Elisha Cuthbert picture gallery

STEAMPUNK MEETS VICTORIAN GOTHIC

In an artful blend of the steampunk element with Victorian gothic thrown in for good measure, Independent Irish Design Label is oozing with romantic vintage appeal. Designer Yvonne Cotty launched her Bonzie label in 2007 selling mostly online through Etsy.com.

Every Bonzie piece is breathtaking and the workmanship and detail exquisite. Cotty has become so busy since going online with Etsy, she decided it was time to broaden her team. Recently she’s added a new designer to the bunch. “Ger McDonald is a master technician and fantastic designer specifically in the bridal department,” says Cotty. “We are currently working on a new range of products for this Fall and many opportunities are coming our way. We are both passionate about moving forward with the initial concept of unique design with a Victorian-inspired edge.”

You can shop for the Bonzie label products on Etsy. Also check out her blog, Independent Label where you can keep an eye on her awe-inspiring products as they come off the work table on a day-to-day basis.

MORE BRIDESMAID IDEAS FROM GEORGIOU

Georgiou is absolutely one of my favorite stores. Last year my husband got me the dress below as a birthday gift. I love the thing. It's sooooo comfortable I even sleep in it sometimes. This year Georgiou is still carrying it; only in new colors : teal (pictured) burgundy and eggplant. The dress above is slightly different in cut and comes in green and black.

I can swear this is a dress you'll wear again and again if you're a bridesmaid. I have accessorized it to go shopping with a straw basket purse and sandals or slipped on mules and upscale jewelry and gone out on the town dancing in it. It travels well, doesn't wrinkle, yada, yada, yada.

It is simply the best thing I own. Check both these out on Georgiou's site. You're gonna love the price and so will your bridesmaids.

ALL TIME MOVIE MUST SEES FOR BRIDES

Claudette Colbert in Hollywood designer Robert Kalloch's creation for, It Happened One Night (1934)/Photo courtesy of Movie Diva

Claudette Colbert as Ellie Andrews, Audrey Hepburn as Jo Stockton. No, they were'nt real brides but the designers, writers and producers who created them certainly were. Hollywood designers and the actresses who wore their creations influenced the way we look at weddings and fashion today. The two gowns pictured here are works of art and stellar representatives of their times. What could be more 1930s than Robert Kalloch's creation for Claudette Colbert in It Happened One Night? The body-hugging bias cut was still a new, even radical concept in 1934, especially for a wedding gown. During this golden era, it was not Paris anymore as much as Hollywood that decreed fashion. This simple satin gown with florals surrounding the neckline could be found today in a few designer collections. The look has become timeless. Attached to the cap head piece you'll see miles of chiffon netting, a light and airy fabric the designer chose because in this story, Colbert needs to become the runaway bride once she decides Clark Gable is the one. As she runs, the veil, long as it is, lifts and floats beautifully off the ground to produce a kind of 'bride in flight' look.

The Givenchy on Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face has become a favorite for brides of every decade. When clients bring in inspiration photos so I can get an idea of what they want in a gown, this photo is pulled out often. And sometimes it is not the exact same dress a bride wants so much as 'the look' it envokes, the epitome of pure, flawless design.

Who else but Audrey Hepburn in Givenchy's tulle ballgown
There are so many 'must see' movies for brides who want to borrow some ideas for gowns. Some are golden oldies, others like Sex in the City, still running in movie theatres. All are romantic, all are incredibly inspiring . . . . Most below are out on video or disc/DVD. Watch your favorite and listen to the commentary if there is one--you'll learn so much.

It Happened One Night (1934)
Father of the Bride (1950)

Father of the Bride (remake 1991)
Panama Hattie (1942)
Design for Living (1933)
The Sound of Music (1965)

The Graduate (1967)

Penelope (1966)

Sex and the City (2008)

Special thanks to Movie Diva for all the enlightening movie trivia

PHOTOGRAPHY SPOTLIGHT

These goregeous photos are the work of Alex Rodriguez. No, I don't mean the New York Yankee third baseman Alex Rodriguez, I'm talking about Florida wedding and fine art photographer, Alex. The photo journalistic style is one thing that drew me to his work.

The other is the picture above. The combo of orchids and jewels against a silk background is unique. Check out the wedding portfolio on his main site, Alex Rodriguez Photography and blog www.alexrodrigueznotebook.com where you'll find more stunning photos.

Emmanuelle Vaugier picture gallery

Emmanuelle Vaugier is a Canadian film and television actress. She acted in television series like Smallville, Two and a Half Men and CSI: New York. She has acted in feature films like Secondhand Lions and 40 Days and 40 Nights.

Vaugier was born in French-speaking French Canadian Catholic household in Vancouver, British Columbia. Emmanuelle Vaugier was placed on #31 spot on Maxim magazine annual Hot 100 list in 2006.

Name: Emmanuelle Vaugier
Birth Date: 23-06-1976
Birth Place: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

GREAT EXPECTATIONS

If you’re a bride expecting you're going to find some stunning gowns out there. I’m impressed by all the glossy, editorial-style photos of mom-to-be /brides proudly sporting full, rounded tummies. Designers are finally heeding the call for trendy bridal gowns ranging from the most traditional to total ‘edge’.

Whether you buy online or order from a retailer make sure your getting an actual maternity design, not just a dress cut off a standard empire or tent style. All those adorable dresses you see coming off the runways these days look plenty roomy but real maternity gowns are cut longer in front to accommodate a growing tummy.

All gowns pictured courtesy of Maternity Bride

Photos by Jeremy Montemayor

If you’re ordering online you might want to go one size up on some gowns to ensure proper fit. Designer Sarah Houston has developed a measuring system that does ensure proper fit for a bride at any stage of her expectancy. If you’re having your gown custom made discuss ordering extra fabric with your designer or seamstress. And because someone is always getting pregnant, designers haven’t forgotten your wedding party. Mom’s Night Out offers not only bridal but a few cocktail/bridesmaid styles worth checking out. Below are some of the best sites to get you started.

Mom’s Night Out-Maternity bridal and evening
Sarah Houston-Maternity bridal and bridesmaid
Maternity Bride-Maternity bridal and couture maternity
Bridal Bumps-UK company with maternity division for bride and bridesmaid