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Darianna Brides, wedding dress shopping

Your Top Two Dresses – How Do You Choose?

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When shopping for your wedding dress, finding your Top Two dresses is easy! Choosing between the two, however, may not be and buying both is rarely an option.

Many of our brides find themselves deciding between their top two dresses. Most of the time they are totally different looks, too, which makes deciding that much more challenging. If you find yourself in this dilemma, these are a few things to consider:

The Venue

The venue you have selected will have an influence on your dress. Even if you haven’t booked anything officially, by now you usually have an idea of a venue or theme. There are dresses for every venue and situation, whether a barn wedding, beach wedding, destination wedding, church wedding or even at home.

For example, let’s say you think of yourself as a “simpler” bride, and picture yourself in a classic and sophisticated dress. You try on a sparkly ballgown and love it. Now you find yourself now torn!

Think of the venue. If you are in an elaborate ballroom with lots of details, then the ballgown may be be more suited than the plainer dress. However, if the wedding is at home, the ballgown could be a bit much.

Your Wedding Party

Another factor is to consider what you want for your bridesmaids. If you are leaning toward a pretty, lightweight chiffon dress, you want to make sure it will not be anything like what they are wearing, as most maid dresses are chiffon. It is your day to shine! Sometimes that will help you decide if one dress stands out more.

Black tuxedo with a thick shawl lapel and satin stripe, white shirt, bowtie, and pocket square
Your wedding dress should match the formality of your partner’s attire

Also, the groomsmen. Do you want them in a formal tuxedo? Suits? Jeans and suspenders? While that ultra sparkle mermaid dress may look amazing on you, it may not pair so well with your idea for the groom and his party.

Your Vision

Trust us. We know visions can change, especially with what we have learned this past year with the Covid pandemic. However, if you have a clear path of what you want your day and self to look like that will help you choose.

There are many brides who come in looking for one thing and leave with another – which is totally part of the selection process! You really do not know what you will like on you until you try it on.

When between your top two dresses, think about looking back on your pictures and how you want the day to be remembered can also help you decide. For example if you wanted a rustic feel and you were between a ball gown and lace fitted dress you may think the ball gown could be to much for that vision.

Lace wedding dress has a detachable sparkle and lace train that turns the fitter shape into a ball gown, it is a perfect option for a bride struggling between her top two dresses where one has a full skirt and the other is a sheath
A detachable train is a great option when you are struggling between two dresses

There are other things that we can suggest as well. If you have always loved a plain and simple dress but feel it may be too informal for your venue or the rest of your details, we can show you detachable trains that will turn a ballgown into a sheath, dramatic cathedral veils with lace and sparkle, or perhaps a sparkly belt that you could pair with gorgeous jewelry – accessories can elevate the look of a simple dress without compromising!

There’s no right or wrong answer it’s your day! We are here to help and support your vision and find you great options for your day. If you find yourself stuck between your top two dresses and different looks, hopefully some of these factors will help you figure out which one to pick and we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

About the author: Jessica Hill is a 3-year bridal stylist at Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo. She knew it was her calling after being hospitalized for an extended stay where she binge-watched the show Say Yes To The Dress. When the time was right she came across our store and the rest is history. Jess enjoys working with plus size brides most of all and showing them how beautiful they can look in every style dress. She currently lives in Lansdale, Pennsylvania with her devoted husband Jeff, their four children, and two dogs.

accessories, Darianna Brides

How to Complete Your Wedding Look: Accessorizing

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The important part is done and you have selected your dress – Congratulations! Now it’s time to complete your entire Bridal look and accessorize!  What do you know about accessories?

Keep reading to learn more!

Accessories are so much fun to look at and ultimately the finishing touch to your wedding gown, hair, shoes, and jewelry! It’s with these pieces you  create the bridal vision you’ve always imagined. Whether you have a detailed and embellished dress or a plain and sleek look, the possibilities to accessorize are endless!

Here are some things to consider to help you complete your wedding look:

What will be your Bridal Hairstyle?

Think of how you envision your bridal do with your wedding dress. Will you wear it down for an effortless look, choose a more traditional updo, or go for the in between, half up and half down? Consider the details of your dress, does it have beautiful illusion lace, buttons, beading? If so, you should consider having your hair up to show up it off! Is it a low, open back? The long hair can flow beautifully if you want to let it down.

