Real Chic Bride Eliana Featured on Style Me Pretty - And Boy Is This Wedding Pretty!
When something is beautiful, you know it right away. It hits you hard and you fall fast - that's how we felt about Eliana's beautiful Italian inspired wedding. She found her Lazaro dress with us and topped it off with a Monique Lhuillier tulle skirt also from our boutique. We have lots to say about this Fisher Island wedding, but we'll let the bride tell you about it herself. Here's what Eliana told Style Me Pretty:
My vision for my wedding was an intimate affair that was reminiscent of my family’s lake house on Lago Maggiore, Italy. We chose the Vanderbilt Mansion on Fisher Island to exude the charm and romance of Italy. With Miami Beach as our backdrop we embraced the city that raised us and where we met. We incorporated lace, candelabras and lots of candles to set the tone. Our focus of the evening was family as we embraced Jared’s family history during the ceremony and my family history with opera singer during the reception. We had personal touches by using hydrangeas that are in the garden at my home in Italy, serving oysters which are Jared’s favorite food during cocktail hour, Affogato for dessert which is a traditional italian treat, and our favors were maple cookies from where we lived in Toronto. The toasts were long, the dance floor was sweaty and the champagne was endless. We would not have had it any other way!
Photography: Shea Christine Photography
Real Chic Bride Agueda Lopez Graces The Cover Of People En Español (and married Luis Fonsi!)
Dressed in a beautiful Inbal Dror dress and looking happily in love - not to mention crazy beautiful - Spanish model Agueda Lopez married singer Luis Fonsi. The stunning bride opted to accessorize the mermaid dress with a modern ponytail, chandelier earrings and a smokey eye look. But we'll stop all the talking and get to the photos that stole the cover of People en Español and a multi-page spread:
Meet The Chic Team: Alana
Hi Alana! Before we get to talking about dresses, weddings and all that good stuff, tell me a bit about yourself like where you're from, how long you've been at Chic Parisien and what you do at the store....
I'm from San Juan Puerto Rico. Been at Chic Parisien since 2007. I am bridal gown sales consultant.
Did you always imagine yourself working in the wedding industry?
Never in my wildest dream.
What's the very first thing you tell a customer when she comes in to shop for a dress?
After welcoming them to the store my first question is usually, have you shopped before and if so if they think they have might found "The Dress."
Not to play favorites, but what kind of dress is your personal favorite?
My preference is simple, ethereal, bohemian.
How have dresses changed from when you started working at Chic Parisien until now?
Dresses now are much more sexier!
Is there a trend in the bridal industry that you can't get enough of?
Open backs, illusion necklines
Do you have a go-to piece of advice for a bride who's nervous about dress shopping?
Once you have found "The Dress" you will take a weight off your shoulders and then you can concentrate on the other details you need for your wedding.
All brides are different, how do you help a bride find her personal style in her wedding gown?
I ask if they have a vision of how would they like to look on their wedding day.
What kind of research do you think is best for a bride to do before coming to visit you? Or do you think it's best to come in very open to being surprised?
I ask for them to search our website and the websites of our designers since they have pictures of their entire collection and make a note of the ones she would like to try on.
Do you have a favorite memory in the store that you can share with us?
I had a bride once, after trying on a few dresses found one she loved, but could not decide cause she was in love with a dress she had seen in a magazine. She went to the car for that picture and when I looked at it it was the dress she had just tried on with me, and then she said yes to the dress.
Lastly, what song are you listening to on repeat nowadays?
Three Things to Avoid On Your Wedding Day
A few weeks ago we chatted with Catherine about "Three Do's For Brides On Their Wedding Day," who better to give some tips and tricks she's picked up after years of talking to brides? Today, she's telling us three things she things bride's shouldn't do on their wedding day. We won't call them "don'ts" because every girl has her own way, but we will say that if you follow this advice you'll make your day just that extra bit less stressful - don't say we didn't warn you!
- Avoid making a drastic change to your appearance right before the wedding. If you're going to try a new look for your wedding, go for it way in advance. You don't want to chop off your signature long locks a week before the wedding and then go into a panic because you don't look like you.
