BRISBANE WELCOMES INTERNATIONAL CELEBRITY FLORIST KAREN TRAN
Our FREE online mag ONTREND BRIDAL ONLINE is proving to be very popular and the 5th edition is breaking all the previous records. I want to say a big thank you to everyone who has embraced our online mags… we can’t believe how many reads we have been receiving from all over Australia and around the world! The current issue is a celebration of the events which are helping to showcase our beautiful city of Brisbane to the world. We were thrilled to welcome International Celebrity Florist Karen Tran to Queensland for her Masterclass and Gala Dinner Event @ Hillstone St Lucia in November 2015 and I was privileged to be one of the invited guests at the Gala Dinner. I loved chatting with Karen about her amazing career and my autographed copy of her new book is a wonderful reminder of when Karen brought her magic to Brisbane.
KAREN TRAN BRISBANE SPONSORS…
Host – Celebrations by Alysia
Flowers – Bella Bloom Floral Designs
Venue – Hillstone St Lucia
Event production – AVIDEAS
Video – Playback studios
Roses – Rosaprima
Accommodation – Sofitel Brisbane Central
Media – PDPR
Wine – Taylors Wine
Karen’s Dress – Velani
Photography – Ted and Li Photography
Floral wall – Luxe Flower Wall
Chandeliers – Chandeliers to Die For
Linen – Events By Nadia
Candelabras – Crystalabra
Cake – Krissys Cakehouse
Menus – Water Colours by Eva Vega
Model- Billie Bridger
Make Up – Velbella
Hair stylists – House of Zion
Furniture – Omkara Interiors
Karen Tran lettering – Foamtastic Party Decor
Floral Balloons – Party Splendour
Gold Glass Nameplates – Personalised Favours
Gold Cutlery – Gold Wedding Hire
Bridal Gown – Jennifer Gifford Designs
Gold Beaded Chargers – Beautiful Weddings Australia
Roman and French Jewellery – Roman and French
Glass – Hampton Event Hire
5 WEDDING-WORTHY TRENDS FROM THE 2016 GOLDEN GLOBES
From structured bodices and tiered skirts to plunging necklines and sequins, this year’s Golden Globes red carpet was a night of flawless fashion, bursting with timeless wedding inspiration. White Lily Couture Style Director and bridal expert, Alera Kingham takes us through her TOP 5 celebrity-inspired cues for wedding day style in 2016.
Plunging Neckline
… worn by Corinne Foxx in Paolo Sebastian
Miss Golden Globes 2016 showed us how to balance classy and sexy with this plunging neckline. The ethereal gown was lined with dove embroidery from the bodice up, complemented by a simple up-do and stunning jewels. Love this trend but worried about showing too much skin on your wedding day? I recommend an Augusta Jones or Enzoani gown. Both designers present a fresh approach to timeless bridal fashion, creating feminine shapes that embrace nude lace and plunging necklines to tastefully give you the illusion of a V-neckline without revealing too much skin.
Tiered Skirt
… worn by Zendaya in Marchesa
Tiered-skirt dresses are back and if the 2016 Golden Globes are anything to go by, they are making a statement in 2016! Contemporary brides take note, if you want to adorn a tiered skirt on your special day, the Enzoani Blue and Beautiful 2016 collections are a great fit for you. The collections’ innovative uses of layers create playful silhouettes to fit and flatter all shapes and sizes.
Capes
… worn by Jennifer Lopez in Giambattista Valli
One trend we had our eye on this Golden Globes red carpet was capes. Jennifer Lopez rocked a bright mustard dress with sharply-caped shoulders, a high side split and a long train. You can’t go wrong with this look – feminine and sophisticated with a touch of seduction. If you’re after a strong silhouette and a sexy avant-garde design for your 2016 wedding, the Pronovias 2016 collection adds a little embroidery and elegant detailing into the mix to create a range of gowns that really speak to the modern bride.
Sequins & Embellishments… worn by Kate Bosworth in Dolce & Gabbana
Sequins and embellishments certainly made a statement at this year’s Golden Globes with the likes of Kate Hudson, Olivia Wilde and Uzo Aduba shining bright all night long. It was Kate Bosworth’s strapless gown however, infused with shimmering pink discs, that had heads turning before she even hit the red carpet. She completed her look with a slicked-back bun and diamond studs, for added sophistication. Looking to break the bridal gown mould on your wedding day? The De Lanquez 2016 collection is the perfect blend of classical aesthetics and modern design. Each dress is an individual work of art, combining intricate crystal beading and lace work with high quality fabrics to create an incomparable fit and sense of luxury, ensuring you shine bright like a starlet on your wedding day.
