Lovetripper.com Video Channel

The Vintage Vision of Stephanie James Couture

2008-11-02T08:04:00.008-06:00

Looking through the camera's lens, former photographer Stephanie Kennedy once captured for posterity the joyful smiles of brides in their "I do" designs. The fruitless search for her own wedding ceremony silhouette convinced the creative Californian to step away from her wedding photography studio and into a new career as a fashion designer as began her new life with the man she loves. Partners in business as they are in life, the couple married their two first names together and Stephanie James Couture was born.

Arriving at the Huntington Beach boutique, the checkerboard floor hints at the Alice In Wonderland adventure retro romantics embark upon as they stroll among the store's vintage-influenced visions. Offering a wide range of bridal attire, full length gowns such as Evelynn, a champagne-tone salute to Hollywood's glamour goddesses and Stella, a lace-accented number, offer nuances of the 1930's, while '40's-style suits, with their flirty skirts and jaunty jackets, are looks worthy of silver screen luminary Lauren Bacall. Tea-length dresses offer the ultimate in femininity, with the playful petticoats of the Audry and the flared skirt of the Lucille providing a fantasy of the 1950's.

The following video clip features an interview with designer Stephanie Kennedy, proprietor of Stephanie James Couture. To find a wedding dress as unique as your upcoming union:

• visit www.stephaniejamescouture.com

Stephanie James Couture from Wedding Life Style on Vimeo.

Baltimore Ravens Star Daniel Wilcox Shares Wedding Day Memories

2008-10-07T12:00:00.006-05:00

Although thousands of football fans usually fill the seats at M&T Bank Stadium whenever Baltimore Ravens team member Daniel Wilcox takes the field, on June 28, 2008 only a crowd of 300 friends and family members were on hand as the tight end made his way to the 50-yard line and exchanged vows with his love, Shauna Chine. The couple's special day, from the moment the bride stepped out of a Cinderella-style coach in a Pnina Tornai gown to the flutter of dove's wings as the pair were pronounced husband and wife, was captured for posterity by the Style Network's Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?, which celebrates its new season premiere on October 7, 2008.

Minnesota's Spicer Castle Inn

2008-10-02T10:23:00.008-05:00

Its facade reflected on the waters of Green Lake, Spicer Castle Inn in Spicer, Minnesota (near St. Cloud and Minneapolis/St. Paul) offers travelers a chance to step back in time. Built in 1895, the descendants of the inn's original inhabitants have lovingly preserved their ancestor's Victorian vision, both in the main house and on the various guest houses that grace the property.

Visitors feel like one of the family in the main house's eight guest quarters. Each named after a family member of the Spicer clan, patrons who admire the artwork of Amy,Agnes and Eunice Spicer-- each a daughter of the castle's creator-- can rest their heads on queen sized beds in rooms that bear their names, while those wishing for a true castle experience can book a stay in the octagonal tower which bears the name of yet another daughter of the home's original owner-- Jessie, a ticket holder for Titanic's maiden voyage whose last minute change of plans spared her from the ship's tragic fate.

Situated on five acres, the inn also offers a carriage house, which features four bedrooms; the honey house, which has two guest rooms; John's cottage and the rustic charm of Raymond's cabin.

The Spicer Castle, which was featured in Lovetripper's The Castle Wedding Planner, also provides a site for nostalgic nuptials.

Discover the beauty of Spicer Castle Inn in the following clip:

Spicer Castle a Minnesota Bed and Breakfast from Spicer

"Luke's Parental Advisory" Wedding

2008-09-24T11:21:00.002-05:00

While the rap group 2 Live Crew were "As Nasty As They Wanna Be" back in the '80's, on July 19, 2008 former band member Luther "Luke" Campbell was an angel as he exchanged vows with Kristin Thompson. From the bride's stroll in her Monique Lhuillier gown down the aisle of Saint Luke Community College's chapel to the cake cutting at the Hotel Palomar reception, see the "I do" details in this VH1 clip from Luke's Parental Advisory:

Singer Sandy Leah Lima's Wedding

2008-09-19T16:34:00.002-05:00

On September 12, 2008 Sandy Leah Lima exchanged white and yellow gold wedding bands with her long-time love, musician Lucas Lima in a ceremony which many Brazilians have deemed "the wedding of the year." The bride, famous for her years as one-half of the brother/sister duo Sandy & Junior as well as for her performances alongside such international stars as Andrea Bocelli and Enrique Iglesias, has shared photos of her special day in the following clip:

Trying on Wedding Gowns

2008-09-14T14:44:00.004-05:00

VideoJug: Trying On Wedding Gowns

This video, narrated by Sally Grigsby, the owner of Belle Bridal, answers some common questions brides have when trying on gowns such as:

• does it matter what type of undergarments you wear?
• does it matter what hairstyle you wear?
• should you wear makeup?
• are these gowns sized differently than my usual clothes?

