Category: Stuff We Love

As you may have already realized, finding a flattering wedding hairstyle is almost always easier said than done. My own wedding hair search involved me spending hours at my salon having my hair twisted, tugged, and curled into countless “almost perfect but not quite” styles. I’m not sure, but I may have even seen my stylist wield a crimping iron at one point (considering it was 2002, this was more than a little disturbing!). By the end of the day, both my hair and nerves were a bit fried. Sure, I found a style, but I also had to spend the next few days “resting” my hair and deep conditioning with pricey products.

From the moment you designed your first toilet paper wedding dress for Barbie (admit it, your doll sported Charmin Couture just like mine did!), you’ve been wanting to walk down the aisle equipped with something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue. The old and new? Easy! Something borrowed? That bracelet you’ve been “borrowing” from your sister for the last 3 years should count. But it’s that “something blue” that stops most brides in their satin Jimmy Choos.

You’re a stand up gal. In fact, you’ve literally “stood up” for virtually all your friends as bridesmaid or the ever-coveted Maid of Honor. If you have a closet full of bridesmaid dresses that rivals Katherine Heigl’s character’s collection in 27 Dresses, do we have a feel-good project for you! First step? Admitting you will never wear that frothy yellow chiffon number again. Face facts—it’s not like you’re going to another homecoming or prom anytime soon. But some girl somewhere is going to prom, and she needs a dress.

A while ago, I posted about one man’s very creative marriage proposal to his love. Jeffrey Paul created a short proposal film and played it at an Oakland theater with all of the couple’s family and friends present (not to mention a TLC camera crew!). Intent on topping even himself, this animation teacher at the Art Institute of San Francisco had his class work on his wedding invitation, too! The result is another quirky/cool animated video. They actually sent out DVDs of the video as the invite:

If you’re anything like me, you want the treats you buy for yourself to make you feel unique and special. Or you like to lend a quirky-yet-tasteful finishing touch to everything around you. As one of my lovely dance teachers and mentors once said to me, “to decide to like something is to congratulate yourself.” And what better time or place to surround yourself with what you like than at your wedding reception?

I loved the sweet story on Miho Walsh and Roy Prieb in a recent New York Times Vows column. They met over dim sum with friends and eventually turned their long-distance courtship into marriage. Besides the fact that they somehow pulled off celebrations in Tokyo, Bangkok and New York, what completely charmed me was the words engraved on Mr. Prieb’s wedding band: “You win some, you dim sum.”

For San Francisco Bay Area brides, have we got an idea for you: how about a rehearsal dinner celebrated with the folks at Kitchen on Fire in Berkeley? You bring your guests, KoF provides the ingredients, kitchen facilities and tools and you and your fam cook your meal together before sitting down to eat. KoF’s professional chefs are on hand the whole time to provide guidance and support if needed. All the preparations are taken care of by KoF and the group can enjoy a completely private dinner (unlike simply reserving a table at a restaurant). You are also welcome to customize a menu that would be meaningful to you and your family (like an Italian-themed meal before the honeymoon in Rome.)

Talk about a green wedding! Has anyone seen these plantable wedding invitations and favors? Guests can actually plant the paper to grow their own wildflowers as a lasting memory of your wedding.