Utterly Engaged } The 1st Online Wedding & Bridal Magazine. Inspiring Brides with Style.

DIY Friday :: Yummy Valentine

Henny — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:30:19 +0000

They say the way to a man’s heart is through the stomach. And boy is that true. This year I’ve made the resolution to be a domestic diva! Lol! I’m tired of making the same old ramen (although I do spice it up with my own stuff, not the packet), fried rice, polska kielbasa (the mr’s favorite!), and boring chicken. I was ready to spice things up and get my super adorable apron on (still looking for one) and get bakin’ and cookin’! My hubby knew that so he got me all kinds of baking apparatus, including a whoopie pie pan, cake decorating kit, mini donut maker (yes, one of those), and electric mixer. So since January 1, 2012, I’ve been making sweet treats almost every other day, and it’s been quite a successful month so far. And the Mr. couldn’t be happier to get his hands on those treats (and the baker, oh behave!).

For this month, I can’t wait to try one of these sweet Valentine ideas! Someone’s getting lucky tonight!

I actually made the regular shaped version of this for Chinese New Year, but I love this V’day twist!

Red Velvet Whoopie Pie via Annie’s Eats

When I saw this, I had to laugh. It’s genius! And what guy doesn’t like bacon and pancake?

Cupid Arrow Bacon & Pancake via On Being Blythe

Who doesn’t like getting things in the mail! Especially these adorable s’more hearts!

You’ve Got S’more Mail via Miriam Corona Events

If you don’t want to invest in heart-shaped pans, you can always try this trick of putting a marble or 1/2 inch aluminum foil in your cupcake pan. Voila! Heart cupcakes!

Cupcakes for Cupid via Family Fun

So what will you be baking this Valentine’s Day?

xoxo, Henny V.

Love Month :: Sweethearts Candy Inspired Love Shoot

Henny — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:30:15 +0000

February is here! And we can’t help being all lovey dovey this month! We’re finding all sorts of Valentine’s Day inspiration, but today’s shoot is all but too sweet not to share! The inspiration for Larissa and Staford’s pastel, candy-colored love-shoot came from the classic heart-shaped Valentine’s candies we all know and love, Sweethearts! And we’re loving the pops of bright pink!

Photography by Chelsea Nicole Photography via Two Bright Lights

You’re Invited to UE 2012 Leap Year Remix Party!

Henny — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:17:36 +0000

We are super excited to announce our 3rd annual new year party, but this time it’s a Leap Year Party! But not just any party, it’s a Remix Party, taking familiar things and giving it a new spin! It’s going to be an epic party that comes every 4 years! And you are all invited! Get your tickets now!

We’re also bringing back the most anticipated Design Challenge for Wedding Professionals for the third time in a row! This year, the teams will be designing for a cause. A portion of the entry fee will go towards emergency shelter and lifesaving supplies via Shelterbox. All the attendees will be voting on their favorite table with their dollar (included in the ticket sale). If you’re ready to take the challenge, contact Lucia at lucia@utterlyengaged.com for application and details. Hurry, space is limited!

The event is also the perfect way to promote your business to the best in the wedding, events and blogging industry. If you’re interested in sponsorship opportunities, please email Henny at henny@utterlyengaged.com for more information.

To see what went down in our last new year party, go to p. 8 in this issue.

Partnered :: Spring Flings with Vera

Henny — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:30:16 +0000

Vera Wang has introduced 2 new additions for Spring 2012 to her already fabulous menagerie of White by Vera Wang bridesmaid dresses at David’s Bridal. With a reasonable price point you won’t get any objections from your bridesmaids.

The first dress is a little satin number with a strap on one side and a pretty, sophisticated bow on the other. It is simple and sophisticated and comes in shades to compliment every spring color palette.

The second creation is made with layers of soft netting and has a sweet yet sexy illusion neckline and a satin sash to accentuate the waist! It’s available in Charcoal (pictured) and Ebony for an understated and modern wedding palette.

Pair them with one of Vera’s gorgeous shoes and your bridesmaids would love you for your discerning taste! If you are loving these flirty spring looks, you can try them on in person at David’s Bridal!

Happy Almost Spring!

Lauren

Wedding Styles from SAG Awards 2012

Henny — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:00:31 +0000

The gowns that show up on red carpets at award shows are always a great place to get inspiration for your wedding gown. We have a few favorites from last night’s Screen Actors Guild Award.

