Our Blog Has Moved - Check Out Our Shiny New Site!

We have relaunched our blog, and given it the stylish face lift it deserves!  Our daily posts on fashion, style and city-chic inspiration can now be found on our main web site at www.mercinewyork.com/blog.  
We hope you will mosey on over to our full site and join us in breaking in our brand new blog!  We cannot wait to hear your thoughts... Thanks for visiting Merci New York! 
xx,

Real New York Wedding | Adriana + Sean at the Lyndhurst Castle

Getting inspiration for your wedding can be as simple as looking at the natural beauty of your venue. When Adriana and Sean chose the Lyndhurst Castle for their reception, they knew that they couldn't overpower the natural, lush greenery that was already there - so why not add to it?!  With simple and clean designs and pops of green accents, this couple created a gorgeous and rustic feel for their wedding and Keith Pitts Photography was there every step of the way!

 

Adriana wore an off white Stephen Yearick strapless-sweetheart neckline with an embellished waistline belt.  Paired with her mother's vintage tear drop diamond earrings and her sister's mantilla veil {her something borrowed}, an emerald cut aqua marine necklace that her father gave her when she was young {aka something old AND blue}, and Badgley Mischka peep toe shoes with embellished brooches {you guessed it... something new} - Adriana was ready for her stylish sashay down the aisle!

Her sister, the matron of honor, wore a strapless sweetheart ice grey BCBG dress, while the bridesmaids wore pewter grey strapless sweetheart J. Crew dresses.  Their adorable flower girl wore an Olivia Kate Couture dress with a green satin bow to match the groom and groomsmen ties.   The groom wore a light grey Michael Kors two piece suit with a white Banana Republic shirt, a green tie and green and grey argyle socks {which in our opinion, pull the whole look together}! 

The rings were carried down the aisle in a cigar box that originally belonged to Adriana's grandfather and was later passed down to her father, who had passed when she was a teenager.  This was Adriana's way of having her father walk down the aisle {what a beautiful way to incorporate loved ones}.

Sean's cousin gets to take all the credit for this great couple!  Adriana and this "match maker" of a cousin were originally friends in high school and when Sean started there as a new student his cousin knew they would be a perfect match!  "I had seen him in our cafeteria and I instantly had a crush on him," said Adriana.  "To this day I can still picture what he was wearing the first time I saw him.  His cousin was right, we were perfect for each other!"
These vintage windows were used as the escort card display.  Adriana's mother had this window, however they didn't think all of the names would fit... however, Sean's mother had an almost identical window that paired with the first!  {Seriously, how perfect is that}?

The proposal: While working together to fix up a house, Sean asked Adriana to help move something in the basement before the sheet rockers came.  Sean told Adriana he wanted to write his name on the stud before they closed the wall, so there was something of his that nobody could see!  Naturally he asked Adriana if she wanted to sign her name {which she did}.  He told her to date it, and she asked why..."Because it's the day I asked you to marry me," was Sean's reply.  So romantic!

Since both Adriana and Sean grew up in the Hudson Valley, the Lyndhurst Castle seemed like the perfect location for their wedding.  It had character, history {and truly, who could pass up those breathtaking views}!  They took inspiration from the grounds themselves and mimicked the greenery in their centerpieces.  The also mirrored the dark amber lighting that came from the carriage house into the tent.

After looking at thousands of elaborate cakes, Adriana decided to keep their cake simple - vanilla cake with Oreo cream filling, decorating with green orchids.  Sometimes less is more, right?  We love it!

Vendors:
Ceremony: Our Lady Queen of Angels
Reception: Lyndhurst Castle
Photography: Keith Pitts Photography
Videography: Kiss the Bride Films
Gown: Stephen Yearick from Fontana Bridal Salon
Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Bridesmaids: J. Crew and BCBG
Flower Girl:  Olivia Kate Couture
Groom: Michale Kors , Banana Republic, and  Marty's Formal Wear
Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas
Flowers: Whispering Pines of Chappaqua
Rentals: La Casa Grande Tobacco Company
Catering: Phillip Stone Caterers
Music: Maura Molloy and Band of Gold
Favors: Charles Shaw Wine Bottles
Transportation: Club International and Red Oak Transportation
Accommodations: Spring Hill Suites
Honeymoon: Walt Disney World and Grand Cayman

All photographs courtesy of Keith Pitts Photography. 

