Gown Alert: Monique Lhuillier Sample Sale

It's that time of the year ladies! One of our favorites, Monique Lhuillier, will be having their semi-annual sample sale next Sunday, July 14^th from 10am to 4pm.  The sale will be at a pop-up shop in downtown LA.  They’ll have both Bridal and Ready to Wear dresses with markdowns anywhere from 40% - 90%.  Can you imagine the savings?!?!

This is the perfect opportunity for brides, friends and family to find not only incredible gowns but ready to wear items as well for showers, bachelorette parties and even the rehearsal!

This sale only happens twice a year so we definitely suggest avoiding that July heat and heading downtown to check it out next weekend!  Make a day of it and start with brunch or head to lunch after, enjoy some champagne or lemonade and prepare to get your shop on!

 

 

Happy Shopping!

Featured Wedding: Jessica + David at Saint Sophia's Cathedral & Vibiana

Jessica and David tied the knot on October 20, 2012 in a stunning ceremony at Saint Sophia Cathedral followed by a beyond beautiful reception at one of our favorite venues, Vibiana. 

It was a gorgeous autumn day – cool, crisp and a bit cloudy.  The Bride, dressed in a Lazaro gown and Christian Louboutin heals could not have been more stunning.  Her Hugo Boss clad Groom looked so handsome (and smelled amazing, trust me on this one J).  In the morning as they got ready they exchanged vows via messenger.  This sweet and intimate gesture seemed to bring a sense of calm to both of them.

Jessica and David are a very traditional couple who decided to forgo the popular “first look” and waited until Jessica walked down the isle to see each other for the first time.  Time seemed to stand still when David first saw his Bride standing at the end of the ilse with her father.  The opulence and splendor of SaintSophia’s was the perfect setting for their traditional Coptic Orthodox ceremony.

After the ceremony the Bride and Groom escaped to the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles before heading to Vibiana for photos.  This photo session was a great opportunity for Jessica and David to spend some time together, just the two of them, basking in the joy of their matrimony.  Rebecca with Docuvitae captured the most beautiful shots of this happy couple – don’t they just ooze happiness?!

Vibiana was adorned with whimsical décor including stunning florals by Shawna Yamamto Event Design, vintage furniture, gold accents and amazing lighting.

In lieu of a Sweetheart Table, the Happy Couple enjoyed their own intimate lounge area just under the Vibiana alter.  It was georgeous, luxurious and cozy all at the same time!

Guests sipped Champagne as they dined on culinary delights prepared by Jay’s Catering.  The savory dishes were matched by the delicious dessert bar and wedding cake also prepared by Jay’s.

The evening was lively and filled with love, laughter and dancing!  A surprise performance by Jilliana’s SahlalaDancers really got the party going.  Guests danced into the early morning hours and finished off the amazing night by doing The Macarena!

We feel so honored to have been a part of this amazing day.  Cheers to a lifetime of love and laughter Mr. & Mrs. Gobrial!  

All photos courtesy of Docuvitae

Accommodations:  Millennium Biltmore
Belly Dancers: Jillina and the Sahlala Dancers       
Bar: The Cocktail Concierge     
Catering: Jay’s Catering
Church (ceremony):  St. Sophia’s Cathedral           
DJ:  DJ Nara
Event Design & Planning: Sterling Engagements
Floral Design: Shawna Yamamoto Event Design
Bride Hair: Shirin Salon
Bride Makeup: Monique Powers                 
Lighting and Sound: Amber Event Production
Photographer: Docuvitae
Rentals:  Classic Party Rentals & Archive Event Rentals
Venue (reception):  Vibiana     
Videographer: Wind Production 

Bold, Chic and in Love: Vera or Monique?

Recently I was able to assist a stylist for the cover of the September issue of the Knot Magazine. It was a ten look shoot on couture wedding gowns. Needless to say, I was absolutely dying! All the dresses were far more beautiful then I could possibly describe, not to mention that they were being worn by a perfectly stunning model. I also got to play with some of the most beautiful (and expensive) wedding rings I had ever seen!

