2013 Bridal Gown Trends for the Michigan Bride

The 2013 Bridal Market in New York kicked off this weekend, the place to be for bridal fashion trends and capture the predictions for next year’s wedding season.

Vera Wang’s collection was titled “Mei Meng” which means, “Dream” in Chinese. Always pushing the boundaries when she unveils her latest collections; never for the shy bride, always for the daring.

Vera Wang as well as Oscar de la Renta and Romona Keveza showcased their 2013 collections of bridal gowns.  Challenging the traditional white, ivory or ecru gown,  their creations were wrapped in the most luxurious shades of red!

Which fashion forward shade of red gown is your favorite?

Oscar took his pursuit of ‘out of the box’ thinking a little further by showcasing the Bridal Pantsuit as did Carolina Herrera.

However, one of hottest trends overall was the Peplum Gown. Straight from some of this year’s fashion runways, the look is modern yet classic.  Many bridal gown designers are embracing the peplum design in their collections.

*** Pictures from Top Left to Right : 

Red Gowns: Vera Wang, Oscar de la Renta, Vera Wang
Pant Suits:  Carolina Herrara, Sarah Jassir, Oscar de la Renta
Peplum Gowns: Amasale, Romona Keveza, Ines di Santo

Pink & Gold Christmas Inspirations

Is Pink the new Red for Christmas? Metro Luxe Events Candice Vallone created a soft and peaceful color scheme using Pink and Gold for a beautiful Christmas Decor Inspiration.

Images Take From:
Pink Wreath: The Lennoxx
Pink Christmas Tree: Shauna Younge Blog
Pink & Gold Martini: The Knot
Pink & Gold Ornaments & Tray: The Tablescaper Blog
Pink & Gold Ornaments: Martha Stewart
Pink & Gold Table setting: Jade Hollow
Gift Box with Clock Tag: Country Living
Pink & Gold Napkins: Martha Stewart

Jewel Tone Christmas Inspirations

Metro Luxe Events Candice Vallone  used various jewel tone decor' for this inspiration, to create a vibrant, rich and fabulous holiday theme!

Images Taken From:

Jewel Tone Wrapped Gifts: Selina Lake
Stockings: Kurt Adler Christmas Decor
Staircase Garland Decor: Purple Chocolate Home
Enamel Peacock Ornaments: Amber Eledge
Tablescape: The Knot
Jewel Tone Ornaments: Home Decorators

Silver Christmas Inspirations

Candice Vallone of Metro Luxe Events loves the Holidays! 

The Holidays are a time of reflection, celebration and decoration; lights twinkle while family and friends rejoice!

Create a holiday wonderland in your home – create magic....



Inspiration Images From:
Xmas Stockings: Frontgate, Pottery Barn
Garland & Wreath: Horchow
Tree Skirt & Room Decor: Frontgate 
Silver Birds: Pottery Barn
Beaded Tall Trees: Horchow

DIFFA 2011 Dine by Design

Metro Luxe Events Candice Vallone along with Executive Chef Daniel Vallone participated in the Diffa 2011 Cocktails by Design competition, held at Willy’s Overland Lofts.

We are proud to announce that Chef Daniel Vallone,  representing Tam-O-Shanter Country Club, and Candice Vallone of Metro Luxe Events who designed the tablescape, took first place for the “Best Appetizer” and also first place for the ‘Healthiest Dish.”

Executive Chef Daniel Vallone created a Sous Vide Lobster Tail, Grilled Chayote Squash and Avocado Salad, with a Charred Tomato and lime sauce, hinted with fresh basil and micro arugula. “I wanted to use the classic parings of tomato, basil and olive oil and fuse it with the classic tastes of avocado, lobster and arugula. Using fresh lime juice as the conduit.” The techniques that Chef Vallone used to create the dish are current with today’s food trends. He first used Transglutaminase to bond the lobster tails together from top to bottom. Using this approach, Chef Vallone was able to utilize the whole lobster tail and have a very consistent product that was evenly cooked.

Using the Thermocirulater, he slow poached the lobster tail under vacuum, in a low temperature water bath. Staying away from unnecessary fats and oils to make the dish as healthy as possible, for the tomato and lime sauce Chef Vallone used Xanthan Gum to stabilize the tomato, lime, cinnamon and star anise into a smooth velvety sauce.

