Brides.com blogger field trip

reem acra via skype

Yesterday was a super fun day thanks to the lovely ladies over at Brides.com.  They treated a bunch of us B-Listers to a day shmoozing with some of the creme de la creme in the wedding world.  The day started out at Reem Acra…unfortunately Reem was called out of the country last minute, but we were able to talk to her via Skype.  It was amazing to get to see all the fabulous dresses up close, and really appreciate the details in all of them.  We had some fun playing with the celebrity dresses too…celebrities really ARE that tiny.

reem acra award show dresses

reem acra couture

reem acra dress details

The dress on the right is part of the couture collection…just look at those individual petals and beading!

colin cowie office

Our second stop was to Colin Cowie Lifestyle.  My first impression was, DAMN, this place smells good!  It really is a feast for the senses when it comes to Colin.  He walked us through a wedding he did last year where they built a CHURCH on the property in addition to the reception and nightclub tents.  One thing he said that really stuck with all of us I think is that while most of his designs are extravagant and expensive, but the ideas are always free, so everything is adjustable to any price point.

colin cowie

The Plaza Hotel ceiling

Ahh, The Plaza Hotel…quintessential Manhattan if you ask me!  I’d never been inside before, so it was a thrill in itself to get a tour of the ballrooms, high tea areas, and the kitchen.  We were treated to a fabulous lunch thanks to Great Performances, who does all the event food for The Plaza.  They’re a great company for you sustainably conscious brides because almost all the food they create comes from their own farm in upstate NY.

David Beahm table setting

Table design by David Beahm.

The Plaza Hotel kitchen

IMG_1252

First course all ready to go.

Plaza hotel kitchen

Tasting menu at Plaza Hotel

Plaza Hotel desserts

Because two desserts are better than one! [hope my trainer isn’t looking!]

Cartier engagement rings

After lunch we headed down to Cartier for a tour of the mansion and a peek at what goes in those darling red boxes.  The bling was overwhelming!

Cartier watches

Ron Ben Israel cake tasting

What a better way to end the day with a tour at Ron Ben Israel Cakes down in Soho.  It was amazing to see how the sugar flowers are put together…photos really can’t do justice to how detailed they are.  Ron has quite the colorful history [dancer, stylist, baker!], and is hilarious to boot!

Thanks so much to everyone at Brides.com for such a wonderful day!

Ron Ben Israel sugar flowers

Ron Ben Israel cakes

Ron Ben Israel making sugar flowers

Closeup on sugar flowers

[images by Vané Broussard for Brooklyn Bride]