Rock Shic

#853 Find the Perfect Venue for Your Dream Wedding 💍👰

Hi hi!  I’m squeezing in my last post for April… and then it’s (holy moly) MAY!!! Can you believe it?  Before you know it school will be over, I would have just started my new job for over a month, and we will be off to our first family vacay since… well since Florida I suppose.

First, some watershed moments.  I’m planning a trip in late May to take my little guy to Cambridge for my FIFTEEN year reunion.  Omg, did those words just come out of my words, yes yes one five!  From there we’ll be heading to Cancun in June, and then another destination wedding late in the Fall.

Which bring me to the topic de-jour.  Weddings!  As we know, getting married will be one of your life’s most momentous occasions. Saying “yes” to the engagement is just the first – and perhaps shortest – step. Next comes planning for the big event.  Trust me, I look back at some of my wedding photos and I’m amazed that I *had* that much energy in me (I suppose that’s what your twenties is all about).

Over the years, I’ve had the great fortune of attending quite a few weddings, and I can say that, without question, the first step in the plan is to find the perfect venue. Where the wedding takes place will often dictate many of your later choices!!  Once you nail down a physical location, everything else will pretty much flow through, right?  In fact, I was told that some brides start by choosing a preferred month before immediately searching for accommodating venues.  (This is true in my case, where we nailed down early October as the “ideal time”… how we reached that conclusion, I really cannot tell you.

What I can say, however, is that I’ve been told that Avery Ranch Golf Club (10500 Avery Club Drive), near Austin, TX, is the perfect choice for a local wedding if you happen to be in that neck of the woods!  With a sprawling golf course, plenty of outside space to take photos, and an indoor area for dining and dancing, Avery Ranch is the perfect setting for a dream wedding, and it’s close enough to Austin for all your guests to attend.

If you've been searching for the perfect “golf course wedding venues me,” you should definitely consider this spot.  With serene natural appeal and the ability to accommodate guest lists large or small, as well as indoor or outdoor weddings, this venue might just be the perfect choice. Just think of the photos!

For intimate weddings, Avery Ranch features the Sunset Club House, which is a gorgeous reception space that holds up to 60 guests and is quite ideal for an intimate wedding reception (holds up to 60 guests, with amazing views of Brushy Creek and the infinity pool).  Yours truly had about 75 people at my wedding, and I personally believe that it’s the ideal number (not that I’m biased or anything!). Of course, for larger weddings, the 4,000 square-foot Lakeview Room accommodates up to 200 guests. It features an infinity pool, private deck with trees, and a view of Brushy Creek. 

With the option for full-staff catering, wonderful photo opportunities, a gorgeous setting and more, the Avery Ranch might just be the perfect choice for your wedding! So if Austin is your scene, I highly recommend calling Avery Ranch Gold Club and see what this fine venue in the heart of Texas has to offer.  Speaking of Texas, the last time this mamma popped by was to Houston.  I do miss that neck of the woods.  Time for another trip perhaps?

 

 

Related articles

#687 Cheetah Encounter in Cape Town

#686 Untitled at the Whitney

#689 New Zealand on Saddleback

#688 A few days in DC

#690 The Ultimate Homecoming Fashion Guide

#655 The Key Ingredients to a Smashing Wedding

So you’ve heard me write about weddings, engagement shoots, bridesmaid dresses, and the lot – but what about the key ingredients that make for a fantastic wedding/party? 

Can you guess what they are? 

Forget the superstition of something borrowed, something new – or the price tag on what constitutes a “perfect wedding.”  When you strip away all of the social branding and superstition, you are left with one powerful thing: humanity at its finest.  The reality is that the success of any wedding day has very little to do with planning and more to do with people presenting the best versions of themselves.  

Below are just a few tips on how to make your wedding a powerful and memorable moment for everybody present.  After all, if you’re going to be the sort who will seek out the most beautiful eternity rings from Serendipity Diamonds, you’re probably rooting for the special day to be a smashing success.