- Try to avoid salty foods the day before. Salty foods can be comforting if you're nerves are running a bit wild, we know the power of a bag of chips, but avoid salty food because you'll retain water and be a bit bloated.
- Make all your accessory decisions in advance. Avoid leaving yourself accessory options to decide on the last minute. Have your details picked out in advance so that you can sit back and enjoy the day without worrying over your earring choice in your precious few hours.
Join us this weekend for the Romona Keveza Trunk Show at Chic Parisien.
An Exclusive Look At The Next Trends In Bridal: Chic Parisien Goes To Bridal Market In NYC
The Chic Parisien team visited New York for market last week, the bridal equivalent to Fashion Week, where all the new trends are strutted down the runway. We made big decisions about what will make for the perfect bridal looks for our future Chic Parisien brides, visited with friends, designers and collaborators and, mostly, swooned over all the beautiful bridal looks we got to see up close. Catherine kept her well trained eyes out for trends that were emerging as they hopped from show to show and showroom to showroom and here are the four big trends you should know:
Crop Tops Are Cropping Up
Hayley Paige and Yolan Cris showed looks with a little bit of surprise skin.
Hayley Paige
Color Me Mine, New and Unexpected Bridal Gown Hues
A slew of fun, infectious new colors came down the runway - especially at Monique Lhuillier.
Lazaro
Monique Lhuillier
The Cold Shoulder, Off-The-Shoulder Dresses Are All In
We saw loads of off-the-shoulder dresses like this Lazaro number:
Inbal Dror
Power Suit, A New Meaning To The Term "Bridal Gown"
According to Naeem Khan, pants are having a moment.
Naeem Khan
A Chic Parisien Monique Lhuillier Dress Makes it All The Way To A Dubai Wedding: Real Chic Bride Mariana Silva Abubakar Weds in A Stunning International Affair
When a wedding story starts with a proposal in Thailand and ends with a happily ever after - we're instantly hooked. When said wedding includes a Monique Lhuillier dress with beautiful bright blue embroidery and a seamless blend of cultural tradition and breaking in down on the dance floor - it's going to make our top weddings ever list.
Mariana Silva and Abba Atiku Abubakar, the son of the former vice president of Nigeria, wed in a Dubai affair that was equal parts modern elegance and traditional. Scroll down for more images via Udim EE Photography.
New Berta Bridal Style At Chic Parisien, A First Look
On Friday, we played a bit of dress-up with a lovely Brazilian beauty named Bianca, who happily donned the latest styles by Berta Bridal and some of our other ultra-chic designers.We thought it would be fun to share some of the beautiful, glamorous gowns from our Berta trunk show with those of you who couldn't come see them in person. As our brides-to-be found their future dresses tucked away in private in our dressing rooms, we used the rest of the store as our backdrop and snapped some pictures of Bianca showing off these Berta beauties.
Come back soon, we'll be sharing more images of our photo shoot next week and on our Facebook page (Facebook.com/ChicParisien) and on Instagram (@chicparisien). Xoxo.
Real Chic Brides of Instagram
If you aren't following us on Instagram you're missing out on daily inspiration and a community of Real Chic Brides bringing their dresses to life on their wedding days. Here's a little snippet of what's going on at @chicparisien.
This Real Chic Bride lounges in her Lazaro in a quiet moment before her wedding.
Another Lazaro bride! Real Chic Bride Kristen and her husband take off in a vintage car towards their happily ever after.
A Real Chic Bride in Inbal Dror gets a twirl on the dance floor.
A close up look at a detail on a Real Chic Bride's Romona Keveza gown.
A sweet moment between a Real Chic Bride in Monique Lhuillier and her groom.
How To Take Care of Your Wedding Dress Before and After Your Wedding
We know that a wedding dress is an investment, albeit a beautiful investment that you get to wear, celebrate love and dance in, but an investment nonetheless. Like any investment it requires a bit of care, patience and attention to maintain it. Brides ask us all the time the best way to care for the dress before the wedding and what to do to preserve it after, so we thought we'd round up a few basic tips that apply to almost every dress and share them here:
- When you buy your dress we'll give it to you prepped and wrapped up so that you can just hang it up safely.
