Hello Productions Raleigh

Killer Events. Unique Style. Unforgettable.

2015 Bridal Fashion Week Recap

As a gal who loves to chat to anyone I meet, and as someone who finds that words come naturally, I almost (almost) find myself speechless. I’m searching for the right words to describe the endless array of gowns and bridal-wear showcased at this year’s Bridal Fashion Week; the traditional idea of bridal-wear was blown out of the water with three major trends including: stunning jumpsuits, mini dresses and ethereal gowns. After I picked my jaw off the floor, I knew I had to pinpoint my favorites here for you to drool over too. I cannot wait to see the no-doubt gorgeous weddings that will accompany these dresses this coming year!

 

One of my all-time favorites is Pnina Tornai, who does classic designs, but with a twist. Whether it’s a gown dripping with crystals, a plunging neckline or an open back, she always pushes the traditional envelope. Her new collection is called Wind Upon Water, which truly sets the stage for the heavenly gowns. It’s hard to choose which dress takes the cake; each dress is upstaged by the next! Here is a backstage glimpse of a few of the gowns that showcase the amazing bead & lace work. Is it just me, or do I see a little 60’s glam inspiration??

 
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I am a serious fan of black and white (if you saw my last blog post, I included an ahh-mazing black and white bridesmaid dress). Normally I wouldn’t think black belongs on a wedding gown, but Mark Zunino proved me wrong! Every dress in his collection is swoon worthy, but you have to see these black and white numbers, the second one is even hand painted!

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Excuse me while I try to start my heart again, because Lazarro slayed Bridal Fashion Week. While I thought Pnina’s designs and Mark’s black & white gowns were life changing, I was not prepared for Lazarro’s floral numbers. I could choose to include his stunning traditional white and beaded gowns, but what’s the fun in that? Also, this blush drop-waist number is everything I’ve always wanted to see in a gown. I adore his use of color and patterns to make these inspirational gowns.

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Also making the cut are …

 

Monique Lhuillier (Love the high-low drama and beautiful textured fabric)

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Fashion house Marchesa (Perfect to show off stunning shoes, like these)

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This killer jumpsuit number by Angel Sanchez

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And last but not least… this true beauty by Lela Rose

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Hello Taylor Smith!

Fall Intern 2015

Taylor is a Pittsburgh native who recently graduated from High Point University, in High Point, North Carolina, with a B.A. in Strategic Communications and a minor in Event Management.

She discovered her love for event planning while she was the philanthropy chair for her sorority. Her favorite part about event management is watching everyone’s hard work come together to create a magical event. She is, of course, a sucker for a good love story and enjoys traveling, reading and practicing yoga.
We are so excited for Taylor to join the Hello team!

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Great Gatsby Inspired Weddings and Events

With a revival of The Great Gatsby opening in theaters next month, we wanted to highlight some of our favorite ways to channel the 1920s at your next event. Whether you’re planning a wedding, anniversary party, or get together for the movie’s opening, we hope you love these ideas as much as we do!
 
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To Drink

The Plaza in New York, which is featured in both the book and upcoming film, has created a signature Great Gatsby cocktail. Impress your guests with this recipe:

michaelwillphotography.com

Moët Imperial Gatsby

1 sugar cube + 3 dashes green Chartreuse + 5 ounces Moet Imperial Champagne + Lemon twist garnish

Place sugar cube in the bottom of a champagne flute. Add a few dashes of Green Chartreuse. Fill remainder of glass with Champagne and garnish with lemon twist.

Source: storiedsips.com

Other popular 1920s liquors included brandy, champagne, whiskey and martinis.

 

To Listen

Use Spotify to create a playlist of some of the greatest from the 1920s. Here are a few classics to get you started:

michaelwillphotography.com1. Swanee – Al Jolson
2. West End Blues – Louis Armstrong
3. Rhapsody In Blue – Paul Whiteman featuring George Gershwin
4. Ain’t Misbehavin’ – Fats Waller / Louis Armstrong
5. T For Texas (Blue Yodel #1) – Jimmie Rodgers
6. In The Jailhouse Now – Jimmie Rodgers
7. The Prisoner’s Song – Vernon Dalhart
8. The St. Louis Blues – Bessie Smith / Marion Harris
9. Ol’ Man River – Paul Robeson / Al Jolson
10. Makin’ Whoopee – Eddie Cantor/ Paul Whiteman (Bing Crosby)
11. Crazy Blues – Mamie Smith
12. My Blue Heaven – Gene Austin / Paul Whiteman
13. Sonny Boy – Al Jolson
14. Dardanella – Ben Selvin
15. It Had To Be You – Isham Jones / Marion Harris
16. Pine Top’s Boogie Woogie – Pine Top Smith
17. Whispering – Paul Whiteman
18. My Mammy – Al Jolson / Paul Whiteman
19. Down Hearted Blues – Bessie Smith
20. Charleston – Arthur Gibbs /Paul Whiteman

Check here and here for many more 1920s artists.

 

To Eat

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Items that were popular ranged from fruit cocktail and jello molds to deviled eggs and tea sandwiches. Here are 50 Tea Sandwich Ideas from the Food Network.

We also love this recipe for Mini Pineapple Upside-down Cakes.

 
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To Wear

Flapper dresses, feathers and bold suits would be the standard for anyone attending a Gatsby party.
 
Visit our Pinterest Gatsby Greats Board to see some of our favorite 1920s-inspired wedding dresses.

Want help with the details? Give Hello Productions a call and we will help you dazzle your guests with an event that is reminiscent of a good jazz song, a great martini, flapper dresses and a lot of fun!

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