I got a brother-in-law!

So, I have known this beautiful woman for about 21 years (which seems impossible). When I first met her she was about 9 years old. She had long curly blond hair and was the most inquisitive little girl I had ever met. I dated her brother when I was in college. She lived about 2 and a half hours away and had come to visit with her grandparents. I wanted her to have fun so I picked her up and took her to the lake. She asked me all about boys and I had NO idea what to tell her. I was only 18 myself and knew nothing about boys...at least nothing that I wanted to share with an impressionable 9 year old.

That little girl grew up to be a beautiful, smart, and sweet woman that I am proud to call my sister-in-law. In September she got married. I was sad that I couldn't be there, but by the size of her smile, I know it was the first of many "happiest days of her life"

Congratulations to my sister and borther-in-law on your beautiful wedding in the Domincan  and your beautiful marriage.  Welcome to the family Kevin!

The happy couple

Fashion Love

I LOVE everything about this dress!

Jen and Ashok

Did you ever meet with a client and know that it was just meant to be?  When we met with Jen and Ashok, we instantly clicked. They hired me on the spot and it was smooth sailing from that point on.  As per our process, I asked them to fill out our lengthy questionnaire. I started looking through it and I noticed that his parents address was in a small town in Southern Illinois very close to where I grew up. Upon further investigation, not only was it the right town, it was the family that lived next door to my husband grandparents! What are the odds?  The grooms father called me (possibly the nicest man ever) and asked if I was the granddaughter of the great "mole killer"  I had to laugh. If you knew my husbands grandma you would understand...She is about 4'11", white hair and super cute.  

This bride and groom during this entire process really wanted to make sure that all of their vendors were comfortable. They were quick decision makers, very kind and really trusted their vendors (which is key to a fun wedding). They wanted to hire vendors that worked well with each other, vendors that would ensure that everything was perfect for them and vendors that wanted to have fun planning during the process.  After many laughs, here is the end product. 

Please enjoy the blog posting by the very talented ladies of L Photographie, Kate and Kristie!

Jen and Ashok

I wanted to give a special thanks to all of the vendors that worked very hard on this wedding.

Exclusive Events: Not only created our vision, but added their special touches, creative eye and made all three events spectacular!

Artistry Florist: The flowers OMG! Were amazing!

The Chase: For the amazing food and letting us invade your property for days!

L Photographie: You created some of the most beautiful photographs ever!  It was like reliving the day

M Haley Design: Your invites, day of stationery and favors were amazing as usual! I also think you made a new friend ;)

The Cakery: Amazing in not only looks! I think I ate two pieces (and that doesn't happen very often)

The Chase Salon and Spa: You really made Jen feel relaxed and look beautiful!

Weddings are always a 100% team work effort and this one was no exception. I have said it before and I will say it again, all of our amazing vendors in St. Louis make wedding consultants like me look really good!

Wedding Website Love!

Social media is a wonderful thing. I just came across these super cute wedding websites at http://www.weddingjojo.com/ You can create your own custom domain and publish all of your wedding details!

So every year since I have had kids, I literally am still making costumes the night of Halloween (since it so inconveniently falls right in the height of wedding season). As a clothing and textiles major, I find it really hard for me to go buy store bought costumes. I have to admit, I have done it but I have always added a twist to it.  Since I have a girl and a boy, I also really want to make them a dynamic due. One year my daughter was Little Red Ridinghood and my son was The Big Bad Wolf.

He looks dangerous with a binky and a bib, right?

Since my daughter has turned into a "girly girl" the only thing she wants to be is some sort of Princess...so I bit the bullet and bought a costume. My son on the other hand it still to little to put up a fight so it was either Prince Charming or a pirate...the pirate won!

I came across this Halloween costume from Misha Lulu Blog and thought it was brilliant! http://www.mishalulu.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Alice-4.jpg

Let us know what you are going to dress up as or better yet, show us your photos.

Adorable coat

I love a good tailored coat!

What is Your Body Type and What Style of Dress Should You Buy

What body type are you? Its a question none of us want to face, but one that can really change the way we look at our whole lives. Knowing and understanding your body type can affect what you go shopping for for everyday clothes, but how does that translate when you are buying a wedding dress? We come in many shapes and sizes but I am just going to talk about four general categories: Apple, Pear, and Hourglass, Rectangle. Let’s look at a definition of each:

Rectangle: Torso and upper body are the same width as your hips – little waist definition

Apple: Torso and upper body wider than your hips – with little or no waist definition. You might have weight surrounding your waist. Tummy area is a big concern for you.

