Late summer wedding colors

With August just around the corner and fall not too far behind, there is a hint in the air of a simple winding down. The days are still blazing hot, but dusk brings the steady buzz of cicadas in the background and the most glorious sunsets of the year.

Couples planning a late summer wedding should take a cue from nature when thinking about the color palette for their nuptials. A summer sunset yields a vast family of complementary shades - rich oranges, golds, yellows, chocolate browns, and dark reds paired beautifully with shades of gray, blue, purple, and mauve.

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What Makes a Collection, Part 1

Most jewelry designers have no difficulty with recognizing what a "collection" of jewelry is, but making one --- a strong one at that--- is something else entirely.  Figuring out what precisely goes into making a strong collection can be one of the most difficult things for a jewelry designer to do.  At least until they have some ground rules!! 

Alexis Bittar's "Elements" Collection Photo: Alexis Bittar

The jewelry of Alexis Bittar, by way of example, makes discussion of this subject a breeze as he --yes, a guy, and a striking one at that!--  is a master of the diverse, compelling and cohesive collection. The jewelry featured here is from his "Elements" Collection, which focuses on just that, using elements or components in multiple pieces as a means of creating a wide range of silhouettes or looks-- one of the keys element to a successful collection.  

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A Room with a View: Old Westbury Gardens

(OId Westbury Gardens - South Terrace)A long allée bordered by towering linden trees stretch out from the gates to the entrance of Westbury House, framing its Charles II façade.  Tall imposing iron gates announce that you’re now entering a secluded and spectacular estate known as Old Westbury Gardens located in the very exclusive village of Old Westbury in Long Island. Old Westbury Gardens is so picturesque it’s been chosen for the settings of several movies, including Love Story and Age of Innocence.

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To sea, to sea: Nautical Weddings

May and June are lovely for flower-saturated weddings and garden parties, but when July hits its hot stride it's best to look to the sea. An actual beach wedding is not necessary, because even if one cannot enjoy the offshore breezes in person, they certainly can channel the briny deep with truly nautical nuptials.

A perennial favorite - what is more romantic than the sea? - the risk of planning nautical nuptials is the risk of skittering into kitsch. It is a theme that can be taken too far, with piles of shells on the tables and netting and buoys hanging from the wall. It is better to keep it simple with these rules:

1) Let the venue work for you. Marinas, yacht clubs, seaside restaurants, and banquet halls are typically designed with a marine feel in mind.

Bay Head Yacht Club by Kris Arnold on Flickr

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