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wedding blog + planning guide for creative weddings | inspiration for DIY Brides

Brenda's Wedding Blog is your online resource for planning your dream elegant wedding. Helping you find the "wow" in weddings.

Posts in Reviews
A Rainbow of Super Cute and Comfy Sandals

It's no surprise to many that know me how much I love my OKA b Sandals. The choices are endless when it comes to colors and styles - you could pretty much have a new pair of sandals for every outfit you have, if you wish too. I recently received some of the latest styles from OKA b and just love wearing them. I have a pair, which are my absolute favorite {hot pink with leopard bows} that I save just for wearing around the house. Along with being able to choose from any color of the rainbow - there are also neutral colored sandals as well in white, cream, brown and black.


Since each pair of the OKA b sandals have an ergonomic footbed to provide the ultimate fit and comfort you won't even realize they're on your feet. And, they are made in the USA and are eco-friendly too.

Along with the pretty colorful sandals, you can also find a bridal collection of sandals which are perfect for beach and destination weddings. They also make a great bridal shower gift.

PS: While I was gifted OKA b sandals, I was not in any way paid
to make an endorsement, I simply wrote how I feel about the product.

Celebrate Life. Naturally . . . at High Peaks Resort in Lake Placid

This past weekend myself, my husband and our 4 year old daughter were able to do exactly what the High Peaks Resort tagline says "Celebrate Life. Naturally." And, it was an amazing experience. From the moment we arrived in Lake Placid and started our drive along the river we knew we were in for a treat. There's something so special and peaceful when you see waterfalls along the rocky mountain edges, water rapidly flowing over rocks along the side of the road, a moose crossing sign {which I believe read "next 30 miles"} and being able to see so much of nature undisturbed. Thank you so much to Lori and everyone else that made us feel so welcome for our entire stay at your resort.

When I arrived at High Peaks Resort, Lori took my daughter and me on a tour of the facilities. There's actually 3 ballrooms where events can be held - one of them can even hold up to 300 people. Brides have the option to marry on the lawn overlooking Mirror Lake which is just gorgeous. You can hold your cocktail hour on the patio overlooking the pool before heading into the reception. All the guest rooms at the resort overlook the lake with spectacular mountain views and they each have either a patio or balcony. The High Peaks Resort has a wedding coordinator on site to help brides plan their event as well as a full-service catering facility. Brides can select their own flowers, photographers, bakeries, etc or the resort can make suggestions.

Attached to the resort is it's very own Aveda Spa which is wonderful for brides and her bridal party to have their hair and make-up done before the big day without every having to leave the venue.

In the fall and winter, the Lobby Bar is open for tapas and cocktails in front of the roaring fireplace and cozy leather furniture. And, you won't want to miss dining at the attached restaurant, Dancing Bears. Our first nights stay, we dined at Dancing Bears and the food was superb. We also had breakfast there each morning and their blueberry pancakes and home fries were delicious. We also enjoyed their indoor pool and before calling it a night - which our daughter LOVED.

And, from now thru May 31st with a signed agreement for a wedding at High Peaks Resort either this year or in 2012, the bride will receive a complimentary Spa Day at the Resort's Aveda Spa {valued at $250}. And, the couple can also enjoy a complimentary first anniversary stay at the resort and a wedding cake replica in their room.

Our stay was wonderful and I can only imagine what having a wedding at such a beautiful location would be like. It's definitely one I'm sure your guests will love - especially if they get the opportunity to stay at the resort. Oh, and I forgot to mention the bathrooms - they are amazing. There's a rainfall showerhead, rock walls and a sliding pocket door to enter. I have to say, it's probably the nicest bathroom we've ever had the luxury of using in all the places we've stayed. To see more about High Peaks Resort you can view the destinations post on the Lake Placid Resort.

Credits:
Photography: Todd Bissonette
Flowers: Lake Placid Flower & Gift

While High Peaks Resort hosted us for a 2 night stay at their resort, the views expressed in the above post are my own.

Starla Sandals : the Destination Wedding and/or Summer Must-Have

Even though it's winter, I know many are planning destination or summer weddings and these gorgeous sandals from Starla Sandals are definitely a must-have accessory for either  the bride or bridesmaids.

Starla was led to develop a brand of luxury sandals due to her passion for jewelry, shoes and the tropical lifestyle of southern Florida. The sandals are often embellished with Swarovski Crystal giving them "a signature sparkle that lends a casual elegance to any outfit".

