Princess Grace of Monaco - April 19th

April 19, 1956 - The wedding of Princess Grace and Prince Ranier of Monaco was dubbed "The Wedding Of the Century".

On April 18, 1956 in the throne room of the palace of Monaco, Grace went through the first part of her marriage, the civil ceremony, which was required by Monegasque law as the same is required in France.

 On April 19, 1956 the wedding took place in the St. Nicholas Church. As an agreement with MGM, Grace and Rainier's wedding was to be filmed and then released as a movie back in America. The agreement was made because Grace had to break her 7 year contract with MGM. To say the least the wedding was beautiful, despite the cameras and high powered lights. Although it's said that Grace herself hated the intrusion of the camera's at her wedding, but she still looked stunning!

Princess Grace's wedding gown was designed by Helen Rose, the head designer at MGM. The studio gave her the gown as a gift. After the wedding there was a garden party in the grounds of the palace attended by 600 guests including Hollywood stars such as Gloria Swanson, Ava Gardner, Cary Grant and David Niven. Then at 5 'o clock that evening Prince Rainier's yacht "Deo Juvante" (the same that came to pick Grace up when she first arrived) set sailed for their honeymoon around the Mediteranean. Grace Kelly was now officially Her Serene Highness Princess Grace of Monaco!

For her wedding jewelry, Prince Rainier commissioned Van Cleef and Arpels to create a suite of wedding jewelry for her; a pair of post earrings surrounded by marquis diamonds, a double strand pearl and diamond bracelet and a matching necklace.

Here's a wonderful version of Princess Grace's wedding earrings, the "Grace" 

Sand, Jewels & Love ~ A Maui Wedding

We're excited to feature this beautiful Maui wedding of our clients Kristen & Ed married at the Honua Kai resort in Lahaina,  Hawaii near the amazing Kaanapali beach.  Kristen wore a draping Nicole Miller wedding gown and paired it with the "Kim" earring by Meg Jewelry and a collection of lovely bracelets all from The Left Bank Jewelry & Bridal Finery. We love the look of her stackable bracelets  which is perfect destination wedding jewelry, and always fun to wear after your wedding too! 

Here is a stunning video of Kristin+Ed's wedding from scott drexler on Vimeo.


Thanks to Maui wedding photographer, Scott Drexler for the stunning images.

 
Photographer:  Scott Drexler Photos On Maui
Resort:  Honua Kai Resort
Dress: Nicole Miller 
Earrings:  The "Kim" earring by Meg Jewelry
Stackable bracelets from The Left Bank Jewelry & Bridal Finery

Retro Inspired Wedding Accessories

I personally am in love with the recent trend in weddings for the vintage inspired and retro resurgence in wedding accessories.  This something so charming about carrying the same style clutch your mother carried at her wedding or wearing the same style earrings your grandmother did.  But fear not if you don't have family heirlooms.  Want to channel weddings from the retro age of the 60s through the 80s?  Check out these fun pieces we pulled that all have a touch of that retro feeling.  Above, a gorgeous Silk Beaded Clutch, $129, by Sondra Roberts.

Evyn Hairpins, $125/set of 5

Sapphire Studs, $64

Double Rose Haircomb, $129

Marquis Sway Haircomb, $88

Indulge your retro side.  Where to Buy.

Fashion Fridays - Dotted Perfection

I fell in love with doing Fashion Friday, which we started last month and just had to continue them for June!  In honor of the addition of dresses to The Left Bank Jewelry's Line, each Friday this month will feature a different dress from the Fancy New York line and the perfect accessories to go with it.  These vintage inspired dresses are all made to measure just for you and celebrate the "Sunday Best" concept.

Meet Emily, the ultra sweet and chic swiss dotted gown that is pure simple elegance. A dropped waist, strapless dress with full skirt of dotted tulle. Vintage grosgrain sash at waist available in wide range of colors. Also available in Tea-length for a more 1950's feeling.  Don't be scared of this unique pattern!  Check out our advice for accessorizing the Swiss Dot fabric here.  Or check out these pretty pieces we like as a pair for Emily.