This will help you wrap your head around the next step which is deciding how you will accessorize your hair.

Heads or tails – Headpiece or veils?!

Decide if you would like to go with a traditional veil or a modern headpiece. There are multiple variables that go into selecting the perfect veil to compliment your dress.

Consider the length:

There are several length veil options to choose from long chapel/cathedral/royal which are very formal and provide an incredible drama to your look; Mid-length/fingertip length which look amazing with fit and flair and mermaid dress shapes; Elbow and shorter more face-framing veils for a simpler look; and bird cage for that vintage old Hollywood, sleek and glamorous look.

Consider the style:

Do you want your veil to be plain, outlined with beading, a pop of sparkle and shimmer, a plain satin trim, or an added touch lace? Do you want it to layer your plain, sleek and simple gown, or add a subtle finish to your embellished and detailed gown?

You never want a veil to take away from your dress. You want it to complement your dress and add that perfect “wow factor” finishing touch.

Remember, the veil is temporary and typically used for photographs and the ceremony. When you come in we can accessorize with different veil lengths and styles to help complete your look!

A head piece is a great alternative for a veil, or to add with it! These pieces typically stay in after the veil is removed and include everything from a few beaded  pins or clips to a thin band to a full tiara.

There are bands that tie in back with ribbons, clips and barrettes, so many options to set off your look, each with their own unique array of diamonds, gems, flowers, designs, and much more! The sky’s the limit of the possibilities, and keep in mind one piece of advice – try these on with your dress.

Once you have those picked out, you will take them to your hairstylist for your trial and see in advance how beautiful everything looks!

Come in and let us help choose your accessories!

Cathedral veil selection

Darianna Brides

Real Bride – Brittney Levash

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We love featuring our brides! Read Brittney and Ryan’s love story here:

The Meeting- Ryan and I met at his family lake house at Lake Wallenpaupack, PA on 4th of July weekend, 2016. We went to school together, and were in the same grade, but never were friends. He knew who I was and always liked me, but I don’t recall him back then. After I was out of a very long relationship, my sister (who knew him through a mutual friend) invited me down with her to his family lake house and Ryan didn’t pass on the opportunity of asking for my number. The rest is history!

The Proposal- Ryan proposed at the lake on 04/28/18. It was “Dock day” which is the day that everyone helps put the docks back in for the summer season. It takes many hours and lots of help. I was helping around the clubhouse and little did I know that everyone there had known what was going to happen. Once the docks were done, Ryan asked to go down on our dock to relax for a minute. I hesitated and said, “We’ve been down there all day!” Thankfully I proceeded to leave the lake house and head down on the golf cart with him. Once we were on the docks we took a seat at the edge and just looked out on the water. I felt something on the dock and turned around and saw our friend Elaine who was taking a photo. I still had no clue he was going to propose because she is known for always taking beautiful photos. I said to Ryan, “Elaine is creepin’ on us.” He preceded to say she was there for a reason.. followed by a speech that I can’t even remember because I was so shocked! On our golf cart ride back, above on one of our friends deck, everyone started cheering as they had watched it happen and I had no clue. We got back to the house and it was decorated and the family was waiting. It was a beautiful moment.

The Pre-Planning Details- We already knew, before we even got engaged, that we wanted to get married at a venue on the lake called Silver Birches. Once we actually got engaged there was no other looking around, as we met at the lake and got engaged at the lake, it was such a special place for us, we knew there was no other option. We also wanted it to be in the summer, as that is the season we spend the majority of the time there. 07/26/19 was the date we had chosen. Bridal party colors were a serious of blush, darker pink and a tan for the girls. The guys wore light grey linen pants and white tops with grey and floral ties to match the girls. I wanted it to be light, cool and pretty. We had our family & friends as our bridal party and wouldn’t have had it any other way.

The Dress- I knew I wanted a vintage looking and very basic dress. I had dreamed of having some sort of sleeve, but after trying a few on, I did not like the feel. I went to one bridal store and didn’t have the greatest experience. I found Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo online after I was looking at a certain dress. I had the most pleasurable experience on my appointment day! It was such a warm and welcoming place and I was so happy. I ended up finding a dress that actually had 3/4 sleeves but I had my seamstress remove them. The final product was beautiful.

