Gotta hand it to you...

Hey handbag lovers! We came across an up-and-coming handbag designer from Minnesota, Laura Nelli of Nelle Handbags.

We are loving the whole 2008 Wedding Collection and look forward to what they have coming for 2009.

Prices range from $85-$275, making this a great gift idea for your bridesmaids or just a great splurge for your big day. Whomever receives a little goody like this will be enjoying it for days to come!

{Handbags from top left clockwise: Cherub Clutch in Cream, $84; Fit to be Tied in Cream, $145; Cherub Clutch in Lawn, $84; Perfectly Petersham in Cream, $180}

This is for the dogs...

This is for all of you dog lovers out there. I love my babies, too. There are so many opportunities to include your little guys and gals into our special day.

How about including them in your engagement photo sitting, or letting them steal a frame or two with a cute wedding-themed collar. What a great way to include them in making fun memories for your wedding weekend.




Have a guest list full of dog lovers?
Take the opportunity to let them know you didn't forget their pals waiting at home by providing a few prettily dressed doggie-treats as take-away items. You can try your hand at making some at home or look up a local dog bakery. {photos by Brides}




Want to check out a very cute new dog show? Here's a sneak peek for a new show on the WeTV Network all about our four-legged friends called, Puppy Weddings.

Aqua & Blue Palette

Ok, so I wasn't a big fan of the aqua and red color palette before this Spring/Summer season. But after seeing ideas coming out. Take a look at these gems of ideas for favors. What a great use of these colors. Everybody likes something sweet. Remember, your guests want one of two things as favors: something good to eat or something useful. {photos from Martha Stewart Weddings}


Cupcakes anyone? What a wonderful way to incorporate a splash of color! Try brightenening things up with a colorful cupcake spread accented by a lively red stand. {photos from Whitney Smith Pottery}


If you want some creative ideas for an invitation that will stand out, check these circular invitations from My Gatsby.

Emily & Luke 5.24.08

Emily and Luke are such a naturally beautiful couple. I first met Emily's parents at the June 2007 Bridal Extravaganza. They were so sweet and (cautiously) excited about Emily's nuptials.

It wasn't until later in the planning process that I discovered that Emily's sister is also getting married this year in July and I quickly realized why their parents were so quietly excited. That is a lot of wedding preparation!

Emily and Luke's ceremony and reception, for 150 guests, took place at the beautiful Angel Springs Event Center in Georgetown, Texas. The couple wanted to embrace the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape and held the ceremony on the grounds overlooking the meadows.



Luke is a classic, traditional Texas cowboy at heart. Emily is continuing her studies in San Antonio, but both the bride and groom come from a long line of Aggie's. Being graduates of A&M, naturally, the Aggie fight song was played during the reception. What a blast! Their wedding cake was adorable and adorned with a 'his & hers' chocolate dipped strawberries complete with wedding attire and a cowboy hat to boot!










Many blessings to the newly weds! Congratulations.
Special thanks to Steve Armstrong Photography for the photos.

Bethany & Andrew 5.25.08

Bethany and Andrew live in California. Bethany is in PR and Andrew is studying to be a wine maker. They decided to hold their wedding here in Austin, where they had met several years prior. The wedding and reception took place in the original area in which they had their very first date (awww!) on South Congress. They originally met at the Continental Club and had many dates in the restaurant next door. In the years since, it has become Boticelli's, an Italian gem with great atmosphere and a perfect fit for the intimate celebration of 75 guests.


The ceremony took place in the restaurant's outdoor patio area with the stage set as the focal point. Guests gathered around the bride in groom in a circle as they exchanged their vows. Love was in the air!



The reception was opened up with a Prosecco toast and touching words from many loved ones.

Food and wine were delicious, and with the entertainment for the evening (friends of the bride and groom and a local Austin band--Woodsboss) guests danced the night away.


To conclude the events of the evening, Andrew serenaded his bride with a few songs!

This wedding was great to work on with Bethany and Andrew. From an overall design perspective, it was very important to the couple to incorporate the elements of nature into their special day. They chose several items within the celebratory event that represented fire, earth, wind and water. Care was taken into selecting colors and decor that fit the elemental component they each would signify.

Congratulations Bethany and Andrew! A special thanks to Whitney Lee Photography for the photos.

Good Intentions

Bella Brown Weddings & Events, formerly An Enchanting Event, announces it's reformation with a new chic name and identity. Thanks to the brave efforts of branditbandits.com and Premier Bride Magazine, Bella Brown launches with style and grace.

Keep up to date with weekly wedding announcements, networking opportunitites, tips and tricks on how to plan YOUR perfect wedding and a brand new website coming soon.

Check with Bella Brown weekly in her "ASK BELLA" sections. Leave your comments here and Bella Brown will creating the perfect wedding of your dreams.

Wedding Budget Blues

We are aware that many brides out there tackle the process of planning themselves.



Is there anyone out there on a budget…stressed…overwhelmed?! If so, here are some ideas from the pros to keep in mind:


1) Find a venue that is already nicely decorated. Venues with immaculately manicured lawns, great skyline views, or grand entryways are great ways to make a statement.

2) Have your ceremony and reception at the same location. Without the additional cost of a ceremony location, you may save bundles on your final bill. Many venues will only charge a nominal fee for usage of a ceremony space for a client who is already using the facility.

3) Keep the guest list down. Deal with your personal feelings of "excluding" people that you haven't spoken to in years. A great way to reach out to them would be to send out a formal announcement after you've exchanged vows. This keeps everyone informed and not overlooked.

4) Have your honeymoon in the off-season. Many couples find the post-wedding time too stressful with work or other obligations. No one says you have to honeymoon immediately. Off-season travel can save mucho dinero!