Here's one way to make it your own... Saturday, February 20, 2010

This adorable couple got married in the Apple store where they met. It's very cute when he pats her behind toward the beginning there.

I never planned for our wedding to have anything to do with when or where we met, but I inadvertently picked a wedding date that was exactly two years from the day we met in 2008! I'd completely forgotten which day it was and didn't realize it until I found some old notes from the class we took together.

Bridal Industry vs. Intelligent Thought Monday, June 8, 2009

I'm sure lots of us have conflicting feelings about our desire to stay sane while simultaneously participating in an *insane* Wedding Industrial Complex. The Secret Sociologist offers her thoughts on this in her post, "A Sucker for the Bridal Industry."

Of her love for Bridezillas, she writes:

This show is particularly awful; it perpetuates horrible stereotypes, most notably the White Trash stereotype, but also the “Oh No She Di-in’t” Angry Black Woman stereotype and, new for this season, the fiery hot-Latina stereotype. It’s particularly cruel. And still, I watch. The women are abusive and mean — and fascinating. Most of the time, I turn the show off in the middle because it’s so awful. But I still patronize it. Horrible!

What does it say about women when we buy into the Bridal Industry? Are we all, no matter how intelligent & thoughtful, susceptible to the Wedding Industrial Complex? And, why, much to the chagrin of the feminists, do we treat marriage as an exclusive club to which we have FINALLY gained admission?

Notes on Martha Stewart's Wedding Show Thursday, April 16, 2009

I was so excited to get the chance to see the Martha Stewart Show special on *weddings*! The audience was full of excited brides-to-be and each audience member got some great swag to take home. Lucky them! Here's a rundown:

Vera Wang: I haven't been an automatic fan of Vera's work, but I love her attention to detail and admire her work ethic. It's nice to hear an artist speak of her creations, and this is no exception. This year's bridal collection was inspired by ballgowns in general, but in her bid to re-invent them, says she fashioned the gowns as if they had been "tossed in the wash machine and are a little imperfect." Interesting. For more realistic ideas, she shows a beautiful "wedding-guest" dress from her Kohl's department store line ($78) and a mid-priced (at $2500!) red evening gown. Everyone in the audience gets a bottle of her latest fragrance and some of her notecards.

David Mann: He decorates a wedding "for less" with baby's breath and tulle. I am not a fan of this look for *everything*, but it is certainly creative for a few elements here & there. I do like the hanging shiny butterflies that he shows in a photo. Not sure how I'd use them.

Recently married Frédéric Fekkai discusses hair matching your dress. He & Martha agree that hair MUST be shiny, bouncy, and natural. Brides that are "laquered to death" are unnatural. No laquer, ladies! Frédéric shows some very glamorous, uncomplicated styles and describes how to pull them off yourself. He reminds brides to start thinking about hair after they've purchased a dress, so at least 6 months out from the wedding.

J'maal Buster: The Eyelash Guy. Personally, I have two words about false eyelashes: Do it! They're an easy way to add some subtle glamour to your face. People won't know *why* your eyes are suddenly so beautiful, but they can't help but stare! He introduces a great tool for putting on your false eyelashes. I'm skeptical. They should have had one of the audience brides try it.

Celebrity Bridal Q&A Panel: All the show's guests answer audience questions. The camaraderie between Vera (someone who usually appears outwardly reserved) and Darcy & Martha is nice to watch. It's obvious that weddings are their passion. Some interesting points:
- Don't sweat the small stuff. When you are stressed about some small detail, remember your husband! This is repeated ad nauseum, but it's important.
- Your guests are the most important thing on the day of your wedding--even more important than you! I like this one.

So, that's the story on this year's Spring Wedding Special on the Martha Stewart show. Of course, you can indulge yourself with obsessively perfect wedding details as often as you'd like on her wedding website.