Spotlight on Bridal Designer Ines Di Santo

Posted on January 27, 2015 by bill@bridalexpochicago.com

Brides, you’re invited to a very special bridal event! Join us on Sun., Feb. 22nd at the Marriott Michigan Ave Chicago as we present an afternoon of all things luxury! We welcome celebrity designer Ines Di Santo as we present her newest couture bridal collection live on the runway! She’s dressed Carrie Underwood, Angela Bassett, Kesha, Serena Williams, Giuliana Rancic and so many more! For your four complimentary tickets, visit: www.BridalExpoTickets.com, and use the promo code, “FB-0127!” But hurry-this offer won’t last long! We can’t wait to celebrate your engagement and help to plan your dream wedding!

From LA to NYC and everywhere in the world, Ines Di Santo gowns capture the imagination of fashionistas everywhere!

Ines Di Santo’s gowns are so beautiful that even celebrities have chosen her designs to wear on their most important day. From the recent nuptials of Jenny McCarthy and Courtney Mazza to Nicole Polizzi (Snooki of Jersey Shore) and Niecy Nash, the stars are clamoring to wear her couture confections.

Courtney Mazza photographed by Kevin Weinstein.

Our upcoming luxury bridal event on Sunday, February 22nd at the Marriott Michigan Avenue in Chicago will be the perfect place to see Ines and her newest and most glamorous collection to date. We look forward to this event and hope to see you!

The Oscars 2014: Fashion Hits, Misses and What They SHOULD Have Worn

Posted on March 3, 2014 by Jim Verraros

I don’t think there was a person more excited then myself to watch the Academy Awards last night. I paced for hours around my house, dreaming of couture and what the stars would wear on the red carpet. By the end, though, I was left unfulfilled, disappointed and quite frankly underwhelmed in general.

Let’s start with my picks for Best Dressed:

Charlize Theron in Dior

Kate Hudson in Versace

Cate Blanchette in Armani

Camila Alves in Gabriella Cadena

Maria Menounos in Johanna Johnson

Fashion Misses: Lupita Nyong’o, Jennifer Lawrence, Amy Adams, Penelope Cruz, Julia Roberts.

Now, I love me some Lupita Nyong’o and she has been nothing short of perfection… until last night. The dress was a bore, the headband ridiculous and overall, the look ill-fitting.

What she wore: Prada.

What Lupita SHOULD’VE worn:

Elie Saab, Haute Couture, Spring 2014.

Yes, she’s worn red before, but if she really wanted that “princess” moment on the red carpet, this would’ve done it. She was nominated, she already had huge buzz around her for her immaculate portrayal in “12 Years A Slave,” and this gown would’ve been much more flattering on her, particularly in the bust area. People are going to put Lupita on their best dressed list simply because she’s a beautiful woman and incredible actress, but let’s face it: the gown was NOT spectacular.

Jennifer Lawrence. America’s Sweetheart wore, of course, Dior. This was predictable as she’s a spokesperson for the design house, but…of ALL the Dior Couture gowns they could’ve gone vintage, they could’ve MADE her something spectacular…but, no. She wore a red dress that gave me narcolepsy.

What she wore: Dior.

What Jennifer SHOULD’VE worn:

Christian Dior, Spring 2012 Couture.

Jennifer is 23 years old, gorgeous and has had her fair share of fashion hits and misses. Most of her choices have been beautiful but last night’s choice was just underwhelming. It was safe and not fashion forward in the least. This gown would’ve given her that opportunity to shine on the red carpet and would have given us FASHION. Excitement.

Amy Adams. Such an incredible talent and usually more of a risk-taker when it comes to red carpet looks. Her caped Valentino at this year’s Golden Globes, her Oscar de la Renta ball gown at last year’s Oscars…I could go on. Last night?

What she wore: Gucci.

It isn’t that it’s horrible or that it’s ill-fitting, it’s just that when you are AT THE OSCARS, as a Nominee for BEST ACTRESS, you choose something that speaks that. No? Am I wrong? Am I REACHING for the stars, here?

Okay, then. This wasn’t appropriate for last night, period and I don’t care that she “dressed for herself and not for anyone else.” It was TOO understated and she can do understated any other day of the year. It’s the OSCARS. GIVE. ME. SOME. FASHION.

What Amy SHOULD’VE worn:

Elie Saab, Haute Couture, Spring 2014.