 

The Pre-Wedding Parties- I love to decorate and plan things, so needless to say, I had a handful of ideas for my own bridal shower.

 

 

My sisters, sister in laws and close friends did an amazing job pulling together the “I Do BBQ” that I was looking for! I wanted a casual rustic outdoor shower and that’s exactly what I got. Also, the weather was perfect!

 

My bachelorette party was in Charleston, South Carolina in June and it was the most beautiful place. The town is so pretty and we had so much fun!!

The Day of- The day of, all the girls came to Ryan’s parents house and we got ready there. We were able to relax and get pampered. My close friend did our makeup and my cousin did my hair. We rented a house on the lake for our friends and that Is where Ryan and the groomsmen got ready.

 

For my something blue & old, I had my seamstress sew part of my deceased father’s bandana in a heart shape, under my dress. That was a special thing for me.

 

 

The Ceremony and then Reception- The ceremony was outdoors at the venue, on the grass with the lake right beside us. We were a little nervous of how the weather would turn out but we were so lucky to have a beautiful sunny day.

 

I did realize I forgot my veil a few minutes after we left the house, but luckily we had time to turn back around! Phew! We had a simple quick ceremony and at the end we released butterflies for our family members who could not be there that day.

We had a lovely first dance. I had a recording of Ryan’s grandmother (who had passed last year) from when we called her to tell her we had just got engaged. I had my DJ add certain parts to the end of our first dance song as a surprise to Ryan, and it was so special.

Little did I know, he had a surprise for me too. As my dad has been deceased since I was 6, I knew we were just going to skip the father daughter dance and go right to the dance with Ryan and his mom. But, Ryan has something else in mind. He made the most heartfelt speech and then I got to dance with 4 special men in my life I was so shocked, emotional and thankful for that moment. It was a day we both will never forget.

To top it off, we had a huge lake party the following day with close family and friends. It was the most perfect weekend of celebration!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brittney said yes to Sloan by Beloved and removed the sleeves:

 

 

 

Are you a Darianna bride and want to be featured on our blog? Email Daria@DariannaBridal.com!

Darianna Brides

Three Tips for Choosing Your Wedding Shoes

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For many brides, the most exciting part of preparing for a wedding is picking out her dress. Picking out wedding shoes to go with it can be a close second. Plus, unlike the dress, a good pair of wedding shoes can be worn after the ceremony and serve as a reminder of that special day. Here are three tips for picking the perfect wedding shoes.

Consider the Venue

Pairs of men's and women's wedding shoes

When focusing on something that looks spectacular, don’t lose sight of practical considerations. The bride has to actually be able to walk down the aisle! If it’s a beach wedding on the sand or the ceremony is being held on a lawn, stiletto heels are probably not a good idea. On the other hand, if it’s a wedding in a fancy ballroom or church, “dressing down” in flats or sandals might not cut it. Consider the venue and what will be practical for the terrain and setting when selecting wedding shoes.

Why Stop at One Pair?

From photos before the event to the ceremony, the reception, dinner, dancing, and everything in between, wedding shoes have to be up to the task. It might be worth having one pair of shoes for the ceremony and then another, more comfortable pair to wear at the reception. Make sure to take into account that the length of your dress will be affected by the height of the heel, so if you’re considering changing from a heel to a flat, be sure to discuss with your seamstress the best way to address your hem.

It’s All About the Dress

Of course, no amount of practicality is going to be enough if the shoes just don’t go with the dress. It’s a good idea for brides to choose the dress first and then try out wedding shoes while wearing the dress to see what looks best. The right wedding shoes should complement the color and detail of the dress, along with your own style. Certain shoes can change the vibe of your dress as well, for instance a fun ballgown with a pair of cowboy boots or even sparkly sneakers underneath, or a vintage dress with a pretty ballet flat. Maybe your shoes are your “something blue”! Don’t forget to keep your eyes out for a pretty rain boot – just in case!

Remember that certain shoes will give you more stability. A flat shoe is easy to wear, but if you want to have a little height on your day consider a wedge or platform heel that give you a wider lift surface and help balance better than a thinner heel. They are also more comfortable! Another good idea is to wear the shoes outside before your wedding day to make sure the bottoms are not slippery. Lastly, ideally at your first fitting, walk around in your dress with the shoes on and make sure they do not stick to or get caught on your dress. Shoes with gemstones or attachments can snag on the fabric of your dress causing problems when you walk and can rip it as well.

