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10 Home Improvement Projects to Tackle Before Listing Your Home

Address the Exterior

First impressions are everything. In the months leading up to listing your home for sale, put in a little sweat equity to create killer curb appeal. Prune the bushes, powerwash the fence and never underestimate the impact of a fresh coat of paint on the shutters, siding or doors. Replace your old mailbox and house numbers or give them a facelift with spray paint.

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#TheLIST: The Bridal Trends of Spring 2019

#TheLIST: The Bridal Trends of Spring 2019

From bold color to oversized bows, these are the looks to love for next year's nuptials.

By Carrie Goldberg

Last season's trends for the aisle had a daintier touch, but this season, designers went for it–showcasing unapologetic, directional silhouettes that made a strong statement. Gone are the days of a bride only having 4 silhouettes and 5 fabrications to choose from when dressing for her wedding; these options, albeit fashion risk-taking, are bold choices without feeling close to costume.

Designers took risks this season–some more stark than others. Vera Wang showcased a collection entirely in color, opting to give brides more options than bridal white; Wes Gordon is now at the helm of Carolina Herrera, and his bride is slightly more youthful, playful and romantic than we've seen from the undeniably elegant house in seasons past. Naeem Khan went punk in his collection's styling, but showcased some key trends in the process; and up-and-coming designers like Danielle Frankel, Hermione de Paula and the newly launched Galvan bridal range proved that you don't have to be an industry veteran to push the envelope. If you're planning a Spring or Summer 2019 wedding, take notes–these are the dress trends for next year's warm weather weddings.

1 Bold Blooms

While petit fleurs dotted the dresses of seasons past, designers opted for a lusher take on florals this season. Rather than opt for an oversized bouquet, designers seem to prefer the idea of flowers taking center stage–from embroidered versions to plush appliqués.

When styling this trend, keep the flora and fauna minimal elsewhere–read: skip the flower crown (in fact, skip those altogether, no matter what you wear) and opt for a petite nosegay for your clutch.

Pictured (clockwise from left): Viktor & Rolf Mariage, Hermione de Paula, Carolina Herrera, Vera Wang Bride and Naeem Khan Spring 2019 Bridal.

2 Birds of a Feather

Feathers have been around the bridal world for seasons, but these posh plumes feel like a stronger statement than the frothy hints of marabou trimmings and boleros we've seen before. This season, feathers feel more sculptural and gestural, taking the place of architectural elements and all-over embroidery. Style these pieces subtly–going overboard will put you on the fast track to looking too theatrical.

Pictured (from left): Inbal Dror, Vivienne Westwood by Andreas Kronthaler and Naeem Khan Spring 2019 Bridal.

3 Courthouse Calling

Quick changes for reception and after parties have been on our radar, but for 2019, brands seemed to consider civil ceremonies more than any other wedding-adjacent event. While after party dresses feel right for dancing and basking in the limelight, a courthouse look should feel simple, elegant and more ladylike than attention-grabbing. Whether you opt for a chic set of separates or a proper suit, designers of all aesthetics delivered their visions for making it legal. The result? Sophisticated and sweet.

Pictured (from left): Lela Rose, LEIN, Mira Zwillinger, Carolina Herrera and Elizabeth Fillmore Spring 2019 Bridal.

4 Oversized Bows

Bows? For Bridal? Groundbreaking. This trend on its own doesn't seem so shocking, but in this scale, it feels fresh and unexpected. While in the past trimmings and waistlines were adorned with this feminine touch, 2019 is calling for bolder add-ons–and for these fastenings to become focal points rather than finishing’s.

Pictured (from left): Viktor & Rolf, Lela Rose, Carolina Herrera and Reem Acra Spring 2019 Bridal.

5 Heavy Metal

Festive occasions call for something, well, festive–and ample doses of sparkle feel spot on for the aisle, when all you're looking to do is pop champagne and dance the night away. While subtle gilding is chic, these edgier color ways are replacing pastels for the bride looking to infuse a hint of color without donning brights.

Pictured (from left): Elizabeth Fillmore, Naeem Khan and Galvan Spring 2019 Bridal.