Naturally, of all the designers that we had there were two that really stood out to me- Vera Wang & Monique Lhuillier. Two of the most well-known wedding gown designers, who design to perfection but are so different in style and technique. Monique creates beautiful, feminine dresses that are heavily textured. Vera is equally stunning, also beautiful yet often pushes the envelope with her designs.  They have that extra bit of sass oftentimes.

While we can admire both designers, there must be one that makes you squeal a little louder! Are you more a Monique or Vera bride?

Here are some of the looks for each designers spring 2012 line.

All photos courtesy of Vera Wang & Monique Lhuillier

While all designer gowns are lovely and do come with a price tag for a designer label, they can at least provide great inspiration for what you look for!  However, they do have some simpler gowns that start at a more moderate number.  For example, Monique Lhuillier's gowns start as low as $2200.  Also Vera's new White Collection at David's Bridal makes a Vera Wang gown affordable for various price points and budgets too.  

I must admit, I'm definitely a Monique girl myself ;), what are you?

If you ever want a stylists opinion on your dress, feel free to email me at jocelyn@sterlingengagements.com.

xO,
Jocelyn

Bold, Chic, and in Love: Oscar Favorites

This past Sunday was one of the most magical days of the year- The Academy Awards. For a lot of people, this day means seeing the movies and actors they love win for their absolute talent and excellence. For me, the best part is obviously the red carpet.

I used to work for a celebrity stylist who has dressed just about every celebrity in the business. You can only imagine how much I enjoyed this time of year, running around Hollywood to pick up the most beautiful gowns that Oscar nominees would wear. It was fabulous! And it educated me with the names and styles of designers who also make so many of the beautiful gowns that are great for the more formal wedding.  Gowns for your bridesmaids, mother, and most importantly, yourself!

My personal favorites were absolutely Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford and Pharrell Williams in Lanvin. Gwyneth was a vision in white- so classy, so pure, so beautiful. And Pharrell looked extra dapper and fresh in his over-sized velvet bow-tie.

 

Tina Fey looked beautiful in Carolina Herrera. Apparently, Herrera was only going to let one actress wear her designs this year and Tina was the winner! This dress is simple and chic. I love the peplum, which has the tendency to make any dress extremely flattering. Great choice for your bridesmaids!

Maria Menounos was stunning in a Maria Lucia Hohan gown. If I were ever a bridesmaid, I would not complain about this dress! I love the corset fit paired with the mint chiffon. It is a very feminine, delicate choice.

Oh Viola Davis, aren't you just the prettiest? This green Vera Wang was the absolute best choice for her. Her green makeup and beautiful skin paired very well with the dress. She was absolutely glowing. But honestly ladies, who doesn't look good in Vera Wang?

Jennifer, Jennifer.. you curvy beauty. She looked gorgeous in Zuhair Murad. This dress was so flattering and stunning, I'd love to meet the woman who would rock this as her wedding dress!!

Who else was absolutely thrilled that Meryl finally won an Oscar? I have been rooting for her for years. She is amazing. I loved her dress, so sparkly and fun. Just like I pictured her to be :) I'm sure there's a mom out there planning the perfect black tie wedding with her daughter or son, that would absolutely love to wear this Lanvin dress for the big day. As long as the brides dress is a little more sparkly, of course!

All Photos Courtesy of Huffington Post

Which dress was your favorite, what color did you like best? 

xO
Jocelyn

Red Carpet Fashion: Favorite looks from the Golden Globes!

It's no secret that I absolutely love award season.  The amazing fashion, red carpet interviews and of course the parties!  Last night there was a definite trend for the navy and blush!  Here are my top fave looks from the night!

Charlize Theron in Dior

Definitely my favorite for the night, just love this! Especially the bow...  Soft and elegant, timeless and so very sophisticated.  Headbands were also all over the carpet but she definitely wore it best!

