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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.

 

Halloween Charm: Adding Spooky Flair to Your Wedding

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Just because Halloween has come and gone doesn’t mean the fun has to end—especially for those who revel in the magic of this bewitching holiday. For couples who adore the autumnal allure or simply can’t resist the thrill of Halloween, infusing your wedding day with spooky touches is the perfect way to celebrate without sending your guests running for the hills!

While it’s a wedding, not a children’s Halloween bash, there’s still plenty of room to play with some cool, dark elements that add an enchanting twist to your special day. Think gothic themes with an edge of elegance. And if black happens to be your signature color, why not embrace it wholeheartedly? Channel your inner Haunted Mansion aficionado by incorporating ghoulish Disney accents for an extra dash of whimsy.

One subtle yet fun way to infuse Halloween vibes into your celebration is through signature cocktails. Get creative with the names—think “Pick Your Poison” or “Witches’ Brew”—and watch as guests delight in the playful spirit of the occasion.

When it comes to your wedding cake, consider giving it a nod to the season with a Fall-inspired theme or go all out by paying homage to your favorite Halloween movies. Fans of Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” will swoon over cakes inspired by the film’s whimsical aesthetic, adding a touch of cinematic magic to your dessert table.

For a more understated yet meaningful touch, consider incorporating Halloween-themed décor into your celebration. From elegant candle holders adorned with spooky quotes to subtle nods to the season’s colors and motifs, these tasteful touches add depth and personality to your wedding ambiance without overwhelming the senses.

And remember, Halloween isn’t just about being scary—it’s about having fun and embracing the things you love. So, go ahead and show off your Halloween spirit in all its glory, ensuring that your wedding day is a celebration to remember for all the right reasons.

At Aleana’s Bridal in Paramus, NJ, we understand the allure of infusing your wedding day with personality and flair. Visit us to discover the perfect gown and accessories to complement your Halloween-themed celebration, ensuring that your walk down the aisle is every bit as magical as the holiday itself.

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 Dresses Trends 2020

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Trend: Peplums

 

Peplum; noun: “a short section attached to the waistline of a blouse, jacket, or dress.”

 Fun, flirty, and stylish…Just think of the cute bubble skirts…aren’t they just an adorable way to sex up your look?

 A peplum, or short overskirt, has made its’ way from the ready-to-wear runways to wedding dresses.  This flattering trend is a unique detail that can add a sexy, modern touch to any gown using both structured and softly draped shapes.

High-fashioned and vividly appealing, peplums picking up this season is a sure way to impress any bride-to-be gown shopping with this popular silhouette in the selection of many stores and boutiques.

 

Feathered or flustered?…or ruffled?

…any unique detail to a waist-defined peplum gown will be high-fashion!

 

50 shades of…Ivory?

 Trend: Color

 Great news if white just isn’t your color…because this season, brides have more of an opportunity to find a color that’s more flattering to their skin tone and body.

 Designers painted their dresses in splashes of bold strokes this season.  Smokey reds, sky blues, and bridal blushes.  So wearing white isn’t the norm anymore, as this season’s rebellious offset to white in the use of colors and ivory invites itself in!  Yes, IVORY!  Ivory gives brides a bigger selection to play dress-up with!

 

Color me …Boldly…but Softly

Keep it “bridal approved” by sticking to one color theme:  one significant color of choice that pops.  A bold pop of color will give your dress the new age look your going for, while expressing your individuality and “color personality”.  Choose your color wisely…first impressions speak loudly…and boldly!

 

Don’t get any ideas of rainbow inspired dresses, either.  Let’s pass on the tacky considerations.

Separate the white, or ivory, with color: Khloe Kardashian’s Vera Wang wedding gown had a subtle pop of the color around her waist.  A thin or thick colored sash makes way for perfection as it can incorporate color into your gown in a classic way.

If you want to accessorize, add flowers to or around your hair.  The middle of the flower could be a complimentary color to the shade in your gown.  With an ivory gown, this look could be quite classic and vintage.

