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Walking in a Wedding Wonderland

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With Fall quickly coming to an end, winter is upon us. We say goodbye to those autumn reds, oranges, yellows, and greens, and bring in the winter whites, cool blue, and deep reds. Winter is the perfect season to bring out holiday colors, go bright and sparkly, wear some elegant sleeves, and top it all off with a gorgeous fur coat. 

Winter Dresses: Embracing Elegance and Warmth

Don’t let the chill of winter deter you from choosing the wedding dress of your dreams. While strapless gowns may be synonymous with summer weddings, there’s a world of enchanting options perfectly suited for a winter wonderland celebration. Winter weddings present a unique opportunity to embrace elegance and warmth with the addition of one simple detail: sleeves.

1. Embracing Sleeve Elegance: When the temperature drops, sleeves offer not only practical warmth but also a touch of timeless elegance that sleeveless designs can’t quite capture. Long sleeves exude sophistication and grace, enveloping the bride in a delicate embrace as she glides down the aisle. Whether adorned with intricate lace, delicate beading, or sheer fabrics, winter brides adorned in sleeved gowns emanate a regal aura that is simply enchanting.

2. The Allure of Off-the-Shoulder Styles: For brides who crave the best of both worlds – the allure of a strapless neckline coupled with the warmth of sleeves – off-the-shoulder dresses are the perfect choice. These romantic designs feature a flattering neckline that highlights the collarbones and shoulders while gracefully transitioning into sleeves, offering coverage without sacrificing style. The result? A captivating ensemble that exudes romance and sophistication, perfect for a winter wedding affair.

3. Versatility in Design: Winter dresses with sleeves come in a myriad of styles, allowing brides to express their individuality and personal taste. From classic ball gowns with full-length sleeves to modern sheath dresses with illusion sleeves, there’s a silhouette to suit every bride’s vision. Whether you envision a fairytale-inspired gown with billowing sleeves or a sleek and chic design with minimalist detailing, the options are endless when it comes to winter dress styles.

4. Embracing the Winter Wonderland Aesthetic: Winter weddings offer a unique opportunity to embrace the beauty of the season, and what better way to do so than with a gown that complements the snowy landscape? Opting for a dress with sleeves not only adds a practical element to your ensemble but also enhances the romantic ambiance of a winter wedding. Imagine exchanging vows amidst a blanket of snow, adorned in a gown that exudes warmth and enchantment – a truly magical moment to cherish for a lifetime.

5. Accessories for Added Warmth: To further enhance your winter bridal look, consider incorporating accessories that provide both style and warmth. A faux fur stole or capelet adds a luxurious touch while keeping you cozy during outdoor photo sessions or chilly evening receptions. Additionally, accessorizing with long gloves or a delicate bolero can provide an extra layer of warmth without compromising on style, allowing you to stay comfortable and chic throughout your winter wedding celebration.

In conclusion, winter dresses with sleeves offer brides the opportunity to embrace elegance, warmth, and romance on their special day. Whether you prefer classic sophistication, modern allure, or whimsical charm, there’s a winter dress style to suit every bride’s unique vision. By choosing a gown with sleeves, you’ll not only stay warm and comfortable but also radiate beauty and grace as you say “I do” in the midst of a winter wonderland.

This article was brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal, Paramus, NJ.

 

 

A Season of Love: Capturing Fall Romance

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As the crisp air of autumn swept through the streets, it was clear that fall had cast its enchanting spell once again. Everywhere you looked, there was a sense of warmth and coziness, a feeling of anticipation for the season ahead. For this couple, fall was more than just a time of year—it was a season of love, of laughter, and of cherished moments captured in photographs.

Wrapped in cozy scarves and sweaters, they ventured out into the golden-hued landscape, ready to embrace all that fall had to offer. With pumpkin-spiced lattes in hand, they strolled through parks adorned with the vibrant colors of changing leaves, each step a testament to their shared affection for this magical season.

Flannels, boots, and light jackets became their wardrobe staples, adding an extra layer of comfort and style to their outdoor adventures. As they posed for engagement photos, they couldn’t help but smile at the thought of the fall wedding they were planning for next year. With the scenery as their backdrop, they knew their love story was unfolding in perfect harmony with the season around them.

With Halloween and Thanksgiving on the horizon, they seized the opportunity to infuse their photos with the spirit of the season. Pumpkins became props, adding a playful touch to their save-the-date announcements. They shared kisses under the falling leaves, their love illuminated by the warm glow of autumn sunlight.

Their photographer, a willing accomplice in their quest for the perfect shot, went to great lengths to capture the essence of fall. Climbing trees and lying on the ground, they created moments that were both breathtaking and unforgettable. With crimson leaves cascading overhead, they felt as though they were living in a painting, their love story immortalized in the beauty of the season.