So how to ensure that everyone on your guest list or the bridal party have a great time? 

1)      Put people first

Don’t let the room and its dimensions dictate where people sit or who people sit with.  The key is to stick people together that get along the best.  Worry less about space and more about engaging conversations!

2)      Chanel your inner Ms. Congeniality

It’s hard to please everybody on any given wedding day, but it is important to try. Keep it casual, and never let the stress get you to the point where you are rude to other people.  It doesn’t matter whose wedding day it is, a wedding day does not magically permit anyone to be rude to others (where do you think the name “Bridezilla” came from?). A wedding day is not your day to lose your head, no matter how invested you are.

3)      Focus on the experience, less on the details

Just because you’re wearing the equivalent of your Sunday best, doesn’t mean that you’re suddenly disqualified from having fun.  Let loose and break a few dishes.  Reverting back to #1 and #2, you’re never going to have a reveling wedding crowd if you assert all that control!  Simply put, don’t forget why your guests are here!  To support you on your big day, sure – but also to shake things up on the dance floor and have some serious fun.  The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed your guests.  You set the tone.  After you’ve put all that hard work into your wedding day, why not enjoy it for a while?

The best weddings I’ve been to were the ones that were the most relaxed and we all got to tear out our own patch of the dance floor.  No chi--chi decor and expensive dresses... just a lot of heart and laughter, which is what the ultimate celebration of love ought to be about.  

#517 An Engagement Shoot

 

Shot at <a href="http://www.columbia.edu/" target="_blank" data-mce-href="http://www.columbia.edu/">Columbia University in the City of New York</a>, where we met.

In honor of Paperless Post’s recent $25 million venture capital fundraising, I am cordially inviting you to preview a gallery of my engagement photos, captured many moons ago by the lovely and talented Ryan Brenizer; who (unsurprisingly) also shot our wedding.

According to Paperless Post’s co-CEO James Hirschfeld, part of what made Paperless Post so successful in recent years is their paper-printing business for official invites.  (Ironic, isn’t it).  Somehow hearing this news evoked memories of my own wedding – Save the Dates, Invites and RSVP’s, Bridal party and bachelorette nights, toasts and favors… the lists goes on and on.

Many people (I presume the vast majority to be future husbands-to-be’s) bemoan the very thought of an engagement photo-shoot.  I, for one, really, truly enjoyed mine!

Six years later… I still think these are some of my favorite photos of all-time!!!

 

I had a “make-up trial session” with <a href="http://www.360beautynyc.com/gallery.html" target="_blank" data-mce-href="http://www.360beautynyc.com/gallery.html">360 Beauty</a> prior to my shoot, which I highly recommend! It gives you an golden opportunity to work out the ins and outs with your designated wedding make-up artist. In my case, I had issues with how they applied my eye make-up – better to find out for the Engagement shoot than to suffer potential debacles <a href="http://www.rockshic.com/my-blog/2013/05/363-on-weddings.html" target="_blank" data-mce-href="http://www.rockshic.com/my-blog/2013/05/363-on-weddings.html">on your big day</a>!!!

Having a pre-photoshoot drink was the only way loosen hubby up!

 

This is me... most days.

Related articles

#352 Guest Feature - Different Diamonds for Different Occasions

Ryan Brenizer on how to shoot engagement sessions

#427 Country Wedding Allure

The happy couple at sunset, just after the ceremony.  As for the bride's dress – can you say vintage chic?

Happy Sunday and Autumnal Equinox! 

Yet another week flew by.  This time last week we were just returning (rather frantically), from our trip to Saratoga Springs.  We were attending a wedding of a dear friend of mine, documentary film-maker extraordinaire and also quite the indy-fashion queen! (last featured here). 

