Opulent Couturier Wedding Style & Planning Blog

Nashville Fashion Week - Memeka by Gustavo Cadile

noreply@blogger.com (Latrice of Opulent Couturier) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 14:00:00 +0000

If you read yesterday's post you are aware that today's blog post is the second Nashville Fashion Week Thursday day show that was held at Belmont Mansion. The amazing designer showing was Memeka by Gustavo Cadile! The show was very upbeat, fashion forward and all the designs I could definitely envision being worn by bridesmaids but also for an evening at the symphony or a black tie affair.

Be inspired by gorgeous jewel tones & rich textured designs....

The Finale with designer Gustavo Cadile

Image Credit: Eric Winton Photography

#WhyNFW Nashville Fashion Week

Nashville Fashion Week Recap - Modern Trousseau

noreply@blogger.com (Latrice of Opulent Couturier) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 14:20:00 +0000

I had the pleasure of attending this years Nashville Fashion Week a couple of weeks ago and it was amazing. Every show was so professionally produced and it makes me very excited to be apart of the growing Nashville fashion/bridal community. Today's post is from Thursday's day show that was held at Belmont Mansion, and I will break this up into 2 posts to showcase my favorites from the 2 designers that were showing. Modern Trousseau & Memeka by Gustavo Cadile.

This show excited me so much because it was all about bridal and amazing gowns that can be worn for formal affairs which are my favorite. In Nashville we are lucky to have a Modern Trousseau Flagship salon here in downtown Nashville.

I absolutely loved the entire collection, it was soft romantic and many of the gowns shown had alot of movement and flair. I think that it is very important for brides on their wedding day to not appear so confined or restained by such a structured or tight fitting wedding dress.

Some of my favorites from the Modern Trousseau show for Nashville Fashion Week 2013.

Image credit: Daniel Perry

Be sure to check back on Thursday for my favorites from the Memeka Collection!! #WhyNFW

{Grooms Style} I am Loving......

noreply@blogger.com (Latrice of Opulent Couturier) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 21:47:00 +0000

Its not a secret that women love a well dressed man, can I get an amen ladies? As a wedding stylist I watch style trends for both the bride & the groom and many of the bridal trends come fresh off the runway.

This wedding season I am head over heels in L-O-V-E with the fabric lapel flowers. These lovelies can be a fresh alternative for the groom & groomsmen than your typical boutonniere . They are fresh, fun stylish and they can be customized in your wedding color palette or print, not to mention they can be used after the wedding!

Be inspired....by the designs of Rashon Carraway

Grooms would you consider rocking a fabric lapel flower on your wedding day?

Nashville Engagement Happenings: Diamond Month ~ King Jewelers

noreply@blogger.com (Latrice of Opulent Couturier) — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 20:24:00 +0000

You are cordially invited to celebrate Diamond Month with King Jeweler’s in Green Hills this upcoming April 2013. This year they are expanding upon their extremely successful spring diamond show with exciting events and promotions geared up throughout the month.

They will be focusing on engagement ring and designer diamond jewelry mainly for the first two weeks; the third week will consist of a wedding band event; the final week will focus primarily on Forevermark diamond jewelry and engagement rings.

Location:

King Jewelers

4121 Hillsboro Road, Nashville, TN 37215

Dates & Time:

Monday, April 1st through Saturday, April 27^th; closed Sundays

Hours: 10am – 6pm

Gift Packages

Ultimate Proposal Package:

Any client who purchases an engagement ring during the diamond event will be eligible to win a package that includes a VIP limousine, an evening at the Hutton Hotel, an exquisite arrangement of flowers, and a $250 gift certificate for any M Street restaurant (Kayne Prime, Virago, Whiskey Kitchen, and Tavern).

Ultimate Romance Package:

Any client who purchases a piece of diamond jewelry during the diamond event will be eligible to win a package that includes a VIP limousine, tickets for the Symphony, an exquisite arrangement of flowers, Gigi’s cupcakes, a couples massage, and a $250 gift certificate for any M Street restaurant (Kayne Prime, Virago, Whiskey Kitchen, and Tavern).

In addition, all guests who purchase any item during diamond month over $1,000 will receive a $50 gift card to any M Street restaurant; purchases over $10,000 receive a $100 M Street gift card; purchases over $25,000 receive a $250 M Street gift card.

Featured Brands:

A. Link, A. Jaffe, Benchmark, Chopard, Forevermark, King Designs, Kwiat, Memoire, Michael M, Mikimoto, Norman Silverman, Penny Preville, Ritani, Roberto Coin, Scott Kay

Wedding Reception Style: Wish Lanterns in Tennessee

noreply@blogger.com (Latrice of Opulent Couturier) — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 19:30:00 +0000

Making a wish on your wedding night with all of your reception guests doesn't that sound so magical? Yes it does but before you do, be sure that you or your wedding planner are aware of the fire regulations for launching the beautiful wish lanterns in your respective city.

