Brides Going Under the Knife

12/17/2012

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On Friday, we met Katie Adams, a bride who has just gotten a lip enhancement in preparation for her wedding, and watching the episode inspired me to write about plastic surgery this week—since it's quite common here in Beverly Hills.

I think plastic surgery—done correctly and conservatively—can increase a person's self esteem. Therefore, if a bride feels she needs plastic surgery, why not perform it prior to the wedding? Most brides will diet, have trial hair and makeup sessions, shop for honeymoon bikinis, and so on, so a procedure can certainly be included in their "must-do" lists if they feel they need it!

But before making a decision, here is some advice for brides considering having some work done: consider whether it be purely aesthetic or correctional. For example, many women have one breast significantly larger than the other, so as an introduction to her "Mrs. status", she may want to have this procedure done prior to the wedding. After all, our priorities shift greatly once that ceremony has taken place.  Even if two people live with one another many years, marriage
changes things. So, get these things out of the way before the big day. Another popular procedure is eyebrow tattooing. If a bride wants that done, I suggest doing it long before the ceremony.

Something brides should keep in mind is the potential impact plastic surgery can have on their wedding plans. Plastic surgery that changes the physical shape, be it breast augmentation, liposuction, etc, can affect the gown you have chosen and purchased, as well as take some time to heal from. Therefore, timing is critical. If there is not sufficient time to heal prior to the big day, not only may you physically feel discomfort, but the swelling may not have gone down and you still shall look swollen and strange to many (as well as to yourself!).

Also keep in mind that, if a procedure is not done by a doctor that specializes in that particular area, the results may be rather dismal. So, make sure the doctor is highly recommended for what you plan to have done

As for me, in Season 1, Kevin pushed me to have a face-lift. In Season 2, Kevin urged
me to have liposuction. Let's see how it all pans out in Season 3! The best is yet to come!

The Dogs of Beverly Hills

12/10/2012

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Last week, you might have noticed that I had a very furry guest in my salon, accompanying bride-to-be Dana Hamm. As you might have already guessed from previous episodes, I am not exactly what you'd call "a dog person." In fact, I have a special name for dogs —farshtinkenuh hunts—which means "stinky dogs" in German! I don't like them one bit!

However, when you have a store in Beverly Hills, it's nearly impossible to avoid the farshtinkenuhs. In fact, in many stores in Beverly Hills, the only way to tell the staff from the customer is if the customer has a dog with them because everyone seems to always wear black!

When people do bring their farshtinkenuh hunts into the salon, I typically ask them to leave them by the door—which oftentimes does not go over well. I have actually had customers storm out of the salon when we have told them "no dogs allowed." One time someone stormed out yelling, "You have no idea how much business you just lost!"

But, what people don't realize when they bring in their farshtinkenuh hunts in is how troublesome, and stressful, it can be for my staff and me. First of all, it's inconsiderate of others who may have allergies (like me) or have a fear of animals. But, more than anything, it's hazardous for the merchandise. The bottom line is, the animals leave dander behind; which is unsanitary and inconsiderate of the expensive gowns we have. There's nothing more unromantic than trying on a bridal gown that smells like someone's dog, am I right?

But, tiny little farshtinkenuh hunts are accessories in Beverly Hills, no doubt about that. Rarely do women have big slobbery FHs, they usually have those tiny ones like you see on the show. Who knows why so many women insist on carrying these little things—maybe it's a maternal thing? After all, a teeny farshtinkenuh hunt never grows up and is always loyal, right?

Don't Judge a Bride By Her Tattoos

12/03/2012

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On Friday's episode, we met Christine and Damien, who are not the typical couple we see in our salon. They were both literally covered in tattoos! As I say in the episode, I would never expect a couple like this to walk into a traditional bridal salon—after all, he even had tattoos on his face and teeth!
 
Meeting them was such an experience. At first, it was very hard to see past the tattoos and really try to understand them as a couple (those who have seen the episode will know what I'm talking about!). In general, it can be very difficult to abandon those preconceived notions we have when we first meet people. Christine and Damien couldn't have exemplified this idea more.
 
But, after talking to them, I completely understood their passion for tattoos—and why they're so perfect for each other. Damien is in punk band and is a tattoo artist—he draws phenomenally. Christine poses for vintage pin-up magazines — thus the purple hair—as well as hosts tattoo conventions and pinup contests. Quite the power couple, if I do say so myself!
 
