Wedding Dreams: A Gatsby Inspired Wedding Mood Boards

I couldn't design a Gatsby Wedding and not make a few mood boards right?! What would be in the fun in that. Here is my Gatsby Wedding Fashion Mood Board:

Gown, Headband, Shoes, Bridesmaid Dress

Oheka Castle, Invites, Tablescape

XOXO

Wedding Dreams: A Gatsby Inspired Wedding

Let's take a trip to Long Island's Gold Coast for a Gatsby Inspired Dream Wedding! 

The Great Gatsby has always been one of my favorite novels, and with the upcoming release of Baz Luhrmann's take on the classic I am officially in a 1920's frenzy. I thought it'd be fun to throw together some ideas for a 1920's Gatsby Inspired Wedding. 

This wedding is everything I loved about the novel. Reading about Jay Gatsby's parties, I remember thinking how magical they must have seemed. And magical is exactly how I would want this wedding. I would stick to art deco colors with a lot of gold, silver, black and white. Decor would be minimal but strikingly beautiful. A live jazz band would play throughout dinner, and waiters would serve speakeasy style cocktails. 

I love this letterpress suite from Lucky Luxe Couture Correspondence. I think it would set the tone for guests perfectly. The suite evokes art deco glam with it's understated simplicity and graphic styling. I would change the green in the invitation to a shimmery gold. Naturally, the suite is named "Gatsby". 

Gatsby Invitation Suite

The coordinating Save the Date is a piece of art, and absolutely frame worthy. 

Gatsby Invitation Suite

How sweet would it be to customize the couple in the bride and groom's likeness? Much better than a picture magnet, if you ask me.

I can't imagine this wedding taking place any other than Long Island's Oheka Castle. Oheka looks like it was dreamed up by F. Scott Fitzgerald himself. It is the perfect location for a summer soiree. I can see a ceremony in the gardens, cocktail hour outside under the stars, and the reception inside the estate. 

Oheka Castle

Oheka Castle

Oheka Castle

 Absolutely swoon worthy right? The decor would be 100% glitz and glam. Something along these lines. I love everything about this tablescape; it's beautiful, modern, and classic.

The Event Firm

Now, let's talk fashion. I would dress my ladies in a fun 1920's-esque cocktail gown, how beautiful is this one from Sue Wong?

Sue Wong

And now - the real star of the show, the BHLD Aiguille Gown. This dress inspired me to write this post. I just couldn't stop thinking about it. 

BHLDN Aiguille Gown

All I would add to this dress would be a touch of bling in the hair, and a killer pair of heels. 

BHLDN Everybright Circle

Christian Louboutin

And there you have it! My dream Gatsby inspired wedding.I think Zelda would be impressed, don't you? 

Zelda Fitzgerald

E-Party Planning: An Upper West Side Engagement Brunch

Let's plan a New York City Engagement Brunch, shall we? 

The wedding is hardly the only party one gets to plan once they become engaged. There are a whole slew of parties that come in between engagement and reception. And - if you love planning a party as much as I do, this affords you the opportunity to plan fun events that reflect you and your hubby-to-be!

The first party in the long line of wedding events is the Engagement Party! I think an Engagement Party is a great way to round up your nearest and dearest and toast to your exciting news. Some couples go all out and host a mini-wedding, while some have backyard BBQ's. Here are a few ideas for something in between formal and casual. I picture this Engagement Party for a fun, laid-back, city couple.

Every party begins with the perfect invitation. These invites from Wedding Paper Divas are just the right touch of "party", but still remain classy. I call this look "whismy-fun" and I think it sets the tone perfectly.

Wedding Paper Divas

Next up, comes the venue. One of my favorites spots on the Upper West Side is Gabriela's. It's a Mexican restaurant that is more upscale-gem then taqueria. They offer wonderful outdoor seating, or private spaces inside for groups. I think an afternoon brunch, completely with cocktails (of course), would be a great way to host a nice celebration but not break the bank. Brunch at Gabriela's is about $14/pp and includes one cocktail. This is great bargain over dinner, where entree's are closer to $20/pp and don't include a drink. 

