Dear Vera Wang,

You speak to my bridal soul. Every time I’m doubting I have the “bride gene,” I take a glance at your gowns and I’m immediately daydreaming of walking down the aisle. Currently I’m enamored with this beauty-

The striking black sash, the layers of luxurious fabric, and the playful textures make my jaw drop. There isn’t a whole lot more to say other than I love you Vera. You are a visionary genius.

And if anyone owns this gown and wants to sell me their used one… just let me know.

Which designer’s creations speak to your soul like Vera speaks to mine??

***UPDATE*** This dress is called “Eliza” from the Fall 2010 collection. It retails for $9,000-10,000.

***UPDATE 2*** Did you hear that sound??? I’m pretty sure that was god laughing at me.

Show me a girl who doesn’t love shoes and I’ll show you a liar. There’s just something about a new pair of heels that make you walk taller (metaphorically and literally), with more confidence, and maybe even a hint of sass. I love shoes and I’ve been come to be known amongst my friends as a bit of a shoe whore even. All brands from Payless to Manolo are in my closet and I love each and every pair.

So when it comes to the shoes I wear for my wedding- they’ve gotta be something special. And I’m not worried about comfort. You’re talking to the girl who wore high heeled boots on walking tours of London and ballet flats hiking up muddy trails in Napa the day I got engaged. And I’m convinced that all these years of self inflicted feet torture has only been in preparation for my wedding shoes. I’m prepared to endure for a pair of 5 inch beauties. I’ve been on a major shoe hunt for about a year. Yes, an entire year I have scoured shoe sites for the perfect foot adornment. I want black to go with the rest of my accessories and also so I can wear them again. White bridal shoes are rarely able to be worn after your day and colorful wedding shoes are a new trend, not to mention incredible practical for potential use later on. Here are a few of my favorites-

Badgley Mischka “Carlton” found at Nordstrom.

Tony Bianco “Grettel” Sadly only distributed in Australia and New Zealand.

Christian Loubouin “Declic Glitter Pumps” found at Saks.

Martinez Valero “Ozzie” found at Zappos. I believe these are a Louboutin look-a-like for a budget savvy bride with style.

Stuart Weitzman “Larosa” found on StuartWeitzman.com. These are my personal favorites and current front-runner for my wedding day. They would go perfectly with my belt!!

If you’re a fellow shoe whore who shares a passion for all that is tall let me know what you think! And please post a link to your favorite shoe if you’ve got it! I’d love some opinions and always open to other options and suggestions. You can never have too many.

And because of my post title- if you haven’t seen this YouTube video… watch it! Let’s get some shoes. Betch.

I saw this post on Ispiredbythis.com and was instantly captivated by Joel Serrato Films. His stunning videography is shot on Super 8 film which- though I have no idea what it actually is- seriously makes a difference in the final product. He captures the true meaning of your celebration- the whole point to everyone gathering on that day- the love. The love in the air is actually visible within the films.

I can’t embed his videos because they are too large for my little site, but go to his website and view them. Or go the post on InspiredByThis.com. You won’t regret it! Now if only he lived in Buffalo, NY!

If you’re planning your wedding and haven’t heard of Etsy- go there now. You can find anything you need and customize it to your desire with experienced designers. Invitations, jewelry, garters, pillows, gifts, articles of clothing, truly anything can be found and designed specifically for you. I found a few items that I want to share.

I found my headpiece on Etsy for a fabulous $45 through Brendasbridalveils. And just recently I purchased my sash/belt for my dress from EmiciBridal. The designer is Marie and she makes gorgeous sashes, pillows, and headpieces and is happy to customize anything you need. Her belt that I found was beautiful as is but I wanted it a little longer and sewn on top of a black ribbon so it won’t snag my dress. She’s making the alterations and my belt should be here in a couple weeks. I can’t wait to see it! The original belt is $125 and with my customizations I’m paying $200. Totally worth it considering other belts in bridal salons are easily twice this much and not as well made. This is the belt without my requested customizations-

Another one of my favorite Etsy vendors is Cathy5591. She makes some beautiful, delicate necklaces including this original beauty that gracefully decorates the brides back. And these pieces are a total steal $45-$60.

And check out these gorgeous bolero jackets from Tiana Che. Perfect for a bride who wants a little extra style or warmth. And no matter what color you choose, you can wear these long after the wedding is over as an awesome statement piece with a cute pair of jeans and some heels. HUGE plus. They are priced around $200.

These earrings ($119) are also a love of mine. They don’t necessarily go with the rest of my accessories otherwise, I’d buy them myself. But Lizardi Bridal makes really beautiful vintage looking jewelry and will customize any of her pieces to be perfect for you.

