An Intimate Bridal Moment ~ Oui by Maison Lejaby

June 14, 2019

By ELLEN LEWIS

I had to write one more blog about my daughter’s wedding, which happened this past Sunday. It was elegant, ephemeral and exquisitely executed. White and blush peonies and roses, a harpist and a gorgeous wedding cake told a perfect parable for not only the beautiful bride but also the Maison Lejaby Oui bridal collection. Exquisitely appointed with detailed perfection, this wedding capsule is an intimate jewel. Besides the excellence of the Maison Lejaby workmanship, the delicate french lace and pleated silk trim, each style could be saved for posterity. My husband and I were thankful for our children’s happiness. He describes the feeling as a comfortable bliss, worthy of the investment: a special moment that brands itself into our memory; almost priceless.

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I Am a Wedding Warrior ~ Natori Bridal Solutions Plus More

June 5, 2019

By ELLEN LEWIS

The last few weeks preparing for my daughter’s wedding have been a marathon of related and unrelated events. We flew home from Mexico for last minute preparations only to discover a major leak had capsized our ceiling onto our bed and flooded the floor. Fast forward, I’ve been sleeping on the couch while we maneuver through regrouping our entire bedding situation. Add to the equation: I babysat my son’s dog and my grandson for the weekend before the wedding because of previous promises made. Then the clothing dilemma: neither my husband nor I had appropriate attire due to our Mexican lifestyle and because he was sure that his 10 year old suits shrunk in the closet while we were away. Then there were the lingerie needs, not only for me, but the bride, who definitely had the wrong bra for under her wedding dress. So we went shopping for solutions.

With all my lingerie knowledge, I suggested several styles to her and into the fitting room went selections from Wacoal, Chantelle, Simone Perele and Natori, all in the incorrect size. Thank goodness for Nordstrom’s fitters. Our specialist told her the exact same thing as I did (after all I am just a mom) but this time she heeded the advice. She left with the Natori Feathers Strapless bra and matching panty. As for me, I am channeling my Empreinte Cassiopee bra and Janira’s Secret’s High Waist Shaper. For the rehearsal dinner it’s Wacoal bras and Chantelle Soft Stretch all the way for both of us. Believe it or not, this is a relatively low-key event planned in a very short window of time, mostly from Mexico. And although the celebration has morphed from a 20 person to a 50 person dinner, it’s a very simple party: white peonies and roses, a harpist, and of course an open bar. My daughter Kate will look beautiful.

“The Solution Often Turns Out More Beautiful Than the Puzzle” Richard Dawkins

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Bridal Silks ~ NK iMODE

May 17, 2019

By ELLEN LEWIS

I am headed back to New York next week for my daughter’s wedding. It will be a very small family affair. That was her choice. She has very understated but decidedly upscale taste. Kate’s an artist, visually brilliant, flirting on the edge of the millennial generation; but way past fairy tale wedding expectations. She says she trusts me and will bow to my planning decisions. With only two months to organize logistics while residing in Mexico, it’s been a challenge. But, I have finally pulled it together: white peonies and roses, a naked wedding cake, harpist and dinner at a private venue. My daughter’s laissez faire attitude does not fit the stereotypical bride. It’s not that she’s calm (heaven forbid) she just seems relieved to not be burdened with decisions. It’s hard to believe that she will be getting married in two weeks. So imagine my surprise when NK iMode offered to send her a bridal gift and she became enthralled with the prospect. One look at the choices and she was on the phone with me collaborating. She chose a white silk cami and short set, mainly because she wants to wear the cami out. But she would have been thrilled with anyone of the Morgan and Jezebel collection, espousing on their beauty. The only issue is that her fiancé, who is very traditional, won’t let her show it to him until after the wedding. So she has no one to share it with until I return to New York.

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Bridal Indulgence ~ The Rya Collection

April 5, 2019

By ELLEN LEWIS

The Rya Collection is a smorgasbord of luxury lingerie desserts, not so different than a Viennese table at a wedding party: an over the top offering of confections, designed to seduce the eye into one more moment of indulgence. It’s no wonder that Rya is recognized as an exemplary source of bridal sleepwear. Founder Flora Backer (former creative head of Flora Nikrooz) is known for her amazing aptitude for combining classical elements of lingerie design to create unique intimate styles, not only perfect for a bride, but also easily integrated into a year round wardrobe. Each piece in the spring 2019 selection conjures an image of a rich, unique wedding cake, one more scrumptious than the other. It’s not easy to choose. Just like the Viennese table closing a lavish celebration, women are finding room in their wardrobes for one more taste. No wonder Rya has become a primary source for buyers since its launch in 2017.

Photographer: Stephanie Hynes

Hair & Makeup: Bethany Townes & Monica Boyd-Lester

Models: Sami Sura &Brittany Garrick

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Wedding to Honeymoon & Happily Ever After: Frances Smily Couture

February 28, 2019

By ELLEN LEWIS

I may have mentioned that my daughter is engaged. And so begins the wedding plan discussion. She is an artist who would be happy to be married on the beach, or in the country. But I think she leans to water. She is an Aquarius after all. Mark, her partner in planning, claims he wants the same thing, but as far as I can tell he’s a real traditionalist. Both of them have a taste level that I appreciate but would rather not confront. The beach would be just fine with me. After all I freaked out my own very traditional mother when I insisted on a Mexican wedding dress in the 70’s. Maybe I was ahead of my times, because handcrafted cotton dresses sewn by artisans in a bohemian style are definitely a trend today.

That’s why the moment I saw this photo shoot by Celso Diniz for Frances Smily’s new “From Wedding to Honeymoon and Happily After” collection, my radar went up. Photographed on the beach in Florida on Alexa Collins from Wilhelmina Agency, they are playful, feminine and as artistic as one can always expect from the Frances Smily Couture brand. Frances collaborated with artisans in India to create luxurious and innovative pieces. Using centuries old craftsmanship, these pieces are constructed of cotton voile or mesh with cotton embroidered detail, pearls, crystals, tassels, crocheted trims and hand-beading. All are multi-functional, adding longevity to their use, an antidote of fast fashion. What else is bohemian fashion, but a mix of modern and vintage style.