Happy Halloween everyone!  In honor of one of my favorite days of the year, I thought I’d share a few gowns from Vera Wang’s 2012 collection.  This is a departure from her normal look as the gowns were shown only in black and nude.  According to one interview, Ms. Wang said, “I found black to be fresh and tongue-in-cheek.  With all the big weddings that happened this year, it was fun to step out of the box.”

If anyone is a fan of black on a wedding gown, it’s me.  However, I am having mixed feelings about this collection.  Not everyone can pull of nude and even Sarah Jessica Parker has said she regrets wearing a black gown for her own wedding.

I met some lovely ladies from The Rescue Train at Unveiled a few weeks ago — they had just launched their wedding favor shop.   Saving animals is something very near and dear to me.  Both of my cats are rescues and the favor from our wedding was  donation to the ASPCA.

From their website, “There’s no better way to celebrate unconditional love than to give the gift of life to a homeless dog or cat facing euthanasia at a city shelter. Whether you are a bride and groom looking for a meaningful wedding favor or a wedding guest looking for a gift that the newlyweds will never forget you’ve come to the right place.  With “Gift Of Love” wedding favors, not only will your tax deductible donation give the gift of love and life to animals facing euthanasia at city shelters, it’s a wonderful way to thank your guests for sharing this special day with you.”

If you choose to donate as your favor, you can choose a black and white or color donation card with the most adorable photos of cats and dogs.  You may also customize the cards with your wedding colors for an additional fee.

Another great option on their site is the ability to register for donations as a gift option for your guests.

For more information on donating to The Rescue Train visit The Gift of Love Shop.

About a week ago, the styled shoot I directed was featured on Grey Likes Weddings.  As promised, here are more photos and details behind the shoot that took place in a loft in downtown Los Angeles.

{ Calligraphy Katrina designed the simply elegant invitation }

{ Our bride wore jewelry from Margaret Rowe Vintage Couture and
a hairpiece from the garment district in downtown LA – what a great find! }

{ The bride’s gown from Winnie Couture was an explosion of soft, billowy tulle }

{ Sunny from Susie Chhuor made our bride look timeless with her classic red lips and soft updo }

{ Enchanted Garden Floral Design created a romantic but edgy bouquet with cascading black feathers – love! }

{ Our black to white gradient ruffle cake, from Superfine Bakery, consisted of towers of frilly fondant }

{ The black peony is made entirely of sugar! }

{ I wanted the table to look romantically deconstructed — layers upon layers of different textured
fabric were used to create the perfect canvas for Enchanted Garden’s lush floral arrangements }

{ Swirly candlesticks tucked in between anemones, ranunculus, roses and hydrangea lined the table }

{ Wildflower Linens provided the gauzy chair treatments }

{ Calligraphy Katrina designed the menus that were topped off with a feather napkin treatment }

{ One of my favorite elements from the shoot was the mirrored charger plate -
I had Katrina write Bride and Groom in silver ink }

{ And you know I swooned over this black satin Prada shoes! }

For those of you interested in our Groom’s fashion –
he wore a suit from Express and a bow tie from Neiman Marcus.  I love the feather bout.

Vendors: Photographer: Krista Mason Photography, Event Planner: Kristeen LaBrot Events, Floral Designer: Enchanted Garden Floral Design, Dress Designer: Winnie Couture, Cake Designer: Superfine Bakery, Chair Coverings: Wildflower Linens, Calligrapher: Calligraphy Katrina and Maison du Papier, Makeup Artist: Susie Chhuor Professional Hair & Makeup, Jewelry: Margaret Rowe Vintage Couture