New Chic Maps by Nikki Ad Banner!

Custom . Chic . Unique
Check out the Chic Maps by Nikki Myspace Page!
Let me know what you think about my new ad banner!

A Girl's OTHER Best Friend- The Dress!

While I am not engaged (yet!) I cannot help but spend too much of my extra times gazing at fabulous designer wedding dresses. Unfortunately, I am too aware that most of the couture styles I've found are way out of my budget, but I have been able to find the styles that catch my eye and then find a wallet-friendly designer with similar styles! Hooray for saving money and still looking fabulous!

Before my 'search' started I would have never pegged myself as a ruffly type of woman, but more often than not I'm drawn to ruffles and lace, LOVE!
This dress from Allure Couture, style #C120, I found on The Knot, who has a fabulous dress search program. I'm not 100% in love with the top of this dress, but the bottom is to die for!

Here is another fabulous ruffled style that I'm loving! I really like this particular gown; because it is more of an A-line and not a ball gown, the ruffles are not nearly as overwhelming. This is another dress I found via The Knot, by Demetrios Sposabella Collection #4258

This one has a more subtle ruffled feel, while alternation tulle and lace for a elegant and vintage feel. Found on the fabulous Jennifer Skog Photography blog

Although I love ruffles, I have to be honest and say that my first love is anything and everything, head-to-toe, vintage& antique L-A-C-E! I really look for those special details that give a gown that WOW! This Allure Couture gown has an amazing neckline that is flattering on all shapes, and the scalloped edge can be a great alternative to wearing jewelry, it speaks for itself!I can honestly say that if I had this brides body this dress would be a must have! It has a wonderful v-neck with the lace trim on the bodice that creates such a beautiful edge on her tan skin. I found this dress on the fabulous Paul Johnson Photography blog. I also really love the champage/gold satin accents that I've seen on dresses lately. It is really great for brides who want a white dress, but still want that classical/vintage feel.

Instead of my usual head to toe lace obsession, this Alencon lace accent with the silk satin combination is eye catching. The chapel train of this Lazaro gown is especially beautiful, it is appropriate for a catholic wedding or an outdoor soiree. And you know I love the floral hair accessory!

Straying from all of the previous in-your-face bridal gowns, this Douglas Hannant dress has a more subtle and delicate feel. Personally, I would be more than happy to wear this beauty for my entire wedding, especially since I dream of a outdoor woodsy soiree. But for those brides who dream of the bold bridal gown for your ceremony you could make this your second dress; for your reception or later for your honeymoon send-off, which is a great old tradition that is resurfacing again! Hooray!
So, I have saved my favorite for last. It is so out-of-the-box that I'm completely smitten! This dress is not for the faint of heart, but if you're the kind of bride that dares to be different, then this Les Habitude dress is for you! All of their gowns are hand embroidered with details like vintage pearls, bugle beads and hand-made lace.

And because I love it I'm posting the best of their bridal session

Who Say's You Have to Use Real Flowers?

Real flowers are beautiful, you cannot deny that, but for those brides on a budget they aren't always an option. So instead of the immediate jump to silk flowers, think out side the box! These gorgeous Felt Flower Ring Bearer Pillows can be found on the Design Sponge blog and orders can be placed via lluabv.co@gmail.com.

Not only do I love these because they are vintage and fabulous, but more than that, they won't die! Real flowers are to die for (literally& figuratively), but in a few days all the time and money that was spent will end up in the garbage can and you will only be left with photos...HOW SAD?!?!

So why not have something that you can save and reuse? How about using one of these great pillows...umm...on your couch! I know you're thinking, pillow on a couch, who woulda thunk it? They can also be disassembled so that you can add a flower to your hair when your out on the town, or add one to your favorite purse or to an outfit as a broach. Talk about a conversation piece!While I realize this is a mid-production shot, I couldn't help but think 'how cute would these be as the groom & groomsmen's boutoinnere's?" I'll tell you...REAL CUTE!

You Can Find Inspiration Anywhere!

I am a big believer in finding inspiration where it happens to find you. Whether it be the architecture of a building, the colors in a garden, or for this bride: your notebook! Meagan told me she wanted a monogram to tie all of the details of her wedding together so I started work on some monogram samples, after about an hour I get a frantic call from her that says 'Oh My Gosh!! I found the perfect thing for my monogram!' In my mind I'm thinking (& hoping) that it is a pre-made monogram that I can just plug in the initials...NO! She was sitting in class and she looked down and realized the symbol on her notebook was perfect!

While I'm waiting for a scan of this fabulous folder to be sent over she says 'I love it but I want my initials in the middle so if you can just split it that would be great!' And while it sounds easy to just 'split it,' it's a little tedious but totally worth the effort. My mom was having surgery so I decided the 4 hours in the waiting room would be the perfect time to focus on this project, and I came up with this!!!

As you can see, I had to do some adjusting. A lot of zooming in and touching up, erasing sections, etc... to make room for the couples monogram, but the couple was really pleased. Once that was done we implemented the monogram onto their Save The Date Postcards, which I also designed, and onto some custom printed napkins for the bar.

The piece de resistance? The cake!!! The couple opted for a bold pattern of black and white floral, to play off of her love for damask, and the perfect touch: the monogram!
This great photo was taken by a local favorite of mine: Karla Fountain
Tip: Don't be afraid to take an idea and run with it, proudly!