My miracle niece!

My beautiful 1st ever niece was born premature back in August of 2009. I am happy to say that she is a beautiful healthy little girl today and our whole family just adores her. I put a slideshow together for my sister in-laws baby shower(Alyssa was still in the hospital when the shower took place). It is the simplest of slideshows but one that I watch over and over again. I wanted to post it at some point after she came home and I think today is that day. The 2 young children in the thumbnail below, the good looking boy and the beautiful little redhead are my kids!

"I Do" Ideas: Bridal Hairstyles!

It used to be that most brides wore their hair all up in very prom-esque style 'dos. While that is still common, really ANYTHING goes these days! There are updos, but now there are down 'dos, half up/half down 'dos, and very relaxed 'dos. Flowers, headbands, feathers, tiaras, braids, the possibility are endless for showing your own personal style in your wedding day hair. Let's check out a few options...
A low, relaxed tucked-in ponytail with a flower...Perfect for a more casual look, excellent for a beach wedding!
A loose side braid...very casual, yet beautiful
A more elegant up do with a fun & fabulous feather...This is definitely a more formal look, with sass
A half up, casual style with carefully placed (but effortless looking) yellow flowers
Here we have a slicked back updo with a classic just-past-shoulder veil...Classic & beautiful
The mantilla veil, although a vintage look, is becoming very popular again. Vintage becomes modern
More of a formal looking half up/half down 'do with a "bump". I love the loose curls this bride has
A formal, tight, low bun with a birdcage veil. I love the look of these; one needs a certain poise to pull this off!
A very sleek, low ponytail. A ponytail, yes, but still very formal & elegant looking
More of a "messy" side 'do with a large barrette. Casual, but still brings a certain wow factor
A fancier low bun with a rhinestone headband and veil. I love that the headband is replacing the tiara...just personal opinion!
A very casual down 'do with two braids...I feel like this could be perfect for a casual outdoor backyard or beach wedding.
A "messy" updo with large curly tendrils...This look reminds me very much so of a Greek goddess
A very formal high bun with lower veil
A sleek and straight mostly-down 'do. Better for a more casual dress; or even for a bridesmaid 'do.
What I did for OUR WEDDING...
I decided to go with a half up/half down 'do with a side part in the front. The plan was to have all curls...
and that's what it looked like while I was still at the salon...
An hour or so later at my Mom's house...where are the curls?
Another hour later at the church, pin straight. Some people could have gotten really down with a hair "mishap" like this, but I was so happy that day; nothing could have gotten me down. Besides, the top held out perfectly so I was pretty happy.
What hairstyle did you wear for your wedding? What type of veil?
Future brides - how do you picture your hair for the big day?

Carrie Underwood was my hair inspiration...who's yours?



All inspiration pictures courtesy of The Knot. My pictures courtesy of Zenobia Photography Studios.

Jen and Jay

Jen has done such an amazing job for me these past few weeks--I wanted to repost a clip that I did 7 months ago! Has it really been 7 months?? Yes--but it still plays like new. Thanks Jen and Jay.

A Wedding Story: Kelly!

I am very excited to announce a new addition to Wedding Wednesdays - A Wedding Story! Every couple of weeks, we'll have an interview with either a past RI wife or a future RI bride. The hope is that through their experiences, they can help you to better plan and prepare for YOUR wedding!

If you have any questions or comments about the featured wedding, feel free to let me know in the comments section below!

Our very first Wedding Story is Kelly Soares. With that, here's Kelly...

When did you get married?
We got married on May, 24th, 2009.

Where was your ceremony? Reception?
The ceremony was at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul and the reception was at the Biltmore Hotel, both in Providence.

What made you choose that reception location?
I have loved the Biltmore since I was a little girl. We really wanted the wedding to have a classic, timeless feel and the Biltmore's ballroom, designed in the 1920s, was the perfect venue. I love the chandeliers, the details on the walls, and the beautiful views of downtown Providence.

What was your favorite aspect of your wedding?
My favorite aspect of the wedding was how we incorporated as much of our families and our history as we could. Our wedding cake was an exact replica of my parents' cake, and the topper was the same one that my husband's parents' had on their cake. The linens were the same ones used at my parents' wedding. We had a traditional Portuguese fado singer perform during dinner. Best of all, my father in law surprised us with a performance by the traditional Portuguese dancing group that my husband and I danced in, which is how we met.

What was the best resource you used during the planning process?
My best resource was other brides, since I was able to get excellent recommendations and suggestions. I also took to heart the advice of my amazing vendors. They are professionals who have been in the wedding business for years, so they know which other vendors are reputable and consistently provide great services.