Contrast all those dots with a structured and unique headpiece.  I love the Jaclyn Headband by Sara Gabriel.  Created with horsehair and uber chic.  $135, available in diamond white, ivory, or black.

Round pearls accent the round dots in the fabric while the linear look and baguette style crystals add a nice contrast.  Imane Drop Earrings, $88.

Match the pearls in your earrings, but a more modern feeling bracelet adds a textured, multi dimensional look.  This gorgeous cuff opens in the front.  Georgette Cuff, $129, also available in gold.

I love these deliciously retro feeling shoes.  Bisset, $220, designed by Benjamin Adams.

Gorgeous Gold Wedding Jewelry

Finding gorgeous gold jewelry can be tricky, but what better to go with all those gorgeous champagne and taupe dresses we've been seeing than pretty gold pieces in beautiful tones.  Above, a perfect piece for bridesmaids or to accessorize a summer outfit, La Vie Parisian Bow Drop Pendant Necklace, $48.

Simple and sweet Pearl Stud Earrings, $72

Grace Earrings, $56

The perfect bridal bracelet,  Summer Ball Bracelet, $249.
Designed by Justine M. Couture

Effortless chic, Gold Wire Bracelet, $78.
Designed by Monseiur Pamplemousse.

Pendant Drop Necklace, $62.
Designed by La Vie Parisian.

Would you outfit yourself or your bridesmaids in gold jewelry?  Where to Buy.

Fashion Fridays - Ballgown with a Twist

I fell in love with doing Fashion Friday, which we started last month and just had to continue them for June!  In honor of the addition of dresses to The Left Bank Jewelry's Line, each Friday this month will feature a different dress from the Fancy New York line and the perfect accessories to go with it.  These vintage inspired dresses are all made to measure just for you and celebrate the "Sunday Best" concept.

Meet Suzanne, a 1950s inspired strapless ball gown accented with a full gathered gown and pleating detail.  Add a gorgeous sash or petite belt at the waist!  Here are some of my favorite accessories to match.

A great structured dress demands a structured hairpiece.  I love this oversized Aubrey Flower by Sara Gabriel, $135.  Also available with silver or gold wire in the center instead of black.

Make a statement with a chunky or bib style necklace.  White Gem Pearl & Crystal Necklace, $329.  Also available in all crystal.  Check out some of our other favorite bib style necklaces here.

If you wear a big statement necklace, opt for simple earrings.  I love these oversized coin pearl studs by Haute Bride.  They feel deliciously retro and are available surrounded by clear, champagne, or vintage rose colored crystals.  Coin Pearl Earrings, $98.  Also check out these other pearl stud earrings we heart.

Simple, structured, and ultra comfortable!  Angela Nuran Eternity Ballroom dance inspired wedding heels.  Available in 2.5" or a 3.5" heel.  $199.

Don't forget a chic wedding clutch!  The structure and sweet bow compliment the dress, while the subtle lace adds a bit of contrast.  Chantilly Wristlet, $120.

Shop all these fabulous finds online anytime.  

Don't see it on the website?  Where to Buy

Whimiscal Wedding Accessories

Don't feel like you have to be stuck with the same wedding jewelry every other bride is wearing.  There are tons of great, unique wedding accessory designers that can design a piece that is uniquely you!  Here are some of my favorite pieces for that bride that is looking for a bit of whimsy.  Think classic and beautiful fairytale with a twist.  Above, one of my favorite young designers that satisfies my need to shop locally, Monsieur Pamplemousse based in Chicago has created this gorgeous Gold Wire Bracelet, $78, all hand wired with fresh water pearls, crystals, and gold plate.

April Plume, $198

Catherine Shoe by Benjamin Adams, $399
Limited Quanitity Available.

Lorna Earrings, $129 designed by Avant Bride NYC

Pearl Branch Brooch, $109

Love the pieces?  Where to Buy.

Sweet Nothings Wedding Accessories

With all the big, bold wedding accessories and red carpet trends, sometimes all a bride wants is just a little sweet accent for her wedding day.  So take a break from huge dangling earrings, giant fascinators, and bold colors and indulge in the sweet nothing.  Here are some of my favorite simple, fresh accents.  The gorgeous Laura Earrings, $65, by Laura Jayne Bridal (shown above) are little and simple but not short on style.