- If you're traveling to your wedding destination be sure you hang it up as soon as you arrive. Ideally, the dress will be able to hang for a few days before the wedding and rest on the rack.
- While it may seem like the right thing to do is steam the dress, usually that's a gentler way to get the wrinkles out, it's not what you want to do with most dresses. You should press the dress with a new iron on a silk setting and use a clean pillowcase in between the iron and the dress to minimize the direct heat.
- After the wedding, when you've danced, hugged, kissed and are through with the big day - take it to be dry cleaned immediately after. Don't waste any time.
Don't forget our Monique Lhuillier trunk show is this weekend (September 19-20). It's not too late to book an appointment and come try these dresses on in person. And then take care of them after of course.
images via Monique Lhuillier
Three "Do's" For Brides On Their Wedding Day
Hello our chic brides-to-be! We were thinking a bit about what information might be helpful for you as you start to prep for your big day. Once you've gotten the big, obvious things checked of your list - like shopping for a dress! - and your wedding date is getting closer there are a few tips to keep in mind that we've collected over 45 years of helping brides.
- Do - Try our your hair and makeup in advance. All brides, regardless of how clear a vision they have of their hair and makeup styles, should schedule a trial run with both the hairstylist and makeup artist who will be helping you make your vision a reality. If you are wearing any special headpiece or statement jewelry you should be sure to include them in your test. No one wants a surprise on their wedding day or to feel like they look any less than perfect - a trial run can help you iron out all the details that you might not have considered in advance.
- Do - Buy a signature fragrance and start wearing it the day of your wedding. If you've ever bought a new perfume on vacation you know how much pleasure it can bring you to remember walking on the beach or exploring the streets of Paris every time you put that scent on. A perfume that you tie to your wedding day will remind you every time you spritz it on of the sensory memories of that night.
- Do - Have an extra, more comfortable pair of shoes handy that are about the same height as your "real" shoes. The trend right now is to wear big, beautiful designer heels - which is stunning - in a photo. The reality is you won't want to fret over your aching feet on your wedding day, so come prepared with an extra pair that will still suit the dress' hem, but will comfortably keep you on the dance floor as long as you'd like.
photo by ktmerry of a real chic bride in monique lluillier
Mira Zwillinger's 2014/2015 Collection Trunk Show and Notes on Personal Style
Next week is our Mira Zwillinger Trunk Show (September 5-6) and in preparation/to get you as excited as we are, we wanted to share these photos from her 2014 - 2015 collection. We love the bold and edgy unexpected choices for styling these very beautiful and feminine gowns; instead of seeing them in a traditional bridal style, we're seeing these chic and feminine gowns styled with a bit of edge. Replace the flowing locks with a short cropped hair cut and a bit of sly ink peeking out from under sheer overlays and swap the chandelier earrings for studs on the upper cartilage. The dresses themselves still feature styles that everyone loves and traditional, flattering cuts made of the most sumptuous fabrics you can imagine.
Designer Mira Zwillinger sites snowflakes as the inspiration for this collection, as no two dresses are exactly alike - remind of all of you. This photo shoot is a pleasant reminder of how a traditional gown can be styled to suit a bride's personal style.
Whether you decide to style one of these gowns, or whatever gown you pick, with a bit of your own flair and style you're sure to make it feel like it was made for you. Call and schedule your appointment now to come in and feel these Mira Zwillinger for yourself!
Why Shop A Trunk Show?
If you follow us on any of our social media outlets (and you should!) you’ve probably noticed that we are always promoting an exciting upcoming trunk show. These specialty events sometimes they have obvious additional perks, but we know that with so much to learn and navigate in the world of being newly engaged, brides-to-be sometimes aren’t clear on why to shop a trunk show. We’re here to clear it up.
Additional Perks
A trunk show is a little mini-takeover of a bridal boutique of a single designer and that designer. The designer and the boutique come together to bring you some bonuses, ranging from little to big, to incentivize you to join in on the fun and get to know the brand. Think: free veils, extra train or a discount like 10% off.
