Nina Shoes - 17th and Park

Rainbow Wedding Tips

The list of things that a rainbow symbolizes is endless: happiness, hope, beauty, luck & good fortune. It's a perfect symbol to use as a party theme. But how do you keep it from looking like a 2-year-old's birthday bash? Well, I'll tell you!

1. Keep it simple: I know, I know, this may seem a bit impossible with so many colors but don't go overboard. This holds true for any theme at any event. Less is more. No one needs to wear one color head-to-toe OR every color all at once.

2. Tone it down: go for a muted rainbow palette if you feel like bright bold hues are becoming overwhelming.

3. Follow the golden rule: most timeless weddings have a neutral color story with accent colors here and there. You can follow this same rule using multiple colors. For example, have all white table settings with a different rainbow hue floral arrangement on each one.

4. Keep 'em happy: I've never met a bridesmaid that wasn't thrilled to wear a LBD. Keep them happy and accessorize each with a different color of the rainbow by pairing bouquets with matching shoes. And here are some fun photos for inspiration! Notice that different color dresses translate well when there are a lot of bridesmaids. If you only have a few girls then maybe lean towards the accessory route for color.

Are you planning a rainbow-themed wedding? Please share some of your ideas with us by commenting below, writing on our Facebook wall or tweeting us.

Wishing you all glamorous planning,

xoxo

-Lindsey

image links: red shoe, red bouquet, orange bouquet, orange shoe, yellow shoes, yellow bouquet, green bouquet, green shoe, navy shoe, navy bouquet, purple bouquet, purple shoes, bridesmaids, mini cupcakes, m&m's, cupcake flags, lanterns, cake, garter, bow tie, fruit skewers, ties, cake, rose, invitation, straws

 

Be a DIY Bride

Hello Fashionistas,

Every bride wants to look unique on her wedding day, and personal touches are imperative. We’re well aware that the hunt for the perfect pair of shoes can be trying, so we’re here to help.

Our brides and bloggers are literally taking things into their own hands by taking our DYO concept a bit further and creating their own Nina shoes. Of course, I don't mean they've constructed the entire shoe; they're simply adding personal touches to create a one-of-a-kind pair.

One bride added appliques to the front of her Nina Culvers (photo below). It is a simple touch, yet distinguishes the shoe from anything else on the market!

Another idea is from one of Nina's favorite bridal bloggers, Jen Campbell creator of Green Wedding Shoes. She wrapped delicate fabric around the front of the shoe to create an absolutely adorable bow design.

The possibilities are endless! Depending on your style and preference, you can use rhinestones, sequins, beads, feathers, tulle or ribbon. 

I am just loving lace and silky materials right now. Therefore, I'd personally choose this satin ribbon and gold lace, and if I am feeling daring, maybe some rhinestones.

So, bridal fashionistas, get creating and send us your pictures! We just can’t get enough of DIY projects!

How creative can you get?

XO,

Nicole

P.S. You don’t have to be a bride to embellish your Nina’s; you can get creative for any special occasion on your agenda!

photo by Sarah Yates c/o Green Wedding Shoes

Congratulations, You're Engaged! Now What?

With so many people getting engaged around me lately (you can read about some here and here), my inbox has recently received more wedding questions than usual. It got me thinking of how I felt when I first got engaged: excited, happy and a bit overwhelmed because I wasn't sure what to do first. I decided to make a list of what you really should do first!

1. Enjoy being ENGAGED! - That's right. For the first few days or even weeks, do absolutely nothing but stare at the new bling on your finger! Stare into your fiance's eyes and tell him how much you love him. Share the news with your family and friends by telling the proposal story over and over again. It's fun!
2. Register - This is the fun stuff! It's like shopping without having to pay for it. What could be better? It can be a little overwhelming, so make sure you have a store associate guide you if you need help. Also, read my guide to registering here and check out my checklists here and here.
   
3. Buy Stationery - You will need to send thank-you notes out to all the lovely people that send you gifts for your engagement or attend the engagement party. Purchase simple stationery that includes you and your fiances' first names. (See my post on tips for stationery here and here.)

If you have any advice for the newly engaged, tell 'em! Post on our Facebook wall, Tweet us or comment below.

Wishing you all glamorous planning,

xoxo

-Lindsey (Nina's Newlywed)

Registry Checklists: Part 2

Check out my Registry How-To Guide as well as my Part I checklist. Along with this Part II checklist, you should have everything you need to develop your registry action plan. Each list is a general guide to the basic necessities of a home. Quantities may vary for extra bathrooms and/or guest bedrooms, depending on the size of your apartment or house.