Having made a career in production and design, it was no surprise to me that her wedding was executed to absolute perfection (all the more impressive as the bride and groom DIYed and spread their own personal touches on everything – from flowers to music to ceremony style).  It was one of the loveliest weddings I had the pleasure of attending, and I’m glad that we toted our 3-week old kiddo along!

When the song “Home” (à la Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros) blasted from the speakers, I was positively beaming and insisted on pulling hubby onto the dance floor.  To me, it absolutely encapsulated the spirit of the wedding – freely impulsive, and full of sun-hearted love, joy, & wonder.  

Um, just about the most adorable photo EVER. I mean, just look at the little flower girl!!  ♥ ♥ ♥

Love the matching necktie action!

Hand pressed wedding invites! Last featured here.

Our little one chilling at the reception...

Hubs scrubs up for the event!

Walking Doc the Doberman down the aisle, for more outfit details see here. 

One of my favorite moments from the evening!

Related articles

#408 Retracing the Notion of Save the Dates

#425 Post Baby Chic - Week 3 - Rustic Wedding Style

#408 Retracing the Notion of Save the Dates

Vintage Save the Date! Love.

Last night, I made my first hotel reservation since Chicago… (a big step for me! As I haven’t formally committed to any travel arrangements post my due date).  We’re going to Saratoga Springs baby!!!

That said, making arrangements to attend a wedding has gotten me thinking, yet again, about all things bridal – this time on the subject of “Save the Dates.”

In truth, your "Save the Date" marks the very foundation of your wedding.  It is the formal announcement you make to the world that, yes – you are, indeed, going to take that plunge together in life.  Once those puppies go out, you’re pretty much locked in! (And you almost always have to follow through!).  Why, I seem to recall a huge sense of accomplishment when ours went out (sometime in January of 2008, which, in retrospect, was overly keen on my part, given that our wedding was in October). 

Over the years, I’ve come to realize just how intrinsically stylish and sentimental the notion of Save the Dates can be, hence why so many people like to incorporate a personalized photo of themselves to their Save the Date cards!  We certainly did for ours.  

 

Here's a mock-up of our Save the Date!

Actual photo taken in Sydney (2006)

For our part, I knew that I wanted something which captured the essence of US, and I eventually chose a photo we took together in Sydney back in June of 2006 (for hubby’s brother’s wedding actually).  In truth, I don’t think hubby was too thrilled about the Sydney part (he being from New Zealand and all, and very possibly wanted something more reminiscent of his own home town).  Yet, there was something about the photo which made me incredibly drawn.  Perhaps it was the carefree nature of our smiles? Or maybe it was the fact that we seemed (deceptively) alone… a beacon of calm and togetherness, amidst the madness that was the Darling Harbour Bridge before the iconic Sydney Opera House.  Our features also looked bizarrely symmetrical, akin to something you would ordinarily see in the New York Times wedding announcement section (a concept hubby vehemently banned... and which I reluctantly indulged him in).  

Whatever the case, I would do it again in a heartbeat, if I were to remake our Save the Date Cards.

Here are some additional Save the Date invites that I dig (both from real life and ones I found on-line)… magnets seem to be very in (though when are magnets not in?!).  It all goes to show that the best Save the Date cards, much like the wedding invites which follow suit, are meant to tell a story – and it’s the story of that couple and the celebration of their beautiful day that truly counts in the end.  

 

Cousin's wedding in South Africa!

Save the date of my friend, the Hsu Closet – for more on wedding invites see here!

I love the dainty little pouch that goes with this one.

I'm always a fan of thinking outside the box!  