But amidst all the romance and beauty, there was also room for fun and spontaneity. With a childlike sense of wonder, they dove into piles of leaves, laughter echoing through the crisp air. They tossed leaves at each other, reveling in the joy of the moment and the love that bound them together.

As they looked back on their fall engagement photos, they knew they had captured something truly special—a love that blossomed in the warmth of autumn, a love that would endure for all seasons to come.

So, as fall beckons with its promise of romance and adventure, don’t hesitate to embrace all it has to offer. Break out the flannels and boots, gather your loved ones close, and let the magic of the season inspire your own love story.

This article was brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal, Paramus, NJ.

 

Petite Wedding Dresses

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Much like shopping for a plus size wedding gown, finding a dress for a petite frame can be quite the task. The sample sizes are probably too long and might look too large on your petite body. Again, your salon, like Aleana’s Bridal, and your consultant, should do their best to give you the greatest shopping experience possible. The consultants should clip and tuck and hold the dress in all of the right spots to give you the best visual possible. You need to be able to picture yourself in the dress before you make that purchase, and that is what your consultant is there to help you with. It’s not easy to imagine the dress on you if it’s too big in certain areas, or too tight and pulling in other areas. Talk with your consultant and let them know what you like and what you don’t like. Let them move things around and adjust to get you that almost perfect visual. 

Here are some silhouettes that will look great on petite brides.  

A ball gown is flattering on nearly everyone because it accentuates the waist and then flares out. If you’re afraid it might look like the gown is too much on your petite body, remember that the ball gown doesn’t have to be gigantic. You can also always remove layers to lessen the poof and elongate your figure rather than taking over it.  

A-line is similar to ball gowns in that they elongate your figure without all of the layers. Try a dress with a waistline just a little bit above your natural waistline. This will make you appear taller and more elegant. 

Sheath dresses are more fitted to your body, so they’ll make you appear longer and slimmer. These gowns are also great if you want to really show off your curves.  

Mermaid gowns look great on almost everyone. They hug your curves in all the right places and make you look nice and tall.  

Just remember that once you do make that purchase and you finally get the dress, it will be in your size. It might still be a bit too big and long, but once the seamstress gets her hands on it, it will be tailored perfectly to your petite frame. Don’t ever get discouraged and make sure to share all of your concerns with your seamstress and consultant. They all want to make sure you get the dress of your dreams. 

All of these styles, and so much more, are available at Aleana’s Bridal!

DIY Wedding Decorations

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So, you’re planning a wedding. It’s expensive and unfortunately, you’re not drowning in money. Obviously, you want your wedding and reception and all wedding-related events to be fun and exciting. Who doesn’t want a fun photo booth at the reception, filled with cool props for everyone to take hilarious pictures? You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg on props and party accessories though. There are a lot of cute accessories and favors you can buy or make for a lot less than you think! 

For your bridal shower, you definitely don’t need to spend a lot of money on cute decorations and accessories. CharmingCharlie.com has adorable trinkets you can buy to celebrate your wedding with all of your girls.  

This cute “Best Day Ever” tray is perfect to keep some treats and drinks on for your bridal shower. 

Decorate with these adorable photo clip string lights. Put some photos of you and your husband to be. You can hang this up at your engagement party, bridal shower, and even the reception. It’s a cute, simple, personalized touch to add to all of your wedding events.  

These props are perfect for the photo booth everyone will be sure to love at your wedding. For an extra touch of memories, add a little photo book your guests can glue their pictures into and leave a sweet note. 

Hang this little banner up in your photo booth for some more fun in your photos. Your guests will be sure to love it. 

Making your wedding events look fun and exciting doesn’t have to be over the top. Find items you love that you can make your own and your wedding will be sure to be a hit.

This article brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal, Paramus, NJ.

Wedding with a Friendly Budget

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Congrats on your engagement! At such an exciting time in your life and a day you have been dreaming about for years, your happy thoughts and extravagant wedding dreams are interrupted by dollar signs. Between venues, your large family guest list, and the variety of other expenses, weddings tend to become pretty expensive pretty fast. According to The Knot, the average cost of a wedding in New Jersey is $53,400. But don’t worry, there are so many ways to drop that final bill while still having the celebration of your life just the way you pictured it! Here are just a few tips to help…

 

First, try to cut down your guest list as much as possible. Yes, I know… the more people, the bigger the party. But you’ve all heard the saying “less is more” and cutting down on just a few people can allocate the money to a different aspect of your wedding day (or even your bridal gown or honeymoon!). Second, go into the planning with a budget and look for venues that accommodate to that number. Venues usually account for about half of your wedding expenses so why not use the resources you have to alleviate that cost. Ask a family member or friend if you can use their backyard or rent a vacation home in the area with outdoor space! You just have to find the right spot for you and your partner. One more tip for you, ladies… DIY. Décor, invitations, favors, and flowers. The list goes on and on with the endless possibilities for ‘do it yourself’.