Exclusive Interview with Kara Janx, Project Runway Star Turned Bridal Designer

We're so thrilled to once again bring you our infinitely talented friend, designer Kara Janx. 2012 has been good to Kara. As if her successful run on Lifetime's Project Runway All Stars wasn't accomplishment enough, Kara has managed to add another illustrious notch on her belt: Fashion designer, television personality, wife, mother, entrepreneur and now, newly minted bridal designer.

With looks perfect for every occasion, Kara's new bridal collection gracefully takes us from the engagement session to the rehearsal dinner, and then to the big day with stunning versatility and dynamic pops of color...
We're thrilled to be sharing exclusive insight to Kara's new venture with Merci New York's chic and stylish readers. So without further adieu, feast your weary winter eyes on a selection of looks from Kara Janx bridal line and make sure to catch Kara's tips on finding "the dress," as well as a sneak peek of the designer's {and newly minted New Yorker's} own big day! Enjoy!

Merci: Kara, we must congratulate you on your Project Runway success and new bridal line! Wife, mom, designer, reality tv contestant... what inspired you to add a bridal collection to your already full plate?

Kara: The Ready to Wear line translated so easily into Bridal that after numerous requests from brides, it was an easy and wonderful transition.

Merci: What differentiates Kara Janx from other bridal collections?

Kara: The line feels current and relevant and the wearer can truly wear the dress again. The collection is subtle and contemporary.

Merci: What advice do you have for brides-to-be looking for "the dress?"

Kara: To be true to who you are, too often brides get swept up in the whole idea of 'the day' that they loose site of their own personal taste.

Merci: How did your wedding influence your bridal designs?

Kara: Comfort and confidence, in that I mean that all brides should not have to worry about a thing on this special day. Everything they envisioned should be elevated and naturally they should feel comfortable, confident and of course GORGEOUS.

Merci: What was your bridal style? Has it changed since you've began designing bridal?

Kara: Simple and chic, it hasn't changed but it has certainly evolved. Bridal opens the gateway to a whole new world of fabrications and silhouette and I love that I can explore all my options when it comes to design.

Merci: Jumpsuits are taking over the bridal runway. We were thrilled to see your take on the trend. Stunning! Who is the jumpsuit-wearing-bride? What would you say to the women torn between dress and suit?

Kara: When you get married, I think it's important to express yourself, the jumpsuit is so non-traditional and if that's what you opt for it's a great alternative. It's fantastic that there are choices out there. I have had a lot of my brides wear the jumpsuit to their rehearsal dinners. They are saying, "I am fashion forward," but on their wedding day they are really traditional, it's a great way of mixing things up.

Merci: We are in love with the prints and pops of color in your line. What considerations should a bride take when incorporating pattern and color into her wedding?

Kara: Brides want to explore more options. I always recommend brides send me a swatch of color and then I try to find a print or color that doesn't overwhelm the ceremony, but rather enhance it. Some of my 50's style brides are going with a cheetah print dress with red lips and heels. Honestly if the proportions are right and the print or amazing pop of color feels like an extension of yourself, it's a great way to freshen up the wedding and make it feel super current.

Merci: So we've all heard, "something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue," what reccomendations do you have for a bride when creating her wedding look?

Kara: Think about the whole picture, try always to be true to who you are and what you represent. The sincerety will translate and you will live with this amazing memory forever. Take your time and enjoy the process, this really is your moment to be the most beautiful bride in the world.

Merci: What is your best piece of advice for the fashion loving bride?

Kara: Go there, take a chance, be risky. Trends come and go and when we look back at our pictures they will always set the tone of the time and place, it's great to be your own trendsetter.

Merci: Though your native home is South Africa, we selfishly love that you're now a resident New Yorker. What affect has living in New York had on your collections/style?

Kara: Street fashion in New York is progressive, relevant and so stylish. People express themselves through their style and it is so apparent on the streets, I love seeing a girl rocking something unexpected, it totally inspires me.

To purchase pieces from Kara Janx bridal collection {or ready to wear} visit Kara's website. To learn more about Kara "friend" her on Facebook, or follow her on Twitter.