Ultimately, the most important thing to consider when picking out the shoes you’ll wear for your big day is whether they make you happy. Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo is here to help make your entire day unforgettable. Our team is dedicated to creating your vision of your perfect day, from head to toe. We also provide tuxedos for the groom and bridesmaid dresses to ensure a cohesive look for the whole wedding party. Call or text 215-491-8500, or make an appointment online to get started.

Darianna Brides, tuxedos, wedding dresses, wedding planning

Reflections on 2018 and Wishes for 2019

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At this time of the year, we want to take time to reflect on the thousands of brides who said YES to their dress at Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo! It’s been our great privilege and honor to help our brides feel like they not only found their dress, but that they were served with love and knowledge from our kind-hearted team.

To the brides and grooms of 2018:  Thank you for entrusting us to be a part of one of the biggest events in your lifetime. Working with each one of you has made our mission of offering high quality bridal wear and top notch service worthwhile and enjoyable. We wish all our brides and grooms of 2018 a lifetime filled with happiness and good health.

To the brides and grooms of 2019: January kicks off a brand new bridal season, and we are preparing for the newly engaged couples who we will be meeting in the New Year. If you’ve been recently engaged, then you will be in full planning mode within the first couple of months of 2019, and we hope you include an appointment at Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo. A few of our hand-picked designers include Casablanca, Kitty Chen, Sincerity, Moonlight, Jessica Morgan, and more. We are excited to see who we will get to meet and help prepare for your wedding day. Be sure to call or text our store telephone number at 215-491-8500 to make your bridal or tuxedo appointment as soon as possible as our calendar is already filling up..   Of course, you can always make your appointment online by clicking here.

To all our lovelies who have already said yes with us for your 2019 wedding, welcome to the family! We will take amazing care of you,  Most of you already know that you can text our store telephone number with any questions.  The owners will personally answer your texts whether the store is open or not!

We offer over a hundred varieties and styles of tuxedos featuring Michael Kors, Ike Behar, Allure, and others. Grooms and groomsmen will look their best in the latest tuxedo colors, styles and fashion. Our specially-trained tuxedo specialists are ready to help you suit up in style. Enjoy your complimentary Groom Try On to see the look in  person and fitted to you. Even more new styles at always amazing prices for 2019.

To the Prom Goers of 2019: January also kicks off the season for prom planning. Come on in and check out our beautiful prom gowns featuring the latest colors and styles from Jovani, Faviana, Clarisse, Primavera, and more! We have already received our first shipments of Prom wear and our Prom Consultants are ready to help guide you to your perfect dress! Also, we offer excellent options and discounts for the young men who will be attending prom.

As we prepare to ring in the New Year, we thank all who have supported us over the last six years and made Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo a multi award-winning small business in Warrington, PA Bucks County.  Cheers to a wonderful, healthy, and joyous 2019!

Happy New Year from our family to yours.

 

 

Darianna Brides, wedding dresses, wedding planning

A Wedding Dress Shopping Story

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by Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo’s Lead Stylist Suzanne Ardite

Congratulations ~ You’re engaged! You are about to embark on one of the most joyous and daunting journeys of your life… planning your wedding. There are so many things that will require your attention and planning skills in the next few months. You will hear and read so much advice on wedding planning that your brain may overload. And, one of the most anticipated and heralded moments in your journey will be finding THE perfect dress.

But, before you start pinning those dresses on Pinterest and making those appointments, you may need to contemplate what kind of bridal appointment you wish to have that will help you accomplish your goal. This blog tells an actual story of one of my recent brides so settle in.

Who Am I?

My name is Suzanne Ardite and I’ve been fortunate enough to work as a Bridal Consultant for many years and in many states before finding my newest home at Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo. I have seen attitudes toward fashion and function change with regard to the bride’s gown and the nature of bridal appointments has changed along with it.

Not that long ago, bridal gown shopping was exclusive to the bride-to-be, her mother or grandmother. Perhaps a Godmother or sister would attend the appointment. It was this core group that joined the bride and offered their opinions. Now, with the advent of popular reality shows like, “Say Yes to the Dress”, appointment dynamics have really changed.

