Bling for Pocket Ca-ching?

If you have been watching WE TV lately, you probably have seen the latest Wedding Central episode Bling On The Bride. If you haven't...it is all about the BLING and the length some brides will go to have a blinged out wedding. I say...bling with moderation, but if you want it as sparkly as possible, but don't have the moola to do it, you might want to check out Glam For Less.

Glam For Less offers an array of rhinestone-encrusted pieces for the bride or female celebratant, including jewelry sets, tiaras, and hairpins, such as this My Fair Lady inspired chocker set. All with the sparkle factor that you would want for blinged out event. They even have the petite crown that I used as my cake topper at my commitment ceremony in 2005 for a lot less than I paid for it! At any rate, I wish I knew about this site back when.

So if you are insisting on having as much bling bling at your upcoming i do i do, check out Glam For Less before paying the higher prices. Alternatively, if you are a bride or someone just looking for a touch of sparkly - check out Glam For Less as well, they may have what you are just looking for to complete your look.

-Percy

Photos from Glam For Less

Zac Posen Love & Congrats Ellen & Portia

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi finally tied the knot in a small and intimate wedding, on Saturday, August 16th, in their home in Los Angeles. Nineteen of their family and friends (that's what I call small and intimate) attended the nuptials!

Zac Posen, designer extraordinaire, created both their outfits. Portia wore a beautiful backless halter-top gown with plunging neckline, the effect almost looks like a tuxedo vest. The full skirt was in a beautiful pale pink. Ellen wore an all white ensemble with a vest that is reminiscent of Portia's gown. Both the brides looked beautiful!

I am loving Zac's designs and hope that he will soon create a line of wedding gowns. I am sure it will be a hit for the fashion forward 30-somethings.

Here's to marriage equality and to a happy marriage for Ellen and Portia! For more information on their wedding, please pick up the latest People magazine of go to the People website.

-Percy

Photo by Lara Porzak

The Wedding Salon Event - 9/22/08 Los Angeles

Hey, you Southern California Brides and Grooms...the best of the best wedding shows is just around the corner and it is coming to Los Angeles!

The Wedding Salon, put on by 4Pm Events, is going to be the must attend luxury wedding showcase of the year. You will get to see the latest products and experience the exceptional services that caters to the sophisticated bride and groom, and maybe you will bump into me...yes I will be checking out all the goings on as well! You will be able to meet with finest companies to plan your wedding as well as experience the spectacular displays of wedding fineries including cakes, gowns, and floral arrangements.

The cost of the event is a mere $50/for two people, a drop in the bucket for everything you get and the people you will meet. I'm sure that their goody bags alone will be worth the price! For a list of vendors for the LA show, please visit The Wedding Salon site (the list will continue to grow as the date comes closer). The LA Show will take place on Monday, September 22, 2008 at the Beverly Hills Hotel from 4pm - 9pm. If you are not in the LA area, here is a list of upcoming Wedding Salon shows coming to a city near you.

Wednesday October 22, 2008
New York, NY
Show hours: 4pm - 9pm
Venue: TBD
Address: New York, NY

Monday November 10, 2008
Miami, FL
Show hours: From 4pm -9pm
Venue: The Biltmore Hotel
Address: 1200 Anastasia Avenue, Miami, FL 33134

Have a grand day exploring all the best for your upcoming nuptials. Register today!

-Percy

Logo from The Wedding Salon

Friendship Lasts A Lifetime

I was sent a link to this video today and it had me crying like a little baby at my desk...I told you I'm a sap. Anyway it happened many years ago, but it has recently been a topic of conversation on shows like The View and The Today Show. So I thought I would share it with you all. It's the story of Christian the Lion.

Get your hankies out and get back in touch with someone from your past!

-Percy

Video from YouTube

Best Wedding Toast Ever

Today is all about the guys. I came across this video a few months ago but never put it on my blog. It's probably one of the best wedding toasts I have ever seen. It's called Amy's Song, sung by the Man of Honor and a cast of many of the wedding guests. I can't believe the organization this had, its truly wonderful.

Enjoy!

-Percy

Video from YouTube

Surprise First Dance, NYC-style

We have all seen the surprise first dances, where the couple starts off with the standard slow dance or waltz and then deviates by dancing something a little funkier.

This version has to be one of the best I have ever seen. I have to give props to the bride for busting a move in her wedding gown. Take it from this couple if you are looking to do something fun for your first dance. Hire a choreographer and please don't use the "Evolution of Dance" choreography...it's so overused. Do something spectacular...and this is just that.

Enjoy old school hip hop!

-Percy

Video from YouTube

Inspiration: China

After watching the Olympic's Opening Ceremony in Beijing, I was totally inspired by what China brought to the world. So I saw it fit to come up with as an inspiration board for a wonderful Chinese inspired wedding and this is what I came up with.

I am inspired by Qipao's or Cheongsam's, colorful lanterns, cherry blossoms, fortunes, Chinese lantern flowers, peonies, images of old Shanghai, Chinese character blocks, jade, and scrolls.

Details of my inspiration:
Wedding Gown: Luci DiBella for Kleinfeld
Qipao/Cheongsam: Oriental-Cheongsam
Cake: Christine Dahl Pastries
Fortune Cookies: Martha Stewart

Jade Bracelet: Rose Gem

Rubber Stamp: Acme Rubber Stamp Co.

