4 Sep
2008

Posted in: Connecticut Events, Featured Posts
By Candice

Grand Opening: Something Blue Bridal Boutique

We’re excited to announce the grand opening of a new bridal boutique in Connecticut! Lisa Palama has opened Something Blue Bridal in Southbury and is holding her grand opening weekend on September 19th — 21st, which will feature a Simone Carvalli trunk show on Friday and Saturday. From their website:

Come join us for a fun and exciting weekend as Simone Carvalli displays their new couture bridal line! Meet other wedding vendors and professionals on Sunday, September 21st. Call today for your appointment for Simone Carvalli’s trunk show or stop in on Sunday to see us. Friday, 19th – 10am-5pm, Saturday, 20th – 9am – 5pm, and Sunday, 21st – 9am – 3pm.

They are also running additional specials in honor of their launch:

Purchase of a Bridal Gown: Receive 10% off accessories, shoes & merchandise
Purchase of a Bridal Gown & Bridesmaids Dresses: Receive 20% off accessories, shoes & merchandise
Receive a free gift with purchase of a Bridal Gown

Something Blue Bridal has a great selection of gowns from designers like Maggie Sottero, Simone Carvalli, and Ella Rose. They also have a great selection of bridesmaid gowns, mother of the bride gowns, and bridal accessories. We’ll be attending the grand opening and we hope to see you there!

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3 Sep
2008

Posted in: Connecticut Events, Reception Sites, Vendor Spotlight
By Candice

6 Comments

Ceremony & Reception Venue Spotlight: The Old State House

Photograph courtesy of Carla Ten Eyck

I had the opportunity to tour the Old State House in Hartford this past Saturday afternoon. Elisabeth from Blush Floral tipped me off to this special location a few weeks ago. It is an absolutely amazing venue that should be on your list of unique and interesting places for your wedding ceremony or reception. It is right smack dab in the middle of downtown on Main Street, only a stone’s throw away from some very popular Hartford wedding spots (a.k.a. the Goodwin Hotel, Wadsworth Museum, and Gershon Fox Room to name a few). They offer both indoor and outdoor ceremony options and you can rent out the state house for the reception!

For indoor ceremonies the wedding would take place in the luminous court room on the main floor. Words cannot describe how beautiful this room is – and the light that floods the antique hardwood floors and white columns in truly amazing. The windows are two stories high and look out onto our beautiful capitol city. I love the acoustics in the room too – they are very pronounced and dramatic. Plus, look at that chandelier! It is four times bigger than it looks in person!

Outdoor ceremonies take place on the front lawn, overlooking the beautiful architecture of the state house. There is also an option for a tented reception on this beautiful lawn, which is enclosed by an antique wrought iron fence and gate. I especially loved the spiral staircase outside, which I unfortunately have no pictures of. But the staircase makes for beautiful bridal portraits and photographs.

The state house also has a few empty rooms that are on a smaller scale than the court room, but are equally beautiful. The front lobby would make for a beautiful cocktail area and I loved the dramatic staircases leading up to the second story and the checkered marble floors. The rooms to the left would be great for an afterhours lounge or photobooth. The court room is turned over after the ceremony for the reception. I believe it can seat 85 persons comfortably for a sit down dinner with 120 for a standing cocktail reception. What I love best is the historical significance that the Old State House provides to your wedding ceremony.

Many thanks to Carla for letting me use the beautiful photographs she took at a recent wedding at The Old State House!

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20 Aug
2008

Posted in: DIY & Templates
By Candice

2 Comments

Top Ten Registry Shops: Pottery Barn

In June I began a series entitled Top Ten Registry Shops, which focuses on Connecticut based stores that are perfect picks for your registry. Last time we looked at Macys and all the benefits of registering there. Today I want to talk about Pottery Barn.

I’ll admit, choosing to register at Pottery Barn is a matter of taste. If you don’t like Pottery Barn’s style, well, there are nine other Top Picks for you to choose from! For those of you who like the style of Pottery Barn, you can find almost all of your registry items in one store. You can register for a pillow sham and a day bed – the options are endless. Here are some of my favorite items that appeal to a wide variety of tastes:

Great White Dinnerware

In my eyes, Pottery Barn’s great white dinnerware collection is the end all, be all, of casual dinnerware. As a matter of fact, if you are not going to register for your bridal china, this set easily translates into a more formal setting. I love the clean, smooth shape of the set and the polished finish. I recommend to my brides that they register for white dinnerware. Why? Think about the investment you are making in buying all these beautiful pieces. The quality of the product is really superb, so you should be using this dinnerware for many years to come. In 10, 15 to 20 years, this collection will still be fresh and modern unlike some of the other fad dinnerware that is appealing. That isn’t to say you shouldn’t buy what you like – but mix and match, supplementing other pieces with styles that you like. I recommend registering for at least 12 place settings, but it is wise to register for up to 16. You may never use them but at least they are available should Christmas be at your house soon!

Various Glass Service Pieces

It is so important that you don’t forget about these beautiful and functional pieces! Register for a wine decanter, glass iced tea pitcher, or margarita pitcher! You will use them, especially if you love to entertain. And while you’re not using them? Double them up as vases!

Entertaining & Serving Pieces

Don’t forget about the platters and large pieces that come with your dinnerware and china – but also find supplemental pieces that you can use for serving appetizers, drinks, and other goodies. Pieces from Pottery Barn that I love? The wine barrel lazy susan, the barona tray, and the barona cheese board.

Pottery Barn has also entered into the modern era when it comes to bridal registries: you can update your registry 24/7 online and receive a 10% discount on any items not received on your registry within one year. So, which Pottery Barn stores in Connecticut have the best selection? Well, almost all of them are the same, but here are my picks: Farmington in the West Farms Mall, Wethersfield at Evergreen Walk, Westport on Main Street, and Danbury in the Danbury Fair Mall. Do go to the store to register, even if they don’t carry all the items. Their staff are super friendly and will make it a fabulous experience for you, which is so important! I especially like the staff at the Westfarms Mall in Farmington. They are extra fabulous!

One last and important detail: Pottery Barn’s return policy is overly accommodating. I’ve ordered A LOT of pieces from them over the years, and if ever I was unsatisfied with something or my item was unintentionally damaged during shipping, I got a replacement immediately. I’ve always been impressed with their customer service!

Part of the Top Ten Registry Shops series

Top Ten Registry Shops: Macys
Top Ten Registry Shops: Pottery Barn

Previous in series

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3 Aug
2008

Posted in: Connecticut Events
By Candice

3 Comments

White Dress by the Shore: Couture Sample Sale!

‘Tis the season Connecticut Brides! The beautiful bridal boutique The White Dress by the Shore in Clinton is having a couture sample sale on Sunday, August 10th.

Receive 25-75% off bridal gowns, mother of the occasion, flower girls, cocktail dresses and accessories. Get the gown of your dreams at an amazing value! Designers include Melissa Sweet, Priscilla of Boston, Anne Barge, Vineyard Collection, Manuel Moto, Judd Waddell, Modern Trousseau and Watters and Watters.

Happy hunting!!

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