Great Performances Makes Holiday Parties Easy

You'll have to click on the graphic below to see clearly, but Great Performances, a favorite caterer of ours, is making the holiday party season a little simpler with three great catering offerings: a drop-off, a 2 hour cocktail party or a holiday buffet. Their forte is seasonal, farm fresh foods that are beautifully presented and delicious. In this season of compressed time and smaller budgets, this is a gracious and easy solution to holiday entertaining.
Buzz Bonus: Call my friend Corey Sandlofer for great service for your off-premise needs. 212.258.9586 or corey.sandlofer@greatperformances.com

Vivienne Westwood Gown and Sex & the City

Hot off the press! A couple of months ago we told you about a new bridal salon that we discovered and love. Gabriella New York has been chosen as the exclusive bridal salon in Manhattan to have the Vivienne Westwood "Carrie" dress worn by Sarah Jessica Parker in the Sex in the City movie.

The dress will be at the salon on two days only -- Thursday the 4th of December and Friday, December 5, 10am-6pm. You can try it on, and if you are feeling particularly sexy in the city, you can purchase it. Call the salon for an appointment at 212.206.1915 or email at info@gabriellanewyork.com.

Happy Thanksgiving

I would be thankful if I received this Alex Woo charm today.
If not, I'll try to remember all the other things I'm grateful for today.

Christos at Amsale

For our romantic brides. Christos is designed by Amsale for the quintessential bride. Each dress is softly romantic yet refined enough for the most formal setting. From indulgent laces to the tiniest covered buttons, the traditional details are all in place. Yet every element, large or small, has been interpreted for today. I have a little personal bias on behalf of Christos as he designed my wedding dress!
The preview of the Fall 2009 Collection from Christos will be at an exclusive trunk show a the designer's flagship salon from November 28-30. Call 212.583.1700 for a reservation. As Amsale is quoted as saying "The Fall 2009 Collection for CHRISTOS is the embodiment of romance and soft femininity. Exquisite floral details and delicate laces create the feeling of a cherished heirloom while remaining unmistakably modern."

Wedding Library Thanksgiving Sale!

In honor of the biggest shopping day of the year, the Wedding Library is having a great big sale on Friday and Saturday. We have loads of cute holiday gifts coming in, and on-site customization. We've ordered loads of our favorite products and stocking stuffers, with discounts on everything! Stop by on your shopping travels -- you're sure to find a great gift or two!

Our favorite things include White & Warren travel and cashmere sets, custom Kate Spade holiday cards, Seda France holiday candles, Blue Tux silvery holiday clutch, leather stocking stuffers: luggage tags, address books and photo envelopes.

Minimergency Survival Kit

As small as a cupcake, this mini-kit has 16 emergency essentials that every girl can use. We've got several of these stashed in our desk, glove compartment, and handbags. I think it's a good thing to stuff in a stocking, too. Or nice for a little bridesmaid treat. And at $10, the price is mini too.

We love the discreet silver case.

Included are a miniaturized hairspray, clear nail polish, nail polish remover, emery board, lip balm, earring backs, clear elastics, sewing kit, double-sided tape, stain remover, deodorant towelette, pain reliever, tampon, breath freshener, dental floss and adhesive bandages. Available at the Wedding Library or by phone order: 212.327.0100.

Maui/Wowi Summer/Winter

Right now, Maui Wowi is offering a 20% off an espresso beverage event in December. They offer delicious espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, mochas and hot cocoas for social events. Ask for a quote, and once you are ready to book, just mention the discount code MAUI, tell them the Wedding Library sent you, and they'll take 20% off your invoice!
We love Maui Wowi for its creative ideas -- great for a summer wedding specialty cocktail station in the Hamptons.... They make fresh fruit smoothies, frozen cocktails, daiquiris, pina coladas and margaritas for weddings and events in metro New York, New Jersey and Connecticut locales.
As an after-dinner treat at a winter wedding, consider them at dessert time for cappucinos and cocoas... Buzz Bonus: Have your caterer provide the glasses and cups for a polished look.

Re-Touch Much?

Retouching. A sticky subject amongst photographers, it's just not something that most photo-journalistic photographers like to do. But, sometimes there's that perfect shot that could use a little help. We've all been there. Now there is a solution for the bride who wants a little "enhancement". Thomas Villarreal can make some realistic improvements, or can create photo illustrations as in the photo below.
The RetouchShoppe provides touch-ups of your favorite images and the web site shows remarkable before and after images. This amazing service should probably be used sparingly, but you can really create amazing, surreal images (if that's what you are looking for). Now you too can look like Madonna on the cover of Vanity Fair. Just don't re-touch too-much. Buzz: Prices start at $30 an image.

Anne Barge and Monique Lhullier Trunk Shows

Mark Ingram, the brilliant owner of Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier, just let us know about two important trunk shows coming up. Fabulous dresses, a wonderful boutique, don't miss them! The salon is at 110 East 55th Street, 8th Floor. Call 212.319.6778 for an appointment.