2 Cutting Boards

2 Baking Sheets

2 Round Cake Pans

1 Muffin Tin

1 Casserole Dish

2 Multipurpose pots

1 Saucepan (2 quarts)

2 Skillets (10"-12")

1 Coffee Maker

1 Blender

1 Toaster

1 Mixer (standing or handheld)

1 Strainer

1 Mixing Bowl Set

1 Set of Measuring Cups and Spoons

2 Oven Mitts

4 Dish Towels

1 Whisk

1 Spatula

2 Wooden Spoons

1 Spoon Rest

1 Can Opener

 

Optional Items:

1 Salad Spinner

1 Cooling Rack

1 Pie Pan

1 Rice Cooker

1 Panini Maker

1 Waffle Maker

1 Slow Cooker

1 Dutch Oven

1 Food Processor

1 Teakettle

1 Ice Cream Scoop

1 Pizza Cutter

1 Cheese Grater

1 Veggie Peeler

1 Basting Brush

1 Garlic Press

1 Citrus Zester

2 Serving Tongs

1 Platic Tupperware Set

 

 

1 - 2 Laundry Hampers/Baskets

1 Handheld Vacuum

1 Vacuum

1 Iron

1 Ironing Board

1 Handheld Steamer

1 Trash Can

1 Wall Clock

1 Alarm Clock

1 iPod Dock

*Don't be afraid to register for electronics such as small televisions for guest rooms or even game consoles like Nintedo Wii.

 

4 Luggage Tags

2 Toiletry Kits

2 Weekender Bags

2 Carry-on Wheeled Suitcases

2 Medium Wheeled Suitcases

2 Large Wheeled Suitcases

1 Wheeled Garment Bag

 

Grill

Grill Utensils

Patio Furniture

Plastic Barware

Picnic Basket

Insulated Wine Carrier

Cooler

Beach Towels

Beach Chairs

Lawn Mower

Gardening Tools

Leaf/Snow Blower

Umbrella Stand

Coat Rack

Fireplace Tools

Board Games

Holiday Decorations

Christmas Ornaments

Menorah

Sedar Plate

Mazzuzah

 

NOTE TO SELF: It's your registry, so scan whatever your little hearts desire!

In fact, B only wanted one item when we registered at Bloomingdales: a very small Lalique Crystal figurine of a happy Buddha. I thought it was a bit ridiculous to register for such an expensive and (in my eyes) frivalous object but I could see how much he liked it. So in the spirit of doing our registry together, I flipped it over so he could scan it, thinking to myself, "Who's ever going to buy that thing anyway!"

Well, believe it or not, someone did send us the happy Buddha! I had never seen B excited over any registry box I had opened up until this point. And you know what, that little Buddha is now one of my favorite pieces in our home. He sits high up on the top shelf of our bar overlooking our living and dining area. Guests always seem to notice him and it gives B the opportunity to brag. :)

If you could register for just one thing, what would it be?

Registry Checklists: Part 1

Use these handy checklists while developing your registry action plan to make sure it's stress-free and fun! Each list is a general guide to the basic necessities of a home. Quantities may need to be increased for extra bathrooms and/or guest bedrooms, depending on the size of your apartment or house.

Are you ready? Set? Scan!

2 Fitted Sheets

2 Flat Sheets

1 Duvet Cover (or) 1 Comforter

1 Mattress Protector

1 Lightweight Blanket (for summer)

4 Pillows

1 Pillowcase Set

2 Shams

Optional Items:

1 Mattress Pad

1 Bed Skirt

4 Bath Towels

4 Hand Towels

4 Washcloths

1 or 2 Bath Mats

1 Shower Curtain

1 Shower Curtain Liner

1 Small Trash Can

1 Toothbrush Holder

1 Soap Dispenser

Optional Items:

2 Bathrobes

1 Tub Mat

1 Scale

1 Tissue Holder

 

12 Formal Place Settings*

12 Casual Place Settings*

12 Cloth Napkins

12 Napkin Rings

2 Tableclothes

1 Salt and Pepper Shaker Set

2 Serving Bowls

2 Serving Platters

1 Salad Bowl with Serving Set

1 Soup Tureen with Ladle

1 Gravy Boat with Tray

1 Butter Dish

1 Coffee Pot

1 Tea Pot

1 Sugar and Creamer Set

Optional Items:

12 Charger Plates

12 Soup Bowls

12 Place Mats

1 Cake Stand

1 Cheese Tray

1 Chip and Dip Tray

*A place setting typically includes a dinner plate, salad/desert plate, bread plate, cup and saucer.

