Happy Halloween!

Jennifer and I find inspiration everywhere. We brought our children to a school Halloween party and saw this brilliant giant diorama. How did they know we offer great bridal packages?

Have a ghoulish time today!

Jim Hjelm Trunk Show Success!

We were delighted to have a sold-out preview of Jim Hjelm's Spring Season Bridesmaids Collection last night. Dozens of brides and their bridesmaids got a sneak peek at the collection (it's gorgeous!), sipped champagne and checked out bouquets by Flowers of the World, Catherine Rapetti hand bags, Blue Tux shoes and Tejani jewels. Tomorrow is the last day so email or call Lindsay to check out the line and cross off some projects off your list. And if that isn't enough, Bride's Head Revisited is having a sample sale of their beautiful headpieces, combs, hairpins and flowers.

Lindsay@theweddinglibrary.com or 212.327.0100. See you there!

Samples of the large selection we have on display.

Our fearless intern Kristen, the designer Francesca Pitera, our Jim Hjelm representative Danielle and Wedding Library Bridesmaids Manager, Lindsay.

A sample of Indian-inspired Tejani bridesmaid earrings.

The Tejani display, a rainbow of available colors and combinations.

A model outfitted with dress, earrings, bouquet and hand bag from the show.

Orchid and berry bouquet -- all bouquets courtesy of Flowers of the World.

More gorgeous orchids and ranunculus.

Grape hyacinth -- gorgeous!

Calla lilies in a striking bouquet.

Hot pink set the tone.

Style Network Films Amy Atlas

The wonderful Amy Atlas, sweets stylist, spent yesterday afternoon with us creating the most extraordinary display you can imagine. She and I were being filmed for a Martha Stewart show called The Art of Cakes, 2, that will debut on the Style Network on December 16. Inspired by our lovely hand-screened Alan Campbell wallpaper, Amy and floral stylist Livia Cetti created the ultimate Wedding Library confection display.

Some of the "raw" materials being assembled for the filming and photo shoot. The little boxes slide open and are all handmade. The patterns and colors mimic our own.

When I saw this tray of supplies I knew I would love the end result.

A close up of the table where you can see the wallpaper inspiration. The display will be up for a month, come by the Library to see all the details for yourself.

Voila! Here's the full display with Livia's feathers and paper flowers in full view. Love the colors.

Here's Amy Atlas (left) with the Martha Stewart Producer, right before she goes "on camera".

The Italian wrapped candies coordinate beautifully with the macaroons, sugared almonds and chocolate truffles coated in almonds.

Here's a close up of the paper leaf accessory. Je t'aime.

The fleur de lis and feather mimic the pattern on the wallpaper. The tiny dots refer to the strings of "pearls" in the paper pattern. And something old, something new...so sweet.

Look at how beautifully the colors of these chocolates go with the ensemble. I hope they last the month!

Glimpses of the Moon

My friend Taijlei Levis, writer/lyricist of this sparkling romantic musical has a great idea. Dinner theater as bridal shower. And it even has a wedding theme. The story follows the whirl of 1922 Manhattan society. With plenty of friends but little money, Suzy Branch and her friend Nick Lansing devise a clever scheme to live beyond their means. They'll marry and live off the wedding gifts while they help one another trade up to suitable millionaires. The show is at the Oak Room in the Algonquin Hotel and includes dinner. Sounds like the perfect girly party to me! Buzz Bonus: Mention FFMOON for a special discount for Buzz readers, for group discounts email info@glimpsesofthemoon.com.

Tejani at the Wedding Library

It's great to have a lot of choices when selecting the perfect jewelry for your wedding gown. And up until now, we've found that brides don't have many choices from their bridal salons or department stores. Our friends at Tejani have solved this problem with their genius jewelry fitting service. Choose the costume jewelry that you would like to try on from their website, and a Tejani stylist will come to your dress fitting with an array of jewels to choose from. The application for the service is on-line, and the service is complimentary. To see the whole collection of bridal and bridesmaid jewelry in person, join us at our Jim Hjelm trunk show on Thursday from 5-8pm. The designers will be there, new styles will be on view, and cocktails will be served! RSVPs are necessary to lindsay@theweddinglibrary.com or by calling us at 212.327.0100. Buzz Bonus: Enjoy discounts on bridesmaid dresses, purses, shoes and jewelry during the show.

Rainbow Room Wedding

One of my favorite venues in the city is Cipriani's Rainbow Room. Its breathtaking views, rich history, great food and service make it a wedding venue jewel. Last Friday I planned a wedding there that epitomizes the essence of the glamor that embodies the room. A fashionista and mathematician merged their two loves in the black tie event, with a team that made it all come to life.

The bride loves color and wanted the room to glow with warm, flattering amber and rose tones.

Centerpieces in tones of red were magnificent, created by Matthew Robbins of Artfool. We added gold chargers and eliminated fussy bread plates to enhance the richness of the tables.

The bride's tables were named after designers and the groom's after mathematicians/philosophers. Hand calligraphy on burnt sugar stock was provided by the Wedding Library.

The cake incorporated the kona, gold and dark reds of the wedding palette.

The groom loves tetrahedrons because "they have four sides, and yet are so strong". We had these custom die cut, letterpressed, hand lettered and tied with wax string to perform as escort cards. The results delighted the groom and the guests who know him.

A rich and varied bridesmaid bouquet by Artfool.

