The lure of the Royal Wedding

I've been trying for weeks to explain to my husband why I was so excited for this day, and he just doesn't get it. Maybe he never will, because he wasn't a little girl who grew up watching fairy tales and dreaming about princes and princesses. To me, the lure of today's historical wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton, was partially because of the fact that Kate was a commoner. It takes me back to the days of playing make believe with my sisters and dreaming of one day becoming a princess. Today, it actually happened for one beautiful women who probably played the very same games with her sister as a child.

 

And more than that, I was thrilled to see a royal wedding where the bride and groom are completely in love. They aren't marrying because of tradition or politics, they are marrying for love. And seeing this wedding today is a beautiful expression of the modern royal family who can marry whomever they choose regardless of title.

Today is what fairy tales are made of!

Photos courtesy of People.com

Princess Kate's "Something Borrowed"

Kate Middleton chose the perfect accessory for her gorgeous Alexander McQueen gown. On loan from the Queen, she wore a stunning Cartier tiara that was originally made in 1936 for Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother). It was then given to her daughter, the current Queen on her 18th birthday.

Many thought Kate would wear Princess Diana's tiara, but I'm thrilled with this choice. The history alone is fabulous! But the smaller size & feminine curls at the top are the perfect compliment to her features.

Photos courtesy of People.com

A McQueen fit for a Princess...

Everyone in the wedding industry & beyond has been waiting to see THE wedding gown for weeks! The dress chosen by the future queen of England will undoubtedly influence bridal fashion for years to come.

Now Princess Catherine, Kate Middleton stepped out into Westminster Abby in the early hours of the morning in a dress truly fit for a princess. Designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, she looked regal & traditional but with a beautifully modern silhouette & structure - the true picture of a princess.

Sarah Burton spoke with Women's Wear Daily today about the honor of dressing Princess Kate and this is what they had to say...
"It has been the experience of a lifetime to work with Catherine Middleton to create her wedding dress, and I have enjoyed every moment of it. It was such an incredible honor to be asked, and I am so proud of what we and the Alexander McQueen team have created. I am delighted that the dress represents the best of British craftsmanship. Alexander McQueen's designs are all about bringing contrasts together to create startling and beautiful clothes and I hope that by marrying traditional fabrics and lacework, with a modern structure and design we have created a beautiful dress for Catherine on her wedding day. The last few months have been very exciting and an incredible experience for my team and I as we have worked closely with Catherine to create this dress under conditions of the strictest secrecy."

photo courtesy of E!

photo courtesy of Vogue

I must say I'm thrilled with her style choice. It's very reminiscent of Grace Kelly on her wedding day, just as a I was wishing for earlier in the week. Remember this post from just 2 days ago?

And nothing could be more fitting for the future queen, than a McQueen design! Bravo to Princess Catherine on a fabulous choice that will influence brides around the world for years to come!

Royal Wedding: Incredible Hats

Brace yourselves, this is going to be a record day at the Finishing Touch blog! Prepare for many Royal Wedding post :)

One of the things I was most looking forward to about today's wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton is the gorgeous, elaborate, and quirky hats. As is the custom at a royal wedding, no one can remove their hats until the Queen removes here. Here are just a few of my favorites...

Princesses Beatrice & Eunicie (cousins of Prince William) chose very high fashion Philip Treacy hats

Of course, I had to include Victoria Beckham also in a Philip Treacy design

Sophia Winkleman in an unknown design

Sophie, Countess of Wessex, in a design by Jane Taylor

the mother of the bride in a design by Jane Corbett - LOVE the little ruffle peaking out!

I am very tempted to become a hat person, but I think people here in the states might not appreciate it like the British! What do you think? Which is your favorite?

Photos courtesy of ABC.com

Our Twist on a Royal Wedding

Just last month I collaborated on a photo shoot to die for! I was able to get creative and produce an absolutely beautiful set for photographer, Melissa McCrotty to shoot in. My vision: A Royal Picnic. Think Opulence & Extravagance in a lovely outdoor setting (Alda's Magnolia Hill in Little Rock, Arkansas). Think Marie Antoinette at her country home.

And it's absolutely perfect timing that I can finally share some of the images with you just hours before Prince William & Kate Middleton, now Princess Catherine, say "I Do". Enjoy our Royal Picnic...

fabulous layered invitation from Sincerely Yours Paper Inc

floral arrangements from Distinctive Designs by Tanarah, linen & vintage sofa from Party Time Rentals

"feast with us" tags from Sincerely Yours Paper Inc

calligraphy menu from Molly's Paperie

And we'll end with my favorite image of the day...