Pear: Torso and upper body smaller than your hips with waist definition. Hips and thighs tend to be the area of concern for you.

Hourglass: Torso and hips are approximately the same width – with waist definition. (I am definitely hourglass!)

If that doesn't help...take a look at this great image I found on citizensofbeauty.com

Which category do you fit?


I can’t tell you which category you fit in, that is some research you will have to do on your own. But one of the most reliable ways to discover this is by taking your body measurements using a cloth tape measure. Measure at your bust, natural waist and hips, then compare those numbers with the definitions below.

Apple: Bust and natural waist measurements are greater than that of your hips. Example: 36in x 36in x 30in

Pear: Your bust and natural waist measurements are close to the same number but are far less than your hip measurement. Example: 28in x 28in x 40in

Hourglass: Your bust and hip measurements are almost equal to each other and your waist is much less. Example: 36in x 24in x 36in

Rectangle: All measurements will be within approximately 3 inches of each other. Example: 32in x 31in x32in

You may think "why does it matter" but the more familiar you are with your body, you will know what looks good and fits well versus what you want to look good that doesn't.

With these tips from Real Simple, I hope this guide will make dress shopping easier:

If you are a Pear Shape:

Look for: A skirt that gradually flares out in an A formation from the natural waist to the floor, highlighting the narrowness of the midsection and floating away from the hips and thighs. (Sturdier fabrics, such as duchesse satin and taffeta, are especially effective, since they won't cling.) A spaghetti-strap bodice or a V neckline will also showcase a more slender upper body.



Keep in mind: A classic A-line silhouette lends itself to formal weddings, but it can also be dressed down when made from a more casual fabric, like eyelet lace or raw-silk shantung.

If You're Busty

Look for: A dress with a scooped neckline. It will open up your face and display your décolletage without showing too much cleavage. If you love the look of strapless gowns, choose one that has a slight dip along the neckline, like a sweetheart, rather than a style that goes straight across (which will make your bust appear even larger and more shelflike).



Keep in mind: Fabric on the bodice that has a sheen to it (such as organza, satin, or silk) will add volume and call attention to your chest. Material that are gathered will have the same effect.

If You’re Plus-Sized

Look for an Empire dress with a skirt that begins just under the bust and flows into a gradual floor-length A-line. Make sure the empire seam does not start on the chest and that there is no pleating of the fabric, which is reminiscent of maternity wear. In my personal opinion, I think curves are beautiful…embrace them! I love this style of dress hugs the body. The dress should play up the curves. If it too loose it will add pounds

Keep in mind: Find fabrics like satin that provide structure, rather than anything too flowy. If you love the romantic look of airier fabrics, choose a gown with a stiffer base, then add an embroidered tulle overlay.

If You’re Apple-Shaped

Look for: A dress that cinches in at the smallest point on the waistline, then flares out into a gradual A shape. Opt for a bodice with a lot of texture to it―think ruche or lace detailing―that will camouflage and fit snugly, creating a corsetlike effect. The most slenderizing neckline for you is one with a deep V, which will draw eyes toward the vertical, not the horizontal.

Keep in mind: Avoid trumpet dress styles, which emphasize the area where your body is widest and flare out at the legs and the knees, where you are most slender.

If You're Tall

Look for: A simple silhouette. The strategy is to emphasize your natural shape, so every aspect of the dress―the lower waistline, a floor-sweeping hem―needs to reflect your longer proportions. If you're wearing long sleeves, they should go past the wrist. You don't want to look as if you've borrowed a gown from someone shorter than you.


Keep in mind: Because you are statuesque, you'll want to err on the side of simplicity when it comes to embellishments. Too many bells and whistles, like ruffles and rosettes, can come off as cutesy, particularly on a tall person.


If You're Petite

Look for: Trumpet, sheath, and modified A-line gowns. Find a style with a waistline above your natural waist, to make the lower half of the dress (and therefore you) appear longer. The fabric is up to you―you can pull off a high sheen. But the detailing should be small (no huge bows) and limited to the bodice, to draw the eye upward.

Keep in mind: Be wary of dresses with a dropped waist, which will make your legs seem nonexistent, and ball gowns―it's easy to get lost in that voluminous skirt. Also, avoid anything calf-length, which will make your legs look short.

If the salon will allow it, take a photo of yourself in the dress so you can see how you look in photographs.