What's the one thing you would have done differently?
I would have eaten more wedding cake! It was delicious and I barely got in a bite. But I did dance the night away with my husband and my guests, and I wouldn't change that for the world.

Any advice for future brides?
My best advice is to be prepared for the unexpected and enjoy every moment! It flies by, so really take the time to celebrate your wedding day. You're not likely to have all of the people who are so important to you and your new husband under one roof again, partying the night away, so make sure to appreciate that. Steal a few moments in private with your husband, share an extra special hug with your parents, have a toast with your wedding party, really enjoy each and every moment.

Nicely said, Kelly. How often do you have ALL of your family and friends in the same place for such a joyous occasion? It may never happen like that again, so enjoy every second of it with all of your loved ones!


Photo courtesy of Melissa Robotti Photography


If you'd like to be a Featured Wife or Bride, please email me at legallybride@hotmail.com

And now a look back:

LegallyBride2 and Wedding Wednesdays: Bridal Dresses!

Yes - one in the same--the fabulous Jen--aka--legallybride2- comes to WeddingStories. You know her from all the forums, and her ever-popular blog--now she will host Wedding Wednesdays right here on our blog. It will be a combination of "Tips and Trends", and "Featured Wives of the R.I.". Enjoy the talk, and enjoy the advice--she has a great vibe and knows what is hot, and what is not. I am delighted to introduce our next phase of WeddingStories RI---WEDDING WEDNESDAYS! In the coming weeks WeddingStories RI will evolve into an online resource for RI Brides. Video clips will still be posted in collaboration with this format. We hope you enjoy it, and there will be more to come as the 2010 wedding season unfolds.

Hello Lovely Readers! Welcome to the first edition of Wedding Wednesdays in its new home, Wedding Stories!

First up...Bridal Dresses. There are quite a few different bridal dress silhouettes and necklines...So the question remains, how do you pick which one is best for YOU? My advice, throw all your pre-conceived notions away when you go dress shopping! You want to find the neckline (and silhouette) that will be the most flattering on you, not just the one that looks perfect on the model in a magazine. Try on as many styles as possible; you may just surprise yourself and walk out with something totally different than what you had imagined!

Here are a few different styles; each with a different neckline.

Neckline: Asymmetric; Silhouette: A-Line... Dress by Atelier Diagonal
Personally, I LOVE this asymmetric look. If you hate the phrase 'cookie cutter bride', keep your eye out for a dress like this!
Neckline: Bateau; Silhouette: Ball Gown... Dress by Manuel Mota
You don't see a ton of dresses today with a beateau neckline but it is a very elegant look. Perfect if you have any trouble areas in your upper body; draws attention to your collarbone.
Neckline: Halter; Silhouette: A-Line... Dress by DaVinci
Halter dresses are flattering for most women. Definitely at least try one on, you may be surprised
Neckline: Jewel; Silhouette: Fit-N-Flare... Dress by Jasmine Couture
Again, we don't see a *ton* of jewel necklines...Which is why I figured I should remind everyone that they're still out there! Very elegant
Neckline: Off-the-shoulder; Silhouette: A-Line... Dress by Romona Keveza
I love this look; it screams modern bride to me. It's also good for those who don't *love* their shoulders.
Neckline: One-Shoulder; Silhouette: A-Line... Dress by LaRichi Couture
The one shoulder (similar to the asymmetric) is BACK! And better than ever...
Neckline: Scoop; Silhouette: A-Line... Dress by Martina Liana
The scoop forms a "U" shape, as high or low as you feel comfortable. Any sleeve length could work with this neckline really.
Neckline: Sheath; Silhouette: Mermaid... Dress by Manuel Mota
For a more covered up look, add a layer of shear lace to any neckline
Neckline: Square; Silhouette: Empire... Dress by KITTYCHEN Couture
The square neckline forms a crisp, elegant look that works with most figures
Neckline: Strapless; Silhouette: Princess... Dress by Two by Rosa Clara
The simple yet very popular strapless dress goes straight across the upper body without the support of straps. Show off your upper arms with this classic neckline
Neckline: Sweetheart; Silhouette: A-Line... Dress by Marina K Couture
Named for actually looking like the top of a heart... It is most commonly used on strapless dresses; perfect for concealing and controlling exposure
Neckline: V-Neck; Silhouette: A-Line... Dress by Moonlight - Stephani
A "V" shape literally from the shoulders and down to however deep you choose. A high "V" can work well for the modest bride.
What I wore for OUR wedding...
My dress was an a-line silhouette with a strapless neckline. The whole top was intricately beaded while the bottom was pure silk, handkerchief style.


