flowerartgarden.com

Finally, our favorite zany couple ties the knot on October 8th.  Pam wears a gown designed by Alysia Raycraft (available at David’s Bridal).

Wow…that’s what we say.  This Faberge` collection of top-notch jewelry launches their online shop.  Although you know them best for their famous Faberge` Eggs, you can now snag a ring, bracelet or brooch for a mere many thousands of dollars.

The Sadko Seahorse brooch at $320,000 featuring white diamonds, violet sapphires and an assortment of various stones.

Rubies, Rubies, and more Rubies, circled with diamonds.  This fabulous ring goes for about $342,000.

The Hibiscus bracelet , made up of diamonds and rubies  ($560,000) shows off the mastery of this Russian design house.

The Ludmila ring with white diamonds, pink diamonds and violet sapphires is a true beauty.  Price tag: $58,000.

The Firebird brooch was created from over 100 colored diamonds and costs $335,000.

Photos:  Our own tropical bouquet with orchids, calla lilies, and yellow trumpet lilies and our cymbidium orchid hair comb -both custom-ordered for a Hawaiian wedding; a  beautiful dress from Demetrios Blue is perfect for a destination wedding; Hawaiian Turtle Box favors from cbyweddings.com; Cymbidium orchids adorn a cake from Alohacakery.com; Anela Gardens Wedding Chapel in Honolulu gives off magical vibes.

A sampling of the delicacies of Fashion Week 2010 shows a real variety of style and color use.

Michael Kors shows off a perfectly tailored pant suit (great jacket) and the new asymmetrical look with this top and skirt.  Below, some eye-popping color from Milly and Phillip Lim; A whispy Phillip Lim dress softens the color but goes wild with the style; Oscar de La Renta delivers the goods with this frilly, long black dress (better wear a jacket) and this perfect, strapless, go anywhere dress.

Want a day away from the hustle and bustle?  Then hop onto US 19 and head for Homosassa Springs in Citrus County, Florida.  The quirky, 166-acre park, is a wildlife preserve where you can get a glimpse of the majestic Manatee, and an abundance of Florida wildlife.  Although there are gators in The Homosassa River, the pontoon trip up these waters is anything but frightening-more like a relaxing visit to the Florida of old.

There is a also a Manatee show and an underwater observatory.

Photos: A giant Manatee swims by in the Manatee pool; a gorgeous Flamingo; gators stretch out in the sun; an Eagle poses for my camera; I catch a big fish at the underwater observatory; I think Tortoise faces are cute.

To many brides, white-on-white spells “tradition”.  Here, some updated versions and unconventional takes on the theme.

Above, a white, ruffled cake from pinkcakebox.com and a flirty wedding dress by Ines Di Santo.

Other photos:  Stunning shoes from Stuart Weitzman; cute wedding favors from weddingstyle.ca; The famed Kakslauttanen Hotel in Finland is a winter wonderland; our own all-white bouquet.

NEVER FORGET

Please remember them all

You don’t have to travel to Germany to add a Bavarian flavor to your wedding, although I’m sure that would be fun.  Photos:  An updated Dirndl from designer Anina W.

Baumkuchen or German “Tree Cake” is a traditional favorite.

The spectacular Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany. 

A dish of Sauerbraten would be right at home at a German-style wedding.  The Bavarian Inn of Frankenmuth in Frankenmuth, MI, is also a wedding venue.

Other Photos:  A traditional Wedding Cup; Chrisities.com, New York, shows off a German, silver  Monteith bowl.  At a worth of between $50,000 and $80,000 its a little pricey for a wedding gift but a great idea for a similar, less expensive find.  Below, beautiful bridal wear from German designer, Karl Lagerfeld.

Greek for wind flower, the anemone is best known for its flat petals and dramatic center.  Adding even a few of these lovely flowers to a bouquet, arrangement or cake, gives it an edgy, trendy look.

Bouquet from MarthaStewart.com