Dressing the Part

When selecting the attire that you will wear for your wedding you will find that there are countless options. Gone are the days when all wedding clothing looked the same. Also gone are the majority of the rules which once applied to wedding attire. While modern etiquette still does dictate certain guidelines which should be followed at your wedding socially. When it comes to what you wear you should freely express your personal style. Elements that may influence what you wear could be your wedding setting including the climate and the venue style, or cultural customs and traditions.

The idea of wearing a color other than ivory or white is something that many aren’t brave enough to embrace, again unless there is a cultural influence. While both ivory and white are stunning when properly styled, wearing color is much more memorable and lots of fun. Just remember to remain in the range of colors that compliment you and that aren’t too saturated for that particular season.

I know individuals that have envisioned what they have wanted to wear since they were a child and they did not stray from that vision. Even when it meant trying on a teeming number of items until they were satisfied.

You will find your wedding duds where you happen to find them. A distinctive look could be created by combing stylish vintage boutiques for the selection that speaks to you. Or if you are feeling a bit indulgent go the custom or designer route.

I have even had clients be professionally measured for online orders. If you choose to purchase at a store that specialize in wedding apparel or buy directly off the rack, you should switch up a few details or add an accessory or two to make it a unique look for you.

When it comes to wearing attire which you inherited and was previously worn by a love one, it should be you who has the desire to wear the garment and not at the forceful suggestion of others.

While I do appreciate a classic look and am a lover of clean lines. I fully support breaking from traditional and giving yourself some style room to breathe. Especially on a day where you will more like be photographed more than any other day in your life. That is unless you are normally chased by the Paparazzi.

Going for a stylish look on your wedding day could be a great thing for you. I am sure that your wedding photos and future self will thank you!

The Most Important Meal of the "Evening”

There is something really special about breakfast and brunch food and I must admit that I am totally addicted to the cuisine. This affinity began when I was about ten years old and I cooked my very first egg successfully. That moment grew my culinary interest, skills and my breakfast menu repertoire. There is nothing like a big breakfast on a lazy Saturday morning and I indulge on the Sundays that I can meet my favorite cousin for Brunch, around Noon. Nothing can touch the vivid memories that I recall as a child being at my Grand Mother’s home after school on a cozy Autumn evening and having my pallet totally seduced by my first ever introduction to breakfast as dinner. My world changed forever!

My Grand Mother walked to the beat of her own drum and was a naturally gifted cook. She knew that nurturing her family thought cooking was a definite extension of her love for us. The term “from scratch” could have been her mantra. It was common place to smell warm, wholesome, mouth-watering aromas wafting from the interior of her gas oven and filling the entire home. I remember that on this particular foggy evening in place of her usual dinner fare she served fluffy scrambled cheesy eggs with creamy, buttery grits and an array of country sausages and extra crunchy thick cut bacon. Not to mention pans of her hot and golden, steamy biscuits. Which no meal in her home was ever complete without and for me was the crowning touch. Especially when accompanied by the fresh caramelized, pan sautéed apples that she surprised us with. This was my breakfast T.K.O. a meal so gratifying that I fell in love with the concept.

Some evenings, after a long day it is so satisfying to arrive home and discover that it is the perfect time to indulge in my favorite craving. I have even pushed the envelope a little further and served breakfast at a dinner party that I hosted. Though that particular serving was more refined, it still held the same level of surprise and satisfaction that I first experienced and my guest adored it. From French Toast with fizzy Mimosas to smothered hash browns and stuffed omelets there are endless options.

I am sure that we each have a breakfast favorite that could inspire our next evening’s solo dinner or gathering with friends.