With the poached lobster dish being beautifully presented, Candice Vallone of Metro Luxe Events created a tablescape to compliment the dish. “As guests approached the table, I wanted them to visualize looking into the bottom of the deep blue sea."

Using an aqua blue silk linen and a wave sequin overlay to capture the feeling of flowing deep blue water, Candice Vallone then scattered sea shells, various coral reef and stones throughout to showcase the natural sea life elements. Live Tropical Fish swam in bowls that were used to elevate a clear glass tabletop, where the delicious appetizers were presented on shell plates. For the backdrop and to complete the sea scape creation, we placed 3 large tropical floral arrangements made of orchids, seaweed, lillies and ornamental ginger.

Staying current with today’s event design trends, culinary techniques and healthy food choices are what set Metro Luxe Events Candice Vallone and Chef Daniel Vallone apart. From the masterful art of cooking and culinary presentation, to the ocean tablescape, the 800 guests who attended as well as the judges, all agreed to the “Best Overall Appetizer and Healthiest dish”!

ABOUT DIFFA DINING BY DESIGN

DIFFA: DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS is one of the country’s largest supporters of direct care for people living with HIV/AIDS and preventive education for those at risk. Merging care and commerce, supporters of DIFFA come from all fields of fine design and the visual arts, including: architecture, fashion design, interior design, photography and consumer product design.

DIFFA has mobilized the immense resources of the design communities to provide more than $38 million to hundreds of AIDS organizations nationwide since 1984.

Dining By Design is a one-of-a-kind, spectacular event that showcases local talent in the design, artistic and architectural community, who are then paired with Table Sponsors or hosts to create three-dimensional dining installations that are works of art.

***Images taken by Metro Luxe Events

Michigan Event Lighting

Metro Luxe Events Candice Vallone loves to add dimension, color and wow to our events. With use of various lighting, different moods are created throughout the event transforming the ambiance!

There are many state-of-the-art event lighting techniques used in the event industry today. Some examples of lighting are: Up lighting, Pin Spot lighting, Intelligent lighting, Ambient lighting, Gobo Lighting, the list goes on.

Mixing the use of technical lighting with Chandeliers and the warm glow of Candles will give an overall beautiful wash of color, texture and soft light to create an oasis of sophistication.

Metro Luxe Events Candice Vallone always first considers the effect we are trying to achieve; Bright, Warm, Festive, Glamorous, Formal, Chic. Also keeping in mind that warmer color tones are the most flattering to the skin, ensuring that you and your guests don’t appear ghastly.

After doing a venue site visit, we determine how the light reflects throughout the room, what type of lighting is currently at the venue, how many windows there are if any, all colors used at the specific venue and the size of the room. Next, we incorporate the colors, floral designs and decor that will be designed for the event, to provide a glistening sensation throughout.

The final result; 

a Metro Luxe Events custom-tailored environment that will welcome your guests to the enchanted celebration.















***Images provided by Metro Luxe Events and Pearl Audio Visual

Bridal Brooch Bouquets for the Michigan Bride

Brooch Bouquets are the new trend in bridal fashion.

Metro Luxe Events Candice Vallone is currently helping a Bride design a beautiful bouquet for her upcoming wedding.

A unique feature about having a custom made brooch bouquet is that you can send the designer any family heirlooms to include in your creation.

Perhaps you have your grandmother's brooch or sets of vintage jewelry that your mother passed down to you, or a special piece that your future husband gave you, combine those collections to include in your bouquet.

Other fabulous   additions to include in your custom bouquet have your friends and family each gift you a brooch to incorporate
into your custom creation.

The end result will be a true treasured keepsake.




For a very personal and special touch, you can also have custom made Bridesmaid Brooch Bouquets as a gift of appreciation.

Brooch bouquets are simply gorgeous; they will last forever, and are a true work of art!

















***Brooch Bouquet Designers showcased

Fantastyfloral.com, TheVintageBloom.com

What are your wedding colors?

The exciting color combinations a Bride can choose are endless and set the tone and backdrop for your entire event.

To gather ideas and begin creating your wedding colors, a great idea is to visit fabric and paint stores. View different shades of color combinations that catch your eye. If there is one particular color that you are absolutely in love with, using paint swatches and color wheels will help you decide what other colors will complement your favorite choice.