Get Up Close And Personal
If you’re attending a trunk show because you know you’re drawn to that designer’s aesthetic, you’ll be in for a treat; trunk shows usually showcase the featured designer’s entire collection instead of just the pieces that store has chosen to stock from that collection. Usually, a store tailor picks what dresses they think will appeal to their clientele, which might work just fine for you, but if you want to see the whole runway collection in the flesh, a trunk show is really the only way to go. You’ll get a look at each and every piece from that season, most of the time, before it’s in stores at all.
Our upcoming trunk show featuring Bliss by Monique Lhuillier will feature the whole range of gowns a few months before you’ll see them in stores (featured in these images). And you don’t want to miss these latte, blush and silk white beautiful gowns for the modern bride – they are positively lovely.
Make A Request
Thinking of coming into a trunk show because you’re a fan of that designer’s past work? If you’re pining over a dress you saw a Pinterest or in an editorial from a few months or years ago, but can’t find it in stores anymore, a trunk show is a great way to make a special request for a specific gown. The store and the brand’s team are working closely together and usually have a personal relationship, so you can start a conversation with a brand and make a request for a dress from past seasons.
Meet and Greet
The biggest reason to shop a trunk show for your bridal gown is if the designer is there in person. What better way to get an expert’s opinion than from the person who knows that gown inside and out, who has a true vision for how to style it, fit it and make sure it’s just right? If a designer is scheduled to be at a trunk show and meeting with brides, like our recent trunk show with Lazaro, you should make an appointment as soon as possible – it’s truly a once in a lifetime opportunity made all the more special.
A designer appearance is pretty rare at a trunk show, but it’s more common that the brand will send a brand representative like a stylist or creative director.
We hope to see you at one of our upcoming trunk shows – be sure to follow us on Instagram @chicparisien for up to the minute information on events and daily bridal inspiration.
see the full Bliss by Monique Lhuillier collection here and call us now to make your appointment for the trunk show!
A Rustic Modern Wedding Featuring Inbal Dror and Maria Elena
Every once in a while we get to collaborate with some truly chic vendors and creative minds and help bring a concept wedding to life through pictures. This "wedding," recently featured by Floridian Weddings, was inspired by the idea of a "rustic/modern" and "garden elegance." We were thrilled to contribute the Inbal Dror gown and Maria Elena accessories. The Redlands Tropical Gardens served at the picturesque backdrop to this very dreamy and detail oriented wedding photo shoot dripping with inspiration for a wedding that's effortlessly elegant. Read on for the credits. More images here.
Location: Redland Tropical Gardens, Photography: Alan Phillip Photography, Styling: House Of Ely, Floral Design: Ever After Event & Floral Design, Vintage Rentals: Vintage And Stuff, Ghost Chair Rentals: 341 Events, Tabletop Rentals: Eventiste, Ceremony Backdrop: Bambini Soiree, Invitations & Paper Goods: Très Chic Party Boutique, Cake: Earth and Sugar, Hair & Makeup: Beauty By Renata, Gown: Inbal Dror By Chic Parisien, Shoes: Valentino, Bridal Accessories: Maria Elena Headpieces By Chic Parisien, Men’s Wear: Mr. Tux
Meet The Chic Team: Keidy
Hi Keidy, you’re the very to be interviewed for our new blog feature where we’re talking to our very chic staff members. Can you tell us a bit about yourself, like how long you’ve been at CP and what you do at the store?
I've been at Chic Parisien for a little over 5 years now. I would have to say the most important part of this career is being a stylist to my brides. A wedding day is such a meaningful and memorable moment in a woman's life - I love being a part of it. I also like to dabble in all parts of the business, from sitting in on bridal alterations to dealing with designer reps and setting up trunk shows. For the past two years, I've been honored to attend Bridal Market in New York City. It's a great experience searching for the perfect dresses to be eventually sold in our store.
What’s your favorite part of the bridal gown selection process?
I enjoy sitting with my brides for our original "pow wow" as I like to call it. This is where I really get to know my brides and what bridal look they are dreaming of. And who doesn't enjoy the moment when it just clicks and you see the bride light up in her gown? I get just as excited as they do!
