WINTER WEDDING DREAMS

The air is crisp and the sun is bright. Winter is a spectacular time of year for a wedding in Santa Barbara. Twinkle lights and candles, soft wraps, hot cocoa with over-sized marshmallows, blazing fireplaces and snuggling with your honey. I can't think of a more romantic season. Are you planning a winter wedding this year?

Need a little inspiration?Need a little bit more?

That's right. Starting today, I am offering 30-percent off all Day-of and Full Service Packages for Weddings taking place this winter (i.e. December 1, 2009 thru March 21, 2010). Visit my Web site for more information.

FOODIES ARE LOVING ... BEER?

I've been to a lot of wine and cheese parties in my day. I love wine and I love cheese, so this is fabulous by me. But sometimes these shindigs can be a little stuffy, or a little ... "been there, tasted that." Let's just say, I haven't been to one of these in awhile where I was surprised by anything that was paired together. That's why I love the newest trend taking over restaurants and private parties - Beer and cheese tastings. Beer, really? Yes!

The October issue of Food & Wine featured Andrew Myers of Washington, DC's CityZen and cites a few of his favorite pairings:
1. Hefeweizen and Goat Cheese - light German wheat beer complements soft, tangy cheeses
2. Brown Ale with Spanish Mahon - nuttiness and hoppiness works well with mild cow's milk cheeses
3. Imperial Stout with Blue Cheese - stouts that are chocolaty and hearty are perfect for stinky cheeses

Myers biggest tip for a beer and cheese tasting: It's the fizziness that makes beer good with cheese.

I love this for holiday cocktail parties or a fun station during cocktails at a wedding. I love this period. Bottoms up! xo

SHOE SENSE

As a former New Yorker, one of my all time favorite lines from Sex & The City - and the one I found to be most true - was when Carrie said, "Most New York women don't have a closet full of Jimmy and Manolo. But, most New York women have at least one pair."

My pair are from my wedding. They were an indulgence that made me feel special and beautiful and pampered. I loved my shoes as much as I loved my dress. But they were not at all practical for dancing or cavorting through grass and stone for hours on end. Shoes like that are made for sitting and looking pretty.

For this reason, I advise a lot of my brides to consider multiple pairs of shoes for their wedding day. One pair is for the ceremony and photos ... and the other is for dancing and frolicking (and quite possibly another photo).

If you choose to follow this advice and plan on wearing more than one pair, make sure you bring both pairs with you to your dress fittings, and try not to vary more than 2-inches in heel height between shoes. If you try and go from a 4-inch heel to flats, the line of your dress is going to be off ... and you'll either be showing ankle during the ceremony or tripping on your dress during dancing. Not good!

Guiseppe Zanotti on Bluefly

Christian Louboutin on Bluefly

An exception to the rule is if your dress is cocktail or tea length. Then you can wear these 4.5-inch beauties before switching to flats!

Guiseppe Zanotti on Bluefly

Are you planning a shoe change at your wedding?

DRE FEATURED ON THE SWEETEST OCCASION

I am so thrilled to share with you the news that Donna Romani Events and Chris and Tami's Jungle-themed co-ed baby shower was featured this morning on The Sweetest Occasion! Cynthia does such a fabulous job with her blog and I've been a fan for quite awhile; so I am completely honored. Click on over to check it out! Thanks, Cyd!!

LOVING: RACHEL REINHARDT JEWELRY

I'm a big fan of jewelery and accessories. There's no easier, more affordable way to dress up any outfit - from jeans to slacks or a simple black cocktail dress. Jewelry also gives you endless ways to customize a look and make it your own. From hip and sassy to chic and sophisticated.

One of my favorites is Rachel Reinhardt out of New York City. I've been a follower of hers for years. And when it came time to pick something beautiful to honor my bridesmaids, my girls that stood up with me, I turned to Rachel. She offers something for every style, and its all beautiful pieces that are well-made. You've got to check her out!

Gemma Large Oval Stone Bracelet

Emma Large Pave Open Teardrop Earring and Mini- Bib Necklace with Cushion Cut Center Stone

Audrey Seven Strand Pearl Necklace and Ten Row Pearl Bracelet

What are you planning on giving your party as gifts?