Choosing Your Bridesmaids' Dresses

2008-09-06T10:02:00.004-05:00

Your friends have stood by you through thick and thin, and now you've asked them to stand by your side in the role of bridesmaids on the most important day of your life. When shopping for attire that will please all of your attendants, keep the following in mind:

1) Involve your bridesmaids in the selection process. Flip through bridal magazines, research online wedding sites and have an all girls afternoon browsing through local bridal salons.

2) Consider the style of your wedding dress when choosing silhouettes for your attendants. Although today many brides opt for the flexibility of multiple styles in order to flatter the physiques of various members of the wedding party, all the dresses should complement the bride's wedding gown without drawing attention away from the woman of the hour.

3) Color is a major factor when choosing the look of bridesmaids' dresses. Brides can select a shade that coincides with the season, or a hue that highlights a wedding theme.

4) Focus on a fabric that will be comfortable for your friends. Although velvet adds a regal touch to any occasion, remember that your bridesmaids will melt in such heavy material in a wedding held in the summer months or at a locale that is not climate controlled. By the same token, chiffon gives an air of innocence to any dress, but the gossamer fabric would offer little warmth for a bridesmaid at a winter wedding.

5) Once your decision has been made, order all of your bridesmaids dresses at the same time to guarantee that the same material will be used for all the garments.

Learn more about choosing your bridesmaids' dresses in the following video clip:

How To Choose Your Bridesmaids' Dresses

Traditional Wedding Dress Alternatives

2008-08-25T14:52:00.009-05:00

Traditional bridal attire isn't your cup of tea? Try these individualistic "I do" dress ideas on for size:

1) Two-piece -- Figure-flattering corset tops offer a hint of historical romance to two-piece ensembles.

2) Suits-- For the bride who wants a wedding day look that is an extension of of her daily style, tying the knot in trousers is a fashionable option. Pantsuits are a popular choice for a bride's second walk down the aisle.

3) Evening Wear-- Many frocks fashioned for a fancy night out on the town can also be worn for nuptials.

4) Color-- White isn't right for every bride, so why not get hitched in a hue that complements your complexion? The changing seasons can also be an inspiration when choosing the proper wedding dress palette. Pastel pink and baby blue add a touch of innocence to spring and summer ceremonies, while rich reds and other jewel tones will "pop" against a winter of fall background.

5) Vintage-- Perfect for retro romantics, brides can step back in time when walking down the aisle in a second-hand bridal silhouette.

6) Beach-- A destination "I do" on the sand calls for relaxed raiments. A sarong can create an exotic ambiance, while bold brides can opt for a body-baring bikini.

The following video takes you step by step through the choices listed above:

Alternatives To The Traditional Wedding Dress

Angel Cut Wedding Veils

2008-08-01T11:24:00.004-05:00

All wedding veils add an ethereal element to a woman's bridal attire, perhaps none more so than the angel cut veil. Like fluttering wings, the celestial silhouette features undulating sides which ripple down to a soft point. While the angel cut can be worn in a variety of lengths. brides should keep in mind that this style is constructed of a single layer in order to retain its desired dramatic shape.

A sister style to the angel cut, a cascade veil is constructed with a more voluminous, subtle edge when contrasted with the point of the previous style. The two equally flattering looks are compared in the following VeilShop.com clip:

Nina Duong's 2008 Wedding Dress Collection

2008-07-26T14:39:00.004-05:00

Canadian-based designer Nina Duong sent a variety of versatile visions down the runway as representatives of her 2008 bridal attire collection. For women favoring contemporary silhouettes, the couturier created a flirty knee-length frock featuring dark lace accents at the waist for dramatic impact. The silk sheen of a v-neck design offers an homage to old Hollywood, while a striking black ballgown would bring a bit of Gothic glamor to the individualist saying "I do".

Celebrity Style Destination Weddings During Frugal Times

2008-07-16T12:28:00.003-05:00

This video from CBS Early Show features an interview with Antonia van der Meer, editor-in-chief of Modern Bride for her advice on having a celebrity style destination wedding during this tight economic times. She recommends villa weddings in Europe, economical properties in Mexico and intimate properties in the Bahamas.