 

 

12 Red Wine Glasses

12 White Wine Glasses

12 Champagne Flutes

12 Water Goblets

12 Double Old Fashion Glasses

12 Highball Glasses

2 Coaster Sets

1 Cocktail Shaker

1 Decanter

1 Water/Juice Pitcher

1 Ice Bucket

1 Bar Tool Set (includes: Jigger, Ice Spoon, Bottle/Wine Opener, Strainer, Olive Fork)

Optional Items:

12 Juice Glasses

12 Martini Glasses

12 Margarita Glasses

12 Pilsner Glasses

12 Mint Julep Cups

1 Wine Fridge

1 Champagne Bucket

1 Wine (Chiller) Holder

 

 

 
12 Formal Silver Flatware Sets*

12 Casual Stainless Steel Flatware Sets*

12 Steak Knives

1 Chef's Knife

1 Serrated Knife

1 Paring Knife

1 Honing Steel

1 Scissor

1 Knife Block

*Flatware sets include a salad fork, dinner fork, teaspoon, tablespoon and knife.

 

2 - 4 Decorative Vases

2 Decorative Bowls

4 - 10 Picture Frames (various sizes)

2 - 4 Pieces of Wall Art

1 - 2 Wall Mirrors

2 - 4 Table Lamps

2 Floor Lamps

1 - 2 Throw Blankets

2 - 4 Throw Pillows

1 Set of Candle Sticks

*Don't be afraid to register for larger items such as furniture and area rugs.

Hopefully these help you sail smoothly through your registering. Remember these lists consist of the basics and the optional items are just to give you additional ideas. Stay tuned for Part 2 where I'll finish the other home categories.

Are there any items you would add to these checklists? Let us know by commenting below, writing on our Facebook wall or Tweeting us. We love your feedback!

Wishing you glamorous planning and happy scanning!

xoxo

-Lindsey (Nina's Newlywed)

Registry How-To Guide

Registering for your new home is like shopping without having to foot the bill. It's extremely fun but can become very overwhelming if you don't have an action plan. Trust me, I've been there.

True story: We waited about a month after our engagement before registering. I wanted to make sure we had plenty of things on our list before our engagement party. B and I spent about an hour going back and forth mixing and matching different patterned casual china (your everyday plates) until we found the perfect mix. We both loved it. When we flipped the dinner plate over to scan it...90 bucks! It was so frustrating! I quickly learned a valuable lesson: Look at the price before falling in love with something.

Luckily, you all can learn from my mistakes. :) Get registry ready and enjoy every minute of it with my how-to guide (below) and checklists (stay tuned)!

  

Do you have any funny registry stories? Or maybe you have some advice of your own? Share with us by commenting below, posting on our Facebook wall or Tweeting us! We love hearing for you.

Wishing you all glamorous planning and happy scanning!

xoxo

-Lindsey (Nina's Newlywed)

Color Inspiration: Purple

images: theknot, Aaron and Maria

We all remember how pretty the Kardashian's looked when their sister Khloe tied the knot. The different purple hues translated beautifully. Now that five of my closest friends are planning their own weddings (yup, I'm in five weddings in 2012), it's been really exciting helping them determine their color schemes. One of my dear friends Julie will have a small ceremony at The Sanctuary on Kiawah Island. The lilac and lavender palette will complement the space beautifully, and I'm really looking forward to a soft, light purple bridesmaid dress.

images: parasols, Nina Elizana, Nina Evelixa, lemonade

images: amsale, vera wang for david's bridal, wedding by color

Are you planning a purple color palette for your wedding? Or did you wear a lovely lilac tone bridesmaid dress? Let us know by commenting below, posting on our Facebook wall or tweeting us.

Wishing you all glamorous planning!

xoxo

-Lindsey (Nina's Newlywed)

Dress Your Gown With Nina Bridal

With the launch of Nina Bridal, we now offer everything but the dress! See how Nina can accessorize your gown and walk you down the aisle with these fabulous combinations.

 

This beautiful full floral skirt gown needs clean lines and subtle accessories to add touches of glamour. Silver earrings, shoes and a handbag accentuates the silver beaded belt.

 

Lace accents can be both romantic and fun! Pair a funky lace bootie and a classic lace-trimmed veil with this beautiful lace top gown.

 

 
The gathered flower accent of the Nina Critia adds to the soft organza layers in this blush tone gown. A crystal headband seems like the perfect accessory to complete the look.

