Wedding Dress Wednesday: David Tutera for Mon Cheri

Happy Wednesday, friends!

As anyone who knows me will tell you, I absolutely adore David Tutera.  I think he is extremely talented, creative, and just a wonderful human being for bringing so much happiness and beauty to peoples' lives.

I have just recently come to discover his line of dresses (David Tutera for Mon Cheri) and jewelry (David Tutera Embellish), so I spent part of this morning checking them out a little further.  That is where I got my inspiration for this week's Wedding Dress Wednesday!  I found this jaw-dropper, named Zelda, in the Spring 2013 Collection.

David Tuter for Mon Cheri - Zelda (113207)

It's the back that gets me!  I love the point d’Esprit and lace overlay and the covered shoulders with a long line of buttons and the little cap sleeves.  Vintage, elegant and glamorous all in one.  The scalloped hemline is lovely with the sweetheart neckline and chapel length train.  And the hair is perfect.

What do you all think?  Good look for a spring bride?  Would you wear a dress that covered your shoulders?  What kind of jewelry and flowers would you want with this dress?  I want to hear everybody's thoughts!  :)

Wedding Dress Wednesday: Alexis Mabille

Hello friends!

I'm very excited about today's post because I am kicking off something brand new: Welcome to Becky J's premiere of Wedding Dress Wednesday!  This is when I will dedicate a post to showcasing one wedding dress or gown, whether it be for the bride, brides/maid of honor, mother of the bride/groom, flower girl, etc.  I might even throw in the occasional dress suggestion for guests.   Think of it as a "dress of the week" post.

Are you ready for this week's dress??  Drum roll, please!

Alexis Mabille, By Dominique Maître via WWD

This dress is hot off the runway of Alexis Mabille's Couture Spring 2013 collection.  I know it's a bit offbeat, but bear with me as we take a closer look at this masterpiece.

First, I'm in love with the gray ombre layered skirt!! (If there is a fashion industry term for that, please let me know!)  It's elegant but eye-catching with just the right amount of flare (though I think this is considered a trumpet silhouette, not fit-and-flare).  Plus the front slit will show off your fabulous shoes.

Second, you can hardly ever go wrong with a sweetheart neckline.  Very feminine and flattering.  This goes one step further with the addition of flowers to give the dress some monochromatic texture.  Great detail for a spring wedding.

Finally, the belt and the bow give the dress an edgier, more industrial feel.  It's an interesting blend with the elegance of the cut, color and flowers.  It really made me stop and look, which, to me, is always an important quality to have in gowns.  Otherwise, what's the point, really?  Make 'em say "Oh. My. Gosh, Becky.  Look at her...DRESS!"

What do you all think?  What dress or gown has made you stop and gawk?  Leave some pretty dresses in the comments and maybe I can showcase it one of these Wednesday!

Happy Wednesday :)

UPDATE Sunday, February 24, 2013:
Did anybody else spot this dress on the red carpet!?  That's right, Zoe Saldana is wearing this dress tonight for the Oscars!!  In the words of Just Jared, "The 34-year-old actress looked lovely in an Alexis Mabille Couture dress, Neil Lane jewelry, Roger Vivier shoes, and a Salvatore Ferragamo clutch." I think it looks perfect on her :)

Wedding Inspiration: 2013 Presidential Inauguration

Who here watched the 2013 Presidential Inauguration?  I did!  And, I might add, from the pleasure of my own home--best seats I could ask for!

To me, this inauguration was a lot more fun than the last one.  Don't get me wrong, President Obama's 2009 inauguration was a monumental and exciting event that I will never forget.  But I appreciated that this second time around for the Obamas had a faster, more celebratory feel to it.  It was less of what I would call a stuffy, political pomp and circumstance, and more of a hopeful celebration of the future.  In fact, it was so lighthearted and positive that I actually began to think of it as a wedding.  Call me crazy if you want, but I believe yesterday's inauguration could have easily have been a wedding!! Nuptials level: Presidential!

Now, I know what you're thinking: "Becky J, President Obama's 2nd inauguration yesterday was definitely not a wedding!  It was an important, time-honored tradition of our country's prestigious history!"  And you are absolutely correct!  But let me re-show you the Inaugural Ceremony and Ball in Becky J Vision (with the help of The New York Times and Getty Images), and show you how it might inspire a wedding design.

The Happy Couple: POTUS & FLOTUS

Barack and Michelle.  You already know them.  Now look at them.  Just look at them!  Happy, proud and classier than a cat wearing a bow tie and monocle.