Choose colors that you love, not just what the trend is. Think about what colors you most likely wear in your clothing or decorate in your home?

Metro Luxe Events Candice Vallone can help to develop a palette that makes your wedding day vision come to life.

Prepared with a color wheel and fabric swatches, the season of the year your wedding falls in, knowledge of your venue's lighting and any lighting you will use, the color scheme at the venue and ceremony site along with the personal style you want to create, Metro Luxe Events will implement your color selections and design your wedding with a personal touch and unique ambiance.

One very important decision, make sure that your color palette doesn’t compete with the venue’s design. For example, if your venue has deep rich colors and heavy brocade fabrics such as dark greens, golds and burgundy, using bright pastel pinks and purples won’t work; the colors will not blend or convey the overall look you are trying to achieve.

Next, what type of atmosphere would you like to create?

• Formal & Regal
• Romantic & Soft
• Modern & Chic
• Urban & Fun
• Rustic & Al Fresco

Lastly, what type of color scheme are you going for?

• Monochromatic: Different shades of one color. Examples are different shades of Ivory and White, Pale pink and Blush, Purple and Fuchsia. The monochromatic look can give a formal or romantic vibe.

• Analogous: Colors next to each other on the color wheel. Examples are Blues and Greens, Reds and Purples, Reds and Oranges, Yellows and Greens. Analogous color schemes produce a rich and vibrant atmosphere.

• Complementary: Colors located across from each other on the color wheel. Examples are Turquoise and Coral, Lavender and Pastel Yellow, Blush and Dusty Green, Brown and Teal,  Black and White. Complementary colors create maximum contrast and set a bold look.

Metro Luxe Events Candice Vallone believes in using similar and harmonizing color schemes throughout your wedding day’s events. Have a harmonizing color scheme for the ceremony, another for the cocktail hour and finally another for the reception.  Using this approach is a great way to create separate environments; your guests will be in awe of what’s coming next!


** Images provided by Pantonecolors.com, Colorwheel.com and ModernTailor.com

Interior Design Meets Event Design

Today’s Event trends are getting away from the traditional seating and leaning more towards movement around the room.

With that in mind, Metro Luxe Events Candice Vallone believes that an interior design approach is necessary to incorporate the client’s vision into a great event.


Metro Luxe Events Candice Vallone was invited by Laura Rooney of Arkitekture Insitu, for a private tour of their furniture design showroom located in Birmingham, MI.

Arkitekture Insitu is now leasing their floor models for private events to an exclusive clientele.

Their furniture and decor pieces are unique and contemporary; carrying luxury brand designers such as B&B Italia, Cassina, Fritz Hansen, Poltrona Frau and Herman Miller.

From cutting edge light fixtures to ultra-luxury seating, they are the Gucci of furniture and design and will compliment today’s new Event Design concepts.

By utilizing various seating arrangements as well as specialty materials and textures, a true interior design approach, Metro Luxe Events is looking forward to incorporating their beautiful pieces into one of our next events!

**Images taken from Arkitekture

Spring Flowers for the Michigan Bride

Spring has sprung and so has wedding season!

One of Metro Luxe Event’s favorite spring flower is the Peony. Peonies are delicate, yet large in size, romantic and sensual. Their lavish blooms can be kept closed or ruffled to showcase their beautiful petals.

Michigan brides have many options to match their décor and theme, as peonies come in a myriad of colors. Peonies are also very versatile, lending a classic look for the traditional bride, a contemporary look for the modern bride, and a rustic look when paired with other varieties for the casual bride.

Today, most weddings are more personalized featuring themes and décor reminiscent to the lifestyle of the bride and groom. With their vibrant sophistication yet color versatility, Peonies will always be a “go to” flower to enhance your floral décor.

**Images collected from google images.

WINTER BRIDE

Winter is a beautiful time to have a wedding; however, Brides don’t have to suffer from having “Cold Feet”.

When choosing the perfect shoe for your bridal ensemble, all Brides want a magnificent shoe to compliment their wedding gown. The winter months can wreak havoc on your soles, so opt to have 2 pairs of wedding shoes.

Metro Luxe Events Candice Vallone suggests when selecting your shoes, have one pair of stylish boots for getting to and from the Ceremony and Reception and another pair to change into for the remainder of your special day.

You can go for ultra warmth and comfort, like the Coach Boot picutred above or go all out on flair with a speciality designer boot.

