you can't have too much help . . .

to get the perfect look for your wedding. That's why I loved participating in the brides.com "trend leaders on tour" held at ultra on west 26th street in manhattan.

There were so many wedding experts in this club, and lots of people came to check us out. Eleni Gianopolis of "eleni's cookies" was there, as well as a host of others who chatted with brides-to-be and their friends. This was a great space, with complimentary food and drinks, so it certainly started off on the right foot! After setting up the tables and spreading out all of the jewelry, the guests started coming over to check things out. Of course, the crystallized swarovski elements area was the place to be- there were lots of crystallized accessories on display in the booth. There has been some pretty good press coverage of the swarovski wedding book 'unbridaled', and people wanted to see and try on my earrings and barrettes that were featured in the book and check out the beautiful display with some of the same gowns, handbags and shoes that were in the book.

Heidi Bentsen from swarovski worked with modern bride to make all of this happen. I am so lucky to have the support of swarovski, the crystallized brand is really catching fire. It is pretty cool they asked me to show my work and talk to the brides-to-be.

We met a number of brides and grooms who are actively planning their weddings, and they were delighted to see all of the resources the modern bride and brides.com organization had assembled in this room.

I think the concept of this event is simply brilliant; the trend leaders on tour event travels from city to city and the cast of experts changes as they go along, so prospective brides and grooms can meet and work with people who are local. After all, there's nothing like personal attention, and having so many new york wedding experts in one room is not something you see every day. After a while, you see that the experts, merchants, and staff has a good time too, these are great events. So, to round out the week we have the halloween parade on friday night, Oct 31st. If you go you will definietly have fun. Watch from the sidelines, or participate. It's the most fun thing in the city this weekend.

I spent some 'bridal best' time with Josephine and her friends Carmela and Margarita, they are from Brooklyn and Josephine is just starting to plan her outfit for her wedding next summer. Helping a wedding party is a lot of fun ! (we offer this in NYC, contact the website) We made a connection right away, she's getting married where I got married, the North Hills Country Club in Manhassett, Long Island. And she will be wearing a dress from Priscilla of Boston- the mermaid wedding dress. I loved her choice, remembering my search for a gown as nice as the Priscilla of Boston gown that my mother wore at her wedding. Look at that photo of Dorothy and Joseph Chiarella on the right, taken on their wedding day, wasn't my mom beautiful !

In new york, the place to shop for your wedding gown is kleinfeld's. This gigantic bridal gown store is just a few blocks away from this event tonight, and of course Josephine had been there a number of times before deciding on the right gown for her. A smart bride-to-be carries a picture of everything she has already bought, and pictures, clippings, and articles containing all the possibilities she's considering for her wedding. Josephine did this ritual one better and had all of the info on her laptop.

After seeing her gown, we checked out the nicole miller website next, and she showed me her choice of bridesmaids dresses. A crowd gathered, and we looked at a few different styles, all of us had a favorite so I think that decision will be made another day. Happily, she loved my sweet pear party earrings, and so we'll be shipping these to her soon, along with a different earring from the sweet pear collection for her to give as bridesmaids gifts.
We chatted some more over another glass of wine, and off they went to see the incredible cake and stationery displays on the other side of the room.

I have met a lot of nice people at wedding planning events, and offer this as a personalized service at my studio in manhattan. But to do this as a member of the best of the bridal best (that's what it says on the invitation!) was a treat. I hope this event is repeated on a regular basis, it was a treasure trove for brides-to-be and I had a lot of fun, too. ciao !