Jupiter Jewelry Editorial on the Cover of Utterly Engaged Magazine | Merci Portfolio

Have you checked out the amazing new issue of Utterly Engaged Magazine ? It’s beyond beautiful, and packed to the brim with gorgeous wedding style, fashion and design inspiration. {And no, we’re not just saying that because editorial we produced for Jupiter Jewelry is gracing the cover… Although we’d be lying if we said we weren’t ecstatic over the honor}…
We just adore everything editor Lucia Dinh does in the pages of Utterly Engaged . The 18th issue, entitled “Sparkles and Crystals” focuses on the glamour of the new year, and the excitement of fresh beginnings…
Here’s a peek at some of our favorite spreads from the editorial Merci New York styled alongside Kat Harris of Mike Colon Photography … Of course, it’s just a sneak peek. You MUST visit the magazine for all the gorgeous goodness, wonderful features, and brilliant tips!
Jupiter Jewelry Editorial on the Cover of Utterly Engaged Magazine | Merci Portfolio Jupiter Jewelry Editorial on the Cover of Utterly Engaged Magazine | Merci Portfolio Jupiter Jewelry Editorial on the Cover of Utterly Engaged Magazine | Merci Portfolio Jupiter Jewelry Editorial on the Cover of Utterly Engaged Magazine | Merci Portfolio Magazine spreads courtesy of Utterly Engaged .
Photography by Kat Harris of
Mike Colon Photography .

Ten creative ways to say thank you

Ten creative ways to say thank you. Looking for ways to thank your guests? Here are 10 thank you ideas that say thank you with flair.

1. Stay Sharp- I love this idea. Need your guests to sign guest books, or fill out crosswords?... Thank them at the same time.
Ten creative ways to say thank you

2. Plank you! A 2 x 4 makes for a great DIY thank you sign. I like the handwritten touch. Ten creative ways to say thank you

3. Top of the Table- This sentiment is simply beautiful and anyone who sits down at the table to read it will feel the heartfelt thanks. I love that it decorates the napkin.

4. Say it with sand. This idea is perfect for a destination wedding. Ten creative ways to say thank you

5. Book Smarts- If you love books, this book inspired thank you is amazing. Ten creative ways to say thank you

6. Bring on the Banner. Thank you banners are awesome. I love this one because the colors of the sign are echoed in the vintage signs. Ten creative ways to say thank you

7. Wear if you dare- Why hold a sign when you can wear it? Have Thank you t-shirts made and grab your camera the result is pretty cute.

8. Box it up- These boxes make for a beautiful thank you.

9. Kiss and thank- Love it.  You can always add the thank you with software like photoshop.

10. Don't just say it FRAME it! I love this framed thank you, especially the DIY touch. Love frames? Check out how to add frames to your wedding .

Ten creative ways to say thank you

sources, 1. thank you pencils , 2. thank you 2 x 4 , 3. thank you card at table , 4. thank you in sand , 5. thank you with book , 6. thank you banner , 7. thank you shirt , 8. Thank you boxes , 9. thank you card , 10. thank you in frame .

We will probably do more than one of these... I heart number three and I love the framed thank you too! How did you thank your guests?

Jupiter Jewelry Campaign in Grace Ormonde Wedding Style Magazine | Merci Portfolio