Invitation: Char4U

I hope this inspires your Double Happiness!

-Percy

Photos from above mentioned sites and Percy Sales Events stock photos

For You Honeymooners

For you newlyweds and honeymooners, Condé Nest Traveler has released its 14th Annual Gold List of "The Best Places to Stay in the World."

You will find everything from hotels in the United States to Beijing, China and everywhere, and I mean it literally, in the world. Therefore, if you are looking for a getaway or you're planning your memorable honeymoon, consider looking at the recommendations of the readers of Condé Nest Traveler.

Each hotel on the 14th Annual Gold List will have an overall score from 0-100. Additionally, the listing will give you price points from $ to $$$$, location, photos, and will offer an overview of the property. Also, when you click on a property, it will give you the number of rooms on the property as well as ratings on the rooms, service, food, location, design, and activities at the hotel. It's a pretty overwhelming list, but thoroughly helpful.

Here's to hoping you find a fabulous place to stay. Happy resort hunting!

-Percy

Photo from Condé Nest Traveler

Inspiration: Spain

In planning my 40th Birthday getaway in March...I was inspired by the romance and the old world feel of Spain. When people think of Spain, they often picture the iconic flamenco dresses or the intrigue of Gaudi's influence in Barcelona. Additionally, there are some who confuse Spain with Mexico, but we all know there is a difference.

So I thought how fun would it be to do an inspiration board on Spain. Here are my inspirations for an old world, with a modern feel, Spanish themed wedding.

I'm inspired by lace and embroidery, wrought iron and flamenco combs, simple flowers embellished with religious ornamentation, and small churches with ornate details.

Details of my inspiration:

Wedding Gown: Monique Lhuillier
Church: El Presidio Church, Santa Barbara, California
Rhinestone Comb: Model Bride
Bridesmaids Dress: Nanette Lepore
Invitation: Lehr & Back
Cake: Nico Designs Santa Barbara
Wrought Iron Candlesticks: Saladotex
Flowers: Photo taken by Serena Grace Photo

I hope this inspires your inner Spaniard and the spirit of Ole!

-Percy

Photos from above mentioned sites

Paper Flower Centerpieces

Since it's Fiesta in Santa Barbara, I was scanning some sites for paper flowers since I have seen an array of them this past weekend. I am loving the concept of trying these out as centerpieces. They are environmentally correct and the nice thing is they make a bold statement.

Take for instance these paper flowers from Daisys and Dots that look like hydrangeas. Totally cool in my opinion and for you DIY brides and grooms, this can be a fun event for you and a few of your friends to do one evening over some bottles of wine.

Another plus is that paper comes in an array of colors so you can customize them to match your event, but truthfully, I would probably keep in the more natural tones to look more authentic. However, if you are in to bold statement than go with the outlandish colors and let your creative side take over.

I also love the photo that Willowpoppy took of these paper flowers that look like poppies....absolutely gorgeous and the colors combos are great.

I hope these photos inspire your own paper creativeness!

-Percy

Photos from Daisys and Dots and Willowpoppy

One Stop Vendor Shop

The gals at Elizabeth Anne Designs have created a library that has an extensive list of wedding vendors. Think of it as a one stop shop for all the top Wedding Vendors throughout the country...including Percy Sales Events!

I am pretty excited about being on the list of top noted wedding vendors, it's truly an honor. Thank you Rebekah and Ami!

The library is very easy to navigate. It is categorized by areas of expertise, making it very simple to see their noted vendors. Rebekah and Ami have created a wonderful resource, not only for clients, but also a great networking tool for us professionals.

While you're at their Website, make sure to check out their great blog as well! It has some great articles and ideas for planning your special day.

-Percy

Photo from Elizabeth Anne Designs

Shoe Love

I often blog about women's shoes, but this time I am blogging about shoes that I can actually buy for myself. Yes ladies and gentlemen...I have found shoe love with Ryan Rowe, a new men's footwear company that is bringing luxurious handmade shoes for all guys. It's the brain child of my former neighbor, Ryan Ringholz, and his business partner Rowe Samieian, both veterans in the shoe industry.

These classic oxfords and their other styles have been modernized by these geniuses and are made with Vachetta Leather, same leather that Louis Vuitton favors. They are handmade, hand painted, and use vegetable dyes to create its fabulous colors. It's like having your own personal cobbler. Knowing Ryan and his need to create stylish and comfortable footwear for men, this brand is definitely going to be my new choice in footwear...sorry Kenneth.

My current favorite in their collection are these Crofton Oxfords that come in bone, black, and espresso, though I am also eyeing a pair of sneakers and a boot. These oxfords can go from day to night, and match any fashion style. They are so versatile and comfy...I wore the bone tonight at a rehearsal and dinner and my feet did not tire. Additionally, I can finally wear a white shoe and not feel like Pee Wee Herman, thanks to these guys. Ryan Rowe is currently available at select stores including Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, and Zappos.com. They will soon launch an online store on their Website.

Guys, you have to try out these shoes, you will fall in love with them and your feet will thank you for giving them a comfortable ride.

-Percy

Photos from Ryan Rowe