You’re probably thinking I’m biased or that Elie Saab’s people are paying me to say kind things about their recent collection. I WISH. No, the collection is JUST THAT SPECTACULAR. This would’ve been so stunning on Amy that I would’ve literally jumped out of my seat, picked up my television and kissed it. But, no…she picked boring, un-inspiring and lackluster.

Perhaps one of the most stunning women in Hollywood, Penelope Cruz was another fashion MISS last night. Sure, she wasn’t nominated for anything, but she could’ve put some effort on her gown choice. Instead, she chose a pink bridesmaid dress. Don’t believe me?

What She Wore: Giambattista Valli Haute Couture (must’ve been an imposter version).

Yup. She chose THAT thing. It’s wrong. ALL wrong. Completely unflattering on her. Out of all the couture gowns in the world you could wear, this is your “go-to” dress for the Academy Awards? Ugh.

What Penelope SHOULD’VE worn:

Oscar De La Renta, Fall 2014 RTW.

Why? With her dark hair, these colors would’ve complimented her beautifully. The lace sheer panels in front and cascading layers in the back give it such a couture look. And- it’s Oscar. Enough said.

Oh, Julia Roberts. I love you. Always have, always will. But last night…your black lace gown I did NOT.

What She Wore: Givenchy.

Again, similar to Amy Adams, it isn’t that it’s completely disgusting…it’s just fine. She looks happy and the cut is flattering. It’s just not WOW. With Julia Roberts, I want her to BOWL. ME. OVER.

What Julia SHOULD’VE worn:

Jenny Packham, Fall 2014 Ready To Wear.

The slit in front is just enough and the details on the shoulders give it a couture feel that would’ve given her a bit more of a youthful feel. This would’ve glided down the red carpet and people would’ve been so taken with her in this gown.

Although these four weren’t spectacular, they were pretty. Therefore, I will say these are my “Honorable Mentions.”

Jenna Dewan-Tatum in Reem Acra

Sandra Bullock in Alexander McQueen

Bette Midler in Reem Acra

Angelina Jolie in Elie Saab

Jim Verraros for Bridal Expo Chicago Luxury

Red Carpet Predictions for The Oscars 2014

Posted on March 1, 2014 by Jim Verraros

It’s the day before the Oscars, and if you know me, you know that I’ll feverishly be on all of my social media outlets searching for photos to post on my Facebook page of every red carpet worthy look.

Short and sweet, here are my predictions, or rather, wishes to see on the red carpet for tomorrow’s Academy Awards.

Sandra Bullock, nominated for “Gravity,” in the Best Actress category has always had minimal hair and makeup and gowns that have been hits and some that have been misses. In the past, she’s worn Elie Saab, J. Mendel and Prabal Gurung but here’s what I’d like to see her in:

Armani Privé, Spring 2014 Couture.

Why? It’s dynamic. Glamorous. The detail is out-of-this-world gorgeous and truly exudes “Hollywood Royalty.” There’s a hint of romance and edginess which with a body like Sandra has, can knock this out of the park.

Cate Blanchette, nominated for “Blue Jasmine,” in the Best Actress category has also had her fair share of hits and misses (the bib dress from Givenchy, anyone?), however, she’s also had some massive hits like the stunning black lace Armani Privé gown she recently wore. What I’d love to see her in?

Valentino, Spring 2014 Couture. Why? Cate’s always been known to take fashion risks on the red carpet but also carries herself in a way most haven’t figured out how to do. Cate Blanchette is Hollywood Royalty, and this Valentino gown speaks just that.

Amy Adams, nominated for “American Hustle,” also in the Best Actress category has worn gowns from Antonio Berardi, Oscar de la Renta and Valentino. Never staying true to one particular style or silhouette, you’re always kept guessing as to what she’ll do.

Elie Saab, Spring 2014. This gown has EVERYTHING and when you’re a “Best Actress” Nominee, you need to look like one. One of my favorite prior looks was the gray Oscar De La Renta ball gown she wore in 2013 and looked like a dream in it. This Elie Saab gown has a bit more structure but also has a softness to it she carries so well.

Jennifer Lawrence, brand ambassador for Christian Dior, is nominated for Best Supporting Actress, in “American Hustle.” She’s always worn Dior on the red carpet, so I doubt she’ll stray from the design house; but will it be hot off the runway or vintage?

For Jennifer, I went back through the Dior archives to Spring 2012 Couture. It’s big, it’s over-the-top and it SCREAMS Oscars. Still youthful because Jennifer is only 23 years old, but ultra-glamorous. This is the ONE NIGHT all year long you can go all out.

