Here Comes the Bespoke Groom!

Who said that the bride should be the only one to get a custom-made outfit for their wedding day? With  more and more grooms being involved with what their wedding day will look like - it's only fitting that the groom should also get some bespoke clothing for his big day as well!

You no longer have to go to Italy or get an appointment at Ascot Chang in NYC to get custom-made shirts. Once only attainable to the wealthy, bespoke clothing brand J. Hilburn has brought custom clothing to the everyday man! Which is a perfect solution for the groom who wants to stand out!

Launched in 2007,  J. Hilburn delivers high-quality custom tailored men's apparel at affordable prices. So what does this mean for the groom who wants custom? J. Hilburn can help you design your wedding apparel from an array of fine Italian fabrics and style options, all from the convenience of your office or home! Giving you the opportunity to make sure you and your groomsmen look perfect for your special day. An added bonus for the groom is...since J. Hilburn sells directly to you...you are able to choose from the same exact fabrics offered by other luxury clothiers at significant savings and I mean SIGNIFICANT! This is the J. Hilburn advantage.

Need help? With J. Hilburn, planning what the guys will be wearing and how to get them outfitted is an easy task. J. Hilburn Style Advisor, Kathy Everitt can help with you with all your wedding style needs and how to best achieve them. And get this...you get a PERSONAL style consultant for NO CHARGE - imagine that! A full personal tailoring experience at the convenience of your own office or home AT NO CHARGE! Talk about moving on up! 

I recently interviewed Style Advisor, Kathy Everitt, regarding the J. Hilburn experience and I want to share with you excerpts from the discussion. 

What makes J. Hilburn special? 

Simply put, J. Hilburn is about value, extraordinary customer service, exceptional quality, great fit at below retail prices, and a welcome convenience for men who don’t have time to shop. J. Hilburn will come to your office or home, take your measurements on the spot, help you pick from a selection of 250 fabrics, design a shirt, and place an order with no minimum required. your measurements and selections are sent to J. Hilburn's specialty tailor. The garment is meticulously crafted to your specifications and will arrive a few weeks later. 

Isn't that level of service going to cost me an arm and a leg? 

With all the high-quality features and personal options J. Hilburn provides, one would expect to pay an arm and a leg. Not so. The fabrics are sourced directly from Italy’s Tessitura Monti S.p.A., where state-of-the-art technology is used to ensure the highest standard of quality. The company's custom products range from $79 for a dress shirt and up to $185 for made to measure Italian wool trousers. 

Since I am looking at custom clothing is it better to go formal or unique? 

What is your wedding style? Are you having a traditional wedding or a destination wedding by the ocean? Do you want a traditional wedding where all your groomsmen wear tuxedos or do you want them in beachwear? From formal to “anything goes” weddings,  J. Hilburn offers men’s attire to help reflect the unique and personal style of the groom and the bride on their wedding day.

Let me give you an example. If you are looking at a formal or black tie event you might want to look at J. Hilburn's bespoke tuxedo shirts which can be worn with any tuxedo style. The tuxedo shirt comes in two styles: (1) the classic point, and (2) the wing tip collar. The front two panels are chosen per the customer’s taste, and the rest of the shirt is made from a standard white broadcloth. Unlike a regular dress shirt, the tuxedo shirt comes with a strip that allows the top four buttons to be removed and replaced with studs.So as you can see - we will make sure these pieces meet your expectations. 

My groomsmen live all around the United States. How can we make sure we get the correct fit and styles for each of them? 

After meeting you for the initial style consultation, J. Hilburn goes the extra mile by scheduling appointments with your groomsmen for personal fittings. With a network of 650 style advisors nationwide, Kathy Everitt can easily coordinate measurements and fittings for the big day - no matter where your groomsmen may be.  Additionally, there's no need to stress out about the groomsmen picking out the wrong shirt or pants since our style advisors will have all the parameters from your consultation on file. 

Can I give these as gifts to my groomsmen? 

J. Hilburn is the perfect gift for your groomsmen. It's a great way to show your gratitude and appreciation. In addition you can give your most important men in your life a J. Hilburn gift card to order a custom piece when they want. Other great J.Hilburn gift ideas for the guys include cashmere sweaters, handcrafted silver cufflinks, exotic belts, and grooming products.

For more information about J. Hilburn or to schedule a personal fitting and consultation, please contact Kathy Everitt at (972) 523-3288 or at kathy.everitt@jhilburnpartner.com

Finally a coupon to use for trying their services!

