photo by Corbin Gurkin
Many times we focus so much on our brides and bridesmaids’ fashion pieces that the Mothers of the Brides and Grooms can get overlooked… After recently scouring through our photos from the past year or two of weddings we realized that we have some pretty knock out stylish “moms” as well, so we wanted to share a little glimpse of the other fashionable wedding day ladies. The mother of the bride above went with a stunning cape sleeved sheath gown from Oscar de la Renta for her daughters’ winter lowcountry wedding.
photo by Perry Vaile
For a spring time affair at Palmetto Bluff, this mother of the bride complimented the bridesmaids’ gowns with a hand painted ball skirt gown from Kate McDonald.
photo by Adrienne Page
Here the mother of the groom awaits her escort down the aisle, in a fabulous blue gown not quite off the shoulders and gorgeously tailored.
photo by Liz Banfield
For this Charleston wedding, our mother of the bride chose a strapless gown by Oscar de le Renta, but with a matching wrap. Perfect for a church ceremony if modesty is a concern, and for the unpredictable evening temps here in the Spring… This brides’ color palette was a pale pink and green, so I love the brighter pink as a nod to that palette.
photo by Corbin Gurkin
At the rehearsal for our Newport, RI wedding, the mother of the groom waits and watches looking (like Meryl Streep, don’t you think) effortlessly chic before the rehearsal diner.
photo by Liz Banfield
I love this bold color choice by Romona Keveza (styled by Julie Sabatino) worn by our mother of the groom for a summertime Charleston fete. Love the new movement for mothers wearing color, it’s a celebration, and when appropriate can be a perfectly stunning selection.
As far as flowers or “corsages” go for our clients, we’ve found that many don’t wish to pin something onto their Couture gowns… So, we have been either crafting miniature bouquets for them to carry, or flowers that can attach to a clutch, or ones even affixed to ribbon that can be tied onto their wrists as an accessory.
I find people always asking for easy entertaining at home tips- especially on quantities or what to sere at the bar. Entertaining at home is a cinch if you have the right guidelines to follow! Here are my recommendations based on a four hour party for about 20 guests.
If you are going to have a self serve bar, you can always dress it up by using your decanters, pitchers, or other vessels and have tags identify each liquor.
I think it’s a nice touch to have bar snacks for guests as well, in case they end up in a conversation over cocktail refreshing.
I suggest for glassware that you have a standard high ball that you can use for cocktails and beer. As well as wine glasses ( you can use something fun and if it’s casual and the wine isn’t from your best collection you can use the same glasses for all), and champagne if serving.
You’ll also need about 250 paper cocktail napkins (foryourparty.com is a great resource), or if you have a collection of linen cocktail napkins, break those out. And custom drink stirrers would really wow your guests! I favor these from 
And, if you can really splurge, it’s nice to have a bartender so that guests don’t have to lift a finger!
I was so honored when asked to participate in the 2017 Paris edition of the 
Walking around and exploring doors is one of my most favorite things to do… Last year after exploring doors in Italy, I came home and painting my front door a color that I couldn’t get out of my head. And, we have done a lovely wedding where the bride loved a particular door knocker and we incorporated it throughout the design.
My friend and fellow event professional, Ceci Johnson of Ceci New York, and I wandering the streets together…
Of course, just absorbing all of the surroundings could take up your entire trip. I’m more of a culture buff than architecture, but I couldn’t help being overwhelmed by all there was to see.
The ceiling here of the Palais Garnier is spectacular, just the detail and time it must have taken to go into it… And, you can rent this space for events, I can just see designing a wedding here- add to goal list!
The view from the top was spectacular.. We had lunch at the Jules Verne restaurant, and I even got to witness the cutest couple sitting next to me get engaged! Could not have been more perfect.
There were incredible experiences lined up for us… Some of my favorites were perusing the Picasso Museum, the cooking class at Alain Ducasse’s Le’Ecole de Cuisine , and going to the original Hermes store. It’s always been a dream of mine to live in Paris for the summer to go the Le Cordon Bleu, so a glimpse of this at the Alain Ducasse school reignited that even more. 
This is why Paris is called the City of Lights!