 

The last piece of advice we can offer is that the one thing from your wedding that will always be remembered by you, family and guests is your glowing beauty in your wedding gown. Your wedding will be one for the books. Literally. Those pictures you have will last a lifetime and you want to find that bridal dress that will excite you just as much on your 40-year anniversary as it did on your big day. Just these few ideas can help make your budget a little friendlier while still making your wedding day unforgettable!

This article brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal, Paramus, NJ.

New Bridal Trends

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This article brought to you Aleana’s Bridal Shop Bergen County, NJ.

Bringing Sexy Back! : Backless Brides 

Trend: Portrait Backs

Backless…is back.

 

One of the past trends of the bridal industry to make a comeback into Spring 2013.  But this time, they come back with a more modest and romantic attention using delicate embroideries, lace frames, and peek-a-boo keyholes.  Sheer backs with decorative detailing is simultaneously sexy and demure.

 

Angle Admirer!

Compared to a more two-dimensional dress, this gown goes out-of-the-box to producing a 3d effect!  This type of gown allows your audience to admire you from every angle.

 

If you think about it, most of your guests will be viewing you from behind as you walk down the aisle and make your vows.  So that’s pretty much your entire wedding ceremony that they are looking at the backside of you!

Timeless Twists

 

Trend: Lace Nouveau

We saw the Lace trend globally advertised when Kate Middleton wore it on her wedding day.  Her royal wedding gown proved its’ influence after almost every collection showed variations on lace this season.

 

Lace identifies us with the past…before we were pushed into the technology-driven and reliant society we live in today.  Lace is a timeless classic…giving fabric the ethereal, dreamy, take me back to good-ole-days vibe.  Vintage inspired laced sleeves is a feminine touch to any gown.

 

Step into the time machine and time warp back into a world where it taught us that simplicity is pure elegance.  Nostalgic woven pieces speak sophistication….simple as it should be.

Comfort Chameleons

 Trend: Transformers

Do you really want to be dancing around in your reception ballroom in your beautiful bridal gown you wore when you walked down the aisle?  More often seen nowadays are the brides changing into a second dress for the reception.  Convertible and/or reversible dresses, or ones with removable pieces (skirts, trains, capes, veils, etc.) create a distinct reception look.  Designers are now custom-making gowns fit for comfort, as more and more women are calling for a desire to break-free and the ability to move and run around later in night at their receptions.

Aleana’s bridal shop located in Paramus, NJ. Please schedule your first appointment at www.aleanasbridal.com or call at 201-444-1500.

A Bride’s Wish List by Aleana’s Bridal Shop

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By Jaclyn Ianetti for Aleana’s Bridal, Paramus, NJ

“Honor, riches, marriage-blessing
Long continuance, and increasing,
Hourly joys be still upon you!”
– William Shakespeare

You found the man of your dreams…the dress of your dreams…had the wedding of your dreams. Now what about the future of your dreams?

Before you start dreaming up future plans, first give out gratitude to the universe for bringing you the things that bring you love & happiness, right here in the “here and now.” There is a measurable benefit to counting your blessings and looking on the bright side. Doing this will be sure to bring you more of your wishes, hopes and dreams to be realized soon in the future! Studies have been done to prove that people are genuinely happier when showing gratitude. So remember that a happy energy and positive outlook attracts positive outcomes!

Wedding day planning has brought you much stress, I’m sure, but give thanks for how wonderful it all turned out to be. “Thank you power” can actually undo the effects of stress that has took its’ toll on you. And aren’t you thankful for all the beauty the wedding day and the days that led up to it, like the first time you ever met your husband, has brought into your life?

Write down the moments that are good in your life and the ones you have recently experienced leading up to your wedding so that you can go back and reflect on them. This can be your little treasure book that holds your happiness…something that you can stare dreamily at each time you visit. It’s a golden repository of all the good stuff from your past that gives you the ability to recognize the small, everyday things that make you happy. Happiness and “thank you power” aren’t about material objects, but rather the moments in your life that have made you feel that life is good.

Whispers of your Heart
Give thanks… to God, your angels, and the universe…for coming together to bring you love in the form of human love. Whether you endured struggles and hardships along the way, a romantic relationship is what satisfies your heart. Your heart received the affection of another person, and your heart is now complete.

Give thanks…for Free will. Free will is the key ingredient to true love. True love cannot exist without a choice: If you were forced to love a person, then love would disappear, and you would be under manipulation. Your free will matched up perfectly with somebody else’s free will. You & your husband have a will that crossed paths and shared its’ desires freely, locking at a center point of reciprocating love.

