Wedding Tip Tuesday: How to Tie a Bow Tie

It seems like a simple task until the oddly shaped piece of fabric is lying limp and hopeless in your hands. These step by step instructions will make you a pro when the time comes.

1. Place the bow tie around your neck situating it so End A is two inches longer than End B

2. Cross End A over End B.

3. Bring End A up and under the loop. 

4. Now double End B over itself to form the front base loop of the bow tie. 

5. Loop End A over the center of the loop you just formed.

6. Holding everything in place, double End A back on itself and poke it through the loop behind the bow tie. 

7. Adjust the bow tie by tugging at the ends straightening the center knot.

Need more visuals? Charles French has a quick and easy video here. 

Like anything else, keep practicing!

Bridal Fashion Week Recap

That's right-- while we are still riding out the summer breeze here in Orange County, our favorite designers are showcasing their Fall 2015 designs. Capturing the essence of a bride is possible. Making it new, fresh and couture is a different story.  Creating a successful line requires updating traditional shapes with current trends and appealing to the ever-evolving taste of the modern bride . Take Nicole Miller's modified halter/tank neckline paired with a crowd-pleasing mermaid. The gown is refreshing and modern but still maintains a bridal essence. Theia went with a more romantic take and ornate beading. 

Nicole Miller, Fall 2015. Photo courtesy Brides.com 

Nicole Miller, Fall 2015. Photo courtesy Brides.com 

Theia, Fall 2015. Photo courtesy of Brides.com

Theia, Fall 2015. Photo courtesy of Brides.com

Hayley Paige made hearts swoon over her Spring 2012 collection taking back detail to a different level. How did she make Fall 2015 any different? Oh, just a sparkle harness. Who needs a bolero when you can alter any gown with tasteful jewels? Take a look at some of our favorites from this past week. Some dresses have taken a serious 'evening wear' vibe, a la Theia's crystal encrusted halter column dress. Meanwhile, Claire Pettibone maintains her bohemian taste offering the sweetest sleeves and cascading flower crowns. Toying with current trends while keeping lace, satin and chiffon in the mix masterfully updates bridal fashion. Other notes? Cut outs and crop tops. In bridal, you ask? It works! 

What calls to you this year? Did any of your bridal visions change with the times? Or is your heart still set on that first daydream? 

Hayley Paige Spring 2012. Photo courtesy of pinterest.com 

Hayley Paige Spring 2012. Photo courtesy of pinterest.com 

Hayley Paige, Fall 2015. Photo courtesy of facebook.com/hayleypaigebridal 

Hayley Paige, Fall 2015. Photo courtesy of facebook.com/hayleypaigebridal 

Theia. Fall 2015. Photo courtesy of Brides.com

Theia. Fall 2015. Photo courtesy of Brides.com

Claire Pettibone, Fall 2015. Photo courtesy of clairepettibone.com/blog

Claire Pettibone, Fall 2015. Photo courtesy of clairepettibone.com/blog

Angel Sanchez, Fall 2015. Photo courtesy of blog.theknot.com

Angel Sanchez, Fall 2015. Photo courtesy of blog.theknot.com

Badgley Mischka, Fall 2015. Photo courtesy of brides.com

Badgley Mischka, Fall 2015. Photo courtesy of brides.com

Reem Acra, Fall 2015. Photo courtesy of brides.com

Reem Acra, Fall 2015. Photo courtesy of brides.com

Real Wedding: Kelly Wilson and Nick North

The quintessential autumn wedding! Kelly and Nick executed fall perfectly with pumpkins and burlap galore. The decor was sweet and refined with rustic touches like escort cards strung with clothespins and a wine box ceremony. That fabulous dresser photos are featured on? Kelly's own. Her individualistic touches remind us to interject our own style into standard features. Such a simple and bold way to personalize your day! 

Vendors: {Coordinator: Simply Sweet Weddings} - {Location: Highland Springs Resort} - {Photography: Whismie Photographie} - {Videography: Boffo Video} - {Florist: The Bloom of Time} - {Entertainment: Scratch Weddings} - {Hair & Makeup: Tessa Stull} - {Linens: La TavolaGBS Linens } - {Photobooth: Night Owl Productions}