Ruffled & Romantic: A Romona Keveza dress worn by Kaley Cuoco

Gilded Elegance: A Marchesa gown worn by Viola Davis

Whimsical & Spunky: A Collette Dinnigan dress worn by Judy Greer

Modern Glitz: A Givenchy Couture dress worn by Zoe Saldana

What a Weekend :: School Field Trip

Henny — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 23:02:45 +0000

This weekend my husband’s going on a field trip with his classmates. Yes, he’s a grown man. And no, he’s not going on a yellow school bus (but our family van, no less). So I’m inspired to round up all things school for this weekend. Have a lovely one!

Clockwise from top left: Try this messy librarian bun. Wear this teacher-like chiffon blouse in rust. Eat this apple pancake. Put on this secretly slimming pencil skirt (especially after that pancake). Update my books with this cool spine.

xoxo, Henny V.

DIY Friday :: A Simply Fruity Valentine

Henny — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:59:23 +0000

Happy Friday! Can you believe we’re almost at the end of January?! Time seriously flies around here. With the end of January, you know Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. So we found this super cute, and super simple Valentine’s you can do for your loved ones. Twig & Thistle created these naturally sweet fruit stickers that you can print at home to stick them on their favorite fruits. Sneak them in their lunch bags or have them as part of your breakfast in bed! The great thing about it is that it won’t add calories like chocolates would! If you don’t want to bother dealing with your temperamental inkjet printer, you can always buy them already printed on food safe stickers for only 2 bucks more (it’s okay, we don’t judge). Enjoy!

Slate & Cement : A Real Engagement

Lucia — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:58:53 +0000

Toe is originally from Japan. Nathan is from Australia. Since they’re both creative, working in the world of arts and culture, White Wall Photography decided to shoot around architecture and one of their favorite things, cement! Sometimes you really don’t need lots of props to make a capture the perfect shoot because love and inspiration can be found anywhere and everywhere. You can see more of this very cool engagement here.

Featured :: Hosting Hen Spa Parties with Spabreaks.com

Henny — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:30:03 +0000

This post is for you ladies who have boldly agreed to stand by your friend/sister/cousin/co-worker, as a bridesmaid or maid of honor. If you’ve been involved with the wedding planning, you know it’s easy for the bride to get caught up in all the details and get stressed out. So it’s your job to plan a relaxing spa outing for her and her girlfriends before the wedding!

In United Kingdom and Ireland, instead of a bachelorette party, the bridal party throws the bride-to-be a hen party! But we know a trip to the spa can get pricey. So to help all you girls out there who have to host a hen party spa for your bride-to-be, we’d like to introduce you to Spabreaks.com! They’re the premier online Spa experience booking service on the Internet with the best selection of quality UK & European health spa, detox & pamper breaks plus exclusive Special Offers! They guarantee the lowest price for both overnight spa breaks and day spa packages at venues thoughout the UK (England, Scotland, Wales), Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Europe & The Rest of the World.

If you’re hosting a hen night for a bride who’s into fitness and leisure, she would love the Spa Day Fitness Package. As you might expect from a spa in one of the most notoriously glamorous parts of London, the Aquilla Health and Fitness Club at the Rembrandt Hotel in Knightsbridge is equipped with a gym, pool, single-sex sauna and steam rooms, Jacuzzi and yoga and pilates classes. It has everything to make you feel like a fitness goddess, alongside a range of Decleor treatments including aromatherapy and massages, facials, body treatments, spray tans and Jessica nail care to make sure you leave looking and feeling positively expensive.

The Rembrandt

And if you have a crew of girls who insist on going overseas, you can opt for Vincci Selección Estrella del Mar located in the heart of the Costa del Sol in Spain, in the area known as “Elviria–Las Chapas”, regarded as one of the town’s most desirable spots and near what is surely the best beach on this part of the coast. With packages that include bed & breakfast and beauty packages like body peeling and skin hydration treatments, hydromassage bath, and local massages, your bride and the girls will thank you for weeks for this amazing trip!

Vincci Selección Estrella del Mar

There are lots more great spa packages at affordable rates on Spabreaks.com. Go on and claim that title as the best hen party planner ever!