Alex Wong / Getty Images / January 21, 2013 / Link

THE CEREMONY (THE INAUGURATION)

The Venue

No glamourous wedding is complete without a stunning venue and backdrop.  The Capital building is a  perfect choice (historical, beautiful, dramatic, spacious, plus it can accomodate hundreds of thousands of guests on The Mall...) 

The Bridal Party

Imagine for a moment that Michelle is the bride and her gorgeous daughters are actually her gorgeous bridesmaids.  Fuchsia and violet are lovely bridesmaids colors!  And the "mother of the bride" looks lovely in peach, don't you agree?

Obligatory selfies of the bridesmaids for Facebook proof that you're officially Team Newlyweds.

The Processional

Enter the "grandparents of the groom" if you will.

The "best man"

The "groom"

And finally the beautiful "bride" in a stunning designer dress.  A little avante garde in a dark navy dress inspired by a men's tie, but a still a knockout with the right accessories!

The Special Guests

Among a high-profile guest list of important political figures were a few show-stoppers who took part in the ceremony--not unlike in a real wedding ceremony when close friends or family members give a reading or lead in the singing of the American National Anthem*... wait, what?

*So what if she lip-synced?  She still sang that recording didn't she?  And the impromptu version for the press a few days later.  I mean, even Whitney Houston's famous rendition was a recording.  At an event this highly televised and publicized every detail has to be perfection, so why risk it?  Let's cut Queen Bey a little slack.

The Vows

Swearing to do your duty as husband or commander in chief aren't really that different, are they?

The Presentation of the New Couple

Look at those smiles!

THE RECEPTION (THE BALL)

The Decor & Venue

You can't tell me that these tables setting could not easily be taken from an issue of The Knot.  Look at the spectacular tablescapes: the orange flower centerpieces, the velvety blue tablecloth, the elegant tableware and escort cards.  Not to mention the beautiful setting of the Statuary Hall in the Capital.  It's all so stunning to behold!  I would have loved to have been there.  I wonder what the food was like...

The Costume Changes

Ceremony dress? Check! Reception dress? Check! Out-do last time's dress (that really looked like a wedding dress)? Check!!!

The First Dance

Now that's what I call a custom floor monogram ;)  In all sincerity, whoever designed this room with the official seal bump-out on the floor/stage, the blue and purple lighting on white drapery and the US flags behind, and the three panels of screens--it's superb.  Dazzling and romantic, yet oh-so-presidential.

The Music

While I'm usually a fan of DJ's for weddings (listening to covers of songs is a pet peeve of mine), I would expect nothing less than the finest talent at an even this glamourous.  In the photo above, Jennifer Hudson is serenading the Obama's.  Alicia Keys also performed, as well as Country star Brad Paisley.  I'd happily take any or all of them at my wedding!

The Love

One of my top reasons I adore the Obamas, besides being intelligent, morally-sound, exemplary leaders, is that they visibly love each other.  This also happens to be my number one reason I love weddings.  To me, there is nothing more important in this world than love--except for maybe celebrating the love we have for others.

That's all, folks!

Well, what do you think?  Did I convince you?  Can you see the same invisible wedding I saw while watching the Presidential Inauguration yesterday?  Have you been inspired to take your wedding plans to a presidential level?  Tell me what you think in the comments!

New Year; New Revamped Blog

Hello, friends!

I hope the new year finds you happy and healthy!

I know it's found me inspired and hungry for a fresh start in a new direction.  It's been over a year since I took down my previous blog (due to technical difficulties and a increasing lack of free time) in order to find a new job, giving up freelance work in favor of full-time graphic design work.  And while I have missed being my own boss, it has been a successful journey in the corporate world.  Not only have I learned a lot (both about business and myself) and made many new friends, but I also have been able to save up more money than I was ever able to do before.  All of which were reasons to seek out a full-time job.  I am very proud of myself for my accomplishments and hard work!

But as 2013 crept into view, whether I liked it or not, I couldn't stop myself from thinking about all the opportunities a new year could bring.  And at the top of my list was my old dream of being a professional wedding invitation designer.  Or at least, being in the wedding industry somehow.

So my goal this year is to try again at making it a reality. I may not succeed (it may be better just to focus on the job I have) but to me it's better than just dreaming about trying.

What are your New Years resolutions for 2013? I'd love to hear them!

Here's to hoping all of our 2013 hopes, dreams and resolutions are successful!