Gabriela's

 Naturally, I'd be sipping on one of these bad boys:

Now, the guest list. Ultimately this comes down to who is hosting the event. If it were up to me, I would keep this intimate - immediate family and bridal party members. I think an engagement party is a great time to formally ask your wedding party members if you haven't done so already. It'd be sweet to have a card waiting for your Bridesmaids-to-be and her place setting. How cute is this one?

Rifle Paper Co

Last, but certainly not least, the attire. I personally feel that your engagement is the perfect excuse to wear nothing but little-white-dresses. This is one, I'm completely enamored with. It's sweet, but sexy too. 

SouthMoonUnder.com

So there you have it! An Upper West Side Engagement Brunch, perfect for the city couple that doesn't have a backyard to host everyone, but doesn't want to have it a Dad's country club either. Hope you've enjoyed the party!

Fashion Moment: 2013 Academy Awards

I love film, but let's face it - I watched the 2013 Academy Awards for one thing and one thing only: the fashion. And Jennifer Lawrence's fall was just the cherry on top. I tuned in early just to watch the gorgeous gowns celebrities walk the red carpet. 

Many of these beauties gave me heart palpitations and filled my brain with visions of future wedding gowns. I also feel a lot of these gave us a glimpse of wedding dress trends to come. Let's take a look shall we? 

First up, the girl of the night - J. Law. In my eyes, she can do no wrong. She's beautiful, talented, and seems like such an independent spirit. 

Photo Credit: RCFA

The fit and shape of this Dior gown is pure perfection. I love drop waist gowns, and they are perfect for Jennifer Lawrence's figure. It's classic, and just right for the Oscar winner. Do I love the patterned fabric or huge train? Meh. But both worked for her, and I anticipate seeing more drop waist gowns in the bridal world soon. Personally, it's a shape I'm looking forward to trying on. I feel it's a good fit for curvy girls looking to accentuate the curves, but still be feminine and not too sultry.

Next, the original Jenn - Jennifer Aniston. I think this red Valentino ballgown was stunning on her.

Photo Credit: TIME

I love that this is a modern take on the ballgown. The straight neckline is very on-trend right now (see my homegirl  J. Law above). My only critique with this look is the hair. I know it's Jenn's signature, but I would have love to see her try out something new. Bridal fashion has moved more towards mermaid and fit and flare gowns, but hopefully the two Jenn's can influence a moment back towards modern ballgowns - they don't always have to be princess/cupcake-esque.

This rose gold Armani gown on Jessica Chastain may have caused me to squeal. Out loud.

Photo Credit: TIME

The color, shape, design - it's all just so so wonderful. I could see a gown like this making a huge statement at a wedding. It's different, but jaw-droppingly gorgeous. This could also make for a stunning reception/party dress. I'm seeing a modern NYC wedding, perhaps a ceremony at The Highline followed by a reception at one of the Rockefeller Center venues or a downtown loft ala Tribeca Rooftop. Sounds like a good time, huh?.

Last, but not least, I have to talk about Kristen Stewart. 

Photo Credit: TIME

 I love Reem Acra and I think this gown had so much potentional. I wish it fit her better, and was more dramatic on the bottom. Or less? Where it stands now is in the middle - uncommitted. It's like the bottom couldn't decide to go for Oscar glam, or be laid-back elegance. It's the Oscars - always go for the glam! Either way, I could absolutely see this lace and nude gown going down the aisle. Without the dramatic bottom it would work well for a simple ceremony under the Brooklyn bridge. If the bottom was really amped up for maximum wow factor, this would be a beautiful St. Patrick's cathedral worthy show-stopper of a gown.  

There were so many gorgeous gowns on the red carpet, but these four really stood out to me. Anyone out there agree? Disagree? 

XOXO