This sponsored post is brought to you by Spabreaks.com

Real Engagement :: City Chic in Chicago

Henny — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:23:45 +0000

Last week, we strolled along San Francisco with our real couple Kelly and Joel. Today, Brian and Erica’s e-session has us falling for Chicago. Their photographer Summer Osborn of Summer Jean Photography is good friends with the groom and did a wonderful job capturing the city chic couple in the Windy City. Congrats, Erica and Brian!

via Two Bright Lights

Smart Travel :: 7 Ways to Save on International Flights

Henny — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:30:44 +0000

image via katespade

Whether you’re planning your destination wedding or your honeymoon, or traveling to attend a friend’s wedding, let’s face it, flying isn’t cheap. But there are ways around it. Here are 7 tips that will save you money on international flights, compiled by Vayama.com:

1. Travel Midweek

International travel deals are entirely based on availability and since most people travel over the weekend (Friday & Saturday); you will find the cheapest international airfare deals if you travel midweek, usually departing and returning on a Tuesday or Wednesday.

2. Spend Saturday Night

Business travelers fly home on the weekend, so most discounted international airfare deals require a Saturday night stay. So be prepared to spend Saturday at your destination.

3. Don’t book too Early or Too Late

When it comes to cheap international airfares, you have to follow the Goldilocks rule: Don’t book too early or too late. We all know that an international ticket booked with less than 3 days notice will be very expensive, but it will also be pricy if you book too far in advance. Most airlines start competing for passengers around three to four months before departure; this is known as the “Goldilocks Zone”. Search for your international airfare about three to five months out and you will be in the best position to hit the international airfare deal jackpot.

4. Fly Trough the Side Door

If your desired destination is sold out or too expensive, try flying out of a secondary international airport (Boston vs JFK or San Francisco vs Los Angeles). The same works with your destination airports; If London is sold out or too expensive, try Brussels, Amsterdam or even Stuttgart. You can use the savings to book a low cost inter Europe flight to London or you can jump on the Eurostar train from Paris or Brussels.

5. Fly Seasonally

Most budget travelers never fly during high season. They take advantage of the lower airfares and decent weather during the ‘shoulder season’. Europe’s fall shoulder season starts around September 15th and extends until the middle of November. It’s spring shoulder season starts in mid February and extends until the end of April. For the cheapest deals to New Zealand and Australia, fly in mid August, their fall and winters are quite mild and still allow you to enjoy the many outdoor adventures available Down Under. For Asia, fly from late September through November to get the lowest airfare deals. South America’s low season is anytime it’s not Christmas, New Year’s, Carnival or a school holiday.

6. Use the Multiple Flights Function

Vayama has a ‘multiple flights’ function on it’s ‘find a flight’ box. It’s a good idea to use it because it may be cheaper to fly into one city and return from another (for example; New York to London, returning from Amsterdam). Play around with different combinations and save.

7. Add a Stopover and Save

Direct flights (those with one stop) are also cheaper than nonstop flights, particularly when you fly long haul. For example the fares for a New York to Johannesburg flight will be cheaper on airlines that add a stopover (usually in Europe, Africa or the Middle East) versus the nonstop option from New York. The same applies to long haul flights to Asia. One stop in Seoul or Taipei could shave hundreds of dollars off an India trip when compared to nonstop flights.

So there you have it. Now you can travel smart and still have money to get yourself some souvenirs.

A Modern Chinese Haute Couture

Henny — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:38:59 +0000

Happy Lunar New Year! In honor of my Chinese heritage, I wanted to share this modern take on the traditional Chinese Cheong-sam (or Qi Pao) dress by NE-TIGER, one of China’s fastest-growing fashion houses. Inspired by the Tang Dynasty, he updated a traditional design and turned it into something so beautiful and new. I love the silhouette of the blue dress and all the unique Chinese details he’s infused in his designs. Bold, striking and beautiful!

xoxo, Henny V.

Confetti and DIY Cookies

Lucia — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:42:19 +0000

It’s DIY Friday! We wanted to repost one of favorite DIY feature in our January issue. Chocolate “countdown” cookies! Created especially for Utterly Engaged from food stylist Diana of Casa de Perrin and stylist, Alicia Buszczak. They’re super easy to do and super cute too.