As you probably noticed from last Friday’s “Behind the Scenes” post, Merci New York had a lot of fun producing and styling the advertorial and look book for our clients, Jupiter Jewelry .
Editorial production and styling is one of our most popular services at Merci. While we l.o.v.e. to privately style brides, working with brands to conceptualize and create an editorial campaign that epitomizes their identity is one of our MAJOR strong suites.
And we don’t just style, we tackle it all from soup to nuts… From pitching creative concepts, scouting locations, hiring a fabulous team of photographers, hair and make-up artist, floral designer, retouchers {and of course, our stylists}, we manage and produce it all so companies can sit back and enjoy watching a vision come to life.
Here’s the final advertorial piece from the Jupiter Jewelry campaign in Grace Ormonde Wedding Style Magazine , as well as some of our favorite selects…
Jupiter Jewelry Campaign in Grace Ormonde Wedding Style Magazine | Merci Portfolio Jupiter Jewelry Campaign in Grace Ormonde Wedding Style Magazine | Merci Portfolio Jupiter Jewelry Campaign in Grace Ormonde Wedding Style Magazine | Merci Portfolio Jupiter Jewelry Campaign in Grace Ormonde Wedding Style Magazine | Merci Portfolio Jupiter Jewelry Campaign in Grace Ormonde Wedding Style Magazine | Merci Portfolio As you can imagine, there were just SO many images to choose from, it was hard to land on just one. Luckily, the entire editorial look book has received a second life as the cover and featured editorial in the current issue of Utterly Engaged}. Of course, we were thrilled… and we’ll share more tomorrow. For now, we hope you’ll pick up a copy of Grace Ormonde Wedding Style Magazine to see the beautiful Jupiter Jewelry advertorial in all its glossy goodness!

xx,

Creative Direction/Production/Styling: Mercí New York
Photographer: Kat Harris, Mike Colon Photographers

Jewelry: Jupiter Jewelry

Model: Kira, Fenton Moon Models

Gowns: Gabriella Bridal Salon

Florals: AvaFlora

Hair: Maysoon, FaceTime Beauty Concierge Make-up: Sharon, FaceTime Beauty Concierge

All photos courtesy of Mike Colon Photographers .

Behind the Scenes of the Jupiter Jewelry Editorial Campaign | Merci Portfolio

One of my favorite things about having a styling company is that no two days are ever the same. On Monday I may be styling a private client. On Tuesday I may be propping a small event. And on Wednesday, I might be producing an editorial campaign for a designer – which is exactly what this post is all about.
At the tail-end of last year, Merci New York was commissioned to artistically direct and style an editorial campaign for one of our favorite clients, Jupiter Jewelry . The family-owned fine jewelry company had been in business for generations, but craved a fresh, chic and stylish look for their new editorial campaign. They had already purchased a one page ad piece opposite the masthead in Grace Ormonde Wedding Style Magazine , but they hired Merci New York to turn that blank page into something that spoke to the brand’s style and heritage. We hit the ground running.
Now, you can cheat. You can pull up your glossy new issue of Grace Ormonde and find our beautiful finished work. In fact, you can also look at the gorgeous new issue of Utterly Engaged as well… {The final editorial not only made the cover, but it was a beautiful multi-page story in the fashion well of the magazine}. But if you’re interested in the styling and production process – and I hope you are – I thought it would be fun to first show the behind the scenes of this beautiful shoot, expertly captured our photographer, Kat Harris of Mike Colon Photographers . Take a peek!
Behind the Scenes of the Jupiter Jewelry Editorial Campaign | Merci Portfolio Behind the Scenes of the Jupiter Jewelry Editorial Campaign | Merci Portfolio Behind the Scenes of the Jupiter Jewelry Editorial Campaign | Merci Portfolio Behind the Scenes of the Jupiter Jewelry Editorial Campaign | Merci Portfolio Behind the Scenes of the Jupiter Jewelry Editorial Campaign | Merci Portfolio Behind the Scenes of the Jupiter Jewelry Editorial Campaign | Merci Portfolio Behind the Scenes of the Jupiter Jewelry Editorial Campaign | Merci Portfolio A great editorial is much more than snapping a few beautiful photos. It’s the quest to create an image that is aesthetically pleasing, but striking, memorable and strong. It takes a talented team, a fabulous location, perfectly planned logistics, and many, many looks to nail just one final, glossy photo.
Merci New York wanted to show the “Old Meets New” appeal of Jupiter Jewelry , a family-owned company steeped in tradition, but also bursting at the seams with glamorous style. To nail this juxtaposition, we rented The Metropolitan Building , a Long Island City landmark location known for its gorgeous architecture, varied rooms and abundant props. We tackled over ten looks, from bridal to evening and everything in between…
Stay tuned for the grand reveal of the final photo {and some more very stylish eye candy}!
xx,

Creative Direction/Stylist: Mercí New York
Photographer: Kat Harris, Mike Colon Photographers

Jewelry: Jupiter Jewelry

Model: Kira, Fenton Moon Models

Gowns: Gabriella Bridal Salon

Florals: AvaFlora

Hair: Maysoon, FaceTime Beauty Concierge Make-up: Sharon, FaceTime Beauty Concierge

All photos courtesy of Mike Colon Photographers .