Weddings at Our Lucaya

2008-07-16T12:23:00.003-05:00

Here's a video by Our Lucaya, a luxury property on Grand Bahama Island, about their destination wedding offerings. We've stayed at Our Lucaya several times and it's an exceptional property with very distinct areas. The property's divided into the Westin and Sheraton Grand Bahama Island; the Westin is the quieter, grown-up side of the resort and the Sheraton is very family friendly...so any members of your wedding party will feel at home.

"Without A Trace" Star Roselyn Sanchez Discusses Upcoming Wedding

2008-07-12T11:13:00.005-05:00

While every woman preparing to walk down the aisle finds herself flipping through the latest bridal magazines in search of her fantasy wedding wear, celebrity bride-to-be Roselyn Sanchez will see herself in a variety of dream designer dresses when she browses through the pages of InStyle Weddings' July 2008 issue. The Without A Trace star, who is still searching for the perfect wedding dress for her November 2008 nuptials to actor Eric Winter, posed in a plethora of bridal gowns for the magazine, ranging from Christian Lacroix and Elizabeth Fillmore to Melissa Sweet and Oscar de la Renta. The following TV Guide clip also shows the small screen beauty's 4.3-carat, brilliant cut engagement ring from jeweler Michael Barin.

Soccer Star Cristian Chivu's Wedding

2008-07-08T13:38:00.004-05:00

Even though the Romanian language is foreign to many, the joy on the faces of soccer star Cristian Chivu and his bride, Adelina Elisei, is universal. In the following video clip, the happy couple, both dressed in Armani attire, proudly show their wedding bands after their July 6, 2008 ceremony at Prince Stirbey Palace.

To see images from the civil wedding ceremony of the Romanian national team's captain, visit Lovetripper's BridalStars section.

Video of Luci Baines Johnson's Wedding

2008-07-06T15:55:00.000-05:00

Although theirs was not to be a happily ever after, former First Daughter Luci Baines Johnson Turpin still holds fond memories of of her August 6, 1966 wedding to Patrick Nugent. Only 19 years old at the time, the Georgetown University School of Nursing student lived out every young girl's dream of a fairytale wedding as the 9ft. long Watteau train of her wedding dress unfurl and she began her walk up the steps of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

Choosing Priscilla of Boston for her bridal attire, the bride's gown was composed of white taffeta draped with an overlay of English net and French Alencon lace, while her 12 bridesmaids walked down the aisle in baby pink tulle dresses topped with matching veils.

At the conclusion of an hour-long ceremony in which the bride received two wedding bands, the newlyweds and their guests gathered in the east room of the White House, where they sampled slices of a 9 ft. tall, 13-tier cake which weighed 300 pounds, Life magazine reported.

In the following CBS News clip, Luci Baines Johnson, who would go on to become the wife of Ian J. Turpin in a ceremony held at the LBJ Ranch in 1984, reminisces about her Washington ceremony:

Video of Leah Wood's Wedding

2008-07-02T10:54:00.000-05:00

One of The Rolling Stones biggest hits may have been titled "You Can't Always Get What You Want," but model Leah Wood got exactly what she wanted on June 21, 2008 as she and her love of the past 11 years were pronounced husband and wife. Mr. Paparazzi was one of a phalanx of photographers lined up outside of London's Southwark Cathedral to capture the happy event for posterity. In the following clip, such famous faces as Cilla Black and Keith Richards file into the house of worship, followed by bridesmaids dressed in lavender-colored gowns and flower girls attired in aqua frocks. His face beaming with pride, proud parent Ron Wood is next seen escorting his daughter to the cathedral's entrance. After the I do's, the bride reappears on screen-- this time on the arm of her new husband, Jack MacDonald.

Related pages:

Leah Wood's Wedding (includes a photo gallery)

Vacationing During the Caribbean Off Season

2008-07-01T09:49:00.002-05:00

It's off season in the Caribbean right now and that means low prices...but just how low? Check out this video from the Today show's Peter Greenberg comparing high and low season prices at resorts throughout the Caribbean and Bahamas. You'll be surprised at the huge savings during this period which extends through December 15.