Many appointments are a full bridal party event, bringing very large groups and some complete with alcohol. Some guests wander off during the appointment, pull dresses that the bride has no interest in (“Oh just try it on for fun!”), is over budget (“Just try it, it’s so gorgeous!”), or they attempt to accessorize dresses the bride doesn’t like (“Try a veil with that one!”)

This is not how you initially shop for the most special garment of your life.

Let’s Talk About The Search

Your dress is more than just a garment to be worn on your wedding day. The “modern” bridal gown is imbued with a traditional mystique that harkens back to Victorian England. This creation of silk, tulle or lace has the power to convey your identity and personality to all gathered. It creates ambience and whispers of the overall theme of your day. It speaks of sophistication and elegance. It shares your sense of whimsy and fun, all while flattering your silhouette and inspiring awe. That is a lot to ask from a dress.

It’s with these thoughts in mind that we, as bridal consultants, do our very best to provide you with our undivided attention, knowledge, and expertise to help guide you to the one particular dress that will make heads turn, remain in your guests memories, and most importantly, be the one in which you go from Miss to Mrs.

Case In Point

One of my recent brides, Carly, was married in November to her wonderful fiancé, Jim. She looked absolutely phenomenal in a gorgeous, customized, ivory-colored Casablanca tulle and re-embroidered lace gown. But, she was only able to find her dream dress after readjusting her appointment priorities and focusing on her objective.

Carly is an admitted people pleaser by nature and one of the nicest people you could meet. Wanting to make sure everyone felt included, she brought her entire bridal party to her initial appointment at a big box store. What she expected would be a magical day turned into a huge disappointment which left her full of confusion.

Her group was trying to be helpful of course and she didn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings so she continued trying on gowns pulled and suggested for her that she knew she would never consider for her special day with Jim.  Carly tried to ask her stylist for help in what would look best, but the consultant was working with multiple brides and could not focus on her. She continued trying on dresses that others liked, waited for mirror space and the consultant’s attention.  Feeling overwhelmed, Carly decided that if she were to find the gown of her dreams – the gown she wanted Jim to see her in as his bride – she needed to rethink her appointment parameters.

An Appointment With Intention and Focus

For her appointment with me at Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo, she chose to limit her audience to her amazing mother, Petrina. During our quiet, intimate appointment, we were able to target what Carly truly wanted in her dress.

We discussed her wedding venue, theme, color pallet, and the overall aesthetic of the day. We narrowed down the most flattering silhouettes to compliment her figure. After we accomplished this, we were able to narrow down her choices further. Could she dance in it? Would she be comfortable in the gown for her long day? What dress color would compliment her skin tone best and photograph well? Would she need foundation garments or special alterations to customize the dress to her specifically? Could we make custom changes to make it absolutely perfect for her? These are all critical topics that needed to be addressed with intention and focus, with every bride.

At the end of our 90 minutes together, Carly was able, confident, and delighted to say “YES” to her dress… and enjoy a champagne toast and shed a few very happy tears!  For a stylist, sharing this moment is incredibly special.

A Better Way – The “Reveal”

You may find as a bride that you are sometimes put in a precarious position of having to meet other peoples’ expectations even though it is your special day. Some brides feel obliged to acquiesce to others on dress choice, but placating other people does not always translate to your satisfaction or happiness.

Of course you want everyone to have a special part in seeing you transition from daughter, sister, cousin or friend to bride. This can be accomplished with minimal effort and will satisfy everyone’s desire to have a part in your big day.

After you have said “YES” to your dress and the gown arrives from the designer, we will schedule you for your Bridal Gown Try-On Appointment. This is a very special appointment at Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo because you are trying on your dress. We refer to this appointment as The Reveal!

During your Reveal appointment we encourage you to bring in your bridal group!  You can finally share with everyone your dream dress and your vision for your big day. It is a wonderful way for your nearest and dearest friends and family to participate in choosing the finishing touches to complete your wedding day ensemble. It is at this appointment where you may find that incredibly special “something old” or “something borrowed”! Everyone gets to participate in your final touches, take pictures, and see you transition to a bride in YOUR dress, that you chose, and your party will see it is the perfect dress for you!

How Many Should I Try On?