Merci New York Mentioned in Martha Stewart Weddings Winter Issue

This past fall, I was beyond honored when our friends at Martha Stewart Weddings showcased Merci New York as a featured expert in their Fall Fashion Issue. To be very honest, honored isn’t even the word. I was certifiably Over the Moon…
While I adore writing the blog each day, our fashion styling house is the ” business end” of Merci. It’s a place where my background in the fashion industry and my love for weddings collide and create wonderful things for brides and brands. It was so lovely to have our favorite fashion finds of the season highlighted in Martha Stewart Weddings, who – needless to say – is a MAJOR authority on all-things-weddings.
Given my gratitude for the Fall feature { here }, you can imagine how happy I was to contribute some tips and tricks for a great article titled “Savvy Spending Secrets” in MSW’s Winter Issue. I shared ways to save on wedding day fashion, but a slew of amazing professionals talked about venues, flowers, food and many other aspects of the big day. Here’s just a peek…
Merci New York Mentioned in Martha Stewart Weddings Winter Issue Merci New York Mentioned in Martha Stewart Weddings Winter Issue I hope you’ll pick up a copy of the new Martha Stewart Weddings and divulge in all the great tips from several amazing vendors and experts. It’s definitely a must-read article from an amazing issue, and it’s on newsstands now… Happy wedding planning!
xx,

The Wedding Party New York… And a Ticket Giveaway

There are so many wedding events in New York City, a bride can easily get overwhelmed. However, if there’s one show she should certainly add to her calendar it’s The Wedding Party .
Co-hosted by the lovely Claudia Hanlin of The Wedding Library and our friends at Martha Stewart Weddings , The Wedding Party brings the who’s-who of wedding fashion, style and substance under one roof for one day of uber-luxe wedding planning.
At the event, brides will rub shoulders with “Say Yes to the Dress” star Randy Fenoli, designer Amsale Aberra , Martha Stewart Weddings’ Darcy Miller , caterer to the Stars Peter Callahan , and design guru Matthew Robbins , just to name a few. It’s a must-see, ladies. And we’re excited to share that Merci New York will be on board in a much bigger way than ever before…
The Wedding Party New York… And a Ticket Giveaway Since I had such a pleasure covering the show in 2010 , and exhibiting in 2011 , I’m thrilled to announce that Merci New York will be the show’s Style Editor for 2012. I’ll be on site absorbing all the gorgeous goodness, chatting with vendors, meeting with brides… and most importantly, bringing it all back to you with extensive details on the hottest artists, vendors and designers in NYC bridal.
Here’s a little peek at what you’ll be sure to see when the doors of the Palace Hotel open on Sunday, January 29th {and believe me, you’ll want to snag your tickets now, or better yet, enter our exclusive giveaway below}…
The Wedding Party New York… And a Ticket Giveaway Beautiful decor a plenty. The above pink and black palette came courtesy of the event stylists at The Wedding Library at last year’s affair, and they’ll be back for 2012, along with Matthew Robbins Design and a slew of New York’s top creatives – a.k.a. just the folks you’ll want by your side to dream up a magical and gorgeous wedding.
The Wedding Party New York… And a Ticket Giveaway Entertainment that looks as good as it sounds. One of my favorite musical groups for weddings is the wonderfully romantic Carte Blanche of Elan Artists . Ah if I only knew of them for my own wedding… The vintage-styled group delivers a mix of classic American 20′s and 30′s jazz standards, French, and Latin American music that will be sure to swoon your guests through cocktails and beyond. Carte Blanche will perform at The Wedding Party as part of a wonderful Elan Artists’ band showcase. There will certainly be a musical group for everyone.
The Wedding Party New York… And a Ticket Giveaway Unsurpassed style and decadently-designed treats. I’m beyond excited to see Kleinfeld Bridal’s exclusive bridal runway show at The Wedding Party, not to mention their fashion displays, which are always beyond stunning. In addition to showcasing many of the hottest gowns of the season, Kleinfeld will also be raffling off a bridal gown worth $3,000 and a Kleinfeld Men suit or tuxedo valued at $2,000. Pretty sweet, no?
And speaking of sweet, leading cake designers such as Ron Ben-Israel and Sylvia Weinstock will be sharing their decadently designed custom cakes at The Wedding Party, as will Dawn from One Girl Cookies , who never fails to disappoint with a stunning display of sweets and treats perfect for dessert bars, favors and more.
The Wedding Party New York… And a Ticket Giveaway So, do you want in? {Of course you do}.
Each week leading up to the event,
Merci New York will be giving away five pairs of tickets to The Wedding Party – and we’re starting today. To enter, leave a comment below with your name, wedding date and email address {that’s important, we need it to contact you}! Five brides will be chosen at random on Friday for a pair of complimentary tickets {normally $75 / each}.
Good luck – and remember, if you’re not a winner this week, be sure to check back next week, when we will give away 10 more tickets, and share more details {including our super-chic “Day of Style” package that will be raffled at the event}.
xx,