Southern California Dream Wedding Giveaway Unveiling October 18, 2009

The Southern California Dream Wedding Giveaway™ will be giving one lucky Dream Couple™ a wedding of a lifetime. There are over 40 Dream Crew™ members, Dream Sponsors™, and Dream Donors™ who have committed to making this one of the best weddings ever seen in Southern California.

The contest will officially begin on October 18, 2009 with the unveiling of the official contest Website and a Launch Party at Rancho de Las Palmas from 5pm - 8pm. The contest will run through January 31, 2010.

I am so happy to be a part of the Dream Crew™ as their official wedding planner and designer. I get to work with the lucky Dream Couple™ as well as the rest of the Dream Crew™ in creating a magical and platinum wedding for this lucky pair. The winner will be chosen on Valentine's Day and revealed on Monday, February 15, 2010. Their wedding will be filled with every thing one expects in a platinum wedding. This includes a rehearsal dinner at Camarillo Ranch for up to 50 guests, a wedding and reception at Rancho de Las Palmas for up to 100 guests, all the bridesmaids gowns, groomsmen tux, wedding dress...you name it we have it donated. This wedding is estimated to cost over $100,000.

At any rate, come to the Launch Party on October 18, 2009 at Rancho de Las Palmas from 5pm - 8pm to meet and greet with the Dream Crew™ and talk about what they are doing for the Southern California Dream Wedding Giveaway™. You must RSVP with your name and guest name(s) to attend the party. If you are unable to make the party, you can still meet the Dream Crew™ and learn what they are doing by visiting the Southern California Dream Wedding Giveaway Blog.

I am so excited about this contest. It's going to be so much funny! Spread the word to anyone you know who is looking to get married and have a compelling story. Let them know about the Southern California Dream Wedding Giveaway™.

Hope to meet you on October 18th!

-Percy

Badge designed by CNI Designs

Trend Thursday: Equality Rings

In celebration of Gay (LGBT) Pride Month and to all the states, like Iowa and New Hampshire who have passed laws allowing same-sex couples to legally get married, I am highlighting a very special designer who designs with equality in mind, David Jason Taylor.

David's designs are geared towards the men in your life, but his designs are unisex enough that women who love them can also wear them. Currently he has two lines on his Website, the Tribeca Silver Collection and the Venetian Gold Collection. Both lines are FABULOUS.

Who would have thought to design jeweled stackable rings for me the guys? Sure Tiffany's has been doing it for the ladies, but now multi-colored gem bling for guys...OUTSTANDING! Not only does he use diamonds, but he also uses such gems as linen quartz, lemon or green citrine, blue topaz, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires...OH MY. The big plus is all of his pieces are handmade and handcrafted the day they are ordered! In addition to his rings, David has made some outstanding necklaces that would be great gifts for your groomsmen, best woman, or anyone special in your lives.

These rings are not only perfect as wedding rings, but they make great engagement rings too. Additionally, if you don't plan to marry, they are just a perfect accessory to have. I'm personally eyeing the Tribeca Band Ring as a replacement to my own nonchalant wedding band.

So, in celebration of diversity and equality, show your pride and your support by supporting those who give back towards the fight for equal rights, such as David Jason Taylor. Additionally, when you place your order on the David Jason Taylor Website and use the following code: percysales, you will receive free shipping and 10% of your purchase will be donated to organizations that support marriage equality.

Visit the world of David Jason Taylor today, you will love his pieces.

-Percy

Photos from David Jason Taylor

Wacky Wednesdays: 2010 San Francisco Dream Wedding Giveaway

Here's your chance brides to get married in one of the most romantic cities in the world...the City by the Bay...San Francisco! A collaboration of 30 vendors is making this dream destination possible.

The contest begins on August 4, 2009 at 7:55 a.m. PST, but you can browse the site to see what vendors are going to be included in this truly once in a lifetime experience. The group is giving "one amazing couple a lavish, heartfelt San Francisco wedding, valued at over $60,000. We’re hoping to offer a rehearsal dinner, day after brunch, and honeymoon to Napa as an added bonus, so be sure to check back often for new information," according to their Website.

Additionally according to their Website site, you will "get to know the contestants, as we begin posting their Love Stories online. Stay tuned for the big announcement, when we reveal the lucky winning couple on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2010. And of course, you won’t want to miss the breath-taking wedding, set for May 14, 2010 at one of San Francisco’s most famous landmarks."

Check out the 2010 San Francisco Dream Wedding Giveaway Website...who knows you might just be the one lavishing in this dream wedding.