For me, meeting them re-enforced the idea that outer appearances are always (if unfairly) judged. I was refreshed by this couple in so many ways. First, they were so sweet to each other: Their love was so clear and so deep. I could just see how crazy they were about each other throughout the entire appointment. Also, they shocked stylist Jessica when they said that they both had clear ideas about what kind of dresses they liked. Christine even admitted that they watch bridal shows together, which was just so unexpected! And, it was also so surprising, and so cute, that Damien was more ready to spend the money for a dress than Christine was!  This man is sensitive and wants his bride happy. That's the kind of man you marry!
 
We all know that love is so much more than skin deep but this couple showed me once again just how deceiving appearances really can be. After all, brides come in all shapes, sizes, colors—even genders! Through Christine and Damien, I learned that just because a gal is a tattoo aficionado, it doesn’t mean that she's any less traditional than the stereotypical bride who comes into my salon. In fact, my experience with this couple actually may break the notion that I have stereotypical brides!

When A Bride Has Divorced Parents

11/29/2012

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Last week, we met Ilnaz, a bride who brought her divorced parents and her sister with her to the salon for her gown appointment. Her parents have been divorced since she was 12 and to say the least, they do not get along very well.

During the wedding planning process, I think children of divorce get the raw end of the deal. They didn't ask for their parents to split up and their natural instinct is to love both of them. Therefore, adding even more pressure to an already new phase of life – marriage – can be strenuous for all involved. In Ilnaz’ case, neither her mother nor her father could put their own feelings aside. In fact, they spat remarks at each other over the course of the entire appointment. I was in awe of Ilnaz and her sisters – they were extremely strong and seemed be able to handle it!

Of course, not all divorced couples conduct themselves like Ilnaz’ parents did. And, even if parents are no longer married, they can still come together to help plan their daughter’s special day. (Where there is a will, there is a way, after all!) The problem is that even when it comes to planning a happy occasion like a wedding, it can be very difficult to take feelings and treat them like inanimate objects – it isn’t easy to just put them in a drawer or lock them away for a period of time. 

I find that separating most of the planning into categories of strength, skill or funding is a good way to draw the lines in the sand. Make decisions regarding who does what with whom and stick to it. Maybe Mom goes dress shopping with a budget agreed upon in advance and splits the cost with Dad. Then, maybe Dad goes back to see the final choice during a fitting. Brides can work out a system with their parents for every aspect of the wedding, not just the dress: Dad pays for the music, but Mom is invited as a courtesy to hear, or Mom comes along to pick out flowers and décor, while Dad signs off on what you choose.

In short, if either parent has a preference when it comes to some of the items, then that parent should take on those tasks. If parents can come together and tolerate each other, then they can unite on some fronts. Either way, the person paying for the specific item(s) should be courteously involved.

When it comes to the actual wedding, I suggest that brides give each parent individual honors and involvement -- go over the plans for each wedding-related event and pick out opportunities to make these events special. Perhaps you can make a toast to Dad during the rehearsal dinner, and thank Mom at the bridal shower. And take the time to create individual special memories: Have a mom/daughter, father/son vice versa lunch or, if the wedding is out of town, perhaps a golf day with Dad and a spa day with Mom.

Above all, once a decision has been made between a bride’s parents to behave themselves in a fashion conducive to the best interests of their beloved child, it’s important that they stick to it -- no matter how difficult that may be.

Working with a Male Bride

11/19/2012

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Last Friday, we met Chester -- the first man to ever try on wedding gowns in my salon!
 
When Chester walked -- well, more like waltzed -- into the store, he presented himself like a woman, although he is clearly a man. He really intrigued me because I wanted to truly understand how he identified. He is male through and through, but he’s also utterly feminine.
 
All of us struggle in one way or another with our identity, but Chester has enormous strength stemming from overcoming bullying and identity crises as a child. I appreciated him being open about his gender identity and the fact that he believes the third gender is who he really is: independent. He’s not confused; he’s confident. This attitude exuded light and drew me to his heart. I felt privileged to be able to help him express himself.
 
While women slip into gowns to ultimately find their style and make a purchase, the fantasy of trying on the gowns was fulfillment in and of itself for Chester. (He had worn his sister's clothing so often as a child that feminine clothing strongly appeals to him.)  Making a choice that day was unlikely because he seemed like he could go on for days just trying on the gowns! Ball gowns made him feel like Cinderella, while sheath gowns turned him into a diva. He loved them all, which I found incredible because some women never like anything they try on!
 