Wedding Party 2011 photos by Sofia Negron Photography .

NOTE: THIS CONTEST HAS CLOSED, BUT OUR NEW TICKET GIVEAWAY IS OPEN, RIGHT HERE . CONGRATS TO LAST WEEK’S TICKET WINNERS: EMMY MAY, SONIA SAVINO, EMILY HANNAH, LAURA BASS AND GAIL M. WE STILL HAVE 20 TICKETS LEFT TO GIVE AWAY, SO CHECK BACK SOON AND OFTEN!

Tuesday Shoesday | Valentino Crystal Versailles Bow Pumps

Tuesday Shoesday | Valentino Crystal Versailles Bow Pumps Tuesday Shoesday … ahh, it’s often my favorite day of the week on Merci. And today I’m especially excited because we’re sharing one of my all-time favorite wedding shoe finds, Valentino’s blush satin Crystal Versailles Bow sandals
While I always love Valentino shoes, {their perfectly poised, yet structured signature bows never cease to steal my heart}, these heels total rock my wedding-stylist world. They’re a perfect little jewel of a shoe, in a perfect little shade of blush that can be worn again and again for any number of glamorous occasions.
Happy swooning… or shopping
xx,

A Sweet City Escape to Winvian with David Beahm Destinations, by Christina Matteucci