A simple, rose inspired flower.
Allie Flower, $64

Simply Charming Garter, $29
Available in white or ivory.

Vivace Pendant Necklace, $42
Available with a crystal or pearl drop.

Father of the Bride or Father of the Groom Hanky, $26.

Where to Buy

Fashion Friday - Ruffled Perfection

I fell in love with doing Fashion Fridays, which we started last month, and just had to continue them for June!  In honor of the addition of dresses to The Left Bank Jewelry's Line, each Friday this month will feature a different dress from the Fancy New York line and the perfect accessories to go with it.  These vintage inspired dresses are all made to measure just for you and celebrate the "Sunday Best" concept.

If you saw our previous post on Romantic Ruffles, you know we love them!  That's why Caroline was a perfect choice for Fashion Fridays.  Ruffles are soft, romantic, and feminine and when paired with the structure of this gorgeous dress, also sophisticated.  Caroline features a lovely belted full-length sleeveless dress with ruffle detail at fitted bodice and at skirt hem. Available in satin-faced organza and cotton organdy.  Here's what I would pair her with.

Let the ruffles stand out by selecting a hairpiece that is structured and tailored like the rest of the dress.  This pretty Callie Fleur Headpiece, $166,  piece by Sara Gabriel  is created with pressed bamboo and features two calla lilies, coque feathers, and crystal accents in the center of each flower.

No need for a necklace with all those ruffles, opt for killer earrings instead.  I love these Toulouse Drop Earrings, $42, for their decisively vintage feel and fabulous budget friendly price.  

Stay away from shoes with ruffles since the hem has a little ruffle to it.  Cinnamon, $88, by Pink Paradox London features a short 2.5" heel and some fun bling on the toe to peek out from under the dress.

Check out our other Fashion Fridays!  Short & Chic Pam, Tea Length Linda, Long & Flowing Dora, Short & Sassy April.  

How to Accessorize a Swiss Dot Bridal Dress

The Swiss Dot is making a come back!   This lovely fabric, also sometimes called "point d'esprit lace" are a super sweet way to accessorize your wedding.  Designers like Modern Trousseau, Anne Barge, Christos, and Fancy New York (shown above, the Emily Dress) are all designed in delicious dots for brides' wedding gowns.  In a recent issue of BridesMagazine, they declared that they were loving gowns with "lots of dots" as they lookladylike and fresh.  I couldn't agree more!  

But the dotted look can be hard to accessorize, so don't fear if you've fallen in love with that swiss dot dress, here are some of out top picks for creating the perfect statement when your dress is made with "lots of dots."

Veil designers have been loving dots this season too.  While you can wear a traditional veil with a dotted wedding dress, if the bodice of your gown is created with a different fabric like the Fancy New York Emily Dress (pictured at top), a veil created with the same material will look especially chic.  I'm in love with this super soft veil designed by Lauren Jayne Bridal.

Shown with the Sorrell Necklace, $269

If you're not crazy about a traditional veil, Erica Koesler has designed the Dot Face Veil.  Adorned with soft feathers and a faux flower, the veil can go from ceremony to reception with a simple tuck of the tulle.  This shorter version of the dotted veil would be pretty with a simple silk dress as well.  Available in natural only, $220. Shown with the Trio Pearl Strand Necklace, $169.

When it comes to jewelry, let the soft and delicate dots be the statement.  Big bling, chunky stones, and lots of crystals feels too hard for this soft look.  Select small, round shapes and pretty pearls for the best look.  

My favorite selections, clockwise from top left:

Venice Stud Earrings, $132

Three strand Fairy Tale Bracelet designed Haute Bride, $189

Bubble Necklace, $149 (matching bracelet also available.

CZ Pearl Hairpins, $98 set of 3

Hera Pearl Earrings, $62, designed by Ianneci Bridal

Shop these fabulous designs, including that gorgeous Fancy New York dress at The Left Bank Bridal Finery in Chicago!  Love the look?  Let us know.  Have you seen any brides walking down the aisle in pretty point d'esprit lace?