Having seen a pair of these sandals in person, I have to say that while these photos are beautiful, they still don't compare to actually seeing these crystal sandals up close. The jewels and crystal work is stunning and just perfect for weddings and even to pack away with you for the honeymoon afterwards. Starla Sandals are made using the finest leathers, stones, crystals, and jewels from around the world. And, each season brings brand new sandal designs to Starla's collection. Currently there is complimentary shipping within the US.

The Perfect Setting for an Adirondack Wedding

The Copperfield Inn on Main Street in North Creek, NY is the perfect destination for your Adirondack Wedding, a pre-wedding party or even your honeymoon location. Recently, I was invited to stay as a guest at the inn and received a full tour of the facilities and loved every minute of my stay. Their quote. "the amenities of a resort, the charm of an inn, the experience of a lifetime" couldn't be more true. You will truly love your stay at the Copperfield Inn.

At The Copperfield Inn, they are able to accommodate up to 200 guests in their ballroom {Great Room} and in the Hunt Room, they can hold 80 maximum with 60 being average. The Hunt Room is ideal for smaller weddings or the after party. From the custom wedding menus to the cakes and pastries that are made to order with a pastry chef on staff - the award winning culinary staff at The Copperfield Inn will happily create your special menu. And, if this is a destination wedding for you - the wedding specialists at the inn can help plan not just the wedding, but a complete itinerary for your group covering anywhere from 2 days to even a full week.

Should you like a special location for your ceremony, there is a pond just 5 minutes away or across the street from the inn is a pavilion. Other options include the back terrace of the inn, the Hunt Room or even getting married on top of Gore Mountain which is just minutes away. A shuttle is available to bring your guests from the inn to the mountain.

After your reception, the newlywed couple receives a complimentary nights stay in The Copperfield Inn Suite. The Copperfield Inn features 31 deluxe rooms and suites {many with whirlpool baths}, free wifi, a sauna, fitness center, outdoor hot tub and swimming pool, spa treatments, both pub-style and fine dining within the inn, and complimentary ski shuttle.

If choosing the Copperfield Inn for your bachelor/ette party, there is great whitewater rafting nearby, even hiking, horseback riding or wine tasting. After your day's activities, you can come back to the inn for some great food at either the Trappers Tavern or Lorenzo's. The Trappers Tavern offers classic adirondack atmosphere in the style of a woodman's camp. And, Lorenzo's features authentic Northern Italian cuisine with a wood fired oven being the focal spot inside. It's most definitely a "memorable cuisine" that awaits you at the Copperfield Inn. And, there's also a delicious breakfast that is served each morning.

No matter the season, you and your guests will be sure to find something to do while at The Copperfield Inn. From the whitewater rafting to skiing at Gore Mountain to shopping and dining at the quaint shops and restaurants along Main Street . . . it's a beautifully quiet area that you will quickly fall in love with. I know myself, hubby and daughter have and we look forward to being able to make a trip out to The Copperfield Inn again in the future.

This is a review of my stay at Copperfield Inn, I was not monetarily paid to make any of the above statements.

Chilly Jilly™ Wraps : the perfect gift for bridesmaids

I recently received my very own Chilly Jilly™ Wrap and I'm in love with it. It's a super stylish wrap that comes packaged in a small silk drawstring bag that can easily be tucked in your purse. If you feel a little chilly, for example in an air conditioned restaurant or an evening event, you can easily pull out your Chilly Jilly™ and be warm and stylish. There's no more need to carry an extra sweater with you. The great thing about these wraps, which are made from a microfiber material, is that they are almost entirely crease free. They might have a little bit of wrinkle when first taking it out of the bag, but they easily go away after putting it on.

And, the Chilly Jilly™ is super versatile as you can wear it as a shawl on a cold evening or indoors at restaurants, movie theaters or any event. And, you can also use as a sarong at the beach or a scarf on a fall or winter day.

You can purchase your Chilly Jilly™ in 7 solid color choices and 3 reversible patterns. I think this wrap would make the perfect gift for your bridesmaids and even mothers of the bride and groom. You can also opt to purchase with a brooch and have it gift boxed. It's such a unique gift and one that will definitely be used by the recipient.

PS: While I was gifted a Chilly Jilly™ Wrap, I was not in any way paid
to make an endorsement, I simply wrote how I feel about the product.