Nude
… worn by Eva Green in Elie Saab
Nude was without a doubt the colour of the night, as we suspect it may be for many 2016 brides. After all, what is more picturesque than a blushing bride in a champagne gown, or a luxe mocha or nude gown to complement the backdrop of an outdoor wedding? Enzoani’s 2016 collection includes some stunning nude gowns perfect for brides seeking that ‘je ne sais quoi’ factor.
For more expert advice from Alera, check out @whitelilycouture on Instagram and Facebook.
HEAL HOUSE @ NEW FARM… The Perfect Bridal Retreat
Luxurious Heal House is the perfect destination for any discerning Brisbane bride. Located in the quiet yet urban inner-city suburb of New Farm, Heal House is ideally located a short distance from some of Brisbane’s most popular wedding locations, including New Farm Park and the Brisbane Powerhouse, The City Botanic Gardens, the Newstead Park Rotunda, The Landing at Kangaroo Point and South Bank Parklands. A beautifully restored, heritage Queenslander, Heal House offers a truly unique and premium guest experience. Containing just three luxury suites, the boutique house is the perfect pre-wedding retreat. Book the entire house for your bridal party and enjoy an intimate and relaxing escape leading up to the wedding. The night before, pamper yourself and the girls and cherish all those special moments in elegant surrounds as you prepare for the big day! The Master Suite, Executive Suite and Verandah Suite each include an opulent ensuite featuring granite tiles, custom marble vanities and high-end amenities; as well as ducted air-conditioning for total comfort. Refined with plenty of thoughtful extra touches, Heal House has everything you need to celebrate and prepare with your family and closest friends. After a blissful night’s sleep in one of the five-star rooms, ease into the morning and energise for the day ahead with a delicious continental breakfast and optional hot dishes prepared by Heal House’s attentive hosts. Indulge in a bubble bath in the free-standing tub, wrap up in a sumptuous cotton robe, sip a glass of champagne and turn up all of your favourite tunes using the iPod dock as you and the girls have your hair and make-up done. Complimentary Wi-Fi also means you and your bridesmaids can Instagram your behind-the-scenes snaps to your hearts’ content. A recent renovation has seen the Queenslander transformed with a contemporary finish while preserving its heritage charm, creating a gorgeous backdrop for your photographer to capture all of your professional, pre-ceremony shots for your wedding album. And reserve Heal House for your wedding night and enjoy a short trip back to your suite to relax in your plush King Bed. www.healhouse.com.au
BRISBANE JEWELLER AWARDED BEST ENGAGEMENT RING DESIGN IN AUSTRALIA
As Beyoncé declares, “If you like it then you should have put a ring on it” and that’s exactly what a Brisbane jeweller has done, scooping top honours in best engagement ring design in Australia. The winning announcement and presentation of the award was made to Xennox Diamonds at the Showcase Jewellers Gala Awards Dinner in Sydney on Friday 28 August 2015. The 12 designers from 30 national stockists entered in the PASSION8 Design Award category at the biennial Showcase Jewellers Design Awards 2015 remained a mystery to the judging panel, who had the unenviable task of selecting the winning piece through a ‘blind’ judging process. Pieces were judged on creativity, marketability, strength and durability, custom design, craftsmanship, quality and finish, styling, uniqueness and practicality… and were required to feature a Passion8 *hearts and arrows diamond with a RRP under $10,000. “The idea behind our winning design was to capture the essence of timeless elegance with wearability,” said Xennox Diamonds Managing Director and Head Designer Karl Schwantes. “Why I’m particularly proud of winning this award, which set a maximum value of $10,000, is that it proves you don’t need a million dollar budget to create the ultimate engagement ring that will last the test of time. This philosophy is emulated in every piece that Xennox Diamonds creates, that way our clients can continue to love their ring as much today as they will in 50 years,” added Mr. Schwantes.
Karl Schwantes (left) accepting the award with Passion8 Brand Manager Craig Miller
MERCEDES BENZ FASHION FESTIVAL SHINES A SPOTLIGHT ON BRISBANE’S BRIDAL DESIGNERS
The lights are low and the air is filled with excitement and anticipation. Suddenly the lights turn on and the music starts… the 2015 MBFF Bridal Show has begun. I have been behind the scenes of many shows, high on endorphins created by stress, excitement and maybe even a touch of panic, however this year was my first time sitting front row at a fashion show and it was an experience I won’t be forgetting any time soon. I was close enough to touch the gorgeous bridal gowns and I could see every stitch on the delicately beaded bodices. I was living every fashion lover’s dream. After the show I was lucky enough to meet the talented and humble bridal designers, Pina Fiorenza and Anne Bertossi. It was truly a fantastic evening and I hope to be back next year x Thea Rowan, OnTrend Bridal Fashion Editor
HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT TOO
Our copy of SUGAR FREE BAKING by Carolyn Hartz arrived today. 60 healthy sugar-free, gluten-free and guilt-free recipes with gorgeous pics… how does Beetroot & Chocolate Loaf with Cashew Frosting or Pear & Coconut Upside Down Cake sound??? The author is Australia’s first sugar-free pioneer, starting her own company Sweetlife in 2002. Available from October 2015 visit www.sweetlife.com.au for stockists… sweet inspiration for guilt-free high-tea and wedding celebrations.