On TV they make it look like a bride puts on THE gown and she just knows it’s the ONE. Do you see brides have this experience? Or would you say that only happens on-screen?
I'd have to say that yes, brides do experience this moment. However not all brides experience it the same way. I feel TV may over-dramatize the moment. Some brides cry, some don't. Some brides get very excited, some get giddy and even say they feel like they have the butterflies. Everyone experiences it differently. Not all brides feel that a-ha moment.
Do you have a tip for newly engaged, future-brides before they start the process of looking for a dress?
A feel a few tips are important. Do a little research of some styles that you may like, print photos and bring them to your stylist. Also, have your venue location set. It's so important to have your gown and venue flow together. Last but definitely not least, have your budget already decided before you begin your shopping process. This will help make your selection process smoother.
Do you have a favorite bridal dress cut, color and look?
Working in bridal gives me the opportunity to explore all different styles so choosing one would be particularly difficult. I am enjoying the play on color that I'm seeing from some designers. Its a fresh approach for today's brides.
Favorite designer?
Just like in styles, I couldn't possibly pick just one designer. I relate to each one for what each represents. They all have elements that are uniquely theirs. For instance, Monique Lhuillier always remains true to her aesthetic; light, airy, romantic yet modern. Lazaro really understands a woman's curves and his designs are always extravagant and glamorous. Inbal Dror has such a soft feminine and sultry look. Romona Keveza is a modern approach to the classic bride.
How would you describe your personal style?
Let me see... what day is it today???? My style.. hmmm... I would have to say I flirt with styles from classic and modern to bohemian luxe but always with a twist.
Any advice for the Mother of the Bride?
This is your daughters most important day. Be supportive. She needs you now more than ever to help her find her very own signature look.
What do you think is the secret to proper bridal gown accessorizing? I think it probably seems like that part is easy and shopping for the dress is the hardest part, but I have a feeling the accessories are just as important and maybe harder to shop for….
The accessories are just as important. They are what complete the bridal look. Once you have selected your gown play with a few accessories. If you find it too hard to decide at that time, set up an appointment for an accessories appointment or trunk show. These are actually a lot of fun. We put on your gown, do your hair and style you from head to toe. It's a great way to revisit your gown and pamper yourself with a little more bridal beauty.
Last but not least, describe your perfect day.
My perfect day consists of a good workout to get the day started in a positive way. That followed by making a girls dream come true by finding her dress. Topping it off would be relaxing at home with my two little ones by reading them a book and giving them some yummy kisses.
Summer Wedding Style: Sleeves, Sweat and Sweet Love
A recent New York Times article tackled a summer wedding problem that we’ve all faced, to sleeve or not to sleeve. Author Joyce Wadler talks about a problem that, as she puts it, all “ladies of a certain age” face. “There comes a time in your life, even if your have a personal trainer and are taking your meals in the gym, when the muscles and skin on your inner upper arms give up.”
Regardless of age, I’m sure you can relate – we sure can - summer wardrobe choices amplify these little concerns.
Everyone has body zones they worry about, especially when making a big, and sure-to-be-photographed, purchase like a dress to wear to a wedding. Summer wedding ensembles certainly have additional challenges; with the weather as hot as it is down here in sunny Miami and the humidity as high as it is, we’re always looking to avoid an, ahem, sweat problem.
But let’s not let those little worries take away from the real focus of all this summer style hoopla, the coming together of a new couple in a big, joyous and sunny celebration. Summer weddings, for a bit of extra complications and risk involving weather, are a special type of bright. The season tends to bring out the cheer in everyone, people feel celebratory, everything is green, flowers are in full bloom and there’s no better time for a party.
So sip on some lemonade (spiked or non!), kick back and smell the roses, enjoy the later sunset and feel beautiful in whatever dress you pick for a summer wedding.