Debra Messing in Monique Lhuillier

 

Debra Messing always does it right, maybe because she has the amazing help of Rachel Zoe.  I don't know, regardless, so many wore black but she wore it best!  I also love that she always adds a hint of green somehow...

 Elle Mcpherson in Zac Posen

I just love this look, the texture, the structure, all of it!  It's so unique and it really takes a certain  of body type to pull it off and Elle did it well!

  

Claire Danes in J. Mendel

I was on the fence with this one initially and then after watching an interview fell more and more in love with it.  It's truly stunning, so simple yet sophisticated.  The detail is to perfection and Claire really wears it right, it just flows effortlessly on on her.  

Laura Dern in Andrew GN

I didn't see Laura Dern on the carpet but the second she came out during the show I was blown away but how stunning she was.  This dress looks like a vintage dream.  I adore the low v-neck and the slim belt on her waste line.  It's gorgeous and she really works the emerald color too.  Definitely one of my favorites from the night!

 Kate Beckinsale in Roberto Cavalli

The dress looks so simple at first glance but look closer, the structure at the top, multiple textures and intricate detail really wowed me.  Kate of course is stunning on her own but this gown wowed me!  

Jessica Alba in Gucci

Not only do I adore the lilac gray color but I love the diagonal detail by her rib cage and the chiffon train.  This dress is very romantic and it's just angelic.  

Paula Patton in Monique Lhuillier

Paula Patton already has a smile that is like a ray of sunshine but this gown takes it to a whole other level.  She shines inside and out in it!  It's impossible for Monique Lhuillier to ever do anything I don't love but combine it with one of my favorite faces and you just have the ultimate package!  

Sofia Vergara in a custom Vera Wang

I'm still in love with shades of Peacock Blue and Navy from last fall. I don't think our affair will end anytime soon.  Because of this I gasped at this texture rich ensemble.  It's just breathtaking.  Especially the V right before you get to the skirt.  The fabric, the neckline, everything... I'm sold!  

 

All photos courtesy of my favorite red carpet website Just Jared

Who were your favorites on the carpet?  What color do you think will be hot next at the SAG awards?  I'm thinking Purples, Greens, Grays and Charcoals but we will see on the 29th!

Trunk Alert: Monique Lhuillier's Spring 2012 Collection

Our friend Megan McKenna Volkening over at Monique Lhuillier's Melrose Place salon has sent us an invitation for a private trunk show to share with our brides.


Come see Monique's Spring 2012 collection and prepare to be dazzled. Market is going on right now and this will be the first opportunity for you to view these gowns in person for an amazing trunk show!

Appointment's must be made, so call Megan today to secure your spot.

We Heart The Illustrated Bride!

Imagine this, you have the most amazingly perfect wedding gown that your so in love with and are just ecstatic to wear for your big day. Come wedding day you rock this gorgeous gown, relish it's texture, are so in love with wearing it and truly wish you never had to take it off.

Of course as your wedding day concludes your married to the love of your life and are the happiest newlywed bride ever. As you celebrate each other on your honeymoon and reminisce about your special day, do you start to have visions of you in that beautiful gown? Once it's preserved and put away, do you feel as though part of you still wants to see it often? Is it even possible to miss a dress?


If so, Jennifer Hancock aka The Illustrated Bride has something very special in store for you. Using photographs from your photographer, The Illustrated Bride can recreate a custom illustration of your gown for your to cherish forever. While it's stored away in a safe place, you can still have a gorgeously drawn sketch of this special gown to look at whenever you wish.
Once you decide to proceed, you have various options to choose from like whether you want just the gown with no face details, your face sketched in, details like your veil and jewelery etc... Jennifer customizes your illustration to be exactly what you wish for.

Since a gown has a front and a back, The Illustrated Bride can also sketch both sides so your don't miss one bit.

You can also have your illustration framed individually or side by side next to a photo of you. The options are endless!


So if you haven't already, please click over to The Illustrated Bride Etsy site and check out her work! It also makes the perfect gift to give to a bride or even a bridesmaid.