L | D Finds : Charles & Marie Champagne Flutes

Um, I - must - have - immediately!

Charles + Marie Champagne Flutes are designed by New York-based design studio byAMT, mouth-blown from clear borosilicate glass, and they are inside out - stirring up the common perspective of what a drinking glass should look like! Besides the visual beauty, there is another extremely important feature of the glass: your drink simply doesn't warm as fast as it would in a normal champagne glass as you are not touching it at all. And if you really want to have a cold glass, you can pop them in the freezer to chill and create an amazing visual presentation… 

I can not think of anything that I have seen lately, more worthy to be included in L | D Find section that Charles + Marie's Inside Out Champagne Flutes. Now, which LDE is up for adding these babies to the program!

L | D Finds : Swarovski Comb

To quote Rachel Zoe, "I die." Surfing the Internet tonight brought me to Untamed Petals. Score! Then surfing Untamed Petals brought be to a Swarovski hand-embellished rhinestone flower. Double score.

Okay, it's $398 bucks but hello...it's amazing. Talk about infusing a little glamour into your wedding day. The petals are hand wired and then encrusted with Swarovski flat back rhinestones. The piece is then attached to an alligator clip for easy placement. AND, it can be customized. Certainly worthy of an L | D Find!

L | D Finds : Valentino Sandals

These shoes are simply fabulous; expensive, but still oh, so fabulous! Valentino is not messing around with their leather + tulle-embellished mesh sandals with four inch stiletto heels. If you've got $1,250 then they can be yours! Available exclusively at Net-a-Poter.

L | D Finds : The Small Letter Necklace

As usual, we are busy, busy, busy at Lauren Daversa Events but not to busy to appreciate super cute things like this sterling silver Love Necklace Piano Bench Designs on Etsy. It's probably pretty cheesy if I write something like "I love this necklace" but I really do!

L | D Finds : Balsa Wood Flowers

Recently, I have decided to pick up a new obsession: balsa wood flowers. Also called tapioca flowers, these beauts are hand carved. That's right! These flowers, which are the wooden love child between a succulent and a ranuncula, are made from ecologically sustainable timber that will never wilt, never die and never-ever fade. Never-ever? Never-ever!

Ah-ma-zing, right? I know.

These babies have been popping up all over the place and sometimes require a double take. Sort of like with the succulents on this cake. Remember that! So if you are looking for a fun and/or eco-friendly and/or a more permanent bouquet or boutonnière option, ask your planner or designer how you can incorporate some basla into your program!

Photo + Design of top image courtesy of the amazing, JL Designs

L | D Finds: Disney Princess Gowns

What to dress like a real life Disney princess on your wedding day? Well it's absolutely possible, with a little help from Alfred Angelo! Disney recently announced the two have paired up and will debut their first Disney Princess inspired bridal gown collection, titled Disney Fairy Tale Weddings by Alfred Angelo, at the National Bridal Market in Chicago on October 2, 2010. The collection was inspired by the essence, style and personality of seven iconic Disney Princess characters: Ariel, Aurora {Sleeping Beauty}, Belle, Cinderella, Jasmine, Snow White and Tiana. And now, for all of you Disney princess lovin' brides, dreams do come true!

L | D Finds : The Eternal Borgezie Diamond Stiletto

Remember this dress? Well, I am feeling nothing but love for luxury jeweler House of Borgezie's $155,000 creation: stilettos made almost entirely of gold and over 2,000 diamonds. Yeah, these are some shoes! But no worries, these bespoke babies comes complete with a 1,000 year guarantee!

L | D Finds : Matt Odom

Lauren + JP by Matt Odom

Rock and Roll Hearts is for couples who, well, couples who rock. And this video that Matt Odom created for Lauren + JP, well, it rocks! It is refreshingly different and I cannot stop watching it. Enjoy!

L | D Finds : Illoom Balloon

Illoom Balloons are not just your average balloon. With built-in LED lights, lit before inflating, they are awesome. No, they are trè cool! Talk about creatingf the perfect party atmosphere and dazzling guests. Here are some details...child-safe - yes. Come in a variety of designs and colors - yes. Available in the USA - not yet :-( Cost - about £3.50 or a pack of five, or about $5.50.

I can't wait to get my hands on these balloons. Seriously, how amazing are they!