Do you have an idea for the perfect combination using Nina's Bridal accessory collection? Please share your images and thoughts with us on our Facebook page! We love hearing from you!

Wishing you all glamorous planning!

xoxo

-Lindsey (Nina's Newlywed)

The Newly Engaged Need Stationery

Personalized stationery is always great to have but it becomes a necessity once your engaged. Family and friends will bring you bottles of champagne and send you lovely gifts to recognize your engagement. You'll want to send them a proper thank-you note (get tips on how to write them here). Engagement stationery doesn't have to break the bank. Keep it simple, clean and most importantly make sure it represents both of you. Here's some affordable and adorable options.

1. Use an online service like Vistaprint.com and get a cute card like the one above. A quantity of 50 will cost you only $29.99. There are many customized add-ons like matching envelopes with a return address on the back flap, which will run you an additional $17.49 for 50 on this particular design. Look at other cost-effective sites like Zazzle, 123print and Overnight Prints.

2. Ashley Brooke Designs is a fun twist on traditional forms of thank-you notes. This stationery is extremely personal and your friends and family members will love receiving it. Send Ashley your favorite shot from your engagement shoot and get back beautifully illustrated one-of-a-kind thank-you notes! (They're a great idea for BM gifts, too!)

3. Choose a flat card like this one from Wedding Paper Divas. A flat card usually costs less than a folded card, so it's a great way to save money. The one above is as low as $0.84 depending on quantity which includes envelopes!

4. Make your own. Take a trip to your local paper or craft shop and get creative. Many people make their own wedding invites, so this could be great practice or just a fun DIY project. Check out my DIY rehearsal dinner invites here. Also, check out Apple's new iPhoto print products here for all you mac users.

5. Order from the stationer you plan to use for your wedding invitations. This could be a bit more costly but it gives you the opportunity to see how they work.

Chances are this will be the first time your names appear together on stationery, so have fun! You can do whatever you want. This stationery has nothing to do with the wedding so don't get overwhelmed by trying to make it themed or match.

Did you have pre-wedding stationery? Tell us all about it by commenting below, writing on our Facebook wall or tweeting us.

Wishing you all glamorous planning!

xoxo

-Lindsey (Nina's Newlywed)

A Surprise Engagement Party!

My husband and I recently had the honor of hosting a surprise engagement party for his youngest sister. I'm very close with my sister-in-laws. They were my Maid & Matron of Honor at my wedding (see how I asked them here). As you can imagine, I was beyond excited!

Keeping a secret this big was almost unbearable. Every time I hung out with her, I was so nervous that I'd blurt out, "YOU'RE GETTING ENGAGED!" and ruin the whole thing. Luckily, I kept my mouth shut and things went off without a hitch.

Her boyfriend made her an AMAZING proposal video (you'll see why all caps were necessary after you watch it!) and popped the big question before blindfolding her and heading to my apartment. We had 25 excited and patiently waiting family members heading up to our rooftop for the main event.

(I told you she was blindfolded. She had no idea where she was!)

(A simple touch to welcome the newly engaged couple)

After loads of hugs and kisses, we all headed back down to my apartment for dessert and drinks. The party was a huge success and went into the wee hours of the night for a few of us. Simple touches made the party extra special for S + J.

(French style macarons from Macaron Cafe, cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery and M&M's from the M&M store in Times Square)

(This super cute heart monogram template is free from The Wedding Chicks. I used it to create a personalized touch to the dessert table.)

(Fun beverages were available for the kids.)

The simplest things can make a big impact when throwing a party. Here are a few quick tips you can use for your next shindig.

1. A Color Theme - Choosing a group or pair of colors for a party is key. Color has a great way of tying things together and drawing attention to areas of interest for the event.
2. Personalize It - When you put someone's name on an item, it instantly becomes more special. The S + J cupcake sticks were a huge hit; some people kept them as keepsakes! 
3. Sweat The Small Stuff - It's all about the details when it comes to throwing a great party. So putting lime slices in the water pitcher (instead of nothing) linked it to the theme and having colored straws instead of plain or clear also did the trick. 

Remember, whether you're planning your wedding or just a movie night, small details and a color theme can make it look like you've spent a lifetime planning.

Also, a big congratulations to S + J on their engagement! 

If you have any great party tips you'd like to share, comment below, write on our Facebook wall or tweet us.

Wishing you all glamorous planning!

xoxo

-Lindsey (Nina's Newlywed)