Clearly I have a soft spot for travel-themed invites ;)

 

Related articles

#398 Musings on Wedding Invites

#394 Bridal Shower Etiquette - Bonnie Marcus Thank You Cards

#425 Post Baby Chic - Week 3 - Rustic Wedding Style

#401 That Perfect Bridesmaid Dress

Wedding in Rio (2012), Bridesmaids all in navy (well... sort of)

While we’re on the subject of weddings, and babies, and invites – here’s another thought – bridesmaid dresses!  I’ve only been a bridesmaid twice.  The first time was by Lake Winnipesaukee in 2009, shortly after my own wedding, and the second time was last year in Rio.  Both times it was for friends who had been bridesmaids at my wedding, which I think is fair no?  I’m convinced that there’s some unspoken rule regarding reciprocity and bridesmaids.  It would be awkward, for instance, if one person served as a bridesmaid, and the other didn’t return the favor, no?  Unless, of course: (1) you’re no longer friends; or (2) there is no bridal party to speak of (both of which I’ve witnessed). 

Boho-inspired Wedding in New Hampshire (Lake Winnipesaukee), 2009 – an eclectic mix of Bridesmaid dresses!

For my part, I had asked all of my bridesmaids (all eight of them!) to dress in black.  Simple right? Well, not quite, but I’ll spare you the details.  In the end, I thought came together quite well though!  Really, who would have thought that so much drama could ensue from such a limited color palette?

My wedding, circa 2008 (all my lovelies wore black!)

As for my girlfriend's Rio wedding… well, us bridesmaids were told to wear navy.  Easy enough, but for the life of me I had extreme difficulties finding the “it” navy dress at the height of summer (or maybe I was just being picky).  Navy, as it turned out, was really a Fall color. 

 I do, recall, however – the darling bride’s remark: “Eva, I love your interpretation of floor-length,” she winked.  (Oops!  I had clearly missed that memo).  I felt much better, though, when she followed that up with, “and I love Leen’s interpretation of NAVY.”  I’ll leave you to decide who that culprit was! (Though really, who could resist a dress this fabulous?).

The lesson drawn here?  Bridesmaid dresses are meant to be a manifestation of your friends' unique personalities.  Why homogenize them, when you can see their individual colors shine through?

For my part, I’m supposed to serve as a bridesmaid for a dear friend’s wedding come September.  I’m convinced that I’ll go (part of the reason why hubby and I have been so manically driven to find the perfect baby nurse for that first six weeks post birth).  Having said that… I’ve been told that the color of choice is dahlia (fuchsia?), so it’s definitely high time for me to find that perfect bridesmaid dress. 

One of the dress-sites I’ve come across (DressFirst), offered an array of bridesmaid options, and really allowed me to seek different bias, cuts, and styles!  Above are just some of the samples  I liked – and it’s enough to get my creative juices flowing.  Really, at the end of the day, I think simple is best (though I clearly have a thing for one-shoulder bridesmaid dresses!).  The best part? (Well there’s two): (1) all dresses come in a variety of colors, and (2) the site even offers maternity bridesmaid dresses!!! 

Granted – of course the vainglorious side of me wants to believe that I won’t be needing my maternity clothes any more after having the baby.  Though the truth is, at four weeks post birth, I heard that you still look pretty much five months pregnant! Oh the flip side, looking back at myself at five months (approx. 18-22 weeks) – I think I can handle that!!! Plus, DressFirst offers some pretty cute styles for their maternity bridesmaid line (see below), wouldn't you say?

Note: this post has been sponsored by DressFirst.  The opinions, styles, and personalized insights and commentary belong to RockShic.  

Related articles

#398 Musings on Wedding Invites

#398 Musings on Wedding Invites

A personalized invite from our wedding, which I have right by my bedstand.

Save-the-date postage has never looked so classy!

Weddings, much like babies, are quite the industry!  Both are equally life-changing, and I suppose in many respects, one is a harbinger for the other.

Lately I’ve been thinking quite a bit about wedding invites, namely because we keep getting them... as ‘tis the season for weddings!!! We had one in June in San Francisco, and three in September!  (Why, just this time last year we were gearing up for our wedding in Rio!).  

While I’m remaining cautiously optimistic, hubby is of the opinion that we may not be able to attend some (or all?) of them, given that they are all a few weeks past my due date.  Ah well, what does he know anyhow – where there’s a will, there’s a way.

