Emici Bridal Named as Finalist in Martha Stewart Weddings Contest

The Bridal Dream Team is celebrating the news that our team member Emici Bridal was chosen as a finalist in the DIY Wedding Craft Contest sponsored by Martha Stewart and Etsy!

The competition generated thousands of entries that were narrowed down to twenty; Emici Bridal made the cut with the lovely ring pillow shown above. It is composed of ivory and chocolate dupioni silk with genuine freshwater pearl and crystal accents. You can see the winner and all of the finalists by clicking here.

Congratulations Emici Bridal!

Bridal Dream Team - Ethnic Traditions Showcase - November 2009

As we head into the 2009 holiday season, the Bridal Dream Team wanted to highlight our family's customs and also the cultures that have influenced our art and designs. The result is this showcase of Ethnic Traditions:


ACPetrille - Erin Hairband
Inspired by the Emerald Isle, this sweet hairband by ACPetrille combines a row of pewter Celtic knots dotted with genuine emerald beads. Clear Swarovski crystals have been scattered throughout, as well as a few aurora borealis crystals to give the perfect amount of sparkle and a subtle rainbow effect for a little luck o' the Irish! To see the full listing click here.


Damselfly Studio -
Rose Garden Headpiece
The Rose Garden Headpiece by Damselfly Studios was influenced by her Welsh ancestors and also English wedding gown designers and their use of fabric details. It is composed of hand-sewn silk shantung roses and leaves that look like they were just picked from a summer garden. Sprigs of freshwater pearl and Swarovski crystal are wired on the handmade frame. The tulle veil is detachable. To see the full listing click here.


Honeycomb Veils - Mantilla Veil
Heavily influenced by the colors of the gorgeous Indian bridal outfits, this Mantilla by Honeycomb Veils is a marigold color with a pale gold floral lace with a floral design in the center and scalloped edges on both sides. The lace has a rich look and a very subtle sparkle. Three sequined circles in gold and peacock blue adorn the shoulder mark, adding a fantastic splash of color. To see the full listing click here.

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Coming up in the next few posts the Bridal Dream Team will be holding more design challenges and themed showcases, bringing you news of our holiday specials, and launching a fun promotion we know you will all enjoy.

Also, some of you have written to see when our team will be jurying new members - we don't have any concrete dates yet, but we expect to add a new shop or two in Spring of 2010. When we are ready to accept applications we will announce it here on our blog.

Stop back soon!

Giveaway - Emici Bridal and Seattle Style

Bridal Dream Team member Emici Bridal, known for gorgeous ring bearer pillows and bridal accessories, has teamed up with the popular Seattle Style blog for a giveaway. Click here before October 21, 2009 for the details on how you can win a $50. gift certificate to use in Emici Bridal's Etsy shop.

Good Luck!

Shown Above: Purple and Ivory Beaded Accent Pillow

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Changing Seasons Design Challenge Winner - Honeycomb Veils

Congratulations to Honeycomb Veils, whose Poms and Circumstance veil was voted as the winner of the Bridal Dream Team's Changing Seasons Design Challenge. This is Honeycomb Veils' second win in a row; their gorgeous furry fleece Roberta Coatee took first place in our Silver Screen Design Challenge.

The Poms and Circumstance Veil is a deep ivory shade embellished with seven beaded pomegranate fruits - they symbolize fertility and plentiful blessings in many cultures. The veil is waist-length and is secured by a comb lined with ivory colored caviar beads.

Thank you to everyone who voted!

Stop back soon for exciting details about the Bridal Dream Team's new items and our fall and holiday promotions.

Bridal Dream Team - September 2009 - Changing Seasons Design Challenge

For our September 2009 Design Challenge the Bridal Dream Team chose the theme Changing Seasons. The entries showcase classic neutrals and rich earth tones for accessories that are perfect for fall weddings.

Please take a look at entries below then go to the poll at the top-right corner of this blog and choose your favorite. Voting runs from Friday, September 25 through Wednesday, September 30 2009 at 8:00 PM EST. One vote per person. We do these competitions for fun; the winning designer gets bragging rights until the next challenge.

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Entry #1 - Emici Bridal - Changing Seasons Bridal Belt

Changing Seasons is an appropriate name for this amber jeweled bridal accessory by Emici Bridal: it can be worn as a belt, cuff, headband or even a choker. This piece is composed of black silk taffeta, satin ribbon, vintage rhinestones, freshwater pearls and Swarovski crystals. This is a one of a kind piece. To visit Emici Bridal's shop click here.