-Percy

Header from 2010 San Francisco Dream Wedding Giveaway and photo from Lilia Photography

Wacky Wednesdays: The Man Registry

I came across this website just recently and I am totally diggin' it. It's a website that is just for the groom and is dedicated to everything groom. There's information on finding the right vendors for such things as the Bachelor Party, Rehearsal Dinner, DJ's, Groom's Cake, Groom Etiquette, and everything else that deals with the male perspective of the wedding. It's a perfect accompaniment to the bridal help sites. The best part of this is that it also has a wedding registry that caters just to the groom...non of the fancy shmancy china stuff.

I think it's wonderful and I am kinda sad I did not come up with the idea first! Go check it out or better yet tell your groom to check out, The Man Registry.



-Percy

Photo and video from The Man Registry

Guest Blogger Fridays: DeAnna Cochran Jewelry and The Thoughtful Gallery

DeAnna is one of my greatest friends and confidants. I asked her to do a blog regarding jewelry that gives back and I think it's appropriate for the thoughtful bride and groom. Here's her guest blog...I hope you enjoy it.

- Percy

When it comes to a wedding, there are so many things for the bride and groom to consider. They put their best creative foot forward to create the wedding experience of a lifetime. They consider the perfect venue, colors, flowers, invitations, and food. But sometimes those creative juices run dry when it comes to wedding party gifts.

Over the years, we have experienced our fill of engraved flasks, frames, photo albums, and key chains. While these gifts have the best of intentions...all too often they end up collecting dust on a shelf, tucked away in a drawer, or forever destined to stay in the box...much like the bridesmaid dress we vow we will wear again.

I personally remember the daunting task of choosing wedding party gifts for my own wedding. Shortly before my wedding my (then) fiancé and I took a pre-wedding trip to Como, Italy. As part of that trip we bought very individualized gifts for our wedding party. If a trip to an exotic location is not in your near future there are still great choices for the discerning bride and groom.

The newly launched DeAnna Cochran “boutique” collection is one of those perfect choices. Charitable? Yes. Green? Yes. Thoughtful and personalized? Absolutely. The new “boutique collection gives back to MEND.org (a worthy organization helping parents heal after the loss of a child) and better yet this collection is a way to further limit your footprint on the environment. Designs are hand formed and hand carved one at a time from a “green” high carat metal called metal clay. It is made of reclaimed from x-rays, film negatives, cell phones, computer components, and other recycled metal. The result is fine silver (.999 silver and the purest of silver) with options in 24k gold plate.

From cuff links, to necklaces and bracelets the I can work with the bride and groom personally to put together a special and personalized package perfect for the wedding party. Each piece comes in custom eco-friendly packaging made from natural and recycled materials. Included with each piece is an card regarding the charitable focus of the collection. This is “Jewelry for a Cause”. It is the gift that gives back in more ways that one.

DeAnna Cochran’s “gallery” collection has been recognized by fashion, television, & news publications including NBC, ABC, Lucky Magazine, OK! Magazine Australia , and ON Magazine as well as numerous online publications. Most recently it was awarded “Best in Show” at the Buyers Market of American Craft by Inspired Retailer Magazine (a trade magazine connecting gallery owners and artists focused on social and environmental causes). Her original “gallery” collection is found in prestigious galleries such as the Dallas Museum of Art Museum Store. The new “boutique” collection was launched in October 2008.

Check Out All The Fabulousness at:

DeAnna Cochran Jewelry Boutique Collection
or

DeAnna Cochran Jewelry Website

Photos from DeAnna Cochran Jewelry

1. Initial Necklace in Silver with Gem Stone

2. Initial Bracelet in Gold with Gem Stone

3. Initial Cuff Links in Silver

The Shop @ Percy Sales Events - Now Open For Business

The Shop @ Percy Sales Events is NOW OPEN for business! This is the one online boutique that you will definitely come back to again and again!

The Shop @ Percy Sales Events is your one-stop online shop, full of everything you will need for your wedding or event. You'll find all the best products, from the very best vendors, with just a click of your mouse! Plus you get to shop from home anytime of the day! You will have a great time shopping and exploring at The Shop @ Percy Sales Events! Who knows you might just find the deal of the year!

Stop by The Shop @ Percy Sales Events NOW and see what might be calling your name! You may even find that item you've been looking for in our extensive online shop!

Let's Party with Percy Sales Events will be featuring our favorite items weekly from The Shop @ Percy Sales Events on Saturdays to give you ideas on what's hot at The Shop @ Percy Sales Events.