ONTREND FASHION INSPIRATION AT THE 2015 EKKA
Don’t miss this opportunity to get up close and personal with 19 of our best local Designers, including Easton Pearson, Gail Sorronda, Darb Couture (featured photo), Brides Desire by Wendy Sullivan, Paul Hunt, Wil Valor, Irma J Smith House of Fashion, Pia du Pradal, Tengdahl, White Label Noba, Sacha Drake, Maiocchi, Urbbana, George Wu, Bora, Soot, Ubermen, Jack Sullivan and The Cloakroom. The Natural Fibres Fashion Parades presented by Cotton Australia will be staged upstairs in the Fashion and Style Pavilion, Royal International Convention Centre, Brisbane Showgrounds at 12.30pm, 1.30pm and 2.30pm daily (that’s 33 times) from 7 – 16 August 2015) #ekka
STYLING SESSION WITH SARAH LAIDLAW @ ROKSTAR, FEATURING CLOUD NINE STYLING PRODUCTS
I was treated to a fabulous styling session with the very-talented Sarah Laidlaw at Rokstar Salon, West End this week. Sarah showed us all how to effortlessly achieve gorgeous hair with the help of Cloud Nine styling tools and products. My hair loved ‘the O’ heated roller system x Kerrie
INTRODUCING A LUXURIOUS SIGNATURE SCENT FOR DISCERNING BRIDES
Mercedes-Benz is recognised worldwide for its exceptional level of craftsmanship, timeless elegance and luxury. In March 2015, Mercedes-Benz for Women will launch in Australia… an ultra-feminine, ultra-modern and ultra-contemporary fragrance for a woman with class, style and grace.
Created by Master perfumer Michel Almairac, Mercedes-Benz for Women is a fresh, powdery, floral perfume showcasing the creativity and modernity of the unusual accord of mimosa and violet. “For me, florals represent a voluptuous form of femininity. And this is what drew me to a fresh, powdery floral accord. For this first feminine fragrance, we thought of the woman who identifies with the world of Mercedes-Benz. I imagined a sophisticated perfume that would elegantly communicate this chic, modern woman,” declares Almairac.
Mercedes-Benz for Women will be sold exclusively at Chemist Warehouse, My Chemist and My Beauty Spot from March 2015. RRP 30ml $49.00, 50ml $59.00 and 90ml $79.00.
5 TOP TIPS TO HELP YOU FIND YOUR ULTIMATE WEDDING GOWN
We’ve all seen enough reality TV to know that finding your perfect wedding dress can be daunting. So we asked White Lily Couture Style Director Alera Kingham for her top tips to saying ‘yes’ to the dress sans tears and tantrums!
1>>> Don’t overwhelm yourself. Trying on thirty gowns in one morning might sound like the perfect plan but you may end up confused and unable to commit to one dress. Start your search by creating a Pinterest or vision board which reflects your taste and budget.
2>>> Shop when you’re ready to buy. When you make your appointment be clear about your wedding date. Browsing for ideas more than a year ahead isn’t always the best option as bridal seasons change frequently. We recommend shopping 8 months out because most gowns are made internationally and have a 5 month minimum lead-time. If you are a bride in a hurry don’t panic, make an appointment to check out the Augusta Jones collection from the UK.
3>>> Keep an open mind. Try on different styles, it’s often the gown you’d never think of trying that makes you feel like a bride. Trust your stylist to find you the perfect dress because sometimes gowns that look iffy on the hanger can be a knockout on you.
4>>> Make your opinion number one. Choose a maximum of four people whose opinion you value most to help you find the perfect dress and remember while family and friend’s opinions are important your vote counts the most.
5>>> Trust your choice. If you find ‘the one’ during your first appointment it’s not a bad thing! Saying yes to the dress is not meant to be difficult and the first dress you try on is often the dress you can’t stop thinking about. Once you have found the perfect gown, don’t confuse yourself by trying on more dresses, arrange your fittings and enjoy shopping for shoes and accessories!
For more expert advice check out @whitelilycouture on Instagram and Facebook.