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Entry #2 - Glamorosi - Chainmaille Earrings in Rose Gold

These two-tone Chainmaille Earrings by Glamorosi are handmade with tiny rings for a dense weave that drapes like fabric. The center of the diamond shape is rose gold fill in a warm hue that complements the fall palette, the edge is sterling silver. Hung from a sterling flower finding; available in custom colors. To visit Glamorosi's shop click here.

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Entry #3 - Honeycomb Veils - Poms and Circumstance

Seven pomegranates in a peach color adorn Poms and Circumstance by Honeycomb Veils. The dark ivory veil features seven lightly beaded pomegranates. The fruits symbolize fertility and plentiful blessings in many cultures and are an integral part of the Autumn celebration. To visit Honeycomb Veils' shop click here.

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Entry #4 - ACPetrille - Fantasy Headpiece

The lovely Fantasy Headpiece is from the Anca Pe’elma line of handmade bridal accessories by ACPetrille. This fanciful design features genuine moonstone cabochons set in gold-tone metalwork with Swarovski rhinestones. It is available as shown or can be customized to your specifications. To visit ACPetrille's shop click here.

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Entry #5 - Damselfly Studio - Changing Seasons Hairpins

Damselfly Studios' Changing Seasons Hairpins reflect this year’s trend of deep ivory and champagne wedding gowns. The materials used include a carved mother of pearl leaf with a citrine gemstone, 12K gold filled wire tendrils with Swarovski crystals, and natural blush freshwater pearls. Sold as a set of three. To visit Damselfly Studio's shop click here.

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Make sure you stop back after September 30 to see if your favorite design won the Changing Seasons Challenge. Until then you can see all of our team's wedding items by doing a tag search on Etsy.com for "BridalDreamTeam" written as one word with no spaces.

Silver Screen Style Design Challenge Winner - Furry Fleece Coatee by Honeycomb Veils

Congratulations to Honeycomb Veils, winner of the Bridal Dream Team's Silver Screen Style Design Challenge. The entry was the elegant Furry Fleece Coatee inspired by Ginger Rogers in the 1935 film Roberta.

The coatee is made in a soft ivory colored fleece with two sparkling beaded tassels that can be worn in the front or back. The bottom hem of the garment sits right above the waistline and the sleeves are just past elbow length. This coatee is the epitome of movie star glamour, and could be a key piece for just the bride, or to outfit the entire bridal party for a fabulous winter wedding.

Honeycomb Veils is also the winner of a prestigious 2009 Bride's Choice Award on WeddingWire.com

Thank you to everyone who voted! Be sure to stop back soon; our September Design Challenge will be posted shortly.

Bridal Dream Team August 2009 Design Challenge - Silver Screen Style

For our August 2009 Design Challenge the Bridal Dream Team chose the theme Silver Screen Style. The resulting entries are as classic as the films that inspired them, and will definitely add a touch of Hollywood glamour to your wedding or formal event.

Please take a look at entries below then go to the poll at the top-right corner of this blog and choose your favorite. Voting runs from Tuesday, August 25, 2009 through Monday, August 31, 2009 at 8:00 PM EST. One vote per person. The winning designer gets bragging rights until the next challenge.

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Entry #1 - Damselfly Studio – My Fair Audrey Tiara

The My Fair Audrey Tiara by Damselfly Studio is inspired by Ms. Hepburn and the formal ball scene in My Fair Lady. The three inch comb is festooned with a variety of luxe materials including Swarovski Crystal, rainbow moonstone round beads, and sterling silver stardust beads. The crystal drops are free hanging, so there is lots of movement in the headpiece. Visit Damselfly Studio's shop by clicking here.

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Entry #2 - Emici Bridal – Structured Siren Pillow

The Structured Siren Ring Bearer Pillow by Emici Bridal is constructed of ivory dupioni with a silk rhinestone and pearl beaded sash down the center flanked with satin pleats. The pillow is embellished with Swiss imported satin ribbons. Inspired by the well restrained siren of the silver screen. Emici Bridal is on vacation until August 31; this item will be available then. Once she's back you can visit her shop by clicking here.

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Entry #3 - Honeycomb Veils – Smoke Gets in Your Eyes Coatee

The Smoke Gets in Your Eyes Coatee by Honeycomb Veils will make any bride look and feel like Ginger Rogers in the 1935 film classic Roberta. Sleek, warm and ultra-soft, the fronts wrap over each other and end in two tails with silver beaded tassels that can be brought around the neck or stay hanging in the back, for that impossibly glamorous movie star look. Visit Honeycomb Veils' shop by clicking here.

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Entry #4 - Mostly Flowers – The Casablanca Bridal Bouquet

The Casablanca Bridal Bouquet by Mostly Flowers was inspired by the elegance and beauty so often seen on the black and white silver screen. Mini white calla lilies, black and white rose, and a touch of black alstroemeria create a perfect combination of elegance, love, and uniqueness. The bouquet is hand-wrapped in a black satin sash, and the handle is cushioned for comfort. Visit Mostly Flowers' shop by clicking here.