Are you indecisive? The more you try the harder it will be.  Are you shopping too early? You may wish you had waited for the newest inventory.  When you find a dress you love, that checks all the boxes, say yes with confidence.

“Oh, but you can’t say yes yet!”

Why? If you found a dress you love that checks all the boxes, everyone loves it, and one person says, “You can’t say yes yet, you need to sleep on it.”  Why would that one person tell you not to say yes and put doubt in your mind?  Because he or she doesn’t like it?  Because you aren’t capable of making the right decision, after you and your stylist found the exact dress you described?

Now you leave, confused and disappointed, thinking you must not know what you’re doing (why didn’t she like it, I loved it) or you must have looked bad (she thinks I’m in the wrong style). Our stylists would never pull dresses that don’t flatter you. Bring a smaller group of those whose opinions you trust, trust your stylist, and ultimately, trust yourself!

The Moral

You know when you know. You will have that moment, you will get chills, you just might start to cry. Your smaller group of loved ones will support you completely. When you know, say YES! Once you do, all of your other details will fall perfectly into place and your vision will become clearer.  Now it’s time to move onto a bridesmaid appointment and there you can kick back and enjoy being a bride-to-be!

Make your appointment with Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo online.  Our family-owned Warrington PA bridal & tuxedo shop will take personal care of you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Darianna Brides

Real Bride: Kristen Frustaci-Burke

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The only thing better than saying yes to your dress is saying I do, and then being featured as a Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo Real Bride!

Real Bride Kristen and her husband Ryan were married in January at a breathtaking beach ceremony in Punta Cana.  Read their love story below

The Meeting

Ryan and I met in class at Temple in August 2011. We started as project partners and friends but that quickly turned into dating. His story though (which is much better) is that he saw me walking through campus one day, looking pretty sad and he decided he just had to make me smile. He says once he did, he knew he was going to marry me 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Proposal

April 21st 2016 – I, along with everyone else, had been waiting for this day but I had no idea when or where to expect it. I came home from work one night and our dog ran up to me dressed in a tuxedo. Ryan followed quickly behind and started talking. I was so confused as to why the dog was wearing a tuxedo, it took me a few minutes before I realized that Ryan was proposing and that the dog had a ring tied to his tux!  Once I did, I immediately said yes (and then noticed the 2 dozen roses and champagne)! We went to celebrate with my parents that night and continued all weekend. It could not have been more perfect.

The Dress

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My mom and I started shopping for my dress pretty early. We had a year and half before the wedding but we wanted to get started! I was pretty sure of the type of silhouette I wanted, but was open to trying on everything! I just wanted to find something that was appropriate for a beach wedding.

My second dress appointment was at Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo and I think the Sincerity dress was the 15th gown I had tried on. I just fell in love! It was different than anything I had ever seen, super comfortable and of course my mom cried! We left that day planning to schedule another appointment and bring my friends to see but when I called, I was told the sample dress had been sold and the designer might stop making it. I cried, called my mom and we bought it over the phone! A couple weeks later, it was in and I was able to say yes to the most perfect dress with my mom and friends there to celebrate.

The Venue

We got married at the Majestic Colonial in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. We had vacationed there the year before and thought it was amazing. We had watched weddings on the beach and had a great time. We knew the setting was perfect for us and that our families and friends would love it too.

Planning

The guys reppin’ the future Super Bowl Champions before the wedding

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our wedding was  easy to plan. We are both laid back and knew we wanted a destination wedding.  We decided February 3rd would be perfect and didn’t think anyone would mind leaving the cold for a few days.

Little did I know, the Eagles would be in the Super Bowl the day after our wedding!

Our bridal party was small – my two best friends Amanda and Jess were my MOH and bridesmaid. Ryan’s best friend Larry and my brother Matt were his best man and groomsman. We wanted our color scheme to be “beachy” and the only requirement was that it match the orange Tiger Lilies I wanted in my bouquet. The girls wore light blue and the boys were in tan suits. Honestly, the resort took care of so much it was simple to make decisions! It ended up being absolutely beautiful.