And last but definitely not least and everyone’s favorite “Red Carpet Darling,” Lupita Nyong’o, nominated for Best Supporting Actress in “12 Years A Slave,” has been nothing short of flawless on the red carpet. Donning designers from Dior, Gucci and Ralph Lauren, all eyes are on this gorgeous woman right now. The question remains, who will she wear for tomorrow’s Oscars?

Johanna Johnson, Spring/Summer 2012-2013. I envisioned Lupita in something decadent, regal and more fitted to her body since it’s next to flawless. I can imagine her walking down the red carpet and sparkling like the star she’s shown everybody she is.

Tomorrow will be full of surprises and I for one, can’t wait.

Jim Verraros for Bridal Expo Chicago Luxury

Elie Saab Couture Spring 2014 Review

Posted on January 28, 2014 by Jim Verraros

I have been a huge fan of Elie Saab for quite some time and first saw a gown from his collection on the Red Carpet about 5 years ago. Every season seems better than the last. The decadent, rich beading and embroideries always have me thinking “royalty.” His newest collection ranged from beaded lace sheaths to full skirted ombre ball gowns, and once again, Elie Saab left us breathless as models walked down the runway.

The show opened with gowns in a soft blush color, all intricately detailed with pearls, lace and crystal which gave you a taste of the theme behind the entire show and what might come next.

Then, Elie transitioned us into a white evening collection; any of which could have easily been slightly tweaked into a modern and spectacular bridal gown. Sleeves, one-shouldered gowns, peplums and his signature skinny belts brought definition and life to each piece.

Next, gowns in a magnificent and vivid shade of red waltzed down the runway, exuding a kind of sophistication and polish Elie’s always been well known for. Many of the pieces had a two-toned effect with the use of red crystals and embellishments which harnessed the light in a most lovely way.

Transitioning from red to a citrine, these silhouettes were given the signature Elie treatment of embroidery, beading and floral details that were unexpected and playful.

The next color story was told in Hydrangea Blue and Lilac, this time using soft tulle and multiple layers of beading and hand-cut floral details in each gown that took us into a soft and dreamy state of evening looks. Then…

…I went into anaphylactic shock. Taking a departure from his still gorgeous monochromatic looks, we saw colors starting with black fading into an ombré pattern of blush, violet, lilac, blue and white. These gowns were utter perfection, and when the Oscars are presented this March, I fully expect SOMEONE (Sandra Bullock, are you listening?) to don one of these superbly craft gowns on the red carpet.

Continuing with his ombre´ scheme, we were given black fading into grey and then white. Any of these magnificent creations would make for a stellar awards show gown.

These ombre´ chiffon gowns literally floated down the runway. The photos truly don’t do these gowns the justice they deserve. (another anaphylactic shock moment for me)

Staying true to an Elie Saab tradition, he ended the runway show with a spectacular veiled bridal ball gown and was the perfect finish to an overall breathtaking collection. By far, Elie delivered one of his most sensational collections. It was perhaps, also one of his most “out-of-the-box,” presentations. In essence, this collection was one I was truly most looking forward to seeing and I was left unconscious by the end of it.

{All runway photos courtesy Yannnis Vlamos/Indigitalimages.com for Style.com}

If you’re dying to see these gowns in actual movement, I urge you to stop whatever it is you’re doing, lock yourself in a room and click here:

Jim Verraros for Bridal Expo Chicago Luxury

Changing Your Name – For Better Or Worse

Posted on February 21, 2013 by bill@bridalexpochicago.com

Taking your spouse’s last name can be as simple or as difficult as you want it to be. The most important thing is to have your facts in place and agree 100% on this before announcing it to family because (trust me) you will be questioned about it.

If you do decide to go a less traditional route (other than changing your last name to his last name) there are options.

How about a compromise? You could use your maiden name as your new middle name. In fact, many women of a certain social stature have used their mother’s maiden name for the children’s middle names for decades. Rose Fitzgerald gave her son John Kennedy her maiden name as his middle name. His daughter, Caroline has her mother’s maiden name, Bouvier, as her middle name and the media rarely (if ever) refers to her as Mrs. Schlossberg, even though that is exactly who she is. You can also consider changing your name legally and keeping your maiden name professionally.

Pros of changing your name:
-It is easier. Maybe not today or tomorrow but, when children become involved there are always complications. It is easier when you all have the same last name.