That said, there were some challenges with the fit of the gowns. Physically, men have much broader shoulders and narrower waists, but women's apparel is designed to have a curve. Therefore, when Chester was trying on dresses, the front of the gowns were large, the backs didn't close, and the waistlines in some cases were too small.  If he, or any man for that matter, really wants to wear a gown on his wedding day, I would suggest having one designed. Men should work with an atelier that will devote the time to understand their visions, sketch the options, cut a muslin, and produce the garment.

The experience of meeting Chester was so special in many different ways. On a personal level, he reaffirmed my belief that sexuality is on a sliding scale. Identity is imposed by culture; therefore, it’s often misunderstood in the individual sense. We all have the right to express ourselves, and if it works for you and doesn't cause harm to anyone (or yourself), then be all you can be...this is your one life to live!

Bouncing from Bride to Bride

11/05/2012

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This season’s second episode features three clients who couldn’t have been more different from one another. My staff and I worked with spunky Italian socialite Sabrina Parisi, who was a total blast – it’s not often that you meet a bride who needs to find a gown that she can both ride a camel and kite-surf in! She was incredibly funny. It was actually a bit difficult to focus while we were filming because we were laughing for several hours.

In addition to Sabrina, we also helped a very sweet young woman who was finally getting the wedding of her dreams, and a sassy mother of the bride looking for a dress of her own. (As you saw, this self-described “cougar empress” taught me how to do a dance called the wobble-wobble. That was a first for me!)

Fans and viewers of the show often tell me that they notice such variety within the clientele my staff and I serve, and these three women exemplified the fact that we really do see a range of brides, day in and day out. So, I thought I would share how we’re able to switch gears to accommodate each individual bride’s needs, the way we did in this episode.

My staff and I routinely meet an entire spectrum of brides. There are those who have dreamed of bridal since they were little girls, and women who are totally averse to tradition. There are those who breathe sex appeal and want to expose it all, and women who are quite modest (or religious) and therefore have restricted wardrobe parameters. There are happy brides, angry brides, weight- conscious brides, daddy's little girls, aspiring actresses, heiresses – you name it. We sometimes feel like we travel around the world every day, yet we never have to leave the salon!

The greatest challenge for us isn’t simply bouncing from bride to bride, each with her own wants and tastes, but going from energy to energy. When you go from one woman who is wildly enthusiastic – and looks at the experience as a wonderful adventure – to a bride who approaches the process as a chore, it can be very difficult to inspire when inspiration isn't part of the person's overall persona.

But these challenges are few and far between. What allows us to cater to brides of every kind is remembering that, at their core, these women have one special thing in common: They are all embarking on an unknown journey, and they need professional expertise to guide them and give life to their visions. We enjoy the creative process of filling in the gaps of what a bride says she likes but cannot quite articulate. And we have to be resourceful so our clients can truly relax and enjoy the process, knowing that we will be diligent in helping them find their perfect gowns.

Even though every bride has the same end goal, it’s up to me, as the leader of my team, to pair each one with the right stylist. I must be able to size up a client in a brief moment, which is an instinct I’ve developed over time. I can usually tell from a bride's stance and gait, her communication skills and even her choice of venue who is the best person to help her and which gowns to pull. (In the event the chemistry just isn't there, we initiate a "T.O." – retail code for "takeover” – to save the situation and satisfy the client.)

But no matter who the bride is and what her circumstances may be, we simply want to create a joyous, if limited, experience for each client we meet. The most rewarding aspect of seeing so many different brides is watching them leave with the gowns of their dreams – or, at the very least, with smiles on their faces after having a blast in the salon.

Sabrina Parisi models a gown for her entourage. (Credit: DCL)

New Beginnings

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This season kicks off with me closing my store on Wilshire Boulevard, which I was in for more than 20 years, for the very last time. Since this was such a significant moment for me, I wanted to take you behind the scenes to share what this experience really meant to me – and to give you the inside scoop on the new space!

The feeling of leaving my store, which you saw in the episode, was bittersweet. On one hand, no longer owning the building felt like a loss; on the other, I felt like my fresh inspiration was sort of zapped and it was time to go. Still, the familiarity was comfortable, and I was sad to leave. After all, I raised my four children in that building!

