Monday, December 19, 2011

Congratulations Jenny and Konstantin!

Congratulations to one of my dearest friends Jenny who just got engaged this past weekend.
We met in college and have shared too many good times to recount!
I was so excited when Konstantin called me in September
asking to help design Jenny's ring.
Four months, a proposal and a happy friend later...
Well I think it's best if I let Jenny tell the rest...


How did you meet Konstantin?

Konstantin and I met at a work happy hour-- he was sitting quietly at the end of the table with those big green eyes of his. I had to beat the other women off with a stick, it was like clubbing baby seals.

How long have you been dating?

About 3 years. He surprised me on our 3 year anniversary with white lilies and some homemade Bulgarian soup.


Where did you go on your 1st date?

We actually didn’t really have an official “first date”, we hung out as friends first. I’m kind of like a dude, so we cracked open some beers for an impromptu gathering at his house with friends. Our typical “date nights” can be anywhere from a nice dinner & movie, to the shooting range.


Tell us your engagement story. How did he propose?

Upside down in a flight simulator at the Air & Space Museum with a $5 Target ring. He made sure to get me good and nauseated first before he took out the real ring he had been working on for months. Just for the record, I said “yes” to both rings!


Do you have any recommendations for how recently engaged couples should tell their family and friends about their engagement? How did you spread the news?

Hide everything on Facebook because news gets around so fast! We called my parents and skyped his family in Bulgaria, Germany and Budapest. Then we skyped our families so they could cheers one another.


We know it is early, but have you set a date or picked a wedding location?

Not yet, we’re going to enjoy the moment for now, but the date will likely be in about a year or so.

Have you purchased any wedding magazines or visited any wedding websites?

Nope, I’m relying on Carine and her staff. I wouldn’t even know where to get a bridal magazine—those exist?!


If so, what wedding trends are influencing you?

Simple and ethereal, with nicely architected tailored details. I’m partial to roman or greek-inspired designs that flow easily and fit closely to the body. I don’t like too much fluff, so I’m really leaning towards very organic and outdoor accents and colors.

Thank you Jenny, for taking the time to answer our questions;
I know you must have a whirlwind of questions coming from your friends and family.

So, the fun story about the ring- I got the call from Konstantin and after hanging up I had to figure out what Jenny really liked.
I set up a fun ring shopping day in October, for the "just-in-case" phone call if it were to come my way.
Once I got her style I knew the best place and person to visit for the diamond was Blauweiss Berkowitz in New York, and Jessica was an amazing assistant.
The diamond was bought amongst the frenzy of bridal market, shipped to DC, and then Boone and Sons helped complete the vision.
Jenny had liked two rings from our shopping excursion, so Konstantin and I married the two designs to create the perfect ring for Jenny.
After all of the hard work, here is the final product...

Ring setting created by Boone & Sons.
Diamond from Blauweiss Berkowitz, New York

Congratulations, again Jenny and Konstantin.
I couldn't be happier for the two of you.
Can't wait for the next step...the wedding dress!!

xoxo,
Carine


Friday, December 16, 2011

CBA's Iconic "Pop Culture" Weddings

Image: The wedding of Melissa Rivers, Photo Credit: Preston Bailey's Blog

My favorite wedding...

I will never forget the moment I saw Melissa Rivers' wedding in magazines when I was a little girl.
I still remember pouring over articles about how Joan Rivers and Melissa Rivers worked with Preston Bailey to recreate Russia inside a ballroom.

The beautiful blue background and branches transformed the ballroom into a magical winter forest.
EXCEPT IT WASN'T CHEESY!
It was perfect. Her wedding was dreamy. I loved everything about it.
She even had desserts shaped like bees because the name Melissa derives from the Greek version of bee.

Here are some of the CBA Girls favorite weddings...

Carine loves Kennedy weddings.
One of her all time favorites is John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's wedding
in Cumberland Island because it was clean and sophisticated.
It wasn't overdone and it embodied their style.
Above all this wedding was creative.
Look at the candlelight peeking through illuminating the bride and groom.

Image: JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy Wedding, Photo Credit:, milliondollarblog.com

Fun facts about the Kennedys

*Carine got married on JFK and Jackie Kennedy's wedding date, September 12th :)

*According to Gemgossip.com, Jackie Kennedy's Van Cleef and Arpels engagement ring was a 2.84 carat emerald with 2.88 diamond carat accents.
WOW!
She later redesigned the ring and added marquise stones around .
However, this is an example of how dream weddings have unique elements with a twist!
People always say Jackie was traditional.
She wasn't so traditional was she if she had an emerald ring....huh????
I strongly speculate Jackie and JFK created this ring together because this ring is so unusual.