-Having the same name as your new family makes you feel more a part of things. You are already bonded with your family, use this as a stepping stone to bond with his.

– Your last name is complicated, un-friendly, hard to pronounce or you just don’t like it. Now is a good time to fix that.

One thing is for sure, this is a decision that needs to be made by the engaged couple and no one else. Who cares if Aunt Fanny doesn’t like it? It is your name, your life, your marraige, your choice. Once you (as a couple) have reached your decision, announce it to all and stick to it. If you are one of the 10% of women to choose to keep their maiden name, you may encounter some rough road but, stick to your guns. If you are one of the 90% who decide that change is okay, keep doodling.

Cons of name change:

– You have established yourself in the workplace and changing your name could likely become complicated and may make it difficult to re-establish your reputation. Harldy anyone will remember Elizabeth Warner but, she certainly made headlines as Elizabeth Taylor. There was never a need for her to go by any other name and you may agree.

– You may feel like you have lost your identity. You have had this name for your entire life and now you are not the same person, anymore.

– It goes against your personal principle that a woman is expected to change her name and a man is not.

Changing your last name is technically easy. Once you have the forms from the Social Security office you can get a new Social Security Card (the number is still the same) and then a new drivers license. After that, you are basically done. Take your new forms of identification with you to the bank and have your name changed on the account, call your credit card companies, and anyone with whom you have credit (mortgage, student loans, etc) and you are finished. If that is too complicated, you can buy a Name Change kit.

Getting used to a new name is a different story; you may have doodled your merged names a hundred times in your wedding planner, but having someone refer to you as “Mrs. Frulla” for the first time will stop you in your tracks. You may ask youself why you had to change your name and he didn’t. In reality, you didn’t.

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

Cancellation Crisis – When Vendors Let You Down

Posted on February 19, 2013 by bill@bridalexpochicago.com

Imagine for a moment that you have been looking forward to your first meeting with a particular florist, or baker, or wedding planner. You have done your research; called referrals, made sure they are accredited and have a good rating with the BBB. You make your appointment well in advance and then, suddenly, they cancel at the last minute. What do you do? Although I’m usually in favor of giving everyone the benefit of the doubt, there are cases when a cancellation might be a red flag.

If the vendor cancels because they have overbooked, you might have cause for concern. This could mean there is a time management problem.

However, if the vendor cancels because another event had a legitimate crisis that had to be handled immediately, this says the vendor is as concerned with keeping their existing clients happy as they are booking new clients.

If the vendor cancels because of weather, health or personal family issues, we can all understand… these things happen. Of course, if it happens more than once, this could be someone who has a lot of drama in their life and it could be time to take a closer look at whether or not you can handle their drama.

In essence, when a vendor cancels you need to use your best judgement to decide whether or not they deserve a second chance. If the reason is weak or there really is no reason, you should begin your search for another vendor to replace them … someone who is able to keep appointments. This is especially true for a bridal or wedding consultant. You are hiring them to manage your entire wedding and this is no easy task – there must be total faith and trust.

The last thing you need to be doing on the day of your event is chasing vendors or worrying if things will be done properly.

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

Choosing The Right Photographer

Posted on January 22, 2013 by bill@bridalexpochicago.com

Your wedding pictures are the most important thing you will have to remember your day. Choosing the right photographer is as important as having the right gown, or venue, or (dare I say) spouse! When making your selection, price shopping is the worst mistake you can make. There are many factors that go into the cost of your photography package; experience, skill, training, overall quality of the product and the overall style of pictures you want to express your wedding.

First, you should define the style of photos you prefer:

Photojournalism is a style of photography that captures the events of the day truly candid style. Very few, if any, of the shots are posed. This is by far the most popular style of photography according to market trends. There are some drawbacks involved – especially if your photographer is inexperienced in this field. Make sure the photographer has ample references and photos for you to check before you even consider wedding Photojournalism. In addition, without some of the posed shots you may wind up with a wedding album where quite a few people are missing.

Traditional Wedding photography is exactly what it sounds like. All of the shots are posed, there is very little creativity involved with various settings and events. There is usually a ‘shot list’ and every detail must be mapped out in advance; lighting, background, placement of flowers, etc.You will have an album that your parents will love: filled with photos of your entire bridal party, family and guests but, you might not have that one beautiful photo that is found so often in a candid moment.