INGREDIENTS

Butter - 6 tablespoons
Unsweetened chocolate - 1 1/2 inch squares
Milk - 6 tablespoons
Baking soda - 1/3 teaspoon
Sugar - 3/4 cup
Egg (beaten) - 1
Flour - 1 1/8 cups
Baking powder - 1 teaspoon
Vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon
Salt - 1/4 teaspoon

RECIPE

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.
Melt chocolate over hot water.
Cream butter and sugar.
Add chocolate and egg and mix thoroughly. Set aside.
Sift flour, measure, and whisk in baking soda, baking powder and salt.
Combine alternately with milk to the first mixture.
Add vanilla extract and mix thoroughly.
Roll dough out on slightly floured surface until it is 1/4” thick.
Use enough plastic wrap to cover the rolled out dough, and gently press typography blocks to make imprints.
Remove plastic wrap and use a large enough cookie-cutter to separate each cookie.
Using a spatula, place individual cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes.
Once cookies are cooled they may be iced and decorated to perfection!

Wrap them up to fit your wedding style and give them as favors to your guests. Love it!

Remember how we promised to show you more images from our magazine? Want to see more?

Well head over to Facebook and “like” our Facebook page to see more amazing images from this editorial shoot. Happy Friday to you!

Credits: Concept, Design, Props & Rentals from Casa de Perrin
Custom Linens & Styling Alicia Buszczak / Photography Studio Castillero

Winner of Brides & Babes Bachelorette Party Giveaway!

Henny — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:25:12 +0000

Happy Friday! Last Tuesday, we hosted a giveaway for Bridal Babe Boutique where a bride and her bridal party can win a set of hot tank tops for their bachelorette night out along with a sexy marabou garter and a chiffon party veil for the bride. It’s been very exciting to see the entries rolling in all week and now WE HAVE A WINNER! Congratulations to ASIA GREGORY! You’re our lucky winner!!

As a thank you to everyone for entering the giveaway, Bridal Babe Boutique is offering our readers an exclusive discount! Use code “RUNNERUP” for 10% off your entire order, now through Feb 1. And don’t forget to enter a picture of you and your girls rocking their tanks in the Hall of Babes photo contest and claim that coveted spot!

Jillian Michael’s Tip: Friends Don’t Let Friends Eat Fried

Henny — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:30:45 +0000

At the beginning of every new year, people tend to go into ‘feast or famine’ mode and take on drastic diets that are just not sustainable. It’s tempting to do, especially if you need to fit in that dress! But it’s important to remember that the best way to stick to any health related resolution is by making small changes that are easy to maintain. And get your bridal party together and resolve to be healthier as a group! We’re excited that popchips (a sponsor from our last year’s new year party!) have teamed up with celeb health and wellness expert, Jillian Michaels for the new year to share with you some of her health tips!

JILLIAN’S HEALTH TIPS

• Avoid fried foods at all costs.

• Eat three balanced meals a day every four hours with a snack in between lunch and dinner.

• Eat no more than 6-8 teaspoons of fats and vegetable oil per day. Choose oils that are mostly unsaturated such as olive oil.

• Opt for cooking methods that use little or no fat such as steaming, grilling, baking, broiling or roasting.

• Purchase healthier alternatives when given a choice (popchips vs. fried chips, grilled vs. fried chicken).

• Curb salty cravings with tasty snacks such as popchips, almonds or dried cranberries.

Hope these tips will get you started on your health goal this year! From now until March 15, you can enter popchips sweepstakes for a chance to win a 3-night escape to The Venetian in Las Vegas as a reward for keeping those new year’s resolutions! And to make things even more delicious, popchips just released their new flavors – jalapeno, chili lime, sweet potato and parmesan garlic! Who knew eating healthy can be so yumm!

courtesy of popchips

UE 2012 Goal :: More Please

Lucia — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 23:27:27 +0000

Every issue that we’ve worked on, there are only a limited number of images we could use to fill our pages. Because of that, a lot of beautiful photographs never get shown. So we thought, let’s start sharing them with you! It’s a shame to keep them to ourselves and hidden in our hard drives. So one of our many 2012 goals was to show you more! Let’s start with our latest January issue and cover.

This cover and editorial feature is outrageously beautiful, isn’t it? Thank you to Kat Harris of Mike Colon Photographers, Jacqueline Weppner of Merci New York and her artistic direction and styling and Jupiter Jewelry for letting us feature their amazing jewels. Scroll down, because we have a lot more eye candy for you below. Enjoy!

In the next few days we’ll be sharing more, so be sure to check back here. We hope this will inspire you to think outside of the box when you’re planning your wedding day!

