Julia's Fashion File: A Special Bag for a Special Bride

I've always been a purse fanatic and I think it's relatively safe to assume that I'm not alone in this obsession (right, ladies?). As I casually sifted through the web this morning I unfolded an amazing phenomenon: bridal purses! I'm not sure why it never occurred to me that a bride would carry a purse. Maybe because I always picture them walking down the isle and we know they're not carrying one while saying "I do"!

As a result of this happenstance my obsession has now expanded in to this area, so much that I'm now wondering if I should just buy a couple for my future big day. Check out these beauties from http://www.net-a-porter.com/am/home.nap. The Louboutin satin clutch with lace and embellished shoe clasp is to-die for. Or this Valentino satin bow clutch? If only I could afford it.

Speaking of affordable, there are a lot of options out there that won't cost you half your wedding budget. Check out these bags from http://elbo.co.uk/index.htm (at top of post and below). They're beautiful, delicate, unique, and inexpensive.
You can also go the vintage route like this gorgeous collectors piece from the Titanic era at http://www.vintage-now-clothing.com/vintage-accessories.html. Hand made in France and covered in beautiful tiny beads, it would surely be a massive hit.

There are few things that generate as much excitement out of me than picking out a new bag and for a bride it's not only exciting but special; a special bag for a special bride.

xoxo
Jules

Vendor Spotlight: Joanna Tao, Florist

Florist Joanna Tao saw an opportunity and pounced. She purchased an established florist in San Francisco and spent her first year learning floral design and business managemen, and now she runs Floral Ornament, a storefront and floral design studio in San Francisco’s Financial District.

The best part about her job: “It becomes more than a business transaction. I am genuinely interested in their big day, and I feel a weighty responsibility to be sure my portion of the wedding goes flawlessly. As for inspiration, sometimes two types of flowers that happen to be in the same bucket at my shop will ‘click’ in my head, like a photograph.” She never ceases to marvel at how diverse the palette of flower options are and how endless the combinations can be.

Besides from her exceptional quality and contemporary designs, her prices are considered “bargain basement” by San Francisco’s standards. But don’t be fooled; you will be getting beautiful pieces of art for your big day. Joanna simply has a knack for saving you pennies for peonies.


View her beautiful designs at:
http://www.floralornament.net/

Vendor Spotlight: Gene Kosoy, Wedding Photographer

Gene Kosoy got his start with the camera at an early age, but it wasn’t until after graduating college that he became serious about his hobby and making it into a part-time venture. Three years later, he decided to pursue photography full time, shooting weddings, events, commercial, portrait and music photography. His work has been published in 7x7, the San Francisco Chronicle, Rolling Stone magazine and dozens of other publications.


Gene tells us he loves shooting weddings for many reasons. “My favorite part is the beginning of the day, when I get the chance to spend time with the bride and groom individually, capturing those moments they each can't witness. The hours before the ceremony are filled with excitement, anticipation and joy. It’s my job to capture those special moments in a non-intrusive manner.”

With a love for destination weddings, Gene recently traveled to the Dominican Republic to write a magazine article about them. His recap of the trip can be found on his blog at: http://www.genekosoy.com/weddings-in-the-dominican-republic/.

He considers himself very lucky: he wakes up every morning to do something he truly enjoys. Of his work he says, “When taking photos of the couple I emphasize that they not concentrate on the camera, but on each other instead. The resulting images come out candid and genuine. My passion for my work comes through in my images, and I strive to get images that tell the couple’s love story.”


To view his beautiful work, visit:
http://www.gkweddings.com/

Planner on Patrol: And the Beat Goes On

The music at your wedding will hopefully be the soundtrack to the perfect party of your life, but it can cause some awkward moments as well. Are you trying to figure out the best way to include the racy rap hits your friends want without making your grandma blush? Or how about how many big band tunes you need to please your dad without boring your nieces? Well you're not alone. Get some help here.