That building also taught me how to take on a challenge and emerge yet stronger. My very first salon, which I was in for about 10 years, had windows half a block long. These displays were my business card: In bridal, all you need is a mannequin with a wedding gown in a window and you can start selling almost immediately. The location on Wilshire, however, had no windows at all. Without displays, I had to rely on the brand I’d built up and reach out to all of my past clientele to help spread the word that I’d moved and was open for business – not to mention call every catering manager, hotel concierge and party planner in the city to share the news!

I also invested in a 10' x 6' brass sign of my signature to place on the front of the building and worked harder than ever to get brides through the door. This effort paid off tremendously. My business relationships grew, and my brand became firmly established. All because I took what could have been an enormous detriment – no windows on the front of a building – and turned it into a positive.

While working from my Wilshire salon taught me so much, I had to come to terms with the fact that it was time for a change. One of the biggest issues was the fact that the structure and interior were pretty dated. The building (decked out with travertine marble and terrazzo floors) was classic ‘60s. Younger clientele, who are used to Beverly Hills businesses changing looks every couple years to stay modern, were not as familiar with what some may refer to as its "established" look. The landlord wanted me to shut down for six months in order to get the building updated and overhaul the entire plumbing and electrical systems -- to me, staying just didn’t make sense.

So, again, I had to turn a negative (having to move) into a positive (new opportunity). The unknown is always intimidating because, by nature, we tend to gravitate toward what is familiar to us. But I’ve learned that we need to reach down and trust that even if we are faced with challenges, the time is going to pass in spite of everything. 

After I found a new space on Melrose, I began the task of renovating it into my dream salon. Even though I'm a veteran retailer, the anticipation of the actual move and getting used to the new set-up was definitely a task.

The first issue was the square footage. The new space is actually a bit smaller (the Wilshire salon was 8,000 square feet broken up into offices and cubbyholes, while the new location 6,000 square feet). However, the configuration is more spacious. Therefore, the layout of inventory can be a bit more challenging.

Designing a brand-new space was thrilling. I wanted to create a place that’s both extremely comfortable and luxurious. My inspiration was, believe it or not, the Apple store. I love the clarity of the layout and accessibility of product. With my vision in mind, I designed one area to be like a hotel lobby or elegant living room (the “great room"), and another to reflect the interior of a gorgeous closet (the “boudoir”). There’s also a “grand salon” that’s painted in colors of kiwi and fog.

As I say in the first episode, I felt like a bride myself opening the new store for the first time. Brides have the giddy, butterflies-in-the-tummy sensation -- they know exactly what they are getting into, but their excitement doesn't diminish. 

While I’ll always remember the store I had on Wilshire, I love the new location and all the opportunity that has come with it. Everyone -- including the many tourists that come to meet me (the show is very popular in Europe) -- is overwhelmed with the salon, how gorgeous it is, and how magnificent the inventory is. I wanted people to feel right at home even in the grandeur and I feel we have achieved that, especially with the addition of a fantastic candy station that we’ll change every month for our clientele to enjoy.

This move was a big transition for me, but, as with many of the challenges we face in life, I found strength in reminding myself that every chance or opportunity is something we need to hold on to, embrace and look forward to. Because with that attitude, we can be sure that … the best is yet to come!

In the premiere episode of "Brides of Beverly Hills," Linda Hogan tried on gowns in the new store! (Credit: DCL)

Ruffles & Rhinestones

07/23/2012

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Today a bride told me, "I don't like rhinestones, lace or ruffles." I thought to myself, "But you're getting married!"

Here she was with her family and friends in my gorgeous bridal salon filled with spectacular merchandise. How could she resist all this magnificent fashion? Wanting to make her as happy as possible, I looked through the inventory and found several gowns that I hoped she would like and led her to the fitting room.

I helped her get into the first gown -- a classic. Strapless, silk faille with a bodice adorned with delicately hand-cut organza petals. A ribbon belt cinching the waistline with an unadorned full skirt billowing into the whoosh of a sweep train. Simple and elegant, just as she had described.

She looked at herself in the mirror, void of expression. I led the way into the main salon to show her entourage. Of course there were "oohs" and "ahhs." Standing before them was a beautiful young woman dressed in a stunning gown. But this bride wasn't happy.