Credits: Photography Kat Harris, Mike Colon Photographers / Art Direction & Styling Jacqueline Weppner, Merci New York / Jewelry from Jupiter Jewelry / Location Metropolitan Building / Model Kira From Fenton Moon / Makeup Artist Sharon Becker, Facetime Beauty Concierge / Hair Stylist Maysoon Faraj, Facetime Beauty Concierge / Floral Design Lori Meigel, Avaflora / Wardrobe From Gabriella New York Bridal Salon, Rent The Runway, And Merci New York’s Style Shop On Newlywish / Designers Pulled Anne Maier-Ulla Maija, Badgley Mischka, Reem Acra, Vena Cava, Jannie Baltzer

Real Engagement :: A Nostalgic Stroll in San Francisco

Henny — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:48:28 +0000

There’s a certain charm to San Francisco that everyone loves. For this particular couple Kelly and Joel, San Francisco is more than just a lovely city with charm. It’s the place where they first met and fell in love. During their short distance relationship (living only 5 blocks away from each other in the lively Cow Hollow neighborhood), they had created many great memories within those city blocks. So naturally it’s the perfect backdrop to their engagement session and a perfect reason to walk down memory lane.

Photography by Heather Scharf Photography via Two Bright Lights

Brides & Babes Bachelorette Party Giveaway

Henny — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:00:47 +0000

Calling all brides and bridesmaids! Wanna look hot on your bachelorette night out? Bridal Babe Boutique, an online retailer of bridal and bachelorette party apparel and accessories has all the right stuff for you! Their recently launched exclusive Bridesbabe™ and Babe of Honor™ clothing line is perfect for the modern bride and her posse. This line of apparel gives brides a fresh, sexy alternative to the traditional ‘Maid of Honor’ and ‘Bridesmaid’ titles (which date back to the Middle Ages! *gasp*). Their unique, fashion-forward tanks are perfect for wedding day, bachelorette parties, bridal showers or bridal party gifts.

And when you’ve rocked their tanks, make sure to enter a picture of you and your girls in their Hall of Babes photo contest on Facebook and claim that coveted spot!

Are you feeling lucky? Enter the Brides and Babes Bachelorette Party Giveaway for a chance to win:

• A complete set of Bridal Babe Boutique’s exclusive Bride, Bridesbabe™ & Babe of Honor™ tanks for ONE lucky bride and her bridal party

• Bachelorette Accessories: Chiffon Bachelorette Party Veil and Marabou “Something Blue” Garter

The winning bride chooses a tank from any of their collections for herself, her maid of honor and bridesmaids*. Note: You do not have to be the bride to enter, family and bridal party members can enter on behalf of the bride as well! The more entries, the better your chances!

*Maximum 10 shirts. No exchanges or returns for cash value. Package will be shipped to a single destination provided by winner.

HOW TO ENTER:

1. Like Bridal Babe Boutique on Facebook. Enter using the Utterly Engaged Giveaway Tab.

2. Leave a comment below and let us know that you’ve done so!

FOR AN EXTRA BONUS ENTRY:

1. Follow @BridalBabeShop on Twitter and Tweet: “I just entered to win the Brides & Babes Bachelorette Party Giveaway from @BridalBabeShop on @utterlyengaged blog!”

2. Leave a comment below and let us know that you’ve done so!

We’ll announce the lucky winner on Friday, January 20. Good luck!

Vera is Back! Spring 2012 White by Vera Wang Collection

Henny — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 18:20:54 +0000

If you remember our post about Vera’s White By Vera Wang Collection last year, you would know how much we adore her! So of course we had to share with you her new Spring 2012 Collection available now at David’s Bridal. From feminine, floral prints to chic, shortened hemlines, she’s got it all in this collection! With beautiful details like delicate origami draping, intricate Chantilly lace appliqués, and petal embellishments, each gown is truly a masterpiece. And reasonably priced at $500 - $1,500, it just can’t get any better! To view the entire collection, go here.

DIY Friday :: Neon Floral

Henny — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 20:20:15 +0000

Neon is hot right now and we see more of it incorporated in weddings, like this invitation by Bella Figura and this wedding shoot by Vané Broussard of Brooklyn Bride. But what about incorporating neon in your floral? Is that even possible? The answer is YES! London author, interior stylist and designer, Sania Pell showed us how! You can use this for a multiple of things! Picture it as part of a cool escort card for your guests, or a hot boutonniere! Sexy!