.

LELA ROSE
224 West 30th Street (between 7th and 8th avenues)
13th Floor
212-947-9204 x11

Image courtesy of Lela Rose

Happy Birthday, America!

Posted by Jennifer Miranda, Associate Editor

Still undecided about where to go on your honeymoon? Well look no further! On this glorious day, the day before our nation's big 2-3-3, I figure what better way to celebrate than with a red, white, and blue roundup of the country's best. Purple mountains' majesty, sandy beaches, quaint wooded hamlets—we've got it all. So read on for a patriotic take on the most romantic, adventurous, relaxing destinations we have to offer!

RED

Lobsters
Ok, so technically Kennebunkport's White Barn Inn falls under the "white" category, but Maine's famous crustaceans have enough draw to edge it out in the color category. Add a charming marina and shopping in Dock Square and you've got a rustic, low-key getaway that's all about relaxation.

Bougainvillea
Leave your passport at home for a tropical escape in the US Virgin Islands, where you're sure to find tons of this colorful bloom. Caneel Bay is located on St. John, the least commercial of the three.

Desert Sands
Red rock canyons, like the one you'll be staying in at Enchantment in Sedona, Arizona, are even more intense—not to mention romantic—under the setting sun.

WHITE

White-Capped Waves
It's no secret that Hawaii has some seriously desirable waters, especially for thrill-seekers. Head to the North Shore and hang ten with the best of them.

White-Sand Beaches
Sure, there are plenty in Hawaii, but over on the East Coast there's Siesta Beach in Sarasota, Florida, which was rated the second best beach in the U.S. for 2009, according to a coastal expert.

Snowy Mountaintops
There's nothing like the fluffy white stuff you find out West, so hit the slopes in Park City, Utah, home of the Sundance Film Festival. Splurge on a room at the ritzy, five-star Stein Eriksen Lodge—then take advantage of the free city-wide shuttle system.

BLUE

Azure Seas
If crystal clear waters are what you're after, look to the Southern California coast. Check into the Montage in Laguna Beach, just steps away from crashing waves and an endless array of activities.

Big Skies
Because no one does wide open spaces like we do, and staying at the Big EZ Lodge isn't exactly roughing it.

Blue Whales
Alaska's remote beauty, plus the promise of seeing these majestic creatures—not to mention belugas, orcas, and humpbacks—up close, makes it worth the trip. 

Of course, this is just a small sampling. Are there any glaring omissions? And before you head out to that barbecue this weekend, tell me—what is it that you love about traveling in the U.S.? If you're honeymooning domestically, what's the biggest draw about the spot you chose?

Get a Whiff: In Bloom by Reese Witherspoon

Posted by Cara Sullivan, Beauty Expert

Last week, a sample of In Bloom by Reese Witherspoon (for Avon) arrived on my desk. I was skeptical at first (I'm not a huge fan of the sweet-as-pie actress), but in a very un-Cara move I decided to reserve judgment until I actually smelled it.

I spritzed my wrists, took a whiff, and promptly decided to give Reese a second chance. The scent is truly beautiful—and absolutely perfect for a wedding. Peach, tea leaves, crisp greens, jasmine, magnolia, and amber are a mix made in heaven. It's feminine, sexy, and sophisticated.

It sounds sappy, but smelling it makes me think of drinking iced tea in a garden on a hot summer day—and I have a feeling that's exactly what Reese wanted to convey: "In developing In Bloom, I found myself drawn to the scents of my childhood in Tennessee. We had a great big magnolia tree in the back yard, and it's that beautiful white blossom that inspired the perfume," she says.

You'll have to wait to get it—Avon won't be releasing it until November '09—but it's worth the wait, I promise. If the notes don't draw you in, the price tag definitely will: The eau de parfum spray is just $34.00—love that!

   
How gorge is she here? I think its the best she's ever looked. 


The bottle is chic and feminine, just like Reese. (See? I'm coming around!)

Stars and Stripes

Posted by Darcy Miller, Editorial Director

As tomorrow is the 4th of July thought it would be fun to share some Martha Stewart Weddings ideas inspired by "stars" and "stripes" (not your holiday red white and blue but in a range of wedding palettes) I especially adore these star sparklers, how fun!

 

Mini Gold Star Sparkler from Tops Malibu

 

Sparkler gift tags

Mondo Spaklers can be put into the ground for a grand entrance.