That said, I love receiving personalized wedding invites, as I believe that each of them encapsulates a little bit about the individual, not to mention the couple.  Call me old-fashioned, but I still believe in the sanctity of invites, as they just add a little something special to the occasion than an Evite (though I guess you could do whatever you want these days, it’s *your* party afterall).

The bonus of putting in extra effort on your own wedding invite, is that you can even use it as a memento later on in life, and I find that to be quite nice!! For instance, our wedding invite still sits in a frame next to our nightstand.  When it’s not covered by junk (aka when it’s actually visible), the mere sight puts a smile on my face. 

Wedding Invite #1: Hand-pressed invites! DIY vintage perfection.

Wedding Invite #2: Country-chic in the Catskills

Wedding Invite #3: Urban style and fashion

Love the small personalized touches!

Related articles

#394 Bridal Shower Etiquette - Bonnie Marcus Thank You Cards

#401 That Perfect Bridesmaid Dress

#408 Retracing the Notion of Save the Dates

#363 On Weddings

Wedding bouquet courtesy of Big Apple Florist

Photo taken in the Upper East Side (our old hood!) at Carl Schurz Park

Year – 2008

Venue – Terrace in the Sky, old Faculty House up at Columbia University, which is now sadly closed.

Makeup by 360 Beauty

I was on the phone today with a dear friend from Boston when he said, “you were one of my first friends to get married… and probably the least likely person to do so.”  I found that comment funny, and I suppose there is much psychology behind it. 

“I didn’t think it was weird,” I noted briskly.

“Well, that makes sense,” retorted my friend, “you know yourself better than I do.”

Hubby and I were married on October 4, 2008.  We’ll soon be at the five year mark (omg!), and also happily expecting our first child together.  It definitely feels like a real union at this point, and I still feel lucky that I can look at him today and feel absolute adoration and respect, in spite of the nonstop frustrations and complaints.   

What is it about weddings, and in particular, wedding planning, that makes the experience so all-consuming for both the bride and groom? But really… just the bride? 

Why is it that after the wedding, it’s as though you've just come down from this enormous high and you’re suddenly bereft and left with the realization of how ridiculous you might have been, or how (tick-tock) it is time to return to the land of the normal beings again?  Does all self-awareness go out the window when you are deep in the thick of things?  I wonder this myself, as I know that I’ve definitely demonstrated Bridezilla tendencies when I was getting married.

The funny thing is, whatever magical powers you wielded on the day of your wedding, and even the days (weeks/months) leading up to it, they all but dissipate the following morning.  The inevitable nature and clarity of this fact dawned on me when I asked one of my bridesmaids to do something the very next day, and she all but said, “nah.”  Looking back, I don’t blame her. 

So far, we have about four weddings planned this year (that I know of) – one coming up in San Francisco (pre-Nuke!), and three in September (post-Nuke!).  My favorite part of every wedding (most recently in Rio and at the St. Regis in New York) is that moment when the bride steps down the aisle and the world just simply melts away.  I live for that moment, as I believe it absolutely defines the beauty and sanctity of all weddings. 

For me, that was probably the most magical moment of my own wedding day.  Now, if only I could remember more from that night!

Note: all photos featured here were taken by the lovely and talented Ryan Brenizer, NYC Wedding Photographer. 

Walking down with my dad. My dress was by Vera Wang. I knew that I wanted something simple, elegant, and romantic.

My Cinderella moment

A cake with Asian accents

I always knew he'd put a ring on it.

Photo taken at South Street Seaport

Our sermon, delivered by Rev. Helen Jackson. For a copy of the speech see here.

Hubby's "blue steel" equivalent

This was pretty much my default setting after the ceremony was over.