A warm welcome back to Merci New York’s resident destinations expert, Christina Matteucci of david beahm destinations … As many of you know, Christina joins Merci the first {non-holiday!} Monday of every month to report on beautiful destination wedding locations you will l.o.v.e. Today, Christina didn’t need to wander too far from NYC. The beautiful Winvian is a david beahm destiantions property located only a stone’s throw away from Manhattan, making it the perfect locale for sweet city escapes and beautiful weddings, any time of the year. Take it away, Christina!
A Sweet City Escape to Winvian with David Beahm Destinations, by Christina Matteucci Bonjour Merci! Thanks so much for having me back again and Bonne Année to you and every one of your readers! I have a hunch that many of Merci’s newest followers this month were the recipient of a little ring box (blue and otherwise) over the holiday season and newly engaged couples are soon going to be venturing out in the snow and cold to begin the hunt for the elusive “perfect venue.” With all of the holiday traveling most of us have been doing over the past month, I thought I would take January’s blog post to share one of my very favorite nearby david beahm destinations. For those of us New Yorkers, it’s blessedly located only a two-hour, hop, skip, or car-ride away from the Metropolitan area in Litchfield, Connecticut. Messieurs et Mademoiselles please allow me to introduce to you to the jewel that is Winvian ! A Sweet City Escape to Winvian with David Beahm Destinations, by Christina Matteucci For the Merci regulars, by now you’ve noticed that I have more than a little love for intimate, thoughtfully designed and impeccably managed properties. Winvian is all of that, and then some. From the imagination of the Smith progeny was borne the fanciful and quirky property: a New England get-away nestled within 113 acres that was once family farmland. The Smith family selected fifteen master architects to each create their “dream” escape on a portion of the grounds. What resulted is a mosaic of style and design that is united by intuitive, lavish amenities, spectacular cuisine and a level of service expected from a world-class Relais & Châteaux property. The family’s historic Seth Bird House became the hotel reception, communal area, restaurants, and a guest suite, and the existing Gordon Brown House was refurbished as an event space. A Sweet City Escape to Winvian with David Beahm Destinations, by Christina Matteucci However, when I look at the property through my patented, professional “special event goggles” what I absolutely love about it and what makes it so unique is that there are a myriad of options for how and where your guests can experience your wedding – all of which give the distinct feeling that you are hosting your celebration on a fantastic New England family compound.
In the summer, I find the bucolic nature of the Winvian Meadow idyllic for the ceremony of an exceedingly romantic outdoorsy couple. For a winter wedding, the cozy warmth of the Seth Bird House’s formal dining rooms implore you and your guests to come in from the cold and sit down to a five-course dinner by firelight, lovingly prepared by Chef Eddy. As for summer and fall – well, there is nothing better suited to the party-minded couple than barn dances and libations in the Gordon Brown House and it’s adjacent open-air terrace.
A Sweet City Escape to Winvian with David Beahm Destinations, by Christina Matteucci However, the experiences at Winvian are not limited to the wedding day alone. Because each and every guest cottage on the property is so very different from the next, most of your guests will want to see where their fellow invitees are staying. We love the idea of a “cottage hop, cocktails & canapés” event as a welcome party for the weekend. Provide your guests with a map of the property with “stops” at each cottage for a different signature cocktail and corresponding appetizer. From the equestrian-themed “Stable” cottage, to the “Golf” cottage for a round of put-put, to the “Music” cottage where even the front porch can be played like a giant chime – your guests will revel in the property and get to know each other better along the way. A Sweet City Escape to Winvian with David Beahm Destinations, by Christina Matteucci Over the weekend, many of your guests will be sure to partake in the luxurious spa treatments available on-site, among a plethora of other activities like bocce, yoga, horseback riding, guided hikes and cooking classes. Furthermore, the Winvian Spa building is not to be overlooked for one of the weekend’s events. Filled with glorious natural sunlight spilling in through banks of floor to ceiling windows, it is the perfect location for a post wedding departure brunch.
David recently adorned the Spa with jaunty yellow sunflowers that seemed to effortlessly embody a celebration coming to the end. But no matter where you decide to throw your celebrations at Winvian, beginning, middle or end – your guests will be sure to have the experience of a lifetime. A Sweet City Escape to Winvian with David Beahm Destinations, by Christina Matteucci Editor’s Note: david beahm destinations is an exclusive resource of amazing destination wedding, honeymoon and celebration locales, all expertly curated by the renowned David Beahm team. To learn about Winivan or any other hand-picked david beahm destination, visit their site here and begin daydreaming. Pretty fabulous, no?

Guest Post: The First Look

Well, today, my husband and I are heading off to Kauai, Hawaii, for a week of relaxation before we make the big drive and move to chilly Denver, Colorado! I have some fabulous guest posts lined up for you from Atypical Type A , The Charity Wedding , RomaBea Images , The Southern Aisle , Melissa Dunstan Photography , The Wedding Pickle , Fab You Bliss , The Wedding Pickle and I even have one of my favorite brides stopping by to share her insight and experience while planning her own wedding!


When I was thinking about who I wanted to guest post while I was away, I wanted to make sure that you guys heard from more than just other wedding bloggers (not that they're not all fabulous ;) I was really excited to ask some of my favorite wedding professionals to contribute, as well, because I knew that they would offer a new and unique perspective...Something that I could never come close to replicating. Bea of RomaBea Images was at the top of my list of go-to's, of course, and as you will soon see, she certainly did not disappoint!



I have to admit, when Sarah was kind enough to ask me to write a guest blog post, as she basks in the glory of the Hawaiian sun and atmosphere, I was both thrilled and terrified! Thrilled because she's become one of my dearest industry friends, and terrified because there's so much more pressure to write something useful, informative or compelling as a guest, as opposed to the more relaxed attitude on my own blog!


