Fire & Ice Wedding Theme

If you are still in search of inspiration for a unique wedding and color scheme look no further. Often for corporate or social events, a common theme is Fire & Ice, but we think this is also a great underlying theme for a wedding. You may never think to combine blues and silvers with deep reds, but actually, the color combination is quite dramatic and beautiful. If you don't like to pair the two colors together, you could also always plan an "ice" themed ceremony and move to a "fire" themed reception or vice versa. After all, Fire & Ice works perfectly for weddings because we all know there is ice on your finger and fire in your relationship.

Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing...



Top Left: Nicole Miller Stretch Charmeuse Dress available at Nordstrom, $385
Top Middle: Maggy London Embellished Trapeze Dress available at Nordstrom, $148
Top Right: Donna Morgan Ombré Silk Dress available at Nordstrom, $178


Top Left: Urns with ice and crystals featured in Brides
Top Right: Lavish ice bucket from Lush Life Home, $54
Bottom Left: Faux ice cream cupcakes featured in Brides
Middle Right: Platinum pear shaped brooch from Levieve
Bottom Right: Preston Bailey martini glasses with Cosmo Bleu martini inside


Right: Silk Charmeuse Pintuck Dress available at Ann Taylor, $188
Middle Left: Christine Double V-Neck Dress available at Ann Taylor, $198
Middle Right: Maggy London Charmeuse-Empire-Waist Dress available at Macys, $158
Right: BCBGMAXAZRIA Satin Halter Tiered Dress available at Macys, $220


Top Left: Every Fire theme needs loads of candles to set the mood (Brides)
Top Right: Fire Drill table decor, featured in Brides
Bottom: Left: Deep red table decor featured in Brides
Bottom Right: In Hindu traditions, couples fuel a fire throughout the reception to give thanks for their wedding. (Brides)

Glamor Is Your Middle Name

There is really only one time in your life when you have the excuse to really glam yourself up, and that is your wedding day. Most girls love playing dressing up with old fashioned accessories and over-the-top fashion jewelry when they are children, but even as adults, women secretly love to put on the ritz when it comes to wedding day fashion. Glamor never goes out of style and these days, wedding photography photo sessions are getting more and more creative. One trend we just love is the golden age of Hollywood, and adding simple touches to your wedding day accessories from this era adds sophistication and ultra feminine style.

Plus it's just plain old fun. Ask your photographer about scheduling part of your portrait session for these types of unique shots. Your photographer can later add touches and color enhancements to make it look like you just stepped off the red carpet in 1954.



These photos were featured in Modern Bride, and taken by Alban Christ. Click here to view the entire portfolio.

Destination Honolulu

If you are planning a destination wedding to Honolulu, Hawaii, we'd like to introduce you to a cosmetics company on the island that specializes in bridal makeup. Meet Malena Cosmetics. The Hawaiian translation for wedding is Maleana. Maleana Cosmetics was created in 2005 by Oahu based celebrity stylist Dorys Foltin to cater to the needs of local and visitor brides alike opting the islands to celebrate their special day. The beauty line’s aim is to aid in long lasting results and remain durable in hot, humid, and all other inhibiting weather conditions. Although Maleana was born for brides, the array of products are best for any beach dwelling babe. The collection has caught the attention of loads of Hawaii locals who live for the light mineral liquid foundation, bronzing powders, and sticky free, tasty lip glosses.

Our favorite Maleana product is the Liquid Mineral Powder Foundation ($38.00). Advanced technology delivers all the benefits of mineral powders in an easy-to-use hypoallergenic liquid powder. The breakthrough formula is perfect for brides that love liquid foundation and who shy away from mineral powders. The velvety smooth fluid triples as a foundation, sunscreen and anti-ager.

Online Mannequins

Have you ever walked by a mannequin in a window display and noticed how well put together they look? From head to toe they exhibit pure style. Everything coordinates without looking too matchy-matchy and the accessories paired with the outfit add just the right amount of flair. But with online shopping, which has become more and more popular, it's hard to really picture how an outfit will come together. That's why we love Forever 21's "Find My Look" section on their website. They put together complete outfits in many different styles. All you have to to is click on the outfit you like and you'll be directed to a page that allows you to purchase each individual piece in one swoop. It takes some of the guesswork out of online shopping. Check out some of the ensembles they've put together below. We wish all online shopping were this easy.




{And remember, when it comes to your wedding planning, consider banquetevent.com as your ultimate wedding shopping spree. We have it all from gowns and accessories, to organic catering to venues to suit 20 to 800 guests. It's just a click away.}

Hot Summer Trend: Scarves!

Everyone wants to have that "I just threw this on and I look fabulous" look when they step outside this summer. The quickest and easiest way to do just that this season is to add a fashionable, light weight and colorful scarf around your neck. We've found some delightful and affordable scarves to fit your budget. These scarves can also double as an evening shawl when you take an evening stroll with your hunny. Check these out...