Anne Barge Trunk Show & Personal Appearance
December 4-6, 2008
by appointment only

Monique Lhuillier Trunk Show
December 11-13, 2008
by appointment only

Not Your Average Librarians

Meet Lindsay Bonamassa and Kristen Carnie. They are the ladies behind our amazing bridesmaids department. Lindsay, (left) is engaged and is the Director, Bridesmaids at the Wedding Library. She's planning a destination wedding (we think) and hasn't decided on a bridesmaid's dress yet. Lindsay has helped hundreds of brides find their perfect dresses, and has all the scoop on the new spring styles by our designers. Kristen is her fashionista Assistant, who loves everything wedding. She's worked in bridal and bridesmaid fashion for years, and brings her great experience to the Library.
Here's the dynamic duo at the end of our Jim Hjelm trunk show, trying on a couple of new styles they really love, and pairing the gowns with our favorite Tejani jewels and Blue Tux shoes. Email or call to make an appointment with our librarians to find your best look: Lindsay@theweddinglibrary.com or call 212.327.0100.

Dana Michele Trunk Show

I got a sneak peek at my friend Dana's beautiful new line of jewelry and jumped on the chance to have a trunk show with her collection. For some pieces she teamed with our friend Deb at Dyanne Belle and Simmons Jewelry (as in Kimora Lee) to create a collection that I'm sure will become an instant classic. So we've invited her over to show off the collection on Tuesday, December 9, from 12-8pm. Don't forget to rsvp to us at kristina@theweddinglibrary.com. Discounts will be offered on these great gifts for yourself or a favorite bridesmaid or hip mom. (Or bring the fiance along -- and give him a hint for the holidays).

Call us at 212.327.0100 for more information.

Top Knots Wedding Photography Contest

Every year an industry publication, Photo District News (PDN), presents a wedding photography contest. It's called Top Knots and is through the New School for Wedding Photography. There are almost always Wedding Library Photographer submissions, and many of them are former winners. The magazine puts the finalists' images on-line; they are worth a peek. Brides can also get contacts from their web site for potential photographers.
The photographs chosen are usually pretty edgy -- I love them all the more for it. I was a judge a few years ago; I am honored to be a judge again this year. Look for my posting of favorites for 2009 early in the new year. Buzz Bonus: For any of you hoping to enter, the deadline is December 1!

Madame Paulette to Go

Not only do we exclusively recommend Madame Paulette for the after-care of your precious wedding gown, but now you can take her with you. This little stain kit is great in an emergency -- no bridal kit is complete without one. We always have one at weddings, and it usually is used by the end of the night.
Available at the Wedding Library along with our collection of bridal emergency essentials. Buzz Bonus: Did you know that we recommend Madame Paulette for bridal and bridesmaid alterations too? Mention the Wedding Library and receive a discount on all services!

Alex Woo Bridesmaids

We met Alex last year when we were organizing the Wedding Party, our annual bridal showcase. She has brilliant bridal jewelry but I love her super-simple on-line bridesmaid "Little Letters". They're personal, (your bridesmaid's initial), they're stylish (all the celebs are wearing them), and it's easy to buy over the Internet. With all that you're organizing, isn't it nice to cross this one off the list? Buzz bonus: Great for flower girls too!

And for the Bride...
Oh yeah, I couldn't resist. Aren't these great for the bride-to-be? You can forever match up the initials of you and your betrothed or stack your wedding date in numbers. Love it!

Spring Preview Bride's Head

You'll have to visit them in person to get the full effect, but let me tell you if you saw Alex placing swarovski crystals one-by-one, you'd be as impressed as I am. Spring 2009 is looking promising...

Bride's Head Revisited image courtesy of their blog.

Retro-chic Post-punk Bowery Wedding

We recently had lunch at the Bowery Hotel's Gemma bistro and checked out the party space. This space isn't for the faint-hearted -- think rockstar/A-list socialite/too-cool-for school vibe. But the space is beautiful and is picture-perfect for the downtown bride. There are three rooms and a balcony that separately or combined can accommodate from 60 to 300.

The second floor fireplace room with Edwardian-style planters and furniture.

Front half of the room.

Large bar/cocktail area.

And for all you brides looking for outdoor space...

The terrace.

The rooms aren't bad, either. This irrepressible hipster hangout has light, bright bedrooms that capture the style of old New York apartments. Gemma's private dining room also would be perfect for a rehearsal dinner for 20-30. It' not your parent's Bowery any longer.

Wedding Librarian Love

I was just sent a link to this hand-made invitation set for a library assistant and librarian. I love a theme and the details on this one are just perfect. There's even an insider-librarian joke. In the Dewey Decimal System the call number 365.49 is for Penal and related institutions. Are they saying that marriage is like a jail sentence? Well I don't like that....

If you are not into DIY, but you're an librarian, author or publisher, call Linda and challenge her with this project: 212.327.0100. Good luck Linda!