Enjoy and Happy Shopping!

-Percy

Photo from The Shop @ Percy Sales Events

Wacky Wednesdays: Groom of the Year

Brides.com is looking for the first ever Groom of the Year. Are you the perfect groom, or is your fiance the perfect groom than have them enter at Brides.com to have the opportunity to win the ultimate "wedding" prize, being named "2009 GROOM OF THE YEAR!"

So what happens if you win? Well look at these fabulous prizes that comes with the title.

• His/hers wedding bands from Tacori
• Six tuxedo rentals from Men's Wearhouse
• A 40" flat screen HDTV
• A honeymoon at Montelucia Resort and Spa in Scottsdale, AZ from InterContinental Hotels and Resorts
• An Hammery Furniture entertainment console from Macy's

Additionally, three runner-ups will receive Macy's gift certificates and one random bloke will get a free tuxedo rental from Men's Wearhouse.

I think that is pretty cool gift list just for entering your name and filling out a questionnaire. Take the chance...who knows you may already be the Groom of the Year!

-Percy

Logo from Brides.com

TIPsy Tuesday: Groom's Survival Guide

Michael Arnot who owns GroomGroove.com and a fellow blogger has released a survival guide for grooms, titled Don't Screw Up Your Bride's Wedding. The book was released in December 2008 and perfect timing for the "2009 Wedding Season," but after reading through his website and blogs, I am sure it is full of great tips for the groom.

If it's anything like his blog or Website, I am sure it will make a great read. It will be packed with all original work from Mike, which will include musings from his blog, and will cover everything from popping the question to honeymoon planning. This book will surely become the wedding bible for any groom or soon-to-be groom.

Check it out this coming December or reserve your copy on Amazon now.

-Percy

Book cover photo from Amazon

TIPsy Tuesday: Knowing your Diamonds

Since Valentine's Day is one of the biggest days for proposals, I thought I would write a blog for the proposer, so they understand what to look for in a diamond. Sure the proposal is more than just the diamond, but we all know that once the question is asked and the answer is given, the first thing the proposed one does is show off the bling.

So here's your tip in understanding what to look for when buying a diamond.

Diamond 101: The Four C's from Buying Diamonds

The 4Cs about buying diamonds are used throughout the world to classify the rarity of diamonds. Diamonds with the combination of the highest 4C ratings are more rare and, consequently, more expensive. The four c's of diamond covers numerous aspects of each individual diamond's qualities, but there are four grades which are critical to understand i.e cut, clarity, color, and carat weight.

The four c's about buying diamonds are:

Diamond Cut

The cut of a diamond has a tremendous affect on its brilliance. Even if the diamond has perfect color and clarity, a poor cut can make a diamond look dull. Cut is probably the most important quality factor, and most challenging, of the four Cs to understand. The brilliance of a diamond depends heavily on its cut. More info on diamond cut.

Diamond Clarity

Most diamonds have inclusions (minute traces of non-crystallized carbon). Usually, the inclusions are not visible to the naked eye (excluding Imperfects). I think that the minute inclusions that there may be, make every diamond unique like a finger print.

Most diamonds contain some inner flaws, or inclusions, that occur during the formation process. The visibility, number and size of these inclusions determine what is called the clarity of a diamond. Diamonds that are clear create more brilliance, and thus are more highly prized, and priced. More info on diamond clarity.

Diamond Color

Most diamonds have a slightly yellow or brown color. With the exception of some natural fancy colors (blue, pink, violet, green, or red (expensive one), the colorless grade is the most valuable.

GIA developed color scale for colorless diamond. Diamond color is graded on the scale from D (colorless) to Z+ (fancy yellow). Your price range will determine what color, cut and shape that your diamond will have which color range.

Colorless diamonds are the most desirable since they allow the most refraction of light (sparkle). Off white diamonds absorb light, inhibiting brilliance. More info on diamond color.

Carat Weight

Carat weight is the obvious factor in determining the price of a diamond. However, bigger is not always better in the diamond business. If there are two diamonds of equal weight can have very unequal value, depending on their cut, color and clarity.

The weight of the diamond is measured in carats. The metric carat equals 0.200 gram. A carat is the unit of weight by which a diamond is measured. Because large diamonds are found less commonly than small diamonds, the price of a diamond rises exponentially to its size. Read this guide to get a better understanding of what a carat is and how it affects the appearance of a diamond. More info on diamond carat weight.

Hope this helps is picking the right ring for your loved one. Good Luck and Congratulations!

