I thought Jes’ top ten celebrity wedding list would be fun to take a look at. I have to say that several of the weddings on her list are also among my favorites.

Here are Jes Gordon’s top 10 celebrity weddings.

1. Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck
2005, Parrot Cay Resort in the Carribean Islands of Turks and Caicos.
I always love it when celebs go simpler rather than over the top, simply because it so unexpected of them to keep it on the down-low. I adored Ben and Jen’s beach front wedding! I thought it really expressed who they are as a couple and that is so rare these days in the celeb world.

2. Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee
1995, Cancun
I thought that the Pam Anderson and Tommy Lee wedding was hilarious mainly because she got married in a skimpy white bikini. But you have to give them credit as this was very expressive of who they are as couple was personality-wise, and so many more traditional weddings lack that.

3. Madonna and Guy Ritchie
2000, Scotland’s 19th-century Skibo Castle
To. Die. For.

4. Iman and David Bowie
1992, Florence, Italy
Again, simplicity. An absolutely beautiful Tuscan ceremony with only a handful of guests in attendance. The fact that the bride and groom were two icons like Iman and Bowie is over-the-top enough! I also loved that it was quite traditional, which is surprising considering the parties involved! But leave it Bowie to bring the unexpected!

5. Beyoncé and Jay-Z
2008, Manhattan – New York
Jay-Z and Beyoncé played it urban style, having a small affair at their penthouse apartment and I loved the simplicity of the event.

6. Julianne Moore and Bart Eundlich
2003, Greenwich Village – New York
Julianne Moore and Bart Freundlich had a lovely, intimate wedding at their Brownstone in Greenwich Village, which I adored. Not only that, but who can resist Julianne’s non-traditional pale lilac Prada dress? (Note: Jes wore two gunmetal gray wedding dresses!)

7. Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas
2000, Manhattan – New York
For those over-the-top moments, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas’ $1.5 million extravaganza definitely rocked it out at the Plaza! Pure fairytale stuff…

8. Maggie Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard
2008, Rome, Italy
Private and intimate – just like the couple themselves. Maggie Gylenhaal had one of the most beautiful weddings I have seen in a long time, mostly because it was in Italy!

9. Ali Larter and Hayes MacArthur
2009, Kennebunkport, Maine
Ali Larter went traditional old skool in Maine with the perfect line-up of über handsome people and gorgeous flowers for her big day.

10. Talia Balsam and John Slattery
1998, Kauai, Hawaii
A wedding I did many years ago for John Slattery (“Mad Men”) and Talia Balsam was most memorable because Talia was 8 months pregnant at the time!

So what do you think? Do you agree with Jes on the top ten celebrity weddings? Or do you have your own favorites? I’d love to hear about your favorite celebrity wedding. One of my faves, Jen and Ben is on the list, who’s on your list?

Image: Bauer Griffin

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Top 10 Celebrity Weddings

You might be so busy on your big day that you won’t notice a little cold air. On the other hand it’s not worth it to be totally miserable on your wedding day just to look good.

Wedding cover ups don’t have to take away from your wedding gown. Some winter wedding gowns even come with a matching jacket or shawl you can wrap around your shoulders if you need to.

Winter wedding cover ups don’t have to cost a fortune either. If your gown doesn’t come with a cover up talk to your bridal shop or your seamstress to see if they rent them, or if they know of someone who rents them. You can often rent a wedding cover up for the day, just in case you need it.

Image (c) L Gerlach

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Bride Cover Ups For Winter Weddings

Aruna Seth shoes are handcrafted for the perfect fit and comfort on your big day. With special padding to ensure you can enjoy the first dance all the way to the last.

The butterfly slides are also available in ivory, and feature sparkling peep toes embellished with Swarovski butterflies. How romantic? Who wouldn’t feel beautiful with butterflies on their toes?

Aruna Seth is located in London. You can find more information about the butterfly slides, and their other specially hand crafted shoes created just for brides at ArunaSeth.com.