This article brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal Shop. A bridal shop located in Paramus, NJ.

Leo (July 24– Aug 23) The Drama Queen – Aleana’s Bridal Shop

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Personality:   All hail the queen!  You are the zodiac’s lioness…channeling the fire element in your roar of strength, warmth and high energy.  As a Leo, you hate to be alone, which is a good thing because you have a magnetic personality.  You thrive on stage, are confident, ambitious and happy as long as you have a few doting admirers.  You’re sensitive to criticism and won’t easily forgive insults or perceived slights…but still do for the sake of keeping a general peace.  You impress others with your aplomb in uncomfortable circumstances and difficult situations, always maintaining the composure as a queen would rule her country in a distressful time.  Leos are far from facades and phony behaviors, always delineating their true colors.  You rather be hated for what you truly are than loved for who you’re not and this assurance to your true self is a sign of true strength.  Loyal lion, you are one in a million…embracing a regal status of royalty illuminating through your generosity, quick wit, and overall composure.

Style: The Fancy Feline …Gold Goddess…Queen of the fashion jungle.

You are courageous enough to make an unforgettable fashion statement.  Bold colors, big patterns, a barely-there dress that somehow stays in place — if anyone can pull it off with assurance, it’s you.  Gold, fur, and velvet lure you in, and animal prints of leopard and zebra fit your fashion tastes.  Shopping is a sport for you: like the lion that symbolizes your sign, there’s nothing you love more than a good hunt then displaying the spoils with the perfect outfit.  The smart and refined looks you choose have a way of becoming iconic.  Your signature mane is often the first thing people notice, whether your hairdo is super-short or teased-out, you have the attitude and personality to pull it off.

 

Your Dream Dress/ Wedding Dress Horoscope:
Posh is in the stars for you…you want a wedding dress that is metaphorically lion-sized!  A fashion fiend for luxurious, expensive things, Leos do not mind indulging for anything, especially splurging on a wedding gown.  Elaborate sequins and bold and daring styles will catch the eye of the tiger.  Comfort is the last thing on your mind, for you Leo girls want to be flashy.  Look for materials fit for royalty – duchess satin, silk chiffon, organza – and smooth, elegant lines that meet dramatic details in a crystal brooch.  Just remember that the quality of the fabric and the manufacturing is just as important as the style.  What would be more fitting for a Leo better than a gown adorned with millions of sequins throughout the straps crossing over the chest, along with a center floral ornamentation, a billowing skirt that adds a chic feel making it a sophisticated bridal gown?  A style such as this one will wow all.  Don’t tame that mane – the more natural and goddess-like the better.   Act as if an invisible crown is being worn by you…that is where your energy will radiate all its’ royalty in your majestic gown.

Style icon who shares your sign: Jennifer Lopez

Leo seductresses: Madonna,HalleBerry, Kim Cattrall

This article is brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal Shop located in the town of Paramus, NJ – Bergen County. We will help you design the dress of your dreams. Please schedule your first appointment at Aleana’s Bridal Shop in Bergen County, NJ or call at 201-444-1500.

 

Cancer (June 22– July 23) The Soul Sister – Aleana’s Bridal Shop

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Personality:  You are more loyal than a golden retriever, and more nurturing than Mother Goose.  Cancer rules “women,” so you are the zodiac’s “soul sister.”  You connect with all the women in your life in such a profound way that you are like “Mother Nature,” but in tangible form, and are the best friend to all of your pals.  The Cancer sign is covered in contradictions.  You’re willful and independent when it comes to your professional/public life, such as your career, and you lean heavily on family and friends when it comes to emotional support.  As a water sign, you’re deeply in-tune with your feelings.  You’re an intuitive old-soul with charming character.

Style: Old Fashioned Femininity…Vive la femme…Vintage Vixen.

