Simply Modern Weddings

Two words: Vera Wang. Not just another name in the fashion industry, Vera Wang has expanded her empire with her well-known wedding gowns becoming a household name and industry powerhouse for everything bridal.

Not only does she have her amazingly unique wedding gowns, jewelry, stationary, fine china, mattresses, fragrance, to her own Vera Wang suite at the Halekulani Hotel in Oahu. Yes, a suite designed by the fabulous Vera Wang herself.

So what else is on the horizon for Ms. Wang? VeraWangOnWeddings.com is set to launch on May 20, 2008. This site will be a great resource featuring photo galleries of her gowns, online shopping and gift registry, and videos featuring planning tips from Vera Wang. Make sure to sign up for the mailing list to get updated once the site launches!

In honor of today’s Earth Day, I have designed an “Eco-Consious Wedding” inspiration board. For more green wedding ideas, check out Brides.com, Eco Chic Weddings, and Portovert. Together we can all contribute to making the world a better place for generations to come!

(left to right) Row 1: centerpiece–Earth Friendly Wedding; conflict-free diamonds–Brilliant Earth; favors–Pear and Peony; Row 2: gown–Encore Bridal; invitations-Earthly Affair; hors d’oeuvres–Tres LA Catering; Row 3: vodka-Square One Organic Vodka; cake–Brides.com; table setup-Wildflower Linens; organic dress-Deborah Lindquist

Who doesn’t like a good “old-fashioned” red velvet cake? How about a good “modern-chic” red velvet cake?

Well feast your eyes on this Red Velvet Mini Party Cake from Vosges Haut-Chocolat. With “layers of sweet chocolate cake disguised in a scarlet hue, pressed between plenty of cream cheese-white chocolate ganache icing and organic New Mexican pecans”, it would make a sweet gift for Mother’s Day or any other special occasion. (or just an average Tuesday!)

How fabulous is this bride’s dress?! I just love it when people truly let their personality shine when selecting their wedding attire. It’s all about finding what matches your style and vision!

These photos are shot by the amazing Aaron Delesie! If you have not seen his work, you are missing out…he is truly a visual inspiration! (and such a cool person!) Also be sure to add his blog to your daily reads.

How fabulous is this bride’s dress?! I just love it when people truly let their personality shine when selecting their wedding attire. It’s all about finding what matches your style and vision!

These photos are shot by the amazing Aaron Delesie! If you have not seen his work, you are missing out…he is truly a visual inspiration! (and such a cool person!) Also be sure to add his blog to your daily reads.

for the past 3 months my super cool husband/owner of JamesCalvinOnline has been working with me on designing a new Simply Modern Weddings website. Like my current site, it’s a custom flash design…so we have been perfecting the layout and features to match my slight rebranding. After all, the vision of Simply Modern Weddings has grown in the past 3 years!

In the meantime, I have been working on a complete blog redesign to make your blogging experience very fresh, chic. simple. Since James has been busy with my website and his client’s websites, I have been a big girl and working on the blog design all by myself. (woohoo!) I must say, it feels really good to be learning the css codes and style editors (and other web jargon) as I go along. I hope to have the new blog up and running within the next couple weeks.

Speaking of rebranding, I hope you all have checked out Jessica Claire’s fabulous blog-site. It’s her blog, but it’s her website at the same time. How cool is that? Talk about innovating…she is really onto something. (I am so in love with her new logo!) :-)

A HUGE congratulations to Kristy and Sinisha on winning the “Big Give” wedding coordination contest! They are getting married this November at Castle Green in Pasadena. Kristy has already added on additional design/decor consultation to their package to assist them with creating the perfect atmosphere to match their wedding vision. Here is their winning entry:

Sinisha and I met through friends from college about 7 years ago. He had just moved to LA a few years earlier from Croatia and I instantly fell in love with his accent and adorable charm. Before coming to LA, Sin lived in Bosnia/Croatia (ex-Yugoslavia) throughout most of his life until his country went into a horrible long drawn-out war. Sin lived most of his teen years through the war and came to LA to make a better life for himself.

The funny thing is when we first started dating, we just KNEW that we were meant to be with each other. After 6 months of dating, we moved in together and bought a pug (who we absolutely adore!) I can’t wait to grow old together and continue this journey of life with him! He is absolutely the love of my life!

Here is a photo of the happy couple!

Congratulations again Kristy and Sinisha, I am looking forward to helping you both create the wedding of your dreams!

Edible favors are always a huge hit at weddings! If you are on the hunt for some sweet treats for your wedding favors, feast your eyes on these goodies:

1. Cutie Cupcakes
Vanilla Bakeshop has one of the best cupcakes I have ever had, and I love their cute little cupcake babies. (this would also make a great alternative to a wedding cake!)

2. Tasty Caramels
I love caramels the way most people love chocolate! These Fleur de Sel Caramels from Boule are little bites of heaven. (super cute purse packaging!)

3. Chic Chocolates
These beautifully wrapped boxes of chocolates with stylish mosaics and silhouettes are from MarieBelle New York

4. Mmm Cookies
Or for a bit of gourmet and nostalgia, you could always go with yummy cookies from DeLuscious Cookies & Milk (photo courtesy of Jasmine Star)

Whichever you choose, I am sure your guests will be drooling with delight!