{a very Soolip Wedding}

 {A Soolip Wedding Media Preview/Newport Beach}
My February 1st started off with a media breakfast and preview of A Soolip Wedding 2012 hosted at Black, Starr & Frost in Newport Beach. A Soolip Wedding, founded by Wanda Wen, is a lifestyle brand transformed from an enchanting paper boutique in West Hollywood. Started in 1999, A Soolip Wedding is now celebrating it's 13th year of bringing forth the best, and most distinctive and unique resources in the wedding industry to modern brides through bridal events.
During this preview of what's to come at the next Soolip Wedding bridal event; I basked in the splendor of all things in the wedding realm; stunning gowns by Lazaro Perez of JLM Couture; jewels & diamonds by none other than Black, Starr & Frost; delicious bites of reinvented breakfast dishes by Pauline Parry of Good Gracious! Events; mini succulent creations by Botanical stylist Krista Jon Levandofsky, and tips from event planner David Pressman.
I certainly found myself fantasizing about my 'dream' wedding; what I would look like in one of the gowns displayed, what type of food/drinks would I have served, what bouquet and floral arrangements, and what venue...all while enjoying a refreshing Blood Orange mimosa. The most exciting part aside from all of the beautiful things was the active discussion between Wanda Wen and a panel that consisted of all the wedding purveyors present. We learned of the trends in wedding jewelry, dresses, floral arrangements, food/beverages, location, and everything else in between.The underlying theme for weddings in 2012 is VINTAGE with a contemporary or rustic twist; as well as conscious celebrating...every aspect of the wedding has meaning to the couple, and how to be resourceful and environmentally aware in the planning of a wedding.
What we can expect for 2012...
Jewelry: vintage-inspired custom jewelry, and colored stones!
Dresses: has gone from simplistic to more opulent. Longer trains and veils, as well as more color! Staying away from the more subdued color palettes. Also, going with more natural fibers in the construction of the dress; cotton lining and lace, the ivory color trend is allowing the fabric of the dress to be used in it's natural state.
Floral: lots more color, and being eco-friendly; such as using succulents in bouquets and arrangements which can later be replanted.
Food/Beverages: French food is coming back, and Italian and Comfort food is still here. More casual first courses, and family-style main courses. Don't really see the pairing of wine with meals anymore. Choosing seasonal foods in order to stay in budget. Couples are planting gardens when first becoming engaged, then incorporating their produce into the wedding meals/dishes. Food carts, shooter stations, individual Shrimp cocktail; menus are simplified but give personal presentation. There's a balance between simplicity and lavishness; reasonable budgets, but still FUN!
Location: Using great buildings such as lobbies of old banks, lofts, train stations, exterior courtyards; no low ceiling for the locations of the ceremony/reception. More juxtaposition of modern space with vintage furniture and table settings. The unexpected mixed together.
For any of you Brides to Be; two events will be coming up this month in LA, and next month in San Francisco. If you are looking for inspiration, a way to make your visions come to life, and fantastic resources to facilitate your wedding planning, then look no further, A Soolip Wedding is here!

Wait for it....the unveiling of the Archduke Joseph Diamond
the 12th Largest, perfect white diamond in the world. 76.02 carats

Gotta have swag...

Got to take a succulent necklace home!

Dresses, Dresses, Dresses...

{Images taken by Amanda w/Canon 30D}