Cancer is the sign of femininity, yet like a shy little Crab, you can be a bit self-conscious about your womanly body.  Your true beauty emerges when you veer toward body-conscious styles that flatter your curves, rather than hide or exaggerate them.  Old-fashioned glamour (think: 1940s era) looks fresh and timeless on you.  Cancers are one of the girliest girls around and love anything lace.  You love to dress up and be appreciated for your effort.  Cancer women don’t fret over uncomfortable fabrics or styles but rather look their best in floral motifs or a fitted bodice.  You’re a parading paradox: As a teenager, you were most likely to pair a prom dress with sneakers or pencil skirt with a tee-shirt.  Your natural sensitivity to color and style can make you an amazing dresser, with a great eye for bargains and vintage treasures.

 

Your Dream Dress/ Wedding Dress Horoscope:
Part of you longs for a flowing beach dress; the other part yearns for a formal frock.  You’ll find the amazing in-between: a gown that flawlessly marries classic glamour with spunky and carefree.   Avoid the overly embellished and opt for a stunning, satin-organza frock that flatters every curve.  Your sign rules the chest, so a gown that skims the figure without revealing too much flesh is most flattering and will keep your cups from overflowing!  Your dream dress will be made of lace, floral embellishments around the waist, a full train, and dainty straps.  The lovely gown will scream with glamour and femininity…and it will be one that cannot be carried better by anyone else but you.

 

Style icon who shares your sign: Princess Diana

Cancer Seductresses: Jessica Simpson, Khloe Kardashian, Lindsay Lohan,Selma Blair

This article is brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal Shop located in the town of Paramus, NJ – Bergen County. We will help you design the dress of your dreams.

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

Wedding Planning Made Easy

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Planning a wedding can be a lot of work. Depending on what you and your fiancé are looking for, there can be a lot to plan and decide on. From locations to venues to food and budget, it can get a bit stressful. Luckily, there are a lot of websites out there to ease your pain. These sites help you to plan and keep things organized. They make it easy to find venues and keep track of your budget. They also help to keep in contact with all your guests. You can send out RSVPs, keep track of food preferences, and even add your registry. Some include apps and the ability for your guests to add photos after the wedding. There are many wedding websites to choose from, some free, some with monthly payments, and some with upgrades available for a small cost.  

 

The Knot is one of the most popular wedding websites. It offers a lot at no cost to you unless you want to upgrade.  

  • Customize your website for free 
  • Upgrade to a custom domain for an added cost 
  • Add guests and collect contact information 
  • Add a registry 
  • Keep track of gifts received and “thank you” cards sent out 
  • Share your love story 
  • Countdown to the wedding date 
  • Collect RSVPs 
  • Use budget tool 
  • Wedding planning checklist 
  • Venue search 

 

Wedding Wire is another free website. The great part about Wedding Wire is the ability to search vendor’s pages. You can read reviews right on the site, and even book appointments if possible.  It’s your one-stop-shop for wedding planning. 

  • Customize your own site with over 400 designs 
  • Mobile and tablet friendly  
  • WedSocial app where friends and family can share photos
  • Widgets to help book travel  
  • Easy access to RSVPs and registry 
  • Social guestbook 
  • Vendor search and reviews 
  • Appointment booking 

 

Joy is almost like a Facebook event page, but way better. You can add your trusted friends and event planner as admins, so you don’t have to do all of the work. The site is free and fairly similar to The Knot and Wedding Wire, with a few select differences. 

  • App for iOS and Android 
  • Multiple admins 
  • Connect with Facebook and Instagram to control sharing 
  • Send guests email notifications 
  • Introduce yourselves and your wedding party 
  • Allow guests to connect with each other 
  • Share travel details 

These are just a select few of some great wedding websites to keep your planning organized. There are many others out there to choose from. Some require monthly or yearly fees, while others, like these, are free. Choose what works best for you. Either way, these will be sure to make your wedding planning a breeze.

Be sure to find Aleana’s Bridal on Wedding Wire!