Angel Sanchez's Spring 2009 Wedding Dress Collection

2008-06-29T13:33:00.007-05:00

Looking at life through an architect's eyes has brought a sculptural quality to the creations of couturier Angel Sanchez, whose form-fitting frocks have molded to the contours of Charlize Theron, Ugly Betty star America Ferrera and Grey's Anatomy's Sara Ramirez as they walked down the red carpet and celebrity brides Sandra Bullock and Eva Longoria as they walked down the aisle. The Venezuelan-born designer, who combined antique lace and silk tulle to compose the silver screen beauty's dream dress and added silk gazar metallic embroidery as the finishing touch to the Desperate Housewives star's silk wool bridal attire fashioned fabric flowers on many of the heaven-sent silhouettes in his spring 2009 collection, which Angel Sanchez talks about in the following Brides.com clip:

Enjoy a "Staycation" in Your Hometown

2008-06-22T09:26:00.003-05:00

With gas prices and food prices on the rise, many couples are thinking of ways to save money this summer...and travel is sometimes the first on the list to get trimmed. But what about vacationing in your own hometown? Here's a video from CNN, an interview with travel publisher Pauline Frommer about the "Staycation" trend and how you can vacation close to home:

Find more videos like this on www.truveo.com.

Wedding Venue: Eastlands Estate

2008-06-16T14:01:00.006-05:00

Deemed one of the top 100 wedding venues in the UK by Brides magazine, Eastlands Estate in West Sussex, England is a countryside sanctuary for couples who want to walk down the aisle in style. Situated on approximately 200 acres, couples have the option of an outdoor "I do" beneath the shelter of a marquee (which was the choice of R&B sensation Jamelia and soccer star Darren Byfield) or exchanging vows in the Starlight Suite, located next to the main house.

Coleen McLoughlin's Civil Ceremony Wedding Dress

2008-06-12T15:29:00.005-05:00

While parasols prevented Coleen McLoughlin's wedding dress from getting soaked as rain fell over Santa Margherita Ligure on June 12, 2008, they also provided shelter from the ever-watchful paparazzi, who vied to be the first to capture images of the bride on her way to marry her long time love, soccer star Wayne Rooney. In the following ITN video, catch a glimpse of the newly-dubbed Mrs. Rooney on her way to the civil ceremony, dodging rain drops in an ankle-length wedding dress, designed with a pearl-encrusted bodice and a layered chiffon shirt. According to the Daily Telegraph, the white stilettos which carried her down the aisle at Villa Durazzo are Christian Louboutins.

For images of the Marchesa wedding dress worn during the religious blessing of their union, check out the upcoming issue of the UK's OK! magazine.

Pronovias and Annette Carey Wedding Dress Collections

2008-06-11T14:18:00.000-05:00

From gatherings of lace to fluttering ruffles, all the trademarks of timeless romance are incorporated into Pronovias wedding dresses. Having framed the physiques of such high profile brides as Penny Lancaster (the wife of rocker Rod Stewart) and model Ariadne Artiles, the latest collection from the Barcelona- based fashion empire floats down the aisle in the following WeddingTV video, followed by the latest offerings from Annette Carey.

Concocting regal creations, designer Annette Carey's atelier is fittingly housed on Queen Elizabeth Street in London. Hearkening back to the glamour of yesterday's silver screen goddesses, models parade down the catwalk in an array of sculpted bodices and streamlined silk silhouettes. (The flower girl seen on the runway in this segment wears a dress by Sassi Holford, a name which recently caught the fashion world's attention when Autumn Kelly, the bride of Princess Anne's son Peter Phillips, walked down the aisle of Windsor Castle's St. George's Chapel in a Sassi Holford original.)

Top Trends in Wedding Cakes

2008-06-06T08:35:00.001-05:00

On a quest for confection perfection for your wedding reception? From cute (yet costly) mini-cakes for individual guests and centerpiece cakes to tempt attendees at each table to unique patterns and flavors, the editor-in-chief of The Knot informs viewers of the latest wedding cake trends in the following CBS Early Show clip:

Train Travel and Your Luggage

2008-06-01T15:28:00.002-05:00

Unlike the old days in the movies, you won't see porters at most European train stations these days; you'll put the "lug" back in luggage yourself. Between that fact, and the very limited storage for luggage on the trains, you'll want to pack as light as possible. This Lovetripper video, shot on a train between Vienna and Prague, takes a look at luggage on the train:

European Train Travel by Rail Pass

2008-05-29T15:57:00.003-05:00

If you're traveling from North America to Europe this summer for any length of time, you're probably considering a rail pass. They're not cheap but they are a great value if you'll be traveling by train multiple days. (On some railpasses, your travel days must be taken over the period of so many days; other flexipasses allow you to use your designated days of train travel over a longer period.) The train system is a delight; it's such a joy to get away from the airports...plus no early check-in time. You'll arrive right in the heart of the city at most destinations, another budget saver. Here's a video we shot between Vienna and Prague about traveling by rail pass: