Exactly one month ago today, we were in the Big Apple taking in the newest bridal fashions that will be debuting in 2014.  As a wedding planner and stylist, it was great to get a peek at the amazing styles to come for our brides and editorial clients. During our whirlwind NYC weekend, we got to explore amazing dress designer’s booths, sit in on runway shows, get intimate with designers at some private showings, attend some amazing galas hosted by top bridal magazines, meet up with our NY-based clients and see some of our great friends in the bridal industry – as well as meet new ones!  Fuel for the day ahead

Entrance to Bridal Market at New York Hilton-Midtown

An up close look at lovely gowns from Madeleine Fig, now carried at BHLDN

Love this sparkly gown from Cymbeline Paris

Up and coming designer Jorge Manuel had some lovely gowns, as well as some of the most beautiful veils I’ve seen…

Katerina Bocci ball gowns on Miss Universe contestants

From the New York Hilton, we went to the Rivini runway show – fancy seeing Jeanette from Evoke/Washingtonian Bride & Groom Magazine (and a photobomb by Monte from Say Yes to the Dress!)

After the Rivini show, Doreen (editor of Engaged Magazine) and I made our way to The London Hotel to attend some private showings.  Some designers book impressive suites during market and schedule private showings by appointment only – this is a great way to get an up close look at the gown detailing as well as meeting the designers in an intimate setting.

At the London, we paid a visit to Ines di Santo. Probably one of my favorite collections from Bridal Market…her dresses were simply drop-dead .  But before we jump into the dresses, can we first talk about how amazing this suite is??  I want to move in!

Ines tweaking one of her creations.

Also at the London:  a shared suite between shoe designer Aruna Seth, Sareh Nouri and Enchanted Atelier.

Designer Aruna Seth poses with a new shoe design…a blinging British flag!

Designer Sareh Nouri with her 2014 collection

Designer Liv Hart’s accessories company, Enchanted Atelier

See a lot more 2014 dress collections from bridal market here (pages 1-11).

THE PARTIES.

One of the most fun aspects of bridal market is most definitely the parties marking the culmination of bridal market.  Over the course of two evenings, we attended three terrific star-studded fêtes and mingled with the best of the best…just a few celebrity sightings include: Badgley Mischka, Preston Bailey, Amsale, Randy Fenoli, Colin Cowie and “The Bachelorette” stars Sean Lowe and Desiree Hartsock.  Of course, we can’t forget to mention the hosts of the parties: Carly Roney for The Knot and Martha Stewart herself along with Darcy Miller for Martha Stewart Weddings.

#1.)  Elan Artists + David Beahm’s Bohemian Bash at Soho Loft.  

A Feathered Entrance

The party definitely had a 1920’s prohibition vibe…like you were in a secret supper club in an abandoned warehouse.

Strolling Oyster Shuckers from Oysters XO.Hand-crafted cocktails and well-dressed bartenders

Always the perfect gentleman and best-dressed at the party, Randy Fenoli

2.)  Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine “Starry Night” Party at MS HQ

What I Wore:  an emerald green and black lace Ted Baker dress with a Chanel handbag – both scores from my recent trip to Paris!
Catering by the amazing Peter Callaghan, who pretty much invented mini wedding food.

One of Elan Artist’s bands provided the entertainment for the evening

A fun Marshmallow BarAn elaborate cheese and fruit display

Here I am with the dream team from our recent editorial collaboration for The Knot (Christina Lozito florals and KT Merry Photography)

See the official party recap on Martha Stewart Wedding’s Blog.  From the Martha party, we ubered across town to…

3.)  The Knot Industry Gala at The New York Public Library
This building is SO incredible…just waiting for one of our clients to want to get married here 🙂

Models on the dance floor, twirling in pretty reception dresses

Ceci New York and I with our hubbies – check out her full behind the scenes recap of the gala here, including the amazing party invitation she created and pretty pictures of the event space/decor before it was flooded with people!

I Do Films presents the official wedding video from The Knot Gala:

 Well, that’s a wrap!  Hope you enjoyed the eye candy and got a little wedding dress inspiration 🙂