The Wedding Party

We've mentioned it before, but now it's official -- the Wedding Library is throwing a party for brides. It's January 24 at the Palace Hotel. And it's sponsored by our great friends at Elegant Bride. And Colin Cowie is our keynote speaker. And we'll have over 70 amazing vendors bringing you the best in weddings. We're so excited to share it with you.

(Click on the image to see the details.)

This is our advertisement that will be running in the Winter issue of Elegant Bride. Tickets for the Wedding Party are on sale now. Stay tuned as we share the details of this event with you.

Delight the Senses!

Sometimes it's the little things that make a big difference at a wedding. A beautifully scented candle in a washroom, or a tiny candle tin for each guest at their hotel lets your guests know that you are thinking of them.

Our favorite scent is Japanese Quince from Seda France, a yummy fragrance with aspects of rhubarb, passion fruit, peach and white jasmine. The candles make a great holiday or hostess gift, too. I keep a few in my cupboard for just those occasions -- the pretty box means I don't even have to wrap it. Available at the Wedding Library.

Wedding Library Guide for the Classic New York Bride

Attention NYC brides! Are you a shopper? Do you consider yourself a a classic bride? Focused on the upper east side, this map notes all of our favorite haunts for registering, a dress-crawl, or venue search. Phone numbers and cross streets are included to make appointments easy. Laura Hooper, calligrapher extraordinaire, created this super map for our Guide.

(Click on the image for a closer look.)

The full Guide for the Bride is our ultra-useful mini-journal for getting the job done. Packed with listings for our favorite vendors and products, it's available at the Wedding Library. Best of all, it's complimentary. Pick one up for yourself and make it all a little easier.

Gift Bag Treat

I can't ignore it when a company sends a giant box of popcorn to our office. Nor did I want to once I tasted these delicious treats. These people are serious about their popcorn -- from savory to sweet. I tried a lot of their 12 flavors, and liked one better than the next. Reviews from the office place almond biscotti on top, twice-as-nice chocolate drizzle corn as decadent, and hall of fame kettle corn as a crowd pleaser.

For hotel gift bags, Dale and Thomas have got you covered. The popcorn is fresh and delicious, the packaging is great, and the foot-long bag helps fill a gift basket. All in all, a great welcome for your guests.

Purchase by the case (24 bags) to receive the drawstring bag.

(Their Popsters or Popster Milk Tins also make a great in-room treat for your guests.)

Coren Moore Promotion

Faille, \ˈfī(-ə)l\ noun. Etymology: French, from Old French. Date: 1869. :a somewhat shiny closely woven silk, rayon, or cotton fabric characterized by slight ribs in the weft.
Coren Moore's faille is ribbed with a texture similar to grosgrain ribbon. The fabric drapes well and is not prone to wrinkling. Color tone is stronger and more solid than shantung. As an added benefit, it offers a supportive fit. As with all of Coren's dresses, these are super cute. Great for a summer or destination wedding. And at these prices, what's not to love! Email or call for an appointment: Lindsay@theweddinglibrary.com or 212.327.0100.

Ceci's White Label Album

Lisa Hoffman, the Founder and Creative Director of Ceci New York, has just introduced her first collection of ready-to-order stationery. And the Wedding Library is proud to be her exclusive retailer in New York City! We've worked with Lisa for years designing stationery suites for our planning clients -- now we can offer four amazing collections to our retail customers, too. The collection is based on 30 of her most popular and most requested designs. Best of all, Ceci's new White Label Collection is priced as ready-to-wear rather than haute couture. Linda is taking appointments now, give her a ring at 212.327.0100.

This suite, the "Ornamental", is part of the Ornate Collection Album. We adore the printed envelope and belly band.
(Click on all images for a closer look.)

"Miss Pretty" is part of Lisa's Classic Collection Album. Perfect for the traditional bride who wants to add a bit of romance.

"Jetset" is the name for this suite from the Destination Collection Album. The " airline tickets" are so clever as information inserts.

"Bijou", from Ceci's Botanical Collection, has a great vintage interpretation of her popular floral styles.

Sample Sale

Lovely Lara of Lara Helene sent us an invitation to her sample sale with sample and stock sizes. There's sure to be some great bargains and it starts today so run on over!

Cheryl Kleinman Cakes

One of my favorite bakers does not have a web site. I send brides to her regularly, and they visit her bake shop on Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, and fall in love. It's easy to do. Cheryl also co-owns Betty Bakery with Ellen Baumwoll, and together they make yummy things. She's so busy baking, she doesn't have much time for web-site work. But the editors know all about her and feature her regularly. So you can find her cakes at places like the Brides web site. Make an appointment, it's worth it!










As a bride, working with Cheryl is especially fun. Here are the steps to a fabulous cake. First, make an appointment (by phone) 718.237.2271. Second, meet with Cheryl at the bakery, design a fabulous cake together. Then, go home and wait. Soon, a cake will arrive at your doorstep with the flavors you've chosen. It's a tasting cake! A present from Cheryl! The next step is a sugar high and when you recover you finalize your order. When your wedding day arrives, so does your fabulous cake. All photos courtesy of Brides.com.