PRINTS


Top Left: Orange silk scarf from Forever 21, $7.80
Top Right: Lotus print scarf from Forever 21, $6.80
Bottom Left: Silk pattern scarf from Forever 21, $7.80
Bottom Right: Graphic floral print from Forever 21, $5.80

SOLIDS


Top Left: Solid Amanda scarf from Forever 21, $8.80
Top Middle: Ombre scarf from Forever 21, $7.80
Top Right: Pink fringe scarf from Forever 21, $6.80
Bottom Left: Filigree scarf from Urban Outfitters, $38
Bottom Right: Monica knit scarf from Forever 21, $9.80

WRAPS


Left and Middle: Print wraps from Anthropologie, $38-$94
Right: Oversized striped scarf from Urban Outfitters, $19.99

Smart Solutions For Women On The Go

We love it when we find a product that makes sense for women. One of our pet peeves is when we have a pair of jeans or pants that are the perfect length for high heels, but then drag on the ground (and in Seattle that also means mud) when we want to wear the same pant with a cute pair of flats. Have no fret, ladies! A solution to this annoying problem is now here.

Meet a company called Zakkerz. Zakkerz (n.) is a temporary pant roll-up wrap used to hold pants that have been rolled up to a shorter length for flat shoes. Here is how it works: Roll your pant leg up to a desired length, then wrap zakkerz around the bottom of your pant with one end of zakkerz inside the pant leg and the other end outside the pant leg. The magnets bring the two ends of the zakkerz together – holding the roll-up in place. Zakkerz will hold your rolled pant legs in place when you need to temporarily shorten them without damaging your pants in any way!


So if you commute to work or a special event and want to wear high heels when you get there, but flats on the way over, just use Zakkerz pant magnets and you won't have to worry about a dirty or torn hemline.

Great Beauty Secrets

For those of you who can wake up in the morning and look like Miss America without having to even try, this post may not be for you. But, if you are like the rest of us and are always looking for the best kept beauty secrets, you'll love what we've discovered for you.

Looking beautiful on your wedding day doesn't mean you have spend hundreds of dollars to create your look. We found some amazing beauty buys and want to share them with you!

Up first, check out this incredible color palate from the Color Institute available at Ulta. Regularly this 47 piece collection is already available at a great value, but now it's yours for only $4.99!


Sometimes that beautiful bridal glow everyone talks about doesn't always come naturally. So what's a bride to do who wants to shine on her wedding day? Try Global Goddess South Pacific Shimmer, available for $32. See right.


Who doesn't want sparkling white teeth on their wedding day. Now comes a beauty tool that allows you to brighten your teeth and your smile with one dual product. Brighten your smile on the go with Enbrightenment, Tarte's dual wand tube that holds goji-berry-infused gloss on one end and minty BriteSmile tooth whitener on the other. While the once-a-day application of the whitener can take up to two weeks to lighten fully, the blue undertones of the gloss instantly give the appearance of whiter teeth. Retails for $26.


If you love to live green, then you'll be delighted to use products by Physicians Formula. Physicians Formula has gone green with their new Organic Wear collection. Everything from foundation to bronzer to blush is made only of pure organic ingredients that are just as good for you as they are for the environment. Plus, the line's cute compacts use 93% less plastic than most cases! The pressed powder seen right, retails for $13.95.


If you are going for the blushing bride look, try Tarte's Cheek Stain. Tarte's latest cheek stain combines their most popular shades into a swirling stick to give skin a natural-looking flush. And the moisturizing formula is infused with goji berry and acai fruit extract to protect skin naturally. The Blushing Bride Tint Retails for $28.


Last but not least, the key to the ultimate wedding day radiance is to de-stress weeks before the big day. The best way to pamper your tense muscles is to lay in a bath of scented bubbles. Our pick for the most indulgent bubble bath collection is from Victoria's Secret. Turn the tub into your own secret garden with Victoria's Secret's foaming bubble bath scented with bouquets of alluring blooms. The ultra-moisturizing formula leaves your skin soft and your mind revitalized. Retails for $8.50.

Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week

We love to see what bridal trends are popping up in other parts of the world. We found these incredible shots of the Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week featuring gowns and designs by Gema Nicolas, Victorio & Lucchino, and Fuentecapala.

Click here to view more images from the show.

You Animal, You!

One trend that never seems to go out of style is animal print. From zebra stripes to leopard and giraffe spots, animal inspired clothing and accessories appear year after year in fashion magazines and runways. Dressing from head to toe in any animal print is obviously a fashion faux pas, but little well placed touches here and there are nothing short of magic.

Check out these hot finds we think you should be stowing away for your honeymoon.


