Red Velvet Cake

Martha Stewart Red Velvet Cake decorated with Sugar Magnolias

Red Velvet Cake....mmmmm. A sweet light buttermilk infused cake touched with a hint of cocoa and liberally doused with red food coloring, it's slathered with a rich cream cheese icing that's not too heavy or too light... just right. That is if you make it correctly. I've had some pretty horrific red velvets in my time-either the cake is too dry or the icing to goopy. Traditionally served in Southern weddings it's now officially crossed the Mason Dixon line and served in most bakeries. If you want to make a statement, then serve this cake. Your guests won't be disappointed. Case in point: who can forget the infamous grey armadillo grooms cake served in the movie Steel Magnolias?

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Real Weddings: Vicki and Jacob

This has to be one of my favorite weddings of all time-perhaps because of the ambiance of the locale and individuality of the couple. I first saw pics of this small intimate wedding on Classic Bride and they took my breathe away. Ben Chrisman captured beautiful moments in this Natchez wedding- in a way very reminiscent of the candlelit romantic wedding of JFK Jr. to Carolyn Bissett on Cumberland Island. The century old oaks, the Spanish moss, the cranky ancestors staring down and sheer whimsy offers an incredible touch of Southern spirit and charm. I'm in love. You can check out the slide show here:

Real Weddings: Sheri and John

I had a really hard time picking my favorite photos to showcase for Sheri and John's wedding in New Orleans this past November. So I just picked my favorite black and white photos. Taken by the fantastic team of Meg and Charles Baisden one can't help but be drawn to the beauty of the bride, the details, the charming groom, and the absolute fun this wedding conveys. Although I don't know Sheri personally, she has been an absolute gem to many a New Orleans bride, myself included. She introduced me to Meg and Charles for which I'm forever grateful. As soon as I saw Sheri's slideshow, I knew I had to book Meg and Charles Baisden right away.

Little Buttons

Remember my post on Princess Grace's gown and veil? I was trying to remember where I last saw such an exquisite attention to detail, in this case buttons, and then it came to me. Wallis Simpson. Given that she was a divorcee she wore a pale blue Mainbocher gown with beautiful little buttons on the front for her wedding to Edward XIII, later the Duke of Windsor. The dress fit her lithe figure to a tee.

Party New Orleans Style

I've come across some really cool ideas to incorporate into a New Orleans party or wedding that I thought I would share with you. Whatever sources I did manage to jot down I've listed below:

1. How about a beignets station with hot cafe au lait to finish off the evening? I checked with Cafe du Monde and they do not cater beignets for parties because beignets need to be served fresh immediately. But you can have your caterer make mini beignets on site and served fresh. Inspiration from Style Me Pretty. {Image Source}

2. Fresh Oyster and Shrimp Bar. Besides a crawfish broil, this is truly a New Orleans party spread. {Image Source}

3. Bananas Foster Station. Bring on the flames! A delectable New Orleans dessert with added drama. Inspiration from Brennan's Restaurant. {Image Source}

4. Serve a New Orleans speciality drink like the Sazerac or Brandy Milk Punch. Inspiration from Brennan's Restaurant. {Image Source}

5. Music: Jazz Ensemble to liven things up: {Image Source}

Style File: Alex Perry

I'm really digging all things Australian these days; fashion, interior design.. you name it I dig it. Speaking of which I think anything Alex Perry creates is sublime. Take a look for yourself:

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Forget Nicole Kidman... her sister Antonia is breathtaking in this Alex Perry blush colored silk and lace gown. Wouldn't this make a beautiful wedding gown?

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Friend & Co

I've been on the look out for some affordable diamond drop earrings and I came across Friend & Co, a family owned jewelry establishment in New Orleans. They have an amazing selection of antique jewelry. Here are my favorites (all under $1,500):