All inspiration pictures courtesy of The Knot. All my wedding pictures courtesy of Zenobia Photography Studios. I bought my dresses at Filene's annual Running of the Brides in Boston and had it altered by Rosa Medieros.

Karen and Phil

So we have a surprise coming on Wednesday! I will post about that tomorrow. In the meantime here is a clip from a beautiful wedding shot back in the Fall. The song has been recorded by a bunch of artists--but I like this "American Idol" version the best.
The Venue: The Biltmore
The Photog: Sabrina Scolari
The Band: Cover to Cover
The Bride and Groom: The amazing, kind and wonderful Karen and Phil

2010 The Knot - Best of Weddings

Just received this award yesterday. All I can say is thank you.

2010 Brides Choice Award

I received this email from WeddingWire last night and thought it was great. Thank you to all the brides and grooms who have been so supportive of WeddingStories Videography.

Dear John,

Congratulations! We are excited to announce that WeddingStories has been chosen to receive the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2010. This award recognizes the top 5 percent of local wedding professionals from the WeddingWire Network who demonstrate excellence in quality, service and professionalism.
The Bride’s Choice Awards™ are determined exclusively by recent newlyweds (brides and grooms) through extensive surveys and reviews, which means your past clients have spoken on our behalf and selected you to receive this honor.

Isabel and Michael

The Cathedral,the Biltmore and Cregg Annarino(wow --is he good). Hope you enjoy this highlight clip.

Holly and Bill

The Venue: The Biltmore
The Photographer: Melissa Robotti
The Make-up Artist: Kristin Greene
The Bride and Groom: Two of the nicest people I have ever met--just watch and see:

Jen and Jay Video Teaser

Jen and Jay, the ultimate videographers dream couple. They have been game for just about anything from the start (see TTD session in 0 degrees earlier this year). Here is a video teaser for them, cut to a song by Coldplay that has nothing to do with weddings but as I said, this couple lets me stretch out a bit and have some fun. Jen and Jay, you are one of a kind and I will always consider both of you a friend. Thank you for all your support.
Vendor credits on this great day go to: Zenobia Photography, Kristin Greene Makeup and All 4 You DJ’S.
PS: I got the opening "ring roll" shot to stop on the first take! I swear.

Lauren and Joe

Every wedding has at least one unique moment that I can always associate with that particular Bride and Groom. For Lauren and Joe it was during their vows. Lauren had started to laugh just a little then took a deep breath and this rush of emotion just flowed out.In a matter of seconds it was funny and then very emotional. That is what I will remember most.

Nicole and Andy

Andy, the professional soccer player in Europe met the beautiful Nicole while playing soccer for Boston University. These two have an incredibly fun and loving relationship and this wedding was a blast. Jennifer Neves was the photographer and set up great shots for me all day--thanks Jen. She even saved the day when there was a spill on the gown. The Night Rhythm band kept this party rolling all night at Regatta Place. Golden Gate (who else!) did the flowers. So as the song says lets "kick" it off.

Erin and Steve

Erin and Steve, a couple that I will remember for a long time. Passionate, funny, emotional and most of all, kind. It was a pleasure to shoot this wedding. My good friend Dave Bibeault from DB Photography did his usual tremendous job and Anne and Glen from All 4 You DJ'S kept the dance floor packed all night. Here is a Highlight Montage for Erin and Steve.

Kelly and Kevin Video Trailer

Kelly and Kevin, where do I start? Kelly met with me back in 2008 and had a very clear vision of what kind of video she wanted for her wedding. We decided to try something a little different than my “normal style” and put together a true keepsake style production with back stories, family interviews, pre-wedding day shoots and other goodies. There is an old saying in this business, “it’s all about the bride” but shooting this wedding in the days leading up to and day of, taught me that it can be all about family. The trailer clip that I am posting is just a tiny glimpse into their amazing day and when all is complete I will post the highlight montage to‘’show off’ all the beautiful imagery and details from the wedding. I have to mention my two good friends, Melissa Robotti Photography and Victor from PartyTime. Melissa was absolutely incredible. The work and effort she put forth that day was truly awesome. Victor did an amazing job of not only as a DJ but also a terrific MC who kept everything flowing just perfect. Both their reputations are deserved and I love working with them. Kelly and Kevin thank you for having me peek into your lives and I hope you enjoy this clip.