The menu card shows off the wedding colors, design and the great Rainbow Room menu. Card by Dauphine Press, by the Wedding Library.

The couple's dog Annie, reproduced in cake. It was so realistic that everyone declined to cut into him and the cake went home with the family. (Note the math equation written in gold around the dog's dish.)

Another math touch -- the groom's favorite place is Chichen Itza, Mexico. This ice sculpture by Okamoto incorporates many of the mathematical wonders represented by this 1500 year-old pyramid.

The view from the 65th floor of Thirty Rockefeller Plaza takes your breath away. A math/fashion wedding? Works for me!

We're in the Sunday New York Times Today (Style Section)

We were interviewed by Marianne Rohrlich for The New York Times on how our challenging economic times are affecting couples' wedding plans. How to Take a Cake Knife to Wedding Costs describes how many are re-prioritizing and being more prudent with the dollars they have to spend. We could not agree more. I started the Wedding Library as a resource to help brides find the best vendors within their budget and with the aesthetic sensibility that best matches their own. Jennifer and I devote ourselves to supporting artists who provide the greatest value to their clients -- and the best part is that we are these artists' biggest fans. When every dollar is important, it's important to spend every dollar well.

Medal Winning Table Numbers

Just received these beautiful cards that Linda, our Stationery Director told me she used as place cards for a stylish wedding. There are 8 styles, and I think it would also be great to use them as table cards. Guests could be seated at: Good Fortune, Kindness & Compassion, Beauty & Friendship, Hospitality & Graciousness, Honesty & Integrity, Courage & Strength, Wisdom & Experience or Love & Romance. I know just who I would have sit at each table!


We can order any of their styles with a minimum order of 8, $14 each. If using them as placecards (20 or more), special quantity discounts apply.

Ringbearer Suits

My two boys, Caio and Luca, finally got to be ringbearers! I was far more excited than they were, and it lead to a mad search for the perfect, charming outfit. I love brown, kona to be exact, and am delighted to have found this dark brown velvet Eton suit. They wore it with ecru knee socks and two-tone nubucks. The bride is Karen Hill, the wedding photographer who shot my wedding 14! years ago. She's an amazing artist and an original Wedding Library Member; hope you saw the post a couple of days ago. PS, from the 19th century until 1967, boys under the height of 5'4" were required to wear the Eton suit if they attended Eton's private school in England.

Sole Mates

Don't be a stick-in-the-mud. And you don't have to with this clever little product. Whenever I plan outdoor weddings I have to make sure to wear wedges or no heels at all. But that's not such a great option for brides and bridesmaids who love their four-inch Jimmy Choo's.Fairly discreet and easy to use, the SoleMates High Heeler attaches to most stiletto and kitten heels. The wide base prevents you from sinking into the grass or falling into cracks. Now why didn't I think of that? Available at the Wedding Library, where we take care of you.

Blue Tux Shoes -- Arriving!

We haven't carried shoes in a while, but lately we've realized how much easier it is for our bridesmaids to find shoes that coordinate with their dresses all under one roof. So we've placed our order for our favorite Blue Tux shoes, which should be arriving any minute. We like them because they are stylish, true to size, comfortable, and most come in silver, bronze and gold -- so they coordinate with all the lovely colorful dresses we carry. We especially like this one which gets high marks for comfort.
The "Maya" is great for the bride or her bridesmaids, they're also a steal at $95! Buzz Bonus: Buy 3 or more for a 10% discount -- a great bridesmaid gift!

Wedding Photographer Gets Married!

On Sunday I had the immense pleasure of being a guest at my good friend and Wedding Library Photographer's wedding, Karen Hill. She shot my own wedding 14 years ago, and my family and I had the privilege of attending her beautiful wedding in return. I suppose with shooting weddings for almost 20 years she learned a thing or two about design because it was one of the most beautiful weddings I have ever seen. Karen and Frank did all the work themselves -- and when I say all, I mean it. They made the flower arrangements, printed the stationery, styled the accessories and made the boutonnieres. Frank even provided the recipes for the delicious dinner! There were at least 6 (superb) professional photographers and filmmakers in attendance, so expect to see great images in a bridal magazine in the near future. For now, here are my best shots and some great ideas for talented do-it-yourselfers!

The happy couple in front of the historic Brewster House, the reception site. Karen made her bouquet from hydrangeas and bird feathers. Note the charming garland above the door and the bird silhouettes in the window.

Had to get this in there, my boys were ring bearers. They performed admirably.

Frank's little willow tree served as the escort card holder -- each hand stamped card was held to the tree with little clothes pins.

Programs and bird seed packets displayed next to vintage bird houses on their property, where the ceremony was held.

Home made and delicious cupcakes baked by the Maid of Honor, topped with chocolate birds.

The Brewster House held guests at banquet tables for 10, each table different and equally charming and detailed.

Antique glass flasks, silver containers and vases filled with flowers further personalized the event.

Glass containers held feather birds on twigs -- a great focal point at the tables.

The hand-printed menus were tied with grosgrain and satin, topped with a pussy willow sprig.

I loved the level of attention to detail. These little shakers were so cute on the hand printed butcher block paper that was laid over the linens.

A china cabinet at the reception entry was styled with framed images, books, birds' nests and flowers.

Frank and Karen's initials at the guest book table. Note the sweet lovebirds in their nest.

Karen fell in love with this artists' fanciful photographs collaged with birds' heads. A great way to incorporate the theme and personalize the event at the same time.