Pre-Wedding Parties

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My aunt and cousin hosted my bridal shower on a Friday night at Cedar Brook Country Club. It was beautiful and we had a lot of fun, it was a great girls night! My amazing MOH and friends planned a bachelorette party in OCMD – exactly what I wanted. As I asked everyone to travel for my wedding, I didn’t want anything over the top for my bachelorette party. We hung out at the beach, played games, listened to music and relaxed. It was wonderful and I am so grateful to have friends that know me so well and put so much effort into making it perfect.

The Day Of

 

 

The whole day, start to finish, was incredible. I spent the day with my mom and bridesmaids, getting our hair and make up done and anxiously awaiting the 5 o’clock ceremony. Ryan was with the guys in another room getting ready and we did not see each other until I walked down the aisle.

My something old was the perfume I wore, Chanel, that belonged to my grandmother. All of my cousins wore it on their wedding day so I carried on the very special tradition.

I borrowed my mom’s topaz ring which my dad had given her years ago, I honestly didn’t think about it until right before we left but it worked out perfectly.

I think my favorite part of the day was walking down the aisle. It was a gorgeous day and while we were waiting to walk, the music started playing for the bridal party. The speakers blasted Kenny Chesney’s “Anything but mine”, it was so unexpected and the tears started flowing! My dad and I walked down the aisle to the Beatles “Here, There and Everywhere” steel drum version (like Phoebe in friends!) Absolutely perfect for the beach!

The Ceremony & Reception

Kristen, Ryan, and all their guests

 

 

We could not have asked for a better day. The sun was shining and there was a nice ocean breeze, we even ended up with a double rainbow over the water – absolutely perfect.
My cousin was our officiant, which meant a lot to us. The ceremony was short and sweet. The photographer took incredible pictures of us all on the beach and then we headed to the outdoor reception.We had a great dinner and spent the whole night dancing. Ryan and I danced to “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by UB40, which has been our song for a long time and very important to us – also perfect for our beach setting!

My dad’s good friend surprised us all when she jumped up on a chair and started rapping “Rappers Delight”, it was hysterical! And as I said, the Super Bowl was the next day so there was a lot of E-A-G-L-E-S chanting! From the gorgeous flowers to the late night reception karaoke, the whole day was incredible and we could not be happier. A major bonus – the party continued into Sunday and we got to celebrate the Eagles victory! We are so grateful to all of our friends and family for celebrating with us and would love nothing more than to do it again!

Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo is a multi award-winning bridal & tuxedo store located in Warrington, Bucks County, PA.  Call or go online to make an appointment with us!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Darianna Brides, Destination Wedding

A Disney Fairy Tale Wedding

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Your Happiest Day on Earth At the Happiest Place on Earth

Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons

I cannot think of a better team to emulate than the Wedding Consultants at Walt Disney World.

“At Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons we have couples who come to us from around the globe because they know that we are committed to delivering the wedding of their dreams.”

That statement made by the Disney Wedding Consultant we met with last week at Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons in Lake Buena Vista, Florida really resonated with us because of how committed we are at Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo on delivering great service.

It was a real privilege to meet with one of their Wedding Consultants, part of a group that plans and manages over one thousand weddings every year.

We were given two hours of time answering questions, touring the incredibly beautiful Wedding Pavilion.  We learned how having your wedding with them is not only a great choice, but easy to plan. Like everything else in Disney, it is all about the guest experience and no details are left to chance.

Upon entering “Franck’s Bridal Studio” next to Disney’s Wedding Pavilion, that Disney enchanting feeling was everywhere with bright sunlight shining through beautiful stained glass windows, towering cakes with sparkling toppers, bright and elaborate flower arrangements, gorgeous photo albums, and smiling faces.

It is here that guests come to do a face-to-face planning session and although we weren’t there to plan a wedding, already they exceeded expectations I didn’t even realize I had.  I can only imagine how a bride feels walking in those doors.  Princess-like comes to mind…

We were delighted by the friendliness and excitement of the consultants, and amazed at Disney’s Wedding Pavilion itself.  It offers a lovely bridal suite and separate comfortable groomsmen room, perfect for spending a few minutes calming those bridal nerves, but when those doors opened – just WOW.

It was referred to as the “crown jewel” and it surely was.  A long and mesmerizing aisle leads to a wall of windows overlooking the lake to a direct view of Cinderella’s Castle. It truly was the stuff of little girls’ dreams come true with a happily ever after.