I chose to write about the topic of First Looks at Weddings, as it seems to be gaining in popularity. Though I haven't had the pleasure of any of my couples choosing this an option just yet, I'm holding out hope for the next year and I thought I'd expand upon it a bit more, for those of you still on the fence.


Guest Post:  The First Look
Simply Bloom Photography via Green Wedding Shoes


There is so much to consider about the timeline of your wedding day, such as when your ceremony will begin, when the cocktail hour starts, when you'll toss the bouquet, and a myriad of other decisions, it can be exhausting! Hopefully, you'll have the help of a great friend, your Maid of Honor, or a Wedding Planner extraordinaire!


One of the most important factors to consider on your wedding day will be how much time you'll have for your wedding portraits. After all, when the cake is eaten, the guests have gone home, and all your friends are talking about how gorgeous you looked and how fabulous your wedding was, you'll cherish those very photos that bring it all back to you. Moment by moment.


Perhaps you'll consider this. When talking to brides, I often ask if they've discussed a First Look...the bride and groom set aside a few minutes (usually 15-20) before the guests arrive, before the excitement of the day begins, when they can simply enjoy a few moments together and see each other for the first time!


I absolutely adore when a couple opts for a First Look...it's a private moment just for the couple and it's magical. It really is. The look on the bride's face as she approaches her Husband to be is heartwarming. The look on the groom's face as he turns to see his future wife standing before him in all her beauty, well it can bring tears to your eyes. Believe me. We cry and laugh all the time. Yes, I said we...it still gets me. Every time!


The First Look also provides more time for wedding photos, which I'm grateful for because I'm able to capture some beautiful moments of the two as they relish those few minutes and absorb the fact that they'll be husband and wife shortly.


Many times, brides worry about breaking the traditional moment of when the groom first sees his bride walk down the aisle, but I think the first look can be just as magical. Having seen each other before the ceremony commences has the effect of being so much more calming and in the moment for many couples. You can appreciate the beauty of your flowers, your friends and family smiling as you descend down the aisle, and you can still glance at your groom without feeling like you have to completely focus on him standing at the end of the aisle.


Guest Post:  The First Look
Wildflowers Photography via Green Wedding Shoes


The best part of a couple seeing each other before the ceremony is that it allows for a much smoother timeframe for family and Bridal party pictures, as well as pictures of the bride and groom before and after the ceremony without taking them all away for too long during one stretch of time.


After all, most brides and grooms want to be able to enjoy the cocktail hour right along with their guests, instead of feeling anxious about taking pictures quickly so they don't leave their guests waiting too long.


So, by capturing most of the formal portraits beforehand, it frees time up for everyone to mingle, toast and enjoy the party!


Ultimately, the choice is yours. The First Look is simply something to consider, but above all, it's your day. Do whatever will make you happy, not what centuries of tradition dictates, not what the newest trend is today...simply what will make you both happy.


Cheers, to your new beginning.


