More Pics: Abby + Rafik!

Even though Abby + Rafik are almost three months happily married, I feel the need to share more pictures from their wedding day.

{Source of all pictures in this post from Lemongrass Photography's amazing blog!}



Above: Abby + Rafik had an Egyptian Coptic wedding ceremony, which was extremely beautiful and full of cultural traditions.



Above: The couple's reception was held at the Indianapolis Zoo's Dolphin Gallery, which was the perfect setting for Abby + Rafik's peacock color palette! Floral design was done by Posh Petals, who were amazingly creative and fun to work with. Abby decided florals was a "splurge" item, so we really went all-out with centerpieces! Catering and linens were provided by Centerplate Catering.



Above: Abby + Rafik's beautiful cake was created by Classic Cakes. I love how there was no need for a cake topper because the top layer was shaped like a pretty, blooming rose.



Above: Another highlight of the night (in addition to the dolphin show, live animal greeting and photobooth) was Erica Dominguez's flamenco performance. Rafik and Abby went on a trip to Spain when they were dating and fell in love with flamenco music and dancing, and Abby surprised Rafik by hiring FlamencOle! to perform. It was a blast. Erica is a fabulous performer and involved all of the guests.



Above: One last picture that perfectly captures the love between Abby + Rafik... It was such a pleasure working with them and helping them plan their amazing wedding day.

Styling an 'Old Hollywood' Wedding

Getting married, and need a little inspiration? Bustle Event Design is here to help. At least once a month, we're going to discuss an inspiration or theme for a wedding or event, and offer some ideas to help you with the details. First up: an "old hollywood" themed wedding.

The dress: Here's an incredibly glamorous dress from designer Elizabeth Fillmore.

The draped neckline is beautiful, the silhouette is sexy without being overbearingly so, and the ruffles down the back of the dress give it just the right amount of romance. Add some chandelier earrings, red lipstick, and you're set.

The hair: Charlize Theron's Hollywood waves would be an excellent complement to a dress like the one shown above. InStyle.com even gives you the how-to! If you've got longer hair, gentle waves and a faux bob might be a perfect 'do.

Color scheme: First find something to use as an inspiration piece. For an "old Hollywood" theme, keep it simple and classic. If you're stuck, browse around a fabric store and ask for swatches of fabrics you like. Black and white with hints of red, silver, or gold can create plenty of drama if executed correctly.

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Other details: Deep red roses, white gardenias, or calla lilies would be an excellent bouquet choice for both you and your bridesmaids. For centerpieces, something structural would not only save you money, but they'd also give your reception some extra glam. Check out this amazing tableware from Juliska:

You could copy this look on the cheap, using old tableware found at yard sales and spray-painting them black. Adding white candles would look lovely, or filling the different-sized bowls with decorative mirrored balls would be fun too. Then, with your wedding guests dressed to the nines and sipping champagne, your wedding and reception will get rave reviews!

Keeping Warm at Your Winter Wedding

If you're a winter bride, one dilemma you may be facing is how to keep warm in a stylish way, while not compromising your dream dress. Here are some options for staying warm and chic at the same time.

This lovely cape from House of Brides is adorable.
Your dress still shows beneath it and as a bonus, it's super easy to put on and take off.

Here is a mink jacket by designer Amanda Wakeley that is just gorgeous.
While a bit more revealing than the first option, this high quality cropped jacket would definitely put you in the spotlight.

Take a look at this amazing full-length coat from Vera Wang.
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This designer look is obviously quite expensive, I can't help but imagine how elegant it would look, both indoors and out.

All of these looks are so great, you might find yourself wanting to keep them on, even when you get inside!

Going to a New Year's Eve Wedding

As the guest of an upcoming New Year's Eve wedding, I have to say I'm excited to see what's in store for the event. Here's what I'm doing to prepare:

*Before skipping town, I'm getting a mani-pedi in my new favorite shade, Dark Room.

*I wish I was wearing these shoes. Reality check: I'm wearing these shoes. Still cute, right?!

*The attire is black tie optional, so of course I'm getting all dolled up in something with a little shimmer.

*I'm staying at a boutique hotel, so I'm ready to feel pampered.

*As a wedding gift, I'm bringing these champagne flutes off the couple's gift registry. Très chic!

The reception is at an old-fashioned ice cream parlor, featuring an evening of jazz music, hors d'oeuvres, old-fashioned sodas, ice cream, wedding cake, and of course, a champagne toast at midnight. Sounds classy! What are you doing to celebrate New Year's Eve? Whatever you do, have fun and be safe!!

Top Gifts for the Bride-to-Be

As most 2009 holidays are now behind us, we're guessing you put your gift lists to bed weeks ago. Just in case you're giving any belated holiday presents, or know a bride with an upcoming winter birthday, here are a few great gifts received by some of our engaged friends.

1) A name-changing kit. MissNowMrs.com is a website specializing in making name changing a breeze. You can find other kits on Amazon.com too. For around $30, that gift won't burn a hole in your wallet either.

2) A tote bag, bathrobe, or a makeup bag featuring her new monogram. Depending on her style, Neiman Marcus, L.L. Bean, or specialty retailers offer great options for monogramming practically anything. Check out these adorable cosmetic bags from beau-coup.com:
One bride-to-be we know is giving these to each of her bridesmaids as part of their bridesmaid gifts. Genius!

3) One friend and her fiancé received some cool artwork. Landmark photos are one popular gift idea, sold online or at specialty boutiques.
Isn't that sweet?

Another creative gift idea we heard about was a gift basket containing a few chick flick DVDs, popcorn, and coupons for a girls' night in. And when in doubt, a gift off her registry or a gift card to a store she likes are also sure-fire winners.

Blossoming Wedding Heels

Although your wedding shoes might be hidden for the majority of your big day (depending on the length of your gown), there are moments when your shoes will be on full display. For example, photographers love to take creative pictures using your shoes as a focal point before the ceremony. Also, if you are sitting down during your ceremony sometimes your shoes peek out from under your gown. And of course, your shoes will be showing at times when you are dancing up a storm during the reception (if you haven't kicked them off or opted for comfier slippers by that point!).

Moral of the story: Why not choose some shoes that have some character? You might not ever wear them again in your life, but the photos taken on your wedding day will last a lifetime.

Here are some adorable Cole Haan "Ceci Air Rose" heels that are definitely not meant to stay hidden beneath your wedding dress:



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Bustle Wedding - The Johnsons

Who: Brittany & Brian Johnson

What: Partial Wedding Planning & Coordination

Where: Franklin College

When: November 28, 2009


{Bride + groom! Source: Indy Photo Booths}

Brian & Brittany had such a lovely wedding day! The weather was a gorgeous as could be on a November day - slightly chilly, but the sun was out and the sky was beautiful. Brittany looked absolutely amazing in her dress - and Brian looked extraordinarily handsome in his ivory tux. The colors for their wedding were chocolate brown and pale yellow.

The ceremony was held in Custer Theater in the Old Main building on the Franklin College campus, where both the bride and groom went to college. The reception was a short walk away to the Napolitan Student Center. On the second floor Branigin Room, dinner was served buffet-style, and then dancing and festivities were all held on the first floor in the atrium.

Emily, my most favorite sister/assistant, was there the entire night to help with anything and everything! We even had a chance to hop in the photobooth:


{Emily (left) + me (right); Source: Indy Photo Booths}

Vendors:
Catering - Franklin College Catering
Florist - Shana Schutt Floral Design
Photographer - Hosea Johnson
Pipe and drape rental - A Classic Party Rental
Photobooth - Indy Photo Booths
Cakes - Cakes by Cathy