Don’t forget, we’re here to help with wedding guest dresses too! Chic Parisien has a lovely (and always chic!) selection of both long and short dresses, sleeved and sleeveless. Come visit us and let us help with your summer wedding dilemmas.
images via bridal guide, refinery29
Make a Statement in a Berta Bridal Gown; Collection Preview June 27 & 28 (Trunk Show)
When it comes to this year’s hottest bridal trends, there’s no question that the statement back tops the list. During Bridal Week in New York earlier this year, several top designers debuted a series of gowns featuring stunning backs. No stranger to jaw-dropping designs with unique statement back options, Berta Bridal has truly mastered the art of designing tastefully daring wedding gowns.
Not only is Berta Bridal known for its statement backs, but also its plunging necklines, which truly help set this collection apart. Brides revel in the fact that these designs make for a grand entrance, as well as an equally swoon-worthy walk down the aisle. Due to the creative use of illusion netting, tulle, intricate beading, and elaborate appliqués, Berta Bridal gowns are not soon forgotten.
Curious as to whether a Berta Bridal gown is the gown for your walk down the aisle? You're in luck because Chic Parisien is one of the few bridal boutiques in the US that will preview this stunning collection during a special in-store Trunk Show this month. Come see why brides think the statement back is the perfect complement to a plunging V-neck gown, or how a statement back adds intrigue to a simple design in the front. We look forward to seeing you there!
Berta Bridal Trunk Show @ Chic Parisien
June 27 & 28
For appointments, call (305) 448-5756
Once Upon A Dream: Monique Lhuillier Spring 2015 Collection Debuts This Weekend
What's the connection between Monique Lhuillier's long awaited Spring 2015 collection and famed American artist John Singer Sargent? The ethereal nature of his portraits, which includes the elegant and mysterious Madame X (below), served as the inspiration for the entire collection.
You may recall that we first brought this collection to you during our behind-the-scenes reporting at bridal market in New York City back in April, and now we're thrilled to finally welcome these stunning gowns in store.
Described as "'[an] ethereal dream" by Monique Lhuillier herself, the Spring 2015 Collection features tulle, Chantilly lace, intricate beading and embroideries. Silhouettes range from mermaid styles to architectural shapes. The collection also features whimsical pastel options in shades of blush, pistachio, and mist.
For this collection, the designer certainly favored the embroidered tulle gowns in a strapless A-line cut with matching shrugs, as well as timeless strapless styles, replete with tiered tulle and lace appliqué skirt.
This Friday and Saturday, we will host a dedicated Trunk Show to showcase Monique Lhuillier's complete Spring 2015 Collection. Chic brides are encouraged to reserve an appointment soon, as this will be one of our premier Trunk Shows for 2014.
As you may know, Chic Parisien is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year. If you haven't already, be sure to check out our Facebook page, where we are posting key milestones, memories and highlights from the past four and a half decades for 45 consecutive days. As part of the celebration, we'd also like to salute our dear friend, Monique, whose designs we've been privileged to carry in store for many years.
We hope you will join us this Friday and Saturday. We look forward to seeing you there!
Monique Lhuillier Spring 2015 Trunk Show
Chic Parisien
June 13 & 14
For appointments, call (305) 448-5756
Bohemian Bride (At Heart) Goes Glam for Downtown Miami Wedding
"I always imagined myself in a flowy, boho-style dress, but as I began my search for the dress, I started to realize that I wanted something more form-fitting and classic," says Real Chic Bride, Chelsea Mandler, who ultimately set her heart on a stunning Marchesa lace gown.
"[While at Chic Parisien], I tried on a couple of dresses, and the Marchesa was actually the last one in the bunch," adds Chelsea. "As soon as I opened the dressing room doors to show my mom, mother-in-law and best friend, the hunt was over. We all hugged, cried and were in immediate agreement that this was it. I guess it's true what they say - save the best for last!"
Chelsea (Birman) Mandler and Nathan Mandler wed on December 21, 2013 on the outdoor terrace of the Epic Hotel in downtown Miami. Surrounded by family and friends, the couple exchanged vows during an evening ceremony. The stunning downtown Miami skyline served as the backdrop.
For the reception, which was held indoors, Chelsea wanted it to evoke a classic and elegant feel, but still reflect her bohemian taste. "I chose all white flowers mixed with manzanita tree branches and moss to give my reception a rustic-chic look."