L | D Finds : Tiffany iPhone App

Tiffany & Co. has made a Purchasing An Engagement Ring For Dummies style iPhone app for the guys. It's basically fool proof. You can browse rings, pick carat size, pair e-rings with bands and the best, determine the size of the ring by actually placing a ring directly on the screen! Don't worry ladies, this app is for you too. You can build your dream ring and then post it to your Facebook page or Twitter page to drop a not so subtle hint to your main man!

L | D Finds: Mr. & Mrs. Cake Forks

I am not sure I event need to write anything. These cake forks by Beach House Living are adorable!!! They are made of vintage silver plated flatware with hand stamped 1/8" letters. The cost...$13! Yeah, a-ford-able...I think so. A perfect way to put a small detail to your wedding without breaking the bank.

L | D Finds : Sarah Yates

tori and austin from sarah yates

I am clearly having a huge love affair with stop motion photography. Sarah Yates, a photographer based out of LA, posted this engagement shoot on her blog. What can I say...it's fantastic. She actually compiled 500 4X6 prints to create this fabulous-awesomeness! Enjoy...

L | D Finds : LumiGram Fiber Optic Tablecloth

Calling all platinum clients. Looking for that wow to razzle-dazzle your guests at that oh so important soirée you're planning -Side Note - I'm sure we're working on this event together ;-)- Well, let me suggest using LumiGram's luminous fiber optics tablecloth.

LumiGram's is the project of Jacqueline ("Lumi"), a French fashion designer and I think she is fabulous! Their concept is based on the association of light and technology for style. They use the latest luminous technologies for creating and offering stunning fashion, clothing, decoration and luxury articles making their collections a unique blend of sharp design, traditional handicraft, and advanced technologies.

The luminous fiber optics tablecloth would most definitely create a truly memorable event. Picture this, it's summer time and you're throwing an intimate, garden dinner party for thirty of your closest friends to celebrate. What? I don't know, you're celebrating celebrating! As the sun is just moments away from setting, dusk is literally about to sweep over the sky, and your guests are transitioning from cocktail hour on the patio to dinner in the back yard...you dim your lights and BOW! The ethereal silvery-blue glow from your luminous fiber optics tablecloth dazzles them and you are an instant diva hostess...wait for it...with the mostess!

The price for this dazzling wow factor is not for the budget friendly. These bad boys start at $500 and go up and up and up! But how worth it to add that extra sparkle! There is a silver lining to the cost. They are hand-washable. No dry cleaning!

L | D Finds : Rent The Runway

Crushin' on this sherbet Hervé Léger Cap Sleeve Bandage Sheath
Own it for $1,100 or rent it for $100

Since I just posted about the boys, here's a little find for the girls. While bridesmaid dresses have come a LOOOOOONG way, there is an alternative option available. Rather than purchasing a dress that you may or may not wear again, how about renting a designer frock for the night!

Navy Yigal Azrouël Draped Halter Gown
$200 for the night

Rent The Runway buys pieces directly from top designers and then offer rentals at just 10% of retail price. Sounds pretty great, right? Well, it gets better. Browse their website until you find something you love, put it in your basket, tell them when you’d like it delivered, and it’ll appear on your doorstep...wait for it, in TWO different sizes, just to be safe.

This little Diane von Furstenberg
Ruffle tiered wrap dress can be purchased for $675 or rented for $75

These dresses would be great for bridesmaids but don't stop there. They are perfect dresses to wear to a party, wedding, or any special event. Now there is no excuse to have nothing to wear.

Lapis blue Lela Rose
Scoopneck Power Sheath would be perfect for a modern wedding
Retails for $1,100 but can be yours for the night for $100!

L | D Finds : Bridal Toolbox

It's Friday and I am busy, busy, busy. One of my favorite couples is 3 weeks away from their big day, and I think I am as excited as the bride! For the last nine months, we've been working incredibly hard planning their special day, and bringing all of the dreams they shared with me during their initial consultation to life all while sticking to their budget. So with everything going on, I knew it was time to check in with the Bridal Tool Box and find out what words of wisdom they have for us today...

Ask for references before hiring a wedding planner, and if possible check they have a membership with a reputable association.

I could not agree more with this wedding tip. If someone does not want to give you their references...run like h*ll! No matter what field someone is in, if they don't share references then there is a reason why and you don't want to find out why the hard way! So always speak with a planner's past clients.