6 Ruffles Galore

Whether you're after this look in the form of a flamenco-style silhouette, a tiered petticoat-inspired skirt, a design detail that helps eyes gradually work their way down your enviable frame or a single, standalone feature on an otherwise simple look, ruffles are going nowhere anytime soon. Seen in countless iterations in the latest collections, these super-femme layers are as versatile as they are voluminous, and allow brides to find their style within the scope of a fashion-forward trend.

Pictured (from left): LEIN, Marchesa, Vivienne Westwood by Andreas Kronthaler and Monique Lhuillier Spring 2019 Bridal.

7 The Meghan Effect

The royal wedding is on the horizon, and designers are feeling the excitement for all things regal, elegant, sophisticated and conservative-with-a-twist. While Meghan Markle's gown still remains under wraps, almost every designer offered up a traditional style that could suit the future Duchess–or you, after you swoon over whatever she wears down the aisle on May 19th.

Pictured (from left): Viktor & Rolf, Reem Acra, Romona Keveza and Naeem Khan Spring 2019 

Bridal.

8 Sophisticated Jump suiting

Bianca Jagger-style pantsuits still have their place, but jumpsuits have taken a more tailored, sophisticated turn this season. These pieces are no longer just sexy looks for the after party, but sharp enough for a civil ceremony, rehearsal dinner or engagement fete. Before creating an entire wedding wardrobe of dresses and gowns, consider this trend, which is just as streamlined, feminine and elegant as a sleek sheath.

Pictured (from left): Galvan, Carolina Herrera, Elizabeth Fillmore and Danielle FrankelSpring 2019 Bridal.

9 Completely Clean

While all-over beading, loads of lace and endless appliqués have their place, this season showcased more and more completely unadorned gowns that still manage a wow factor simply based on style and silhouette. From slip dresses to super-full and layered skirts, most designers included an ode to minimalism in their collections this season, leaving brides the ability to keep things simple and sophisticated without the need for added glitz.

Pictured (from left): Monique Lhuillier, Elie Saab and Marchesa Spring 2019 Bridal.

10 Trapeze Silhouettes

Shock and awe–turns out, gowns don't only come in waist-cinching styles. In fact, a blouse out from the empire waist is easy-to-wear, outside-the-box and a risk worth taking.

Pictured (from left): Danielle Frankel, Sophie et Viola, Yolan Cris and Viktor & Rolf Spring 2019 Bridal.

FOREIGN CINEMA + SAN FRANCISCO UNIQUE WEDDING

Lisa and Martin are an adventurous jet-setting couple with great style and a love of old movies, architecture, great food and rock-n-roll. It is no surprise they picked the European charm of the Foreign Cinema to host their wedding day.

 The beautiful day started off by the cheerful bride getting ready at the lovely Mark Hopkins Intercontinental Hotel. Once the bride & groom had first look photos, they then joined family for some additional pictures in the Nob Hill area. The simple but intimate setting in the outdoor courtyard at the Foreign Cinema hosted the ceremony. Guest moved into the lovely Modernism West Art Gallery for cocktails before being escorted to take their seats to personally order from a stunning menu of gourmet food selections. During dinner guest enjoyed the fun and whimsical Jean-Pierre Jeunet movie “Amelie” of one of the bride’s favorite films playing against the white wash brick wall.(one of the fun perks of hosting your event here)

 San Francisco venues are always a photographer’s dream gig, and photographer Lindsay Ferraris captures this wedding in the unique setting of the Foreign Cinema with its nearby graffiti and brick walls beautiful strung bistro lighting all to expose distinctive portraits. It is as if you are transformed to a side café street in Europe immersed into amazing food husband & wife Chef’s Clark& Pirie prepare on the menu per individual ordering. How awesome is that? Everything is freshly cooked to suit each guest perfectly (they had nearly 100 guest in attendance).

 After the fantastic dinner the guest retreated back into the art gallery for dancing & vivacity. The newlywed couple enjoys good ole rock and roll and DJ Tommy kept the party going with all the best songs to keep everyone on their feet.

Simply Events handled the preparations and décor the bride had selected and worked closely with the restaurant to ensure everyone was satisfied with the delicious food. Even the photographer, her assistant, the DJ and myself were all pleasantly surprised by having our meal at the Director’s Table (a private room upstairs) with the same grace as the guest. We hail to call it one of the best meals ever to have enjoyed (from the vendors stand point).