Related articles

#352 Guest Feature - Different Diamonds for Different Occasions

#398 Musings on Wedding Invites

#408 Retracing the Notion of Save the Dates

#427 Country Wedding Allure

#352 Guest Feature – Different Diamonds for Different Occasions

My engagement ring and wedding band, shot by Ryan Brenizer (2008).  See here for more photos of my wedding.

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend?   I must admit that I’ve always been a bit skeptical of that adage, although I’ve been sporting some substantial bling ever since my engagement (some seven years ago!).  Since then, I would literally feel naked without my diamonds (call it an emotional complex).  Plus, let’s face it, with the little one on the way, I am lobbying hard for a push gift, which might just encompass some diamonds!

So what makes diamonds a standout? 

Just about any sort of jewelry can be dressed up to some extent, but most would agree that the most glamorous accessory a girl can wear is a piece of fine diamond jewelry. Diamonds never fail to catch the eye, and that makes them invaluable as compliments to outfits and personal style in general. However, it's important to recognize that diamonds' status as the highest standard in jewelry does not mean they can't be worn casually. After all, 77-Diamonds engagement rings aren't the only options out there! Here are a few words on diamond jewellery for different occasions and settings.

Around the house

Obviously, around the house is the most flexible setting for diamonds, because you can essentially get away with anything. Some people enjoy dressing up and accessorizing so much that an elaborate diamond display is perfectly normal around the house. But, if you're looking for something comfortable and casual, simple diamond stud earrings and basic bracelets are perfect for around the house.

At The Gym

To some, diamonds at the gym are a bit cumbersome, and you certainly don't want to risk losing any. However, for those who like to look stylish even when working up a sweat, there are options. Basically, anything light and easy to wear will do the trick. Stud earrings and bracelets, again, are probably the simplest options, but even a smaller, tighter fitting diamond necklace can be appropriate so long as it's not jumping too much while you run!

Casual Outings

Casual outings can be defined in many ways, but think of it as a normal night on the town - drinks with friends, dinner with family, etc. For these occasions, it's certainly okay to show off a bit more and draw some attention to your jewelry. A pendant necklace, drop earrings, or any diamond rings you may have can all be lovely options, and are all a bit more showy than the more casual choices mentioned previously.

At The Office

At the office, the important thing to do is to find the right balance between professionally elegant and overtly formal. Most of your diamond jewellery should be appropriate enough for the average office setting, so the important thing is not to wear too much at once. Certain items, like particularly ornate drop earrings or choker necklaces, may be a bit awkwardly formal.

Formal Events

This is the time to break out everything you've got!!! (Take a cue from Daisy Buchanan).  Choker necklaces, ornate drop earrings, and flashy pendants are perfectly appropriate for truly formal occasions. One nice trick if you're looking for something unique to catch the eye is to wind a strand diamond necklace a few times around the wrist to fashion a stunning and original bracelet.

Diamonds and glamour, Gatsby style.  Check out the Great Gatsby Collection at Tiffany's!

A parting shot on my wedding day! Swoon swoon.

Note: the above feature is a guest post, where RockShic provided personalized insights, photography, and musings on the subject of diamonds.  

#259 Wedding at the St. Regis, New York

It has been quite a whirlwind weekend… so much so that I’m trying to keep it low-key for the better part of this week.  That said, I am going to share some loving photos from our wedding this Saturday.  Truly a feat! A Jewish + Irish Catholic wedding at the St. Regis! And yes, they were inspired by Gossip Girl for the venue!! I loved everything about the bride’s dress… the heirloom veil, the balance, the proportions, the playful black bow for the reception.  Really, how could you go wrong with Vera Wang?  (Yours truly wore a Vera to her own wedding some four years ago!!).  In short, I love weddings – the last one I attended was in Rio.  Each time they give me a renewed faith in love and bond.  

No fear of heights there!!

Related articles

#352 Guest Feature - Different Diamonds for Different Occasions

#398 Musings on Wedding Invites

#408 Retracing the Notion of Save the Dates