Friday, January 6, 2012

Priscilla of Boston Closes Its Doors

Sad news from one of America's greatest bridal shops...


Do you think it's because of this unfortunate incident??

Priscilla Of Boston Spray-Paints Unsold Wedding Gowns To Keep Them From Grubby Poor People
By Laura Northrup on January 5, 2012

Priscilla of Boston, a high-end bridal chain best known for making Grace Kelly's wedding gown, came to an undignified end last week when current parent company David's Bridal shut it down. This news wouldn't have made national headlines if an alert shopper in a Minneapolis suburb hadn't noticed unsold dresses by the rackful being wrecked with red spray paint and tossed in a dumpster.Yes, it's wasteful and appalling. David's Bridal claims that the gowns, most of which retailed for more than your first car, couldn't be donated due to contractual obligations to high-end designers. Worried about the "brand dilution," the suppliers don't want their brand-new gowns filling a thrift store rack, or, evidently, being worn by poor people.

In an initial statement, David's Bridal explained:

“Priscilla of Boston has always donated quality bridal gowns to a variety of charitable causes. We do not, however, donate unsaleable dresses that are damaged, soiled or in otherwise poor condition.”

Your helpful bridal fashion hint for today: avoid spray-painting unworn gowns in order to keep them out of "poor condition."

David's later issued another statement to NBC's Today show, claiming that they would try to salvage some gowns for brides in need.

“While it has been Priscilla of Boston's policy not to make donations of sample dresses that are in poor condition, we recognize that some of these dresses could possibly have gone to worthy causes. David's Bridal has already begun bringing together all of the remaining Priscilla of Boston gowns to evaluate them and ensure that they are donated to our charitable partners wherever possible.”

Source - The Consumerist

Favorites of 2011 - Celebrity Weddings

Prince William + Kate Middleton
Ah, Prince William...like any other daughter of the 80's I grew up with a teeny {massive} crush on the Prince. It was so fun {heartbreaking} seeing him tie the knot to the gorgeous {seriously, gorgeous} Kate. sigh. I love a real life fairy tale! Dress: Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen



Niecy Nash + Jay Tucker

I watched Niecy Nash's Wedding Bash on TLC and loved seeing her spunky personality...not to mention all the gorgeous details!
Dress: Ines DiSanto
Venue: Church Estate Vineyards, Malibu

Lauren Bush + David Lauren
Dress: Ralph Lauren (of course)

I love that their photo looks so vintage. You know you're in for one darn good party when the bride is President Bush's niece and the groom is Ralph Lauren's son.
Do you think anyone advised her against the marriage because her name is now Lauren Lauren?

Venue: Ralph Lauren's Double RL Ranch, Colorado

Molly Sims + Scott Stuber
Dress: Marchesa

Her bridesmaid dresses were my all-time favorite of the year! I love the color palette, for one, and the way they're all so unique but coordinate so well is just beautiful.

Venue: Napa Valley

Miranda Lambert + Blake Shelton
This couple has had an amazing year...They both won CMA's for Male/Female Artist! Talk about a power couple...and they're so adorable!
Dress: Bride's Grandmother's Gunne Sax 1979 wedding dress
Venue: Kendell Creek at the Don Strange Ranch

Paul McCartney + Nancy Shevell


Dress: Stella McCartney (of course)
Venue: Old Marylebone Town Hall in London &
McCartney's St. John's Wood home

Gene Simmons + Shannon Tweed - after 28 years of being together!

I actually love "Gene Simmons Family Jewels"on A&E;
they're surprisingly normal & very entertaining.

Gift Guide: Ebelskivers!

I don't know about you, but I LOVE shopping for wedding gifts. Printing out the registry, searching the aisles until I find the perfect gift...it's like a scavenger hunt! Or maybe you're the over-achieving-type...I remember my mom would always keep a few waffle irons in her closet as her go-to wedding gift...smart, right? Though that method helps you out in a pinch, I prefer to put in some time and pick out something fun.

I'm highly aware that not everyone loves shopping as much as I do, so if the thought of picking out a wedding gift causes you to break out in a sweat, here's a fail-proof guide to the wedding gift.

I try to stick with a theme...all kitchen items, bathroom accessories, etc. I usually buy one main gift and throw in a few smaller items; I personally enjoy opening a few things versus only one.

As an avid breakfast-lover, I would DIE to get a gift like this...Who doesn't love pancake balls that you can fill with yummy things like chocolate, fruit & jam? mmmmmmmm






So there you have it! Get the pan, some ebelskiver pancake mix, the ebelskiver cookbook & those clever flipping tools & voila! You have a thoughtful gift for the bride & groom. And if you want to be really clever, add in a gift certificate to a local restaurant that serves said ebelskivers (like Valhalla in downtown Visalia).
Bon apetit!

Photo Source: Williams-Sonoma

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Goodbye 2011...Hello 2012!

I can't believe it's already 2012! I had so much fun reliving 2011's weddings...here are a few of my favorites! Enjoy!

Becca Saucedo Photography





Becker Photography



















Here's to a great 2012!