See, anyone can have a wedding day fit for royalty! So what do you think of our Southern twist on the Royal theme?

I hope you all enjoy the wedding of Prince William and Kate in just a few short hours! It will be influential in the wedding industry for years to come. I am waiting impatiently to see every little detail! Check back after the wedding for our take on the royal wedding - trends, fashion, and much more!

A Royal Beauty

With all the hype of tomorrow's royal wedding, it's got me thinking back to the royal weddings of the past. While most of the media are comparing Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding to that of Princess Diana & Prince Charles, I'm immediately reminded of the poise & style of Princess Grace, and hope that Kate chooses to follow in her style footsteps. Here's a little reminder of just how stunning she was on her wedding day in 1956...

Royal Wedding Week

In anticipation of tomorrow's Royal Wedding (which of course I've got all set to record at 3am!), everyone has Britain Fever. And incredible Napa Valley photographer, Jessica Claire is no exception. She featured a fabulous royal wedding inspired engagement shoot on her blog this week and it is absolutely adorable!

Now who's ready to see Prince William & Kate tie the knot tomorrow? I know I am. Expect myself (along with the rest of the wedding world) to be posting pictures and commentary on the fashion, gorgeous details, and the HATS! I cannot wait to see the hats...

Sweet Sweet Words

Finishing Touch just received a new review on Wedding Wire from our sweet April bride, Kathryn:

Planning a wedding is a sometime overwhelming process and Jessica was right there beside me every step of the way with her invaluable knowledge, advice and creative ideas. She attended countless meetings with me and was always just an email or phone call away if I needed her. Having her there the day of the wedding alone was worth every penny. I was able to place everything in her capable hands and just enjoy the day. My wedding day was perfect thanks to Finishing Touch!

Kathryn, It was our pleasure to work with you for your beautiful wedding! I enjoyed every minute of it. You and Casey are such a great couple and I know you'll have a very happy life together. Congratulations to you both! Please keep in touch.

Modern, Intimate wedding in NYC

Today I am loving this modern New York City wedding featured recently on Merci New York. This bride & groom, who have been together for 14 years, decided to finally tie the knot in an intimate ceremony with just their 3 children. And after all those years of waiting, they did it right! Feast your eyes on the gorgeousness...

For more, head over to Merci New York now.

New Gallery Added: Kathryn & Casey

I've been blogging about Kathryn & Casey's wedding for the last week, and I now have a gallery 30 of my favorite images added to our website. Here's a few of the best of the best!

Bouquet by Distinctive Designs by Tanarah

Click here to see all of my favorites from Kathryn & Casey's big day! Thank you again to Melissa McCrotty for the amazing job she did on all of their wedding photos.

Kathryn & Casey: My Favorite Portrait

I'll let the photo speak for itself...

Now a little info:
After the ceremony, we wanted to give the guests time to arrive and get settled at the reception before Kathryn & Casey made their grand entrance. So I encouraged Melissa McCrotty to take the bride & groom for a quick little portrait session. The results are my favorite images of the day! They decided to visit to the parks at the Clinton Presidential Library which are an absolutely stunning backdrop for any photo session. With the fabulous light and relaxed Newly Weds the results are spectacular!
This particular shot was taken near the fountains just in front of the museum with the gorgeous bridge in the background. The sweet embrace, curve of their bodies, and the train of her gown...I love it all. This photo is absolutely beautiful!
To see more from their wedding, head over to Melissa's blog now. And check back next week when we post a new gallery!

Kathryn & Casey are married!

Congratulations to Kathryn & Casey Hedden! They were married on Saturday in a beautiful ceremony at St. Paul's United Methodist Church surrounded by their closest family and friends. After the ceremony, guests made their way to the historic Albert Pike Hotel in downtown Little Rock to celebrate with Kathryn & Casey for the rest of the evening.
Because Melissa McCrotty is so amazing, we already have some beautiful images to share with you! Here's just a sneak peak of a few of my favorites...

The first look always produces some of my favorite images and this one is no exception...

Kathryn & Casey did their first look on the lawn of the Old State House. The perfect backdrop.

I'll share some ceremony images later, but for now...on to the reception!

All floral arrangements from Distinctive Designs by Tanarah

The most delicious wedding cake I've ever tasted. Yes people, those are white chocolate curls!

Lisa's Cake Boutique

That's it for now! But stop by back tomorrow to see my FAVORITE wedding portrait from the day. To see more photos from Kathryn & Casey's big day, head over to Melissa McCrotty's blog now.

Congratulations to the Heddens! I hope you're relaxing in the tropical sun as we speak.