While the family and friends (whom I affectionately refer to as the "judge and jury") gently encouraged her, she lifted her chin as if she hadn't heard a word, looked around the room, extended her arm, pointed and said, "I liked THAT one!"

And what do you think "that one" was? A sexy mermaid silhouette with Swarovski crystals heavily adorning the bodice and tulle ruffles making up the skirt and the train. Hadn't she heard herself say she wanted none of that?! The gown she was pointing to was exactly the opposite of what she'd asked for.

I have to tell you, this is not the first time I've seen this happen.

Many brides go shopping with an idea of what they like or envision themselves wearing on their wedding day. Media and advertising influence a bride to believe certain designs are stylish, even when they may conflict with her personal aesthetic or body type. However, in the case that a bride's aesthetic is on-trend, it may oppose family tradition, which encompasses religion and culture -- and even her childhood vision of herself as a bride.

This is why a well-seasoned stylist is a bride's best friend. The stylist should be able to guide the bride through the daunting process effectively, thus giving the bride the confidence to make a decision that's truly her own.

The support of loving family and friends, the expertise of the stylist, and the variety of styles from which to choose should result in a win-win with another deliriously happy bride radiant as she walks up the aisle. That certainly is the case in my bridal salon. Let me happily report that the bride I have described herein left today with a bottle of my custom-labeled champagne and the special order placed for her dream wedding gown!

The best is yet to come!
Renée

For more from Renée, visit her blog, Brides Made.

Images courtesy Renée Strauss. Gowns by Liancarlo Couture. Top: Bride's first gown. Bottom: Bride's gown of choice.

Lights, Camera, Action! Season 2 Now Filming

06/22/2012

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Wanted to give a quick update before I board my plane to Milan for the SposaItalia Bridal Fair.

Filming for season two of Brides of Beverly Hills is in high gear, and I have to confess one of the best aspects of filming is the hair and makeup. It’s such a pleasure to have professional stylists greet me in my home at the crack of dawn and take me from plain jane to glamour goddess in three hours.

When they arrive, I am showered and my hair is wet. The first thing they do is they start blow-drying my bangs. Then, they pull my bangs back and the eyes start. And the eyes take time! I am so surprised that with eyes as small as mine it takes so much time. Such a little lid, but it takes so much effort. Then, as she starts moving around my face, the hairdresser puts my hair in rollers, and I sit in rollers for 20 minutes while the makeup artist is finishing up. She shows me all the new products. I’m loving Dior foundation and Laura Mercier finishing powder and the latest eye shadow colors by Chanel for the eyes. And then I get the eyelashes! When I open my eyes, I am transformed! 

But there is no time to waste. It’s a mad dash to the salon where the crew is setting up, and we start preparing for the first bride of the day.

When the bride arrives at the store, we ask her questions we would ask any bride in terms of what she is looking for, what is her vision, what is her venue and what is her price point. She gives us information, and then we start looking through the inventory for the perfect dresses for her to try on on-camera.  Each bride will try on 3-4 dresses on camera.

What about trends for 2012-2013?

The sweetheart neckline will always be popular because it’s youthful and the décolleté is always attractive, although brides are beginning to ask for a spaghetti strap or some shoulder treatment. Beaded bodices, Swarovski crystals…bling bling is always in fashion in bridal. I’m predicting a more juliette silhouette with a small capped sleeve, empire bodice with a slim silhouette. (If you’ve got it, flaunt it!) I won’t be surprised if we see more of that, but for now we are seeing the tight fitting bodices and the big, billowy skirts. Tulle is the fabric most in demand right now. Interesting, because I can remember a time when we could not give tulle away!

Cathedral length trains (approximately 108 inches—but we have brides who have asked us to make it even longer!) are the most popular. And veils are coming back in, with brides requesting  veils that trail beyond the train.

Many of the brides that are coming in are asking for sparkle, sparkle, sparkle -- from the comb that attaches the veil to the hair, all the way to the end of the veil.

I’ll have more on trends when I arrive in Milan. Watch out for my Twitter feeds on all the newest fashions!

The best is yet to come!
Renée
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Image 1: Makeup at 5 a.m. with my gorgeous makeup artist Summer Chapin.
Image 2: Sweetheart neckline, tulle, sparkle and more sparkle greet brides into my salon!
Image 3: A cathedral veil by my good friend Homa.
All images courtesy Renée Strauss

January in June

06/06/2012

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It feels like January in June! What does that mean? Well, in bridal the busy season starts in January, so all the brides-to-be can purchase their gowns for spring, summer and fall weddings. But for me, it means something a little different: My new salon is buzzing with activity, and the excitement is in full swing. So it feels like January in June!
 