Give thanks…for an intimate relationship that developed because of your choice and free will, in spite of all the other opportunities that you could have chosen that would have misled you down the wrong path to love.

Give thanks…for a passionate romance… Your channels are unblocked to allow love to flow freely in to enhance your life. Your earthly relationship with your husband is the avenue of expressing and receiving love

Give thanks…for the life of promise you are now living. A promise of unconditional love and acceptance that you and your spouse share together, which is the ultimate treasure above all other things in life.

“Grace and remembrance be to you both.”
– William Shakespeare

Bridal Clutches

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Congratulations! Your wedding day is coming up and your figuring out all of the final touches. You have your dress, your shoes, and your accessories. You know what you’re doing with your hair and have your makeup all figured out. But, where will you keep all of those little extras? You know, your phone, your lipstick, some eyeliner just in case you cry a little too much? You could have your bridesmaids hold on to it for you. If you have pockets in your dress (what a luxury that would be), you could keep all those little extras in there. Or, you could just bring your own handbag.  

Now, it’s your wedding day, so you don’t need that purse filled with everything but the kitchen sink. A little clutch is really all you need. Here are some of our favorite clutches, and really all you’ll need to keep inside! 

Lipstick, because that’s sure to wipe off with your first kiss as bride and groom and all that champagne you’ll be sure to drink. It will help to have that close by for any touchups you might need. 

Blotting papers can help to get rid of the shine without adding extra makeup that can get all over your dress. They’ll get rid of that shine on your face and keep you looking fresh all night long. Keep them in this cute little clutch.  

Tissues! You’ll need these and your husband to be might need these too. Tears will be shed, and having a little pack of tissues in your clutch will be sure to help. They’ll fit great in this little clutch. 

Lastly, you’ll want to make sure your phone will fit in there. You’ll be taking selfies with everyone all night long, so you’ll want to keep it close. With phones getting bigger and bigger as the years go by, it might be tough to find a clutch it will fit into, but here are a few options that might work for you on your big day.  

You’ll be sure to be the only one with this bag because you are the only one saying “I do!” Keep all of your little extras in here or in any of the other clutches available at Aleana’s Bridal. 

Celebrity Wedding Venues

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When you want your wedding to seem like a star-studded event, without the stars (most likely), then dressing like one and selecting a venue like one might be the next best thing. Celebrities have a knack for finding the most beautiful and elegant venues you could imagine. Of course, it helps that they have quite the budget, but that doesn’t mean you should let that get you down. Where there’s a will, there’s a way, and you shouldn’t let price or location stop you from having your dream wedding. 

If The Notebook is your thing (and how could it not be?), then this is the venue for your wedding day. This is Allie’s summer house in the classic romance movie and the wedding venue of the one and only Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds. Yeah, it doesn’t really get much better than that. The plantation is simply beautiful, and the driveway is lined with oaks and Spanish moss, which make for some stunning photos. 

Jessica Simpson and husband Eric Johnson were married on this not so subtle ranch in California. With what seems like a never-ending garden, this ranch is what outdoor wedding dreams are made of. Just look at those flowers and the greenery stretching all the way to the mountains.  

A wedding in Italy is nothing short of a dream come true. Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake got to live out every girl’s dream at the Borgo Egnazia Resort in Italy.

Planning your dream wedding is exciting and you deserve a day to feel like a celebrity! Check out Martha Stewart Weddings for more fabulous celebrity venues! 

This article brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal, Paramus, NJ.

Customize your Wedding Dress

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Here at Aleana’s Bridal, we have over 400 wedding dresses. We get new styles in every season, so you’ll always be sure to find something fashionable in stock. Some of our dresses are simple and perfect for your destination wedding. Some gowns go all out with sparkle and bling and others fall in between. From classic a-line to the biggest ball gown you can imagine, we’ve got it all.  

But, what if you still can’t find the one? What if you have found your perfect style, but nothing feels quite right? Well, you do have a few other options. One is that you could purchase a bridal dress and get it customized. You could add some extra bling or create your own belt. You could also get layers removed or added if the dress is too poofy or not poofy enough. If you wanted sleeves or straps but your dress doesn’t have any, you could get that customized as well. The options are pretty much endless.  

Still, after talking about customization on an already made bridal dress, what if you’re still not convinced? Then you might want to consider getting a completely custom dress made. This isn’t an option for everyone, but it may be perfect for you. For some, this might be a bit scary because you don’t quite know what the end product will be, but you shouldn’t be scared if you trust your designer. At Aleana’s Bridal, every custom dress we make is overseen step by step by Lana. You also oversee every step, so you can customize every step of the way and if something doesn’t feel quite right, you’re there to figure out what to do next! 

If creating a custom gown is what you’re looking for on your wedding day, stop by Aleana’s Bridal! We’re more than happy to help you make the dress of your dreams.