Crystal star hair piece

A sparkling moon-and-stars topper

Greatness Is Looming

Posted by Britni Wood, Style Expert

Proud Mary is just about the coolest little company out there today. Owners Harper and Molly have created an "Ethnic Modern" collection of bags and home accessories that marry their contemporary design aesthetic with traditional methods of weaving and printing. They enlisted the help of Nest, a non-profit that works with women artisans in developing countries, to source the production of fabric and products. And the results are swoon-worthy—the cutest and most socially responsible bags and pillows you've ever seen! Wouldn't they be gorgeous as bridesmaid gifts or on your arm as you stroll the beach on your honeymoon? I'm in love with the Diamante collection, but you can find the entire collection on their online store, and be sure to read their cute blog LLOSO.

clockwise from top: Diamante Tote, Raya Tote, Raya Coin Purse, Diamante Coin Purse, El Sol Tote

Stamp It Out

Posted by Marisa Sellitti, Stationery Expert

It seems the majority of brides go for gorgeous calligraphy on their wedding stationery, and it goes without saying that I'm a big fan. But I'm also obsessed with the neat look of an envelope that's been rubber stamped with your return address on the back. I just can't get enough of the versatility. Want a funky, quirky label? Done. An elegant script one? You got it. You can have custom stamps made, of course. And we all know how easy the application is. (It's also a good way to get your wedding planning frustrations out!)

These from Paperwink are so cute. They offer a variety of styles, and I've got my eye on the Vintage Typewriter below. How are you treating your envelopes? Calligraphy all the way? Rubber stamped? Typed? Or maybe a combination?

 

The Going-Away Outfit

Posted by Talley Sue Hohlfeld, Etiquette Expert

Etiquette isn't just politeness, manners, and how to address an envelope.

It's also a repository of traditions regarding "how things are done." And one of the old customs was that at the end of the reception (which was traditionally held in the bride's home), the bride would change from her wedding gown into attire more suitable for traveling (perhaps a cute little suit), and leave the party with her new husband under a sprinkling of rice, en route to her honeymoon.

This doesn't happen often anymore; the bride and groom are usually leaving the party at a venue outside the home, and changing to something more comfortable doesn't seem necessary, nor is it easily done. (Who wants to lug a second outfit to the reception hall?)

So I was charmed to see that one of our Real Weddings brides followed that older tradition of the going-away outfit—scroll down to the bottom, and see her SECOND charming dress.

How will you leave your reception? Wouldn't you like to shop for a second beautiful outfit, one with a completely different mood, to wear off to your honeymoon?

More From Orvieto, Italy

Posted by Matthew Robbins, Contributor

It's so exciting to see the new summer issue of Martha Stewart Weddings on stands now! I'm honored to have my new column featuring "real life" tips, ideas, and scenarios from our recent weddings. 

I thought it would be fun to share more images from the wedding in Italy featured in my column. Here are some wonderful images (all provided by the fabulous Lilian Haidar) of the rehearsal dinner, which we created in a wonderful cave in Orvieto. The great thing about a cave is that is stays incredibly cool in the August heat, so we didn't need to worry about air conditioning! 

Here is Teresa from our floral design team working on the vibrant centerpieces on the morning of the rehearsal dinner. We rented a beautiful flower shop with lots of history in the heart of Orvieto. It was perfect!

Centerpieces waiting to be packed and delivered to the cave.

Real Wedding: Vanessa & Mickey

Posted by Shira Savada, Real Weddings Editor

As Katie wrote yesterday, our new summer issue showcases the handiwork of some of our favorite artisans, and as you’ve seen on the website, we’re also sharing our etsy faves with you over the next few months. Well get ready, because there’s more!

This month’s online real wedding of Vanessa & Mickey couldn’t be more creative. The groom used his background as an illustrator for the stationery, and the bride, who works at etsy, added some crafty touches of her own.

 

Click here to check out the whole gallery of gorgeous images from Dave Robbins Photography, and read on for some favorite memories from the bride and groom.

“By Invitation Only” Book Party

Posted by Darcy Miller, Editorial Director

I attended a book party on Monday night for Jodi Della Femina’s  & Sheri Mcinnis’ book “By Invitation Only,” a novel about an East Hampton caterer planning her best friend’s wedding and finding love herself.

It was hosted by Vera Wang and Martha Stewart Weddings at the Vera Wang store. I loved seeing the gown featured on our new issue cover in the window.

In true weddings style, guests enjoyed light blue petit fours with white sugar shells from Gail Watson and wine from Wolffer Estate Vineyards.

Musicians by Elan Artists serenaded guests as they entered the top floor of the Vera salon.

Josh, Mel Barlow, Kristen Armstrong, Cheree Berry, Robert Allen and Holli Ehrlich

A book about a wedding can of course be enjoyed by anyone heading to the beach this summer, but as a bride, do you do you get more out of these kinds of books? What other summer reading are you enjoying that's wedding related?