Artistic Photography (also illustrative Photography) is a great mesh of the two other styles. Some candid shots, some posed. Many of the shots are ‘staged’ in various places to look candid – but, are in fact posed. The Artistic Photographer will not be cheap since you are paying for an artistic vision which requires more time and work than snapping photos.

Before booking your wedding photographer:

-Make sure the photographer you hire is the one who will be at your event.

-Do not accept a substitute unless you have seen examples of his/her work.

-Always remember to get everything in writing!

Bridal Expo Chicago is home to dozens of the finest photographers of all styles. For 4 complimentary tickets to a show in your area where you can see example of their finest work , log on to www.bridalshowexpo.com or call our office @ 847-428-3320 today!

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

Timothy Whaley photography

Carasco Photography

Angela Swan Photography

A Color For All Seasons – Chartreuse!

Posted on January 19, 2013 by bill@bridalexpochicago.com

Few colors can transcend seasons like Chartreuse. Bold, Bright, Chic, Lively and Elegant, this is one of the most overlooked and misunderstood wedding colors!

Chartreuse can freshen up any room and goes well with most interior decor. Bonus: It is a great color for a signature cocktail, even if your cocktail is simply Chartreuse.

Chartreuse and Teal make a bright, bold statement when paired together.

Chartreuse and Platinum make a sophisticated and more serene combination.

Chartreuse and Honeysuckle is light, whimsical and well suited for a summer wedding.

Chartreuse and Ivory is elegant and chic.

Chartreuse and Fuchsia is hot for spring.

Chartreuse and Plum make a luscious combination for a winter wedding.

Black and White with Chartreuse accents is the perfect choice for any season!

How do you feel about chartreuse?

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

Color Of The Day: Thoroughly Modern Mint!

Posted on January 3, 2013 by bill@bridalexpochicago.com

If you haven’t already selected the color for your wedding, consider Mint! Perfectly accented with gold or pink, mint green offers a refreshing alternative to bolder hues. By nature, green is a color of resurrection, abundance, hope, love and joy which makes perfect sense that any couple would want to use this color to begin their lives together.

Mouthwatering treats of mint hues to delight your guests.

Meaningful keepsakes for your guests to enjoy.

Modern accessories to accentuate your color choice!

Tantalizing tablescapes of mint and white will be sure to delight

Pastel bouquets of mint and peach

Ethereal gowns for your bridesmaids

Even this beautiful birdcage for collecting cards is more than modern in mint!

Don’t forget to let the men get in on the fun. Pastel ties are hot, hip and give your groom a youthful glow.

Whether your wedding is in a garden, or an upscale hotel; mint can transform nearly any space into an ethereal masterpiece of calm, cool and serene. You will hardly find a better choice than mint to begin your lives together.

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

2012 Celebrity Wedding Favorites

Posted on December 27, 2012 by bill@bridalexpochicago.com

This year was great for celebrity weddings; from big screen stars to television icons and everywhere in between, 2012 was the year of Hollywood Nuptials!

June

Alec Baldwin wed Hilaria Thomas in a low key ceremony at Old St. Patrick’s cathedral in Manhattan. Hilaria chose a simple, breathtaking gown by Amsale and the result was bliss!

Drew Barrymore wearing Chanel for her simple backyard ceremony to Will Kopelman . Not one of my favorite gown of the year.

August

Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millipied wed under a moonlit sky. Her Rodarte gown was simple and sweet, just like this A-list actress… but, a bit underwhelming.

September

Anne Hathaway wore a stunning Valentino Couture gown when she wed Adam Shulman. The headpiece, however, had mixed reviews.

October

Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel tied the knot in magnificent style! He serenaded her with a signature love song and she (obviously) knocked him off his feet in a stunning petal pink Giambattista Valli Haute Couture gown.

Of course, these are just a few of our favorite weddings from 2012, there are dozens more… not that we are counting!

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

Bridal Expo Chicago + Milwaukee

Luxury Bridal Expos & Couture Runway Shows

Category Archives: Ideas on how to save on your wedding day

Spotlight on Bridal Designer Ines Di Santo

The Oscars 2014: Fashion Hits, Misses and What They SHOULD Have Worn

Red Carpet Predictions for The Oscars 2014

Elie Saab Couture Spring 2014 Review

Changing Your Name – For Better Or Worse

Cancellation Crisis – When Vendors Let You Down

Choosing The Right Photographer

A Color For All Seasons – Chartreuse!

Color Of The Day: Thoroughly Modern Mint!

2012 Celebrity Wedding Favorites