xoxo
Bea




How to Wear the Color of the Year: Tangerine Tango | Merci Portfolio

The new year means many things to many people, and to those of us in the design industry, it means the release of fabulous new color trends. One of the first indicators to hit the market is always Pantone ‘s “Color of the Year”. Great for us, right? But what does this mean for you?
Well, the folks at the leading color-categorizing firm Pantone have spent countless hours cataloging trends in fashion, art, film and travel to determine the hottest color for all aspects of your 2012 lifestyle {read: your wedding}. For 2012, the grand dame is Tangerine Tango , a cheerful, prominent hue we l.o.v.e.
In fact, Merci New York styled the versatile shade in a recent editorial campaign produced by Brooklyn Bride and photographed by Jenny Ebert . Below, we’re sharing some of our tangerine-loving fashion accents…
How to Wear the Color of the Year: Tangerine Tango | Merci Portfolio Best way to use tangerine in your wedding day fashion? Your beautiful bridesmaids. I loved curating this fresh bridesmaid dress look, a Robert Rodriguez Tangerine Tango gown in beautiful chiffon with a ruched bodice and gold beading at the neck, {which instantly accessorizes the outfit}. I paired the cheery yet chic gown with a colorful DVF clutch and earrings that were hand painted neon yellow. The fringed branch prop is from the ever-cool Confetti System. {Btw, Brides who book a Merci New York styling service can snag this bridesmaid look for only a fraction of the retail cost. Just contact us at info(at)mercinewyork(dot)com for details}.
How to Wear the Color of the Year: Tangerine Tango | Merci Portfolio Another way to add a little tangerine dream is with a hint of fringe… perhaps not for your wedding, but for a funky bachelorette party look. This gorgeous piece is from one of my favorite designers, ROARKEnyc . Owner / designer Laeticia Stanfield injects a downtown meets glam NYC aesthetic into each of her pieces… I styled this particular piece over an Ivy & Aster dress {complete with a melangerie of neon painted animals, just for fun} and a neon Jennifer Behr headpiece, but off the editorial, it would look super haute with a draped pima tee, leather leggings and booties… perfect for dancing the night away! The beautiful makeup is by Facetime Beauty Concierge . How to Wear the Color of the Year: Tangerine Tango | Merci Portfolio Another fun and fresh way to add tangerine is to slowly incorporate it into your decor. I’m sure many of our blogger friends have created tangerine boards galore for you to peruse, but I loved the simple mix of the shade with fuchsia in this trim from the folks at Confetti System . Pretty cool against the stark backdrop, right?
How to Wear the Color of the Year: Tangerine Tango | Merci Portfolio Of course, even the boldest brides aren’t really thinking of wearing tangerine while they walk down the aisle, but a fun little accessory swap can keep it festive for the reception or after party. Above, I added a mix of color bobby pins to a simple ‘do. Below, I added a stunning tangerine necklace from Elva Fields to the bride’s playful Ulla-Maija gown from Gabriella New York Bridal Salon . Both would be fun and festive ways to update your wedding dress from ceremony to par-tay.
How to Wear the Color of the Year: Tangerine Tango | Merci Portfolio {Psst, don’t you just love this gown}?
How to Wear the Color of the Year: Tangerine Tango | Merci Portfolio Okay, want to get crazy on your wedding day? Not many brides would take the leap, but a playful way to get more for your wedding-dress-buck is to SKIP the trash the dress session {I still cringe at that trend} and instead err for a post-wedding photoshoot restyling your gown in a totally off-kilter and crazy way. Here, you see me styling our bride with tangerine, yellow, green and pink accents. It’s pretty nutty, but very fun. I kinda want to see her on a swing set with her groom in a day-after-the-wedding photoshoot… The layered tees were simple finds from Urban Outfitters , the “belt” is yardage from M&J Trim , and the nylon friendship bracelets were also from ROARKEnyc …
How to Wear the Color of the Year: Tangerine Tango | Merci Portfolio Here’s a fun little shot of what the Merci New York team dragged into this shoot from our countless {and bottomless} Mary Poppins bags of tricks. While it looks like a playhouse, it also show how we exercised restraint {except for that last look, of course}. With bright colors like Tangerine Tango, less is almost always more for a wearable look. Pick one bold piece and rock it! How to Wear the Color of the Year: Tangerine Tango | Merci Portfolio Hope you enjoyed these Merci New York stylist-endorsed tips for adding Pantone’s Color of the Year, Tangerine Tango , into all your wedding-related outfits… To learn more about how to tuck the tone into your decor, feel free to swing by design*sponge or Brooklyn Bride for more…

xx,

All photos courtesy of Jenny Ebert .