Describing her favorite moment, Chelsea says, "Aside from saying the words I do to the love of my life, I would have to say my favorite moments would have to be my first look with Nate, hugging my parents right before they handed me off to my husband-to-be, seeing my bridesmaids for the first time in my dress and our wild after poodle-party! Nate's brothers also did an unbelievably hilarious speech followed by a performance that was so special."
Congratulations once again, Cheslea & Nate! We wish you a lifetime of love and happiness!
- The Chic Parisien Team
Wedding Planner: Yadi Rose Events Photographer: Emily Harris Videographer: Senderey Florist: Petal Productions Make-Up: Tatjana Terzic Band: Flavor
A Love Story Written in the Stars: Real Chic Bride, Mariana Rodriguez, Weds in Key West
"I had tried on a few beautiful dresses that day but the moment I saw mine, it took my breath away," recalls Mariana Rodriguez, who visited Chic Parisien in early 2013 in hopes of finding a dream gown for her coastal wedding taking place in October of that year. "It was the perfect dress for me. It even had very small details on the bodice that looked likes stars, which matched perfectly with the whole symbolic theme of the wedding."
The layered tulle ballgown featuring a gorgeous flower applique bodice was the final touch Mariana needed to round out her coastal chic-themed wedding. "While planning the wedding, I found out the symbolic meaning of the starfish and it became an important detail," adds Rodriguez. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Key West, Florida, the intimate wedding, attended by immediate family and friends, was stunning bouquet of turquoise and coral against stark white. The area's sparkling ocean and awe-inspiring sunset added a flair of their own.
The couple wed at The Basilica of Saint Mary Star of The Sea in Key West, Florida on October 5, 2013. Female guests wore either turquoise or coral, while men wore white Guayaberas. "The idea was that everyone that was there was so important to us that they were all part of the wedding party," explains Rodriguez. "For that reason, all guests were color coordinated."
When it came to the reception, which was held at The Westin Key West Resort and Marina, Rodriguez added, "We enjoyed every second. I had heard stories about brides and grooms that don't get the opportunity to eat or enjoy the details of their wedding, but I made sure that didn't happen. I spoke to all of my guests. I took the time to enjoy the food and dance to almost every song."
Recalling her favorite memory, Rodriguez says, "Traveling with all of our guests in trolleys around the Key West landmarks taking photos. There is a photo of all of us in front of the 90 miles to Cuba landmark that my husband and I love."
On behalf of the entire Chic Parisien team, it was our distinct pleasure to have played a role in helping Mariana find her dream gown. It's as though it was written in the stars!
We wish Mariana and Manny a lifetime of wedded bliss!
Bridal Market Wrap-Up! Plus, This Weekend's Romona Keveza Trunk Show
Few things could top a weekend trip to New York City in the spring, unless of course you're there to attend Bridal Market. It was a whirlwind trip, but we certainly made the most of the three-day event to bring you, our Chic brides, the latest bridal styles from top designers from around the world, including Jenny Packham, Mira Zwillinger, Anne Barge, Ines Di Santo, Romona Keveza, Naeem Khan, Marchesa, Monique Lhuillier and Lazaro.
Our action-packed schedule was a dazzling display of crystals, pearls, tulle, and lace. The runways were nearly as gorgeous as the gowns themselves, as many featured creative themes including Enchanted Forest (Naeem Khan) and Once Upon a Dream (Jenny Packham). There were many jaw-dropping moments, and we can't wait to bring the very best of these Spring 2015 designs to Chic Parisien.
For more behind-the-scenes moments from year's Bridal Market, check out our Instagram account, and watch this space for more information on the in-store arrival of the Spring 2015 collections. Speaking of special events, this weekend Chic Parisien is hosting a Romona Keveza trunk show, featuring the designer's famed Legends Collection. This collection is ultra feminine and draws inspiration from many time periods. This diverse collection will have something for every bride, no matter your body type or wedding venue. We look forward to seeing you!
Romona Keveza Trunk Show @ Chic Parisien
Legends Collection
April 25 - 26, 2014
For appointments, call (305) 448-5756