As I mentioned, these items are all at great prices and significantly less than what you’d pay at a bridal salon. Do some shopping around before you commit to your jewelry. These are pieces that you’ll want to keep around and even potentially pass down to family members or friends getting married. Work with a designer whose style you love and see if they can help you create those special pieces just for you or your bridesmaids. Enjoy!

I’m desperate for a DJ.

We’ve chosen a jazz quartet for our ceremony, cocktail hour and dinner, but I’m looking for a fantastic DJ for our reception. I’ve sent out numerous emails with very little success trying to track down one. Come on Buffalo! Help me out here! I know my criteria is a little… we’ll say… strict, but I can’t help it. I have a firm policy of “no crap” at our wedding. I want plenty of fun- I just don’t want that fun to include synchronized dancing a la “YMCA” or “Macarena.” Is it so much to ask for a little originality in wedding music? Do DJ’s have nothing else up their sleeves than “We Are Family?”

I get it I get it. People love cheesy weddings songs. But I don’t. And neither does Chris for that matter. Call me Bridezilla, but seriously if I have to listen to that junk, I will walk out of my own wedding. Ok- maybe that’s a bit dramatic, but if I can prevent a conga line from forming- that would make me incredibly happy.

So here is my wedding DJ criteria and if you know of any around the Buffalo area who fit the bill and are available on January 1, 2011- please feel free to send them my way!

DON’T (and yes I have personally witnessed every one of these things at a wedding in the past)

• Props. There is nothing worse than when a DJ gets on the dance floor with a fuzzy pimp hat or afro wig and dances with your guests to “Play that funky music white boy” while doing the ‘sprinkler.’ Or when he tries to strap a fake ankle restraint with a ball and chain on your new husband. It’s not funny and it’s not cute. Please leave the props at home and let the drunk groomsmen take care of the ‘running man’ and the ‘worm’- they are entertaining enough.
• Advertisements. I don’t want to look at a banner for “PHENOMENAL SOUNDS ENTERTAINMENT, LLC HIRE US FOR YOUR NEXT PARTY!!” across your booth or see that in my wedding pictures for many many years to come. If people like you, they’ll ask me and I’ll be glad to give them your number if you do a great job. Let your work speak for itself.
• Flirt with or try to hook up with any guests or members of the wedding party. It is not ok. Period.
• Drink or smoke. I’m paying for a few hours of your time. Please don’t partake in my open bar and try to leave the cigarettes in the car until the night is over.
• Have a video montage on your website to Kool and the Gang’s, “Celebration.” This should go without saying, but I saw this on 4 COUNT EM 4 websites for DJ’s alone in 1 day. There are hundreds of thousands of songs out there that can represent you and the weddings you’ve worked. I’ll say it again- originality.
• Bottom line- don’t be THIS guy.

DO (I know there are amazing DJ’s out there who do these things without thinking…

• Have a fabulous catalog of songs with a large mix of genres. Big band to contemporary. Let the couple give you some suggestions of their favorite stuff and work with them on a playlist that won’t make them or their guests cringe.
• Update your website. I can’t tell you how many awful sites I’ve seen which immediately leave a bad taste in my mouth. You don’t need a HUGE site with tons of bells and whistles. Give me some basic info, a contact number and email, and some of the services you offer. Keep it simple, keep it clean. and see my note about the video montage above. I beg you!!!
• Dress professionally. I don’t need you in a tux necessarily but a nice all black outfit is always appreciated.
• Be punctual with all aspects of planning and the big day. Prompt email responses, phone calls returned in a timely manner, and showing up on time every time, demonstrates that you are responsible and trustworthy to handle the huge task of running the night and helps ease the already stressed out bride.
• Be personable and fun. You can be just as fabulous of a DJ without props or the cheese factor. Your emcee skills, knowledge of music and reading the crowd should be enough to entertain a room of people. No disco balls needed.
• Maybe this cat can be my DJ… because he is awesome.

Ok randomness. So anyway, I think this is a pretty comprehensive list. I know there is a DJ like this out there somewhere! I know it, I have faith! I mean, am I asking too much? Honestly- am I nuts and totally off my rocker with my requests for a music provider? Feel free to add your thoughts to my list. Anything you’d add or subtract? What are your dos and don’ts for a DJ?

And if you’re as paranoid as I am, here is a great  list of questions to ask up front before it’s too late and your DJ busts out a rubber chicken while subjecting your guests to the third grade nonsense of the ‘chicken dance.’ Don’t say I didn’t warn you!