Eco-Beautiful Weddings | Merci New York Style Guide

Happy New Year, lovely readers! I hope you enjoyed your holidays. Here at Merci, we are bright eyed and bushy tailed for the year ahead… But before we return to our regularly scheduled posts, I wanted to take the first week of 2012 to do something we rarely do: share a bit of what has gone on beyond the blog in the last year…
As you might know, Merci New York is one part blog and one part styling company, and in the last year we’ve taken great strides to show and grow our business to the wedding world and beyond…
Eco-Beautiful Weddings | Merci New York Style Guide One of our latest honors was sharing my “Style Guide” in the fabulous Winter 2012 issue of Eco-Beautiful Weddings . {And yes, the lovely editors even gave us a little cover love}… Eco-Beautiful Weddings is a wonderful resource for the stylish and eco-savvy bride. The winter issue is packed with lovely inspiration and ideas for all aspects of your wedding, so be sure to click here and ready it today!
Eco-Beautiful Weddings | Merci New York Style Guide In the meantime, here’s a little sneak peek of our Merci New York spread, including my insider tips on how to shop for your wedding like a stylist… and how to ultimately decode your personal bridal style. I hope you’ll dig into the issue and share your thoughts with me.
Eco-Beautiful Weddings | Merci New York Style Guide The editorial from the shoot was one of my favorites to date. I had the pleasure of working with New York photographer Shira Weinberger in an epic locale… I’ll be sharing more photos very soon, so stay tuned – and be sure to read the Eco-Beautiful Weddings Winter 2012 issue today… I, for one, have read it cover to cover several times. Enjoy!
Happy New Year!
xx,

I FORGOT

I FORGOT
Photo by Elizabeth Messina

Hello Friends! Happy 2012!
As we begin the New Year I thought I would share something I FORGOT.
I decided to take a week off of work between Christmas and New Year's. Saying I would do it was easy - now I had to prove to myself and to my office that I could disconnect.
I woke up my first day of NO WORK and I FORGOT how to just la...

Photo by Elizabeth Messina

Hello Friends! Happy 2012!
As we begin the New Year I thought I would share something I FORGOT.
I decided to take a week off of work between Christmas and New Year’s. Saying I would do it was easy – now I had to prove to myself and to my office that I could disconnect.

I woke up my first day of NO WORK and I FORGOT how to just lay. Just lay in bed and do nothing. I jumped out of bed because it didn’t feel right to just lay around. I opened my bedroom curtains and I FORGOT how lovely the view is from my bedroom. I FORGOT that I have a gardner come twice a week to maintain the plants and flowers. I FORGOT I have fruit trees that wait for me to enjoy its delicious growth of lemons, limes and baby apples. They just grow and rot because I FORGOT they were there. I FORGOT to take the plastic off the new cushions I bought last summer for my kids and their friends to enjoy…were they laying on the plastic?

I went into my 13 year old son’s room and snuggled with him on my first day off. I FORGOT that he had grown about 2 more feet and his legs are longer then mine and my little boy was transforming into a man before my eyes…I FORGOT to notice. I went into my middle son’s room (he’s 21, 6’1 and about 200 pounds ) singing a wake up song I would sing every morning when he was little. He was half asleep but managed to sing all the words right back to me. I FORGOT how he used to be so angry every morning because of my horrible voice but now he found it funny. I FORGOT how I use to laugh hysterically as he would yell at me to “please stop singing!”
My dogs were confused at why I was the one feeding them and walking them but I FORGOT how much I love their sweetness and unconditional love and how out of shape I’m in… they walked me around the block!

I FORGOT that I can actually make plans with my family and friends and not have to cancel because I have a work emergency. I FORGOT that I can go to a movie and not only be inspired but I didn’t have to look at my Blackberry 50 times (ok, so 20 times- but I’mworking on it…)  to see if someone needed me. I FORGOT that there is a whole city out there right in front of me that exists – it’s not only the box I put myself in from home to work to carpool to work to home. I FORGOT about me. My hubby and kids FORGOT that I can actually cook. I had 48 over for Hanukkah and I FORGOT where all my cooking utensils were and all my vintage bowls and platters that I bought for the moment I would have people over. I FORGOT how long it takes to cook a brisket.

I FORGOT that I started knitting 3 scarfs about 4 years ago and I found the bag I safely put away with inspiration for more knitting projects. I FORGOT that the feeling I get when I laugh is like the feeling I get when I see a dream I created come true…feels like home to me.

So as I get ready to go back to work I decided that along with the dreams I plan to create for my clients I will make a priority to take time for some of my dreams, my husband’s dreams my children’s dreams. I don’t want to go through life FORGETTING what could of been, because I just had to take one week off to REMEMBER what I FORGOT!

XOX Mindy