This extraordinary evening soon had to come to end, with guest jumping in taxis to be swept off to nearby hotels. Lisa & Martin still had ear to ear grins as they drove off into the night.

-Linda Van Kassel ~Simply Events

WINE BOTTLES - A GREAT ECO-FRIENDLY DECOR ITEM FOR ALL EVENTS & WEDDINGS

Great Ideas for Recycled Décor -Wine Bottles

You can find wine bottles in different colors (clear, greens, browns) and different sizes and can really enhance your wedding décor easily and inexpensively.  Wine bottles are a great recycled décor item (for those DIY’er that want to be eco-friendly) and most of us have them on hand too. There are many uses for complimenting your wedding design with wine bottles. You can use for table numbers, vases, favors, and you can even use recycled wine corks for guest to sign and place in a bowl, as name card holders and more.

So drink up and get designing!!!   Wine is good!

Inscribing your Wedding Rings - making it truly personal.

If you want a truly personal, lasting declaration of your love, think about inscribing it on your ring. Lovers have been writing messages on jewelry for over fifteen hundred years. In fact, inscriptions of words and symbols meaning “lover” have been found in relics dating as far back as AD 520.  Of course, you could take a page from the old ones’ book and write “lover” inside your beloved’s ring. But why not make your inscription truly personal?

Think about inscribing:

Names or initials – A traditional and timeless choice.

Dates – A way of marking your special day forever. 

The place you met or fell in love – Whether it was in San Diego or on Bus #45, you’ll never forget the first time you saw each other.

Pet names – Why not make your inscription really personal? Only you and your  boo will see what you inscribe in your ring.

Part of your vow – Commemorate your wedding day or anniversary with the words that mean the most, like “From this day forward,” or “To Have and To Hold.” 

A title (or line) from a favorite song – Think “True Companion,”  “I want to hold your hand,” or “Someone to watch over me.” 

A line from a favorite film – Perhaps “You had me at hello,” or, “To infinity and beyond!”

A piece of a poem – Love poetry says it all: “I carry your heart with me,” (e.e. cummings), “If ever two were one, then surely we,” (Anne Bradstreet),  “Never doubt I love” (Shakespeare).

A quote that spans two rings – If you’re engraving two wedding rings, your quote can join them together. Try poetry, like: “Come grow, old with me” (ring 1), “The best is yet to be” (ring 2);  or  “Give me a thousand kisses” (ring 1), “And then a thousand more” (ring 2). Or break up any quote you like: “To Have”
(ring 1), “To Hold” (ring 2).

A Bible verse –You could use the verse itself: “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine” (from the Song of Solomon) or  “Love Never Fails” (from I Corinthians); or simply inscribe where the verse comes from: “I Corinthians 13.”

A wish or promise – What do you hope for? Write it on your ring: “A Million More Sunsets.”  Or pledge your devotion: “More than yesterday, Less than tomorrow” (this quote could span two rings).

Symbols – The infinity symbol (∞) and the cross are popular inscriptions.

Quotes in other languages – Consider ”Ani L’dodi V’ dodi Li,” (Hebrew for “I am My Beloved’s and My Beloved is Mine”); “Tusa is tusa amhain,” (modern Irish Gaelic for “you and only you”); or “Por Tous Jours”
(French for “forever,” literally translated as “For All Days”).

Historic quotes –”Amor Vincit Omnia” (Latin for “Love Conquers All”) was featured in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. The verse “vila mon coeur gardi li mo”
(French for “here is my heart, guard it well”) graced rings as long ago as the 14^th century. And an 18^th century ring in The British Museum was inscribed, “Many are the stars I see but in my eye no star like thee.”

Or simply: “My beloved.”

Though wedding rings are most commonly inscribed, you could also enhance anniversary, engagement, or “mother rings” with a quote. Any type of ring can be inscribed, from simple gold bands to ones sparkling with diamonds, as long as the band is reasonably wide.

There are as many choices for inscriptions as stars in the sky. Choose a quote that means something to you and the one you give it to. And choose carefully. Your loving thoughts, once inscribed on a ring, will last a long, long, time.

About Raz Asulin

Raz Asulin is the owner of Diamond Treasures, a custom jeweler in Dallas, TX