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Entry #5 - ACPetrille – The Good Witch Hairband

Floating to your wedding in a pink bubble, by chance? Then complete the look with the spectacular Good Witch Hairband by ACPetrille. Inspired by Glinda's crown and dress from The Wizard of Oz, this piece combines pink fabric flowers with rhinestones and crystals on an adorable rhinestone-lined hairband complete with Glinda's signature stars and butterflies! Visit ACPetrille's shop by clicking here.

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Be sure to check back after August 31 to see if your favorite won the Silver Screen Style Design Challenge. Until then you can view all of the team's wedding items by doing a tag search on Etsy.com for "BridalDreamTeam" written as one word with no spaces.

You can also see what our team's designers are up to and what goes on behind the scenes by going to the right column on this page and clicking on our blogs.

A Midsummer Night's Dream Design Challenge Winner - Faerie Garden Headpiece by Damselfly Studio

Congratulations to Damselfly Studio, winner of the Bridal Dream Team's A Midsummer Night's Dream Design Challenge. Her beautiful entry, The Faerie Garden Headpiece, is a petite garland composed of roses, hydrangea blossoms, glass blue bells, freshwater pearls and Swarovski crystals. It can be worn alone as shown above, or with a veil as pictured in the challenge entry post.

Damselfly Studio is a favorite with our blog's readers, and it's a well-deserved honor - she is an amazing talent and has a background as a buyer for bridal salons; she can design your dream wedding from start to finish. To see a cross-section of her work stop by her shop.

Our August challenge will be posted soon, so be sure to stop back and see our new designs.

Bridal Dream Team - July Design Challenge - A Midsummer Night's Dream

For our July 2009 Design Challenge the Bridal Dream Team drew inspiration from one of William Shakespeare's most beloved plays, A Midsummer Night's Dream. The delightful entries interpret this timeless tale of romance, fairies, and love potions with magical designs for your wedding day.

Please take a look at entries below then go to the poll at the top-right corner of this blog and choose your favorite. Voting runs from Friday, July 24 through Friday, July 31 at 8:00 PM EST. One vote per person. The winning designer gets bragging rights until the next challenge.

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Entry #1 - ACPetrille - Wandering Fairy Headpiece

Indulge your inner Wandering Fairy with this gold and silver wirework branch by ACPetrille. The headpiece is generously sprinkled with Swarovski crystals, tiny metal flowers and curly wire leaves. This design is bendable and can be shaped and positioned however you wish! To see the full listing click here.

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Entry #2 - Damselfly Studio - Faerie Garden Headpiece

The Faeries have gathered roses, hydrangea blossoms, glass blue bells, freshwater pearls and Swarovski crystals for this woven petite garland headpiece by Damselfly Studio. Three dragonflies flutter above the flowers in a light, sparkling dance. The piece can be worn alone or with a veil, as shown. To see the full listing click here.

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Entry #3 - Emici Bridal - Love Potion Pillow

The Love Potion Pillow by Emici Bridal is composed of lavender silk, exquisite ribbons, and beaded and sequined aurora borealis flowers. Each corner is embellished with genuine freshwater pearls, Swarovski crystals and glass seed beads. The vintage brooch in the center is removable. To see the full listing click here.

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Entry #4 - Honeycomb Veils - Titania's Flowery Cape

"Who wakes me from my flowery bed?" This polka dotted French lace capelet by Honeycomb Veils is as enchanting as Queen Titania's deep sleep in the forest. Venice lace flowers adorn the edges, and each one has sea-green teardrop crystals and pomegranate glass beads for a colorful sparkle. To see the full listing click here.

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Make sure you stop back after July 31 to see if your choice won the A Midsummer Night's Dream Design Challenge. Until then you can see all of the team's wedding items by doing a tag search on Etsy.com for "BridalDreamTeam" written as one word with no spaces.

Beach Weddings Design Challenge Winner - Sea Goddess Tiara by Damselfly Studio

Congratulations to Damselfly Studio, winner of the Bridal Dream Team's Beach Weddings Design Challenge. The gorgeous "Sea Goddess" tiara was made with materials including shells found on Assateague Island, Virginia, and genuine Lake Erie beach glass.

The designer behind Damselfly Studio has a long and extensive background in the bridal industry, and that experience shows in her designs; her Etsy shop is filled with lovely handmade bridal items ranging from headpieces to jewelry to gowns.

Thank you to everyone who voted! Be sure to stop back in mid-July when our next design challenge will be posted.