Top Left: Safari Train Case available at Sephora, Retails for $78
Top Left Center: Rogan Leopard print monokini suit available at Target, Retails for $29.99
Top Center: Rogan Zebra print bathing suit available at Target, Retails for $34.99
Top Right: Rogan Giraffe print bikini available at Target, Retails for $16.99 each piece
Left Center: Rogan Leopard print beach towel available at Target, Retails for $24.99
Center: Summer Safari Bronzers available at Sephora, Retails for $16
Bottom Left: Safari Bag Collection - Zebra available at Sephora, Retails $5-$48
Bottom Right: Safari Bag Collection - Giraffe available at Sephora, Retails $5-$48


Top Row: Mossimo safari pumps available at Target, Retails for $26.99
Center Left: Women's Xhilaration® Tressa Thong Sandals - Zebra Print available at Target, Retails for $13.49
Center Right: Xhilaration® Sable Ballerina Flats - Leopard available at Target, Retails for $14.99


Top Left: Zebra print sunglasses available at White House Black Market, Retails for $14.99
Top Right: Safari Trail Sunglasses available at White House Black Market, Retails for $14.99
Bottom Left: Arbez Zebra Flip-Flop available at White House Black Market, Retails for $38
Bottom Right: Lightweight Snake Slide available at White House Black Market, Retails for $28


Top Left: Zebra Coin Purse available at White House Black Market, Retails for $18
Top Right: L.A.M.B Leopard print wallet available at Nordstrom, Retails for $175
Bottom Left: L.A.M.B. Handheld bag available at Nordstrom, Retails for $314
Bottom Right: MICHAEL Michael Kors 'Desert Patent Large' Satchel available at Nordstrom, Retails for $398


Top Left: Sequin Thin Animal Print Bangle available at Nordstrom, Retails for $28
Top Right: Kenneth Jay Lane Animal Print Enamel Bangle Bracelet available at Nordstrom, Retails for $65-$78
Bottom Left: Sequin Thick Animal Print Bangle available at Nordstrom, Retails for $38
Bottom Right: Betsey Johnson Oversized Zebra Stripe Hoops available at Nordstrom, Retails for $35

We Think You'll Love...

We think you'll love this new nail polish from Nicole by OPI. This innovative nail polish packaging makes painting your own nails so very easy. Rather than a typical polish bottle and separate brush, this "Nic Stick" works much like lip gloss because the paint and brush are all in one tube. All you do is shake, pump, and paint. So the next time you're in a hurry for a touch up, give the "Nic Stick" a try. Plus it comes in tons of great colors. Our favorite is "Date Night Red."

Pick yours up at your local Walmart or Target Stores.

Did You Know...

We have a hot insider tip for you!

Did you know that any day between 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. in May or June you can treat yourself to a $32 pedicure at Spaahh at Hotel 1000 and you'll also receive a free glass of champagne and an appetizer from the restaurant upstairs?






Location:
1000 First Ave
Seattle, WA
Make an appointment by calling: 206.357.9490

Cause-metics

PeaceKeeper Cause-Metics is the first cosmetic line to give all of its after tax distributable profits to women's health advocacy & human rights issues. We especially love their natural mineral based nail polishes because they are attractive and good for your nails all at the same time. Plus you can feel good about contributing to an organization that supports women's issues.

For your wedding day, we recommend their French Manicure Kit. The kit includes...
Nail Renewal Oil with sweet almond oil, ginseng root extract, myrrha extract, and vitamin E for instant revitalization of cuticles and nail surface.
Paint Me Eternal Top/Bottom Coat nail polish with amino acids, vitamin A & E and seaweed to nurture the nails.
Paint Me Tranquil, a soft, subtle pink nail polish made with Botanical Argan Oil which is rich in amino acids.
Paint Me Tender, an opaque white nail polish for nail tips made with Botanical Argan Oil.
Price: $34.00

Press On Makeup

Do you sometimes feel inadequate when applying makeup? And does your makeup never turn out as good as what you see on TV? We suggest trying press on makeup and eye shadow by ColorOn. ColorOn Professional Makeup Applicators, can make anyone look as if they have a make-up artist on call. Pre-made eye shadow applicators come in several colors to match every skin tone. Just choose the color palette you like, press it on your eyelid, and peel off the applicator. You'll have flawless eyeshadow as if a professional makeup artist did it themselves. What's ColorOn's motto: makeup made easy, glamour made simple!




Product Description:
One oval does both eyes, so you get 20 applications! Learn more and see all the colors available in this kit. The best way to get familiar with ColorOn Instant eye shadow applicators is with our Best Sellers Kit! In this set you get to try the most popular, very wearable color combinations, from subtle to smokey.

Kits Retail: $30

Bridal Makeup Tips...Part 2

Watch MakeupGourmet.com's makeup artist Chris Scott apply bridal makeup in simple steps so you can replicate for your wedding day.

Bridal Makeup Tips...Part 1

Flawless bridal makeup is achievable with a few simple application steps from MakeupGourmet.com Tips in this video offer guidelines on applying the proper makeup for wedding photography so you can look your very best.

A New You, A New Do

Are you considering a new hair style but not sure if the style you are interested in will look on you or not? We've found just the solution. Try on different celebrity hairstyles at InStyle.com. Just upload a digital photo of yourself with your hair pulled back and voila! Start trying on different hairstyles right now. They even have a special section for wedding updos. Plus the hairstyle options change regularly so check back often.