Image: Jackie Kennedy's engagement ring, Photo Credit: Gemgossip.com

*Designer Gogo Ferguson designed JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's wedding rings based on the mold of a ribcage of a snake.
This might sound strange but the door knockers in the US capital were also designed using the molds of deceased snakes, twigs, and even bird nests.

Image: Iconic Kennedy Wedding, Photo Credit: celebritybrideguide.com

*Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's Narcisco Rodriguez wedding dress reportedly cost $40,o00 (celebritybrideguide.com).
This dress revolutionized the industry---creating a trend where women began wearing curve hugging sheath style gowns.

Gabriella's favorite is Audrey Hepburn's wedding in Funny Face.
She is a HUGE Audrey fan.
The short Givenchy dress paved the way for fun, flirty short wedding styles that characterized the 1950's.

Image: Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face, Photo Credit: Walkingprimrose.blogspot.com

Hannah loved the traditional elements and grandeur of Kate Middleton and Prince William's wedding.
Clearly, Middleton was influenced by Grace Kelly's wedding.

Image: Kate Middleton, Photo Credit: People Magazine

Jess loves Maggie's wedding in the movie In Her Shoes.
What Jess likes about this wedding is how the couple incorporated their personality into their wedding by hosting their event at their favorite restaurant.
The steel drums and laid back tone created a warm and inviting feeling.

Image: In Her Shoes Wedding, Photo Credit: bridalbuds.com

What is your favorite celebrity wedding? Let us know!!

xoxo,
Ashley

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Winter Weddings



The holidays are a special time of year because families have the opportunity to see one another. The ability to travel and have your loved ones in one location makes the holiday season a great time to host a wedding. Many brides are also opting to do destination weddings over the holidays. Be sure and check out some of these ideas for your own winter wedding!Winter Locations: Colorado is an amazing location for a winter wedding. Carine is so excited to go to her cousin Rose's wedding in Colorado over the holidays! Snow board anyone??? Brides on skis? A ski lodge reception or a bride and groom on skis would be beautiful for wedding photos.(Image Credit: Martha Stewart Weddings)


Think Modern Flowers and Decor, Not Christmas Tree Red and Green: This bouquet is chic and modern. Unlike many winter bouquets it doesn't scream holiday--but rather this flower arrangement conveys a winter theme in a subtle way.
Photo Credit: Martha Stewart Weddings

Log Name Card Holders: If you love rustic weddings, this place card holder is for you. The use of logs is fresh and new compared to the over use of pine cones in winter wedding decor. Photo credit: Martha Stewart Weddings

Beautiful Winter Wedding Gowns:

Marchesa Isadora---WOW! Look at the lace and buttons!


Carolina Herrera Virginia Wolf--the whimsical bolero and details on this gown are so stunning!



Marchesa B50808--a great example of embroidery and sheer illusion sleeves




Marchesa B50801----the sheer illusion sleeves and full skirt are such a fascinating contrast!

Sleeves Can Be Cool: Long sleeves don't have to be hot and uncomfortable. Gone are the days of your granny's bridal sleeves. Long sleeves are fun because sleeves create interest. Marchesa B50801 exemplifies the use of long sleeves in a very creative manner. This dress has sheer illusion sleeves with embroidery. It would be gorgeous for a winter wedding because the silver details and sleeves add the perfect winter touch.

What are you doing for your winter wedding?? Please share your ideas with us!
~Ashley

Monday, December 5, 2011

Rivini Trunk Show

Happy December!
We thought we would kick off the holiday season with the...
Rivini Trunk Show!!

When: December 8-10th
Thursday & Friday: 12% off
Saturday: 10% off

Appointments are needed, so please call to set yours up today.
202-965-4696

Pictures of our favorite Rivini gowns to come tomorrow...


Friday, December 2, 2011

Bella's Wedding Gown Finally Revealed!

For those of you who have yet to see the new Twilight movie, "Breaking Dawn"
(not that I saw it opening day or anything...)
here are some pictures of her BEAUTIFUL Carolina Herrera gown.

I love how Bella's dress is the perfect combination of traditional with a fresh twist.
Aren't they a cute couple?!

Interesting backs are one of the new trends this season.

I like the little touch of lace, and love the old style of "bustling" the train.

Did you like Bella's dress?

xoxo,
Carine