-Percy

Photo from Buying Diamonds

TIPsy Tuesday: List Making

You think you have it all under control? You know exactly what to focus on? There's no need for a list! Think again. Making lists for any event, especially a wedding is crucial to knowing what you want your outcome to be and the elements that is most important to you.

Here's my tip in making a well focused list for your special day, which I ask all my clients to do:

• From the the onset both the bride and groom should each make a list of what they want as part of their wedding and want they definitely do not want.
• Once you have BOTH made your list, combine the two and see where you agree and where you don't.
• Make an agree list and don't agree list and discuss what from the don't agree list should make it to the agree list.
• Once you have your agree list, now it's time to do a want and need list that would correspond to the elements of the agree list. This will dictate what you you will focus on that will make the most impact on your day and what elements is a wish list if dollars are still available. (e.g. Agree List: Great Music; Need List: DJ, Guitarist; Want List: Live Band, String Quartet, Soloist).
  

Not only will these list help you focus on what you want for your special day, it will also help you focus on your budget and think about the importance of such "wanted things" would really mean.
Additionally, if you are working with a planner, it will give your planner a better sense of what the two of you want.

Have fun creating your lists!

-Percy

Photo form Flickr

Inspiration Mondays: Leather and Lace

This weekend I took it easy. With rain coming down in sunny California, it was a great time to cuddle up in a blanket, stare out of the windows, think, and listen to great music. As I sat here, the song Leather and Lace by Stevie Nicks came on and this is my inspiration for this Monday.

I am inspired by the delicacy of lace and suppleness of leather. I am inspired by Stevie Nick's voice, that raspy tone that so delights. I love the fact that leather and lace reminds me of that raw, hard, heavy metal vibe, think Aerosmith and Van Halen...you know just a little overdone. But mixing the right pieces can make outrageous look totally fabulous.

If I were planning a wedding on a theme of leather and lace...these are some aspects I would throw into the mix.

Gothic Cathedral: Fourth Presbyterian Church, Chicago

Leather Trimmed Tuxedo: Prada

Tiered and beaded wedding gown: Monique Lhuillier

Noah's Heart Cuff: DeAnna Cochran Jewelry

Leather Charger Plates: Sell Glass Plate

Crofton Red Trimmed Leather Shoes: Ryan Rowe

Black Studded Cocktail Dress: Sheri Bodell

I hope this inspires you to think of how you can mix leather and lace for your own wedding. It's a great combination and with the right aspects you can mix two opposing elements together to make it a real knockout.

-Percy

Photos from above mentioned desiners, photo of Kevin Connolly in Prada from OMG

TIPsy Tuesday: Hair Apparent

Brides and grooms need to take this tip seriously. For your special day you really need to make sure that your hair is part of your schedule. Not only will your coif make or break your look, but it's one of those things that people will be looking at...and unfortunately judging on your wedding day. You say no one judges how the brides and groom look? Think again! You don't want to be the topic of a friends or family member's blog.

For grooms, please go see your barber or hairstylist, at the latest, one week prior to your wedding day. This will give you the opportunity to have your hair grow out a bit and now look so "done this morning." The only time it is okay for you to see your stylist the same day is if you are shave your head completely bald.

For brides, make an appointment with your stylist one month prior to your wedding day and do a run through of your wedding hair. This will give you the opportunity to try several different styles before committing to one. It also gives you an opportunity to talk about cut and color should you need it. If you are doing any type of cut and color, make sure to get it done no later than one week prior to your big day. This will give you the opportunity to make any adjustments should you need to.

One piece of advice...PLEASE DO NOT TRY ANYTHING EXTREME for your wedding day. Grooms, if you have never done a certain haircut before, don't test it out for your wedding. I realize that faux hawks are cool for some, but you might end up looking like a chicken yourself. Brides, this goes for you too, especially with your cut and color, updos can be redone and so can curls, but colors, cuts, and God forbid...perms, are harder to repair. So wanting to be adventurous should be reserved for others days, not your wedding day.

Remember your hair is literally the topper to your look. Explore but stay true to yourself at the same time...this will make you look truly fantastic on your special day.

-Percy

Photo of Phil Spector from Synthstuff.com and Britney Spears from Ourweddingplus.com

Inspiration Mondays: The Obama Familiy

With the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States occurring in less than 24 hours, I am inspired by the Obama's and their sense of style and the message they are sending to the world.