And definitely find out if all of your vendor's belong to a reputable association. Lauren Daversa Events is a proud member of the Association of Bridal Consultants. We've earned the distinct honor of being a Professional Bridal Consultant, even graduating the program With Honors. YAY FOR US! But beyond being a member of an association, check how much experience people have. Besides, being a member of the ABC I am a graduate of a top tier college, I've worked in corporate America, I've worked in the non-profit world, I have insurance, I am incorporated, I am constantly educating myself with new classes and seminars, I volunteer my services to local groups and non-profits, Lauren Daversa Events is is my full time job rather than a job I do on the weekends and during my lunch hour. All of these are important factors that show my level of dedication, experience and commitment to my career, my company and to my clients.

So before you sign, take the time and find out who you are hiring! Happy Planning!

L | D Finds : Indochino

Often, our boys get overlooked in a wedding or special event. It's true! Women get to have a lot of the fun and attention: what dress she wears, what shoes she wears, the jewelry, her hair, her make-up, the perfume, her mani and pedi. And this little ritual does not just apply for a wedding but rather her everyday life. When a wedding or special event roll around, forget-about-it. This ritual goes into overdrive!

Then, when it comes time to determine what the guys will wear, the women are like, "Our outfits have to compliment each other." This is like a foreign language to a lot of men and they frequently turn to Men's Wearhouse, Brooks Brothers, Macy's or Nordstrom to get suited up. For the most part, these are all great places...but what if you are looking for something a little different. AND, what if you don't have a few grand to spend on customizing your own tux or suit. Well I've got a solution: introducing, Indochino. They offer reasonably priced, online custom suits. Stylish suits, in fine fabrics, at a great price, delivered to your door! Nice; very nice.

L | D Finds : Axioo Productions

Nico & Emil PreWedding Photoclip from Axioo on Vimeo.

I am becoming a little video obsessed but in my own defense, "COME ON PEOPLE" ... I am finding some really good stuff here! This video comes by way of Axioo Productions and may I just say, they seriously RULE! Axioo Productions has taken photos and turned them into some seriously stylish-ly impressive videos. No doubt, their videos are the perfect way to incorporate engagement pictures during an engagement party or even at the cocktail hour. Enjoy!

L | D Finds : BBoy Spee-d and Rock With U

I recently came across Rock With U through my good friend Jill Spear and I am in love! Rock With U mixes DJ's, MC's and live musicians, a concept that I absolutely love, love, love! Seriously, it brings me back to the Chaos days when I was a kid in New York. SIDE NOTE - Chaos was seriously the best club in the city! It had a baroque opera house feel with lots of red lighting, chandeliers and vintage antique sofas. But the best aspect of Chaos, was the live drummers performing on the main floor along with the DJ. Ah, those were the good times!

Anyways, as I was exploring Rock With U's blog I came across this video of awesome-ness. A man by the name of BBoy Spee-d and he is doing his thing. Enjoy!

PS - Want to elevate your next event? Visit Rock With U to find out how!

L | D Finds - Hugh Jackman For Lipton

I like Hugh Jackman. He can sing, he can dance, he can act and, duh, he's handsome so basically this commercial just rules! However, it does strike an alarmingly close resemblance to Fatboy Slim's video for Weapon of Choice featuring the untouchable Christopher Walken.



Photo courtesy of Just Jared

L | D Finds : Exotic Chocolate Tasting

Chocolate is and always has been popular, however. I think chocolate has gone to Dr. Troy and Dr. McNamara and gotten a little Nip / Tuck, or at least hired a new publicist because it has been popping up all over the place and in new and sophisticated ways. For instance, chocolate was recently featured on My Fair Wedding when David Tutera brought a bride to a lesson in pairing wine and chocolate.

And just today, I received an email about exotic chocolate tasting and just fell in love with the idea of incorporating this during a dinner party. Through a guided tasting, Exotic Chocolate Tasting will combine the pleasure and fine nuances of chocolate in a fun, delicious and unique experience for you and your corporate or private guests. Similar to a fine wine tasting, you will discover exceptional artisan chocolates from around the world all in the comfort of your home or your own venue!

If you live in NYC, your in luck because Exotic Chocolate Tasting just so happens to be located there! The rest of us will have to be on the look out for a company in our neighborhood. Just make sure they are not sampling Hershey's :-)

Photo courtesy of Tifa Chocolate