Rainy Days and Mondays

Since living on the East Coast these days seems to mean our weather will resemble that of a rain forest, my thoughts turn to every bride's nightmare - a rainy wedding day.  But grey skies don't need to rain on your parade, here are a few rainy day solutions for your less-than-sunny wedding day.

Kind of makes the idea of taking that umbrella "just in case" a little more fun...well, almost!

Veiled Beauty

Did you know that the word "nuptial"  comes from the Latin word "nubo" which means "I veil myself"?

The first American to wear a lace veil was the bride of Major Lawrence Lewis, who was George Washington's aide.  She chose lace because her betrothed had seen her first through a lace curtain and was moved by how beautiful she looked.  (So sweet, right?)

As a second time bride, I frequently get asked if I am going to wear one. We have come such a long way from the days when wearing anything but a women's skirt suit to our wedding was considered scandalous.  I personally have chosen to wear a drop veil, because I want one but nothing dramatic. I did the pinned-to-the-back-of-my-head veil first time around, so I figure I'm due the blusher version.  Wearing a veil turns my gown from a glamorous ball gown to a wedding gown.  It feels appropriate for the occasion - its the element that makes me feel like a "bride".

So second timers, are you wearing a veil?

Holding Court

Reem Acra is just one of the many fashion houses picking up on Royal style.  For years, brides have had a love/hate relationship with the bejeweled headpieces.  After a downturn in popularity, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge's borrowed Cartier tiara has inspired brides and designers alike to create their own royal experience.

Kate's Cartier Tiara - Courtesy of Reuters

Being in my thirties, I'm a little hesitant to do the "princess for a day" motif - at least to that extreme.  What do you think?  Should tiaras and crowns be left to blue bloods and pageant queens, or should every bride hold court?