The Obama's are now the image of the American Family and will inspire everything in the next few years. I am inspired by their hopeful and joyous outlook, Michelle's sense of style, their daughters' pride, and Barack's cool demeanor. I am looking forward to this First Family and their effects on the World. Additionally, I am inspired by their ability to mix the new with the old, the refined with the modern, and that unification is truly stylish.

If I were to plan a wedding with the Obama's as the inspiration, this is what it would partially look like.

My inspirations:

Tuxedo: Prada
Wedding Gown: Vera Wang
Tablescape: Your Image Floral, Ojai
Bridesmaids Dress: Maria Pinto
Flower Girl Dress: Un Deux Trois

I hope on this eve of a new America and history, you will also be inspired by what the Obama family will bring to the world. Here's to HOPE!

-Percy

Photos tuxedo by Erik Swain, tablescape by Gloria Plunkett

Music to Our Ears

I often am asked what songs should be played for certain elements of a wedding reception, so I have compiled my Top 5 Songs for the below categories. Hope this helps in choosing just the right song for you. Even though I am suggesting these songs, there is nothing better than choosing your own play list that reflects you as a couple. Additionally, by choosing meaningful songs, it really helps to play up the uniqueness of your special day.

Bride and Groom Grand Entrance:

1. Now That We Found Love - Heavy D and the Boyz
2. Crazy In Love - Beyonce
3. The Look of Love - ABC
4. Everlasting Love - Gloria Estefan
5. Love and Pride - King

First Dance Songs:

1. I'm Yours - Jason Mraz
2. One In A Million You - Larry Graham
3. The Time of My Life - David Cook
4. Kiss of Life - Sade
5. One Sweet Day - Mariah Carey

Father/Daughter Dance:

1. I Loved Her First - Heartland
2. Dance With My Father - Celine Dion
3. Unforgettable - Nat King Cole
4. Through the Years - Kenny Rogers
5. My Wish - Rascal Flatts

Mother/Son Dance:

1. Have I Told You Lately That I Love You - Rod Stewart
2. Mama - Il Divo
3. I Wish You Love - Dionne Warwick
4. Baby Mine - Bette Midler
5. A Place In My Heart - Sounds of Blackness

Cake Cutting:

1. Sugar Sugar - The Archies
2. Kiss Me - Stephen "Tin Tin" Duffy
3. How Sweet It Is - James Taylor
4. Beautiful Day - U2
5. Love You Madly - Cake

Bouquet Toss:

1. Gonna Catch You - Lonnie Gordon
2. Labels or Love - Fergie
3. Point of No Return - Expose
4. Lemme Get That - Rihanna
5. It's Raining Men - The Weather Girls

Garter Removal and Toss:

1. Girls Girls Girls - Motley Crue
2. Foxy Foxy - Rob Zombie
3. SexyBack - Justin Timberlake
4. Give It Up To Me - Sean Paul
5. Go - Tones on Tails

This list was fun to compile, I could have listed my Top 10 in each category, but the list would have been to long. So for you brides and grooms out there I hope this list will inspire your own soundtrack. Have a great time!

-Percy

Photo by Gloria Plunkett

Bridal Show of All Bridal Shows this Monday 9/22 in Los Angeles

If there is one bridal show you must attend this year, it's The Wedding Salon Wedding Showcase. It's being held this Monday, September 22, 2008 from 4pm - 9pm at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, CA.

The cost of the is $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.

Hope to see you Southern California Brides there!

-Percy

Inspiration: Cuba

Cuba came to mind this week as Hurricane Gustav was wrecking havoc in the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. Cuba is one of those countries that I want to explore...it's so mysterious and the images of the country being stuck in the 1950s is very intriguing to me.

I picture Cuba to have the old world charm that some cities in Europe offer and I can't wait for the borders to be opened so that Americans can re-discover the gem of the Caribbean that our ancestors got to experience before the Cuban Missle Crisis.

I am inspired by Cuban cuisine, Cubano Music, Salsa, Mojitos, Cuba Libre's, Guayberas, ruffles, lace, 57 Chevys, Babaloo, and of course Cuban Cigars.

My inspirations:
Wedding Gown: Lazaro
Bridesmaids Dress: Jenny Yoo
Guaybera and Cubavera Hat: My Cuban Store
Invitations: Natural Impressions
Music: Ybarra Music
Church: Havana Cathedral
City: Photo of Havana at Night
Cigar Rolling: ME Productions
Old Car Photo: Matthius Schack
Cuban Dinner: Versailles Cuban Restaurant
Flan Photo: Brides Club
Bouquet: Artistic Florals

-Percy

Photos from above mentioned sites

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

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