You don’t have to sacrifice style to cover your feet from the cold of winter.

**Shoes from Top Left to Right:  Mika Inatome Boot, Salvatore Ferragamo Boots, Coach Boot, Lizbeth Bridal Boot, Sergio Rossi Boot

Fall Flowers for a Michigan Wedding

When I think of fall I always think of rain and cold and that I'm another year older! What a better way to perk myself up than with flowers!

Even with my cold and rainy thoughts, fall can still be vibrant and beautiful for Michigan Weddings. Michigan wedding trends for fall floral choices are always changing; you don't always have to use the typical orange, brown, yellow combination to create a fall look. Deep Dark Jewel tones mixed in with a hint of gold and orange are a beautiful alternative.

Rich dark hued Cala Lillies, Orchids, Berries and Dahlias were used in this example.

Metro Luxe Events Candice Vallone likes to layer different hues of each color and use various flowers for depth to incorporate the Fall color scheme throughout the whole wedding.

**Images by Jennifer Skog Photography, Kehoe Designs, Paris Designs London, Lolivier and Florals of Waterford

Vintage Glamour for the Michigan Bride

Vintage looks have been cropping up on the fashion runways, red carpet events and many Michigan Brides are wanting to incorporate an Old Hollywood theme for their wedding.

Old Hollywood glamour to me exudes confidence, sexiness, fierceness and sets a very formal tone.

Metro Luxe Events Candice Vallone created these inspiration boards for a Michigan Bride who wanted a vintage Hollywood Style wedding with a Modern Day Twist.

Attire:

Fashion for the Bride: Channel your inner Marilyn Monroe. Think sweetheart necklines, drop waists, mermaid style gowns.Elbow length satin gloves and a Cage Veil. If your wedding is in the winter try a faux fur shoulder wrap. Carry a classic sleek satin clutch handbag

Bridal Jewelry: Go for vintage inspired brooches and rhinestone hair combs (no tiaras), and chandelier earrings or simple pearls for all will do. Not too much jewelry just one or two statement pieces.

Bridal Hair: Finger Waves, and more finger waves – think Veronica Lake if you have medium to long hair – or Grace Kelley for shorter versions or something with a low side swept chignon bun.

Makeup for the Bride: Ruby Red Lips, Matte alabaster skin and Lush Eyelashes(didn’t they all look so flawless back then?)

Fashion For the Groom: Channel your inner Fred Astaire with classic White Tie or Black Tie attire. Combine your tuxedo with crisp white shirt with a black bow tie or a white satin tie like the picture above.

Groom's Jewelry: a nice pair of cuff links and a dressy watch.

Details:

Reception Venue: Grand Ballrooms with Big Crystal Chandeliers or Old Restored Mansions

Reception Colors: Silver, White, Black and either Blush Pink or Classic Red

Reception Flowers: Calla Lilies, Roses and Peonies – again in shades of monochromatic blush pinks or reds

Reception Music : Swing Orchestra Band or Rat Pack inspired music – Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin.

Signature Drinks: Create a Champagne Glass Tower inspired from the glam days by using the Retro “Coupe Glasses”. Display the Tower either during cocktail hour or inside your reception area as a Signature Drink for the guests throughout the evening.

First Bridal Dance: Hire a Ballroom Instructor to choreograph your first dance to a classic swing themed song and have the band play it live when you dance. (Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers)

Bride & Groom Grand Exit: Drive away in a rented Vintage Rolls Royce Phantom Convertible or a Vintage style Limousine and have everyone send you off at the door.
If you prefer not to leave your wedding before all of the guests – rent one anyway for your day’s transportation.

Design Concepts for the Michigan Bride

Do you know your design style?

Metro Luxe Events Candice Vallone thinks that knowing your design style can help the Michigan Bride and her groom in developing a theme and concept for their wedding.

I copied this link to a fun picture quiz from This is Glamorous’ blog. It's really neat and I think the quiz is right on the money for my style.

For Michigan Brides who are unsure what their style is, try out this fun quiz and gain new inspirations and concepts that you can incorporate into your wedding and later into your new home.

My style was: BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY

"When it comes to decorating your home, no one would ever accuse you of purism or restraint. You're a real glamour puss, never happier than when an opportunity crops up to add another flourish of theatrical pizzazz to your home!"