Image Aruna Seth

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Butterfly Slides For The Bride

Her success is based on her philosophy, combine a passion to make women feel beautiful with the highest quality of service imaginable and what you get is a relaxed, pampered experience that is truly unforgettable.

Michelle is sharing some of her wedding day knowledge with you, by sharing some of her favorite wedding day makeup tips.

Make-up Tips for the Bride for the day of her wedding

By Michelle Lo Conte

Once the ring is on your finger -let the games begin! Here are some tips to ensure sensational skin for the big day!

Prepping your Skin :

Start to moisturize every day and night and be sure you are wearing at least spf 30 on a daily basis, even in the winter, the sun can still get you.

Schedule a series of deep cleansing facials every 6-8 weeks to really be persistent with keeping your skin clear and radiant.

If you suffer from acne, rosacea or scarring from old skin issues, schedule a few appointments with your dermatologist to start getting to the bottom of it. These things take time and you have have a 6-12 month engagement being proactive will end in skin that’s crystal clear!

If you do decide to go tanning, keep it natural – do not abuse the tanning bed or the sun. If you are able to pick up some natural rays from the spring and summer, be sure you are still wearing SPF. Although tanning beds are not the most healthy alternative, when done in moderation (10-12 minutes 2 times a week a month before your wedding)will give you a natural and even bronzed appearance.

Be sure to do a trial with your make-up artist to try out the wedding day make-up. Make sure its early enough in the day that you can wear it for at least 4 hours to see how it holds up. Schedule a dress fitting or dinner with bridesmaids.

Get into the habit of washing your face every night. One night Sleeping with make-up on ages the skin 18 days!

Make-up tips Day of:

Having your make-up done professionally on your wedding day is a great investment. You should look and feel like the most beautiful woman in the world. You will have your pictures forever and it’s a long day. Investing time and money in hiring a make-up artist will ensure flawless coverage of your imperfections, enhancement of your best features and make-up that will last 10-12 hours. Your face will be picture perfect!

Make sure that the products your artist uses are waterproof. No one wants runny eyes on their wedding day!

Get the names of the lip-liner, lipstick and gloss that will be used on your lips day of so that you can purchase them and ensure a perfect pout from the ceremony to the after party!

Be sure to purchase “blot” papers or invest in “blot” powder to absorb any shine that may break through on your face. Keep them with you all day in your purse.

Breakout? With the stress of wedding planning a few unwelcome pimples are expected! If you wake up to a red spot on your face, back or next, Visine to the rescue! Put a few drops of Visine in the affected area and watch the red fade right before your eyes!

Be sure to brush your teeth before your make-up gets started.

Drink from a straw after your make-up is done to preserve your lipstick.

Puffy? There’s a quick fix in your kitchen. Steep two tea bags (I like any type of black tea) then put them in the fridge for about 5 minutes. While relaxing before the wedding mayhem commences, place tea bags under your eyes and let them sit for 15-20 minutes and voila…. Bags-no-more!

Thank you Michelle for sharing all those wonderful tips with Splendicity Weddings  readers.

Image: sxc.hu

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Wedding Day Makeup Tips

The 57Grand bridesmaid collection is designed with the city girl in mind, the unique dress styles are inspired by, and named after a New York City streets.

Each dress has it’s own unique flair. Check out this small sample of 57Grand gowns available.

57Grand’s collection is available in 90 vibrant color combinations, in fabrics from charmeuse to grosgrain, so chances are they have something to match your tastes and wedding colors. They’ll even send you fabric swatches in up to three colors so you can compare the actual fabrics.

The dresses average $175, and range between $140 and 200 in price.

Saukok and Carmen met several years ago, and formed a friendship that has now turned into 57Grand Bridesmaids. When Saukok married in 2007 she was unimpressed with the wear it once bridesmaids choices out there. That is how 57Grand was born, the friends decided to design their own line of wedding gowns that bridesmaids would love to wear even after the wedding was over.