My public speaking program Renée Strauss LIVE! is also very busy. I recently spoke at Boston University’s Careers in Entertainment class and have to admit I learned a thing or two. So many NYU students studying PR attend these summer classes! I was lucky enough to hire a brilliant intern that attended the class that evening.
 
This Saturday, I will be overseeing a wedding I have been working on for just about a year. A family I have known for ages who own a highly successful beauty salon on Wilshire Blvd, directly across from the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, told me of their daughter's engagement. When we started chatting about the details, the mother requested that in addition to helping her daughter select her gown, would I be their wedding planner? Would I? I was honored and jumped right in. It has been a joy!
 
Both bride and groom recently graduated from medical school and are about to start their residency at the same hospital in Texas. The bride stressed to me that upon entering the ballroom the night of the wedding, they wanted to be introduced as Mr. and Mrs. (rather than Doctor and Doctor) as they shall never be introduced like that, ever! That was certainly easy to oblige, although I must admit it has never been asked of me before.
 
First things first: the bride. While I cannot reveal the specifics prior to the ceremony, this doctor is going to be gorgeous! After considering several options, the bride chose a sleeveless silhouette with Swarovski crystals encrusted on an English net yolk and at the natural self-belted waistline. Made of ivory silk satin duchese, the gown features a modified ballroom skirt billowing into a chapel length train. Her headpiece is a handmade silk flower enveloped in Russian birdcage veiling and a cascading fingertip veil. Her bridal bouquet will be pink roses, cymbidium orchids and orange blossoms. Her toes shall twinkle in Jimmy Choos.

Her seven bridesmaids will wear soft petal pink, tea-length dresses each with a different silhouette, accented with pink and ivory rose bouquets.
 
The obvious location choice for the ceremony and reception for the 120 guests was at the historic Beverly Wilshire Hotel. Located at the foot of Rodeo Drive, this Italian Renaissance-style gem is a Californian interpretation of Old World elegance. Any couple would feel like royalty in such a setting. 

Three distinct elements are planned. The ceremony and cocktails are to take place on the hotel terrace that overlooks Rodeo Drive. Following the cocktail hour, the guests will enter Le Petite Trianon for a traditional Vietnamese tea ceremony.  Then, on to Le Grand Trianon ballroom for dinner and the reception. The invitation designer painted a watercolor rendition of the hotel for the couple as a keepsake which I have included for my readers to see!

The bride is a graduate of Tulane University in New Orleans, and, as a result, loves a wide range of music and carnival/Mardi Gras-type parties. She and her fiancé wanted something different and fun, without excessive cost. We agreed to a pink, red and gold color theme, dressing the tables with gold tablecloths, gold-trimmed china and crystal, with pin dot lighting accenting the centerpieces. These will be glass cylinders filled with orchids and topped off with globes bursting with red roses.

Both bride and groom have a sweet tooth, so we will have a candy buffet that reflects our color story of pink, red, white and gold with silver accents. In another fun touch, a gobo of their new monogram will shine onto the dance floor. And, of course, a photo booth will be available for candid shots of the couple and their guests. Confetti was incorporated into the wedding programs so that it can be tossed during the recessional.

Music is such a dynamic force in this couple’s life, I recommended creating a CD of their 12 favorite songs as a party favor that could double as a seating card. They loved the idea and starting compiling songs immediately. With so many music styles to include, a DJ was the best solution for dancing. This would allow for the smoothest transition.
 
It will be a magical night. And for me, a very long day.
 
And then 24 hours later, I will start filming episodes 3 & 4 for Brides of Beverly Hills.

We will be shooting from June 10 -19 in the salon. In addition to that, I am slated to speak at the Association of Bridal Consultants on June 18. “Do you Have a Theme for Your Business?” is the focus of my presentation to approximately 120 wedding  professionals.
 
Then, it is off to Italy two days later! SposaItalia, the bridal fair I attend annually to see new bridal designs for 2013, is June 21!

The best is yet to come!
Renée
For more from Renée, visit her blog, Brides Made.

All photos courtesy Renée Strauss.