Red Wedding Gowns – Should You Wear One?

Yes, yes, YES! Red wedding gowns have been popular in Europe and Asia for more than ten years and now are the hottest new trend in America. At first we saw a hint of red, in a bold sash attached to a traditional white dress. Now you can select a complete red gown, a red bodice with a white A-line or organza skirt, or a strapless white bodice with a full red skirt. Other daring options include red corset lacings, custom embroidery and mini-bouquets attached to the train of the gown.

Red wedding gown by Demetrios

Women are B-O-R-E-D with the monotonous selection of strapless white and ivory wedding gowns. Brides want their gowns to be as unique as they are. Spring brides are choosing pale pastel pinks, lilacs and blues. Those getting married in the summer are adding deeper shades of turquoise, aqua, purple and hot pink to the gowns. Chocolate, rust, olive and eggplant are popular for fall brides. And winter brides are selecting deep reds and blues, as well as black and white gowns, to make the boldest statements. Red, however is the one color that symbolizes passion and romance, and is thought to inspire young lovers ALL year long.

If you go "red" how will feel looking at your wedding photos 10, 25 or 50 years from now? My guess is even if these gowns are a flash in the pan, your grandkids will think you were one hot (grand) mama. Are red wedding gowns just a temporary bridal fashion fad or are they here to stay? If you guessed that wedding gowns will be made in bolder new colors and unusual new fabrics you would be right. Red is only the beginning!

To read more visit Unconventional Bride

Wedding Reception Venue Ideas

Family, recently married friends, neighbors and coworkers - your best place to start when selecting a perfect wedding reception venue!   Many of these fifteen fabulous indoor and outdoor wedding reception venues are ideal for both the wedding ceremony and reception, saving you both time and money.

· Landmark Hotels
· Fairgrounds or Renaissance Faires
· Military Clubs
· Wineries
· Private Yachts
· Botanical Gardens
· Historic Castles
· Bed and Breakfast Inns
· Private Mansion or Estate
· Country Clubs
· Zoos
· National Parks
· Public Beaches
· Large Restaurants
· Art Gallery or Museum

An outdoor wedding ceremony or reception is to be held in a public beach, national park or lighthouse, special permits will need to be obtained. For example, getting married at Yosemite or Yellowstone will require the bride and groom to fill out an online application and pay $150 for a permit. Major holidays such as Memorial Day, Labor Day or the Fourth of July may be off limits. There may also be restrictions on parking, decorations, music, butterfly release and the number of guests allowed.  Do your homework and everything will be perfect!

Private clubs, restaurants and hotels are easily able to accommodate both the ceremony and reception. Decorations, altars, aisle runners, chairs and/or canopies may be included in the price if you ask. Remember; always ask for a little extra! They also offer complete catering, with sufficient staff to set up, clean up and serve. And something you make take for granted, clean and accessible restrooms. May and June can be crazy so book at least one year in advance!

Love the idea of a landmark hotel wedding? Inn Richmond, Virginia, The Jefferson built in 1895, is every bit as exquisite as it looks. Recently, when I stopped by, they were having two weddings simultaneously, and I had to take pictures quickly as one bride was getting ready to descend the magnificent, grand staircase. Local legend has it that this staircase was the one used in “Gone With The Wind” (Rhett carrying Scarlett up to bed), but the truth is that the book’s author, Margaret Mitchell, once stayed at the Jefferson. She may have used its elegance to draw from when writing her famous book.



Don't Miss!  Lucia Belle Photography

Hawaii Bridal Show

How blue is the water in Hawaii? Bluer and clearer and warmer than any other water I’ve ever swam in. I’ve spent my entire life living on the west and east coasts of the United States, but nothing compares to the water in Hawaii. And no bridal show I have been to in a long time compares to the Hawaii Bridal Expo.

From the bridal fashion show to the wedding centerpieces to the Hawaiian wedding favors, almost everything had a Hawaiian wedding theme. While many of us associate hibiscus with the islands, a different fragrant flower is waiting for you everywhere called plumeria. It grows in beautiful shades of white, pink, yellow and red and is the traditional flower used to make leis.

Beautiful plumeria

The models at the bridal fashion show, including men and small children, were clearly professionals, wearing perfectly fitted bridal attire and well matched accessories. (Not always the case with many bridal fashion shows.) This show alone was well worth the price of admission.

Traditional hawaiian wedding gown

Lacey, black wedding gown. Would you wear it?

Mini wedding dress.

You find a great sense of humor among the friendly locals

First time I’ve seen break dancing at a bridal show

Wedding cakes inspired by the beautiful blue ocean in Hawaii.

Accents on this cake made with royal blue tulle fabric.

The Chinese influence is strongly felt in Hawaii. The Wah Ngai Lion Dance Association includes students age 5 years and older, who perform lion dancing at weddings, and is believed to bring good luck to everyone who sees it.

Table top exhibitions displaying a variety of Hawaiian table settings with different themes, floral decorations, linens, chair covers and money boxes.

I sometimes (stupidly) feel like if you've seen one wedding photographer, you've seen them all, but this cute, old-fashioned display really caught my eye.

Wedding favors arranged in paper boxes to resemble a wedding cake.


Mahalo (thank you) to the welcoming people of Hawaii!

To read more visit Hawaii Bridal Expo