The line is designed and made in New York City. 57Grand Bridesmaid dresses are priced at $200 and under. If you’d like to find out more you can check out 57Grand online at www.57grand.com or visit their New York City showroom located at 250 West 39th Street.

Images 57Grand

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The 57Grand Bridesmaid Collection

I like Eli’s tip to always take a photo of the wedding dress you’re thinking about buying. Another advantage of taking a photo is the ability to walk away from a store and take a look at the dress when you’re not under the pressure of a sales person breathing down your neck.

You can also get photos of your hair and makeup to look over later and be sure it’s exactly the look you want for your wedding day.

Here are a few more tips Eli wants to share with brides:

Tip #1 – As far as make-up goes, do not overdue it. Make sure it is exactly as natural as you need it to be.
Tip #2 – Eat healthy and stay away from fried foods – they definitely show up in your skin and hair days after you eat them. Fruit is always a wise choice, and plenty of it.
Tip #3 – Mirrors lie. The only real way to know how you, your fiancé, your friends, and your mother look in your wedding day regalia is to take a photo. It doesn’t have to be a thousand-plus dollar camera with a super zoom lens and perfect lighting. In fact, some camera phones these days are good enough. But the simple fact is that in order to have an accurate picture (pun intended) of how your cleavage or butt or nose looks with the dress, hair, or make-up is to take a photo
Tip #4 – Do not excessively tan 24-48 hours before your wedding day.

Overall words of advice — Let the professionals do your hair and make-up for your wedding. Do not rely on best friends, cousins, Uncle Harry, or anyone else to do the right thing for you. They don’t know.

Images Eli Allen, founder of Majestic Images

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Wedding Tips From A Wedding Photographer

Check out this vintage inspired necklace. I love the details, and the combination of elements that are included. It looks like a timeless piece you would be able to keep and pass down for your own daughter’s wedding. Maybe start a new tradition?
I’m also a fan of this beautiful, inspired by nature, rose cuff.

Galit is an up and coming New York accessories designer. Some of Galit’s vintage inspired pieces will be featured with Sarah Jessica Parker in the upcoming January issue of Glamour magazine.

Galit Rondin’s full collection of hand-made, affordable necklaces, bracelets, and earrings are available to outfit you or your wedding party in vintage style.

You can view more of Galit’s work at the Galit Rondin website, or at or specialty retail stores in New York City and Boca Raton.

Images via Galit Rondin

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Something Old? Vintage Wedding Accessories

From Preston Bailey:

“This invitation line has an array of floral designs and colors, which comes from my event designs, for brides to choose from to match her special day’s theme. Working with an experienced company, Invitation Consultants did an amazing job taking my creations to another level, offering it on paper, for everyone to experience.”

The invitations I’ve had a chance to check out are all beautiful, with elegant floral inspired themes. Like a beautiful floral arrangement designed just for your invitation. There are several available, to fit many different colors, and wedding tastes.

Preston Bailey’s Invitations are the first he’s offered and will range between $2 and $4, with additional imagery and prints to be added. For more information about Invitation Consultants or Preston Bailey’s invitation line visit the Invitation Consultants website.

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New Preston Bailey Wedding Invitations

For $24.99, you can buy your favorite bride a 20 card tarot reading. Maybe she doesn’t believe in magic or anything, but in my experience, most brides do. And even if she doesn’t, I think most people are curious about what the cards will say about them. If I could have traded a tarot reading for just one of the blenders I got as a gift, I would have been thrilled. Available from KDK949.

Photo Credit: KDK949

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Wedding Tarot Reading

I love the balanced asymmetry of the design and the retro font. Seriously, even your most anal retentive aunt wouldn’t mind if you saved yourself some hand cramps with this one. Available for $40 from Letter Girl.

Photo Credit: Letter Girl

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Vintage Wedding Address Stamper