It was suggested to begin your planning on their website.  It allows for basic planning on the numerous options they have, from simple vow renewals to full-on galas.

For example, plan an intimate ceremony for two guests, or invite 200 to the Contemporary Ballroom, or gather 1,000 of your family and closest friends at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resort.  Theme parks are available as well for an even more personalized and memorable day.

Once you have an idea of particulars, you will be contacted to dig into the planning and that’s where these professionals jump right into action, helping you put together your perfectly magical wedding!

Want to get married on the deep blue sea? They have a group who will help you plan your event on the Disney Cruise Line!  California dreaming? They will take care of arranging the details at the Disneyland Resort in California. It’s Disney. It’s what they do.

It is suggested to begin your planning approximately 16 months prior to your preferred wedding date with a selection of your top three times and locations.  Remember, they do over a thousand weddings every year… booking early is definitely recommended to get your top choice.

Our couple, Vicki and Steve, are planning their April wedding through Disney Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons.  We asked for their experience so far and in Vicki’s own words:

“Certain details of our wedding were absolutely a no-brainer, such as Disney’s Wedding Pavilion and Cinderella’s Carriage, and we ultimately chose the Grand Floridian Ballroom for our reception for roughly 75 guests. We visited Franck’s Bridal Studio for our tasting. This was so much fun and our planner made sure everything was perfect. If we could make this decision again, we would have decided on a Disney Wedding much quicker instead of spending hours touring local venues. I can honestly say that a Disney Wedding is 100% easy to plan because the Wedding Consultants take care of everything imaginable.  I have yet to stress about any aspect of our wedding!”  Here are Vicki and Steve in front of Franck’s Bridal Studio in December, 2016 for their tasting!

Also, our own beautiful and super-fun bride Amanda Rainear and her handsome groom Jamie were just married at Walt Disney World on December 2nd.  About her wedding in Disney, Amanda said:

“There is no wedding venue anywhere in the world that compares to Walt Disney World.  Honestly, there isn’t even a comparison to make. Disney World really is the most magical place on earth.  They have blended their guest-focused culture with the hyper-emotional nature of weddings and the experience is second to none. On my wedding day, I truly felt like a princess in my dress from Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo and I even had a few children ask if I was a Disney character!  As a lifelong Disney fan, there is nothing that will ever top that.”

With so many perfect places for photos, one of their favorites was Disney’s Boardwalk.

We wish to thank the professionals from Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons for their time and hospitality. We will always remember our visit, along with being “committed to the wedding of your dreams.”  When you go, you will feel the magic!

When you come to Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo, you will feel our magic, too!

Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo is an award-winning bridal and tuxedo store in Warrington, PA, catering to brides and grooms in Bucks County, Montgomery County, and Philadelphia.  www.DariannaBridal.com

 

Darianna Brides, Guest Blogger

Featured Blogger: Kathleen Smith, Consultant at Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo

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Part 2: I Said YES To My Dream Dress

Philadelphia wedding dress sketchesWedding dress shopping.  When a bride hears this, it may evoke any number of emotions. For the most part this will be excitement and joy, yet, for some the process overwhelms.  As a bride-to-be working for Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo I have now been on both sides of the experience.  I love being able to relate to our brides so closely!

I am a year out from my wedding and yes, I already have my dress!

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Darianna Brides, Guest Blogger, wedding dresses, wedding planning

Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo’s Real Bride: Heather Wilkinson-Slobodinsky

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Heather in Enzoani’s “Jenny” and Mark wearing Ike Behar
Heather in Enzoani’s “Jenny” and Mark wearing Ike Behar

The Meeting:

Mark and I met in January 2013 in physical therapy school at Temple when both of our classes were at a conference in San Diego and have been together since then.

The Proposal:

August 8th, 2015 in LBI. I absolutely thought he was going to propose the night before since we were going to have dinner at our favorite restaurant in Philadelphia and was pretty bummed when I was wrong!  But little did I know, both of our families were totally in on the surprise for the proposal to happen in LBI where Mark’s parents own a beach house. My parents and sister had planned to come down to LBI for the weekend and my mom suggested that we take “family photos by the beach” before dinner. This was actually the ploy to get everyone to the beach for Mark to pop the question.

Continue reading "Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo’s Real Bride: Heather Wilkinson-Slobodinsky" →