NASHVILLE- To ensure that summer holidays and events are celebrated safely, the State Fire Marshal’s Office wants to remind Tennesseans of legislation passed last year concerning sky lanterns. They are to be operated only by licensed fireworks professionals.

Sky lanterns, also known as Chinese lanterns or wish lanterns, are unmanned airborne paper lanterns fueled by flame. According to TCA § 68-104-101(9), they are special fireworks, and can be purchased and used by only individuals with a professional license (certified flame effect operator, certified outdoor display operator or certified proximate pyrotechnic operator). The general public cannot purchase or use sky lanterns, and if found in the possession of someone who does not have a professional license issued by the State Fire Marshal, sky lanterns can be confiscated and later destroyed.

image credit: Google

Potential problems associated with using these airborne lanterns include ignition of combustible materials (grass, trees, rooftops, or other materials) when they fall from the sky, as well as a possible livestock hazard when animals consume the remains of the lanterns. The summer season also poses an additional hazard as many areas of the state may be experiencing drought conditions that could intensify risk of damage by sky lanterns.

Abiding by this law can help safeguard Tennesseans from fire injury and property loss. To further ensure safety, the State Fire Marshal’s Office advises citizens to enjoy fireworks by attending a public display conducted by trained professionals.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office (www.tn.gov/commerce/sfm/) is a division of the Department of Commerce and Insurance (www.tn.gov/commerce/), which works to protect consumers while ensuring fair competition for industries and professionals who do business in Tennessee. www.tn.gov/commerce/, @TNCommerceInsur (Twitter),http://on.fb.me/uFQwUZ (Facebook), http://bit.ly/ry1GyX (YouTube)

About Me....

noreply@blogger.com (Latrice of Opulent Couturier) — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 00:31:00 +0000

We are in the height of engagement season right now & I want to introduce myself to new brides that may be reading Opulent Couturier Blog for the first time. New engagements always entail overdosing on wedding blogs & other pretty wedding inspiration! I do have a formal About the Stylist/Planner under the Latrice tab on my website, however I wanted to share other random nuggets that may spark your curiosity!

Ready, let's go!

I am obsessed with the T.V. Show Scandal on ABC. Its my guilty pleasure on Thursday nights & I watch it with a group of ladies....Shout out to the Gladiators in Suits. We have a blast on Thursday.
Favorite song - Currently: Diamonds by Rihanna . Classic song: Anything by Stevie Wonder, I recently broke the news to my Mother that I wanted him to sing at my wedding reception.... (Imagine her response, LOL)
I don't like for my food to touch, I am a very picky eater.
Favorite Color(s): Pinks & Orange colors really compliment my skin tone, they are my power colors.
Favorite Actress: Kerry Washington hands down (hence #1)
The last book that I read: The 1 Book I am currently reading: it! by Paula Froelich
I would rather eat veggies raw than cooked. I've recently started steaming my veggies so at least they still have a little crunch & are warm.

Favorite Store: Big Box - Costco...I could stay in there for hours. Department Store: TJ Maxx & Homegoods
PC or Mac: I have a PC for my laptop but everything else...Apple all the way!
I am really a scary person, like I scare very easy, for instance the music on the Twilight Zone...Oh I can't take it.
I Love YouTube videos. If I want to know something I will YouTube it first & then Google it.
Favorite iPhone or iPad app at the moment: Ruzzle, Subway Surf & Pinterest - Follow me!
I am fascinated by people that coupon very well. I use coupons but only electronically (Retail Me Not) A store clerk once referred to me as the "Bougie Couponer"
I am very resourceful, many of my close friends call me for the most random things & I can typically answer their questions or I refer to #11 !!!
My 30's have been my years of self discovery.
I like wine, particularly a good red wine.
I prefer to drink hot tea over coffee.
I love a good GIY - (Glam it Yourself) project. Most of my DIY projects involve some sort of sparkle.
I love Oprah & I am still so grateful that I was able to be in the audience for one of her first Life Class shows on OWN!
My favorite moments in a wedding: The Ceremony: Just before I open the doors for the bride & her Father to walk down the aisle is such a sweet & tender moment. The Reception: Venue first looks for the couple (when time permits) & also the introduction of the Wedding Party + Bride & Groom. That officially kicks off the party & to see the joy of the couple with their family and friends. Love Love LOVE!

Be sure to Like Us on Facebook & also Pin with me on Pinterest!!!

Opulent Couturier Wedding: Kevin + Harlena

noreply@blogger.com (Latrice of Opulent Couturier) — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 17:07:00 +0000

Kevin & Harlena were married September 2012 at Carnton Plantation. I met this lovely couple first through Harlena's mother (Mrs. H) & her Maid of Honor at a bridal/catering open house here in Nashville. They were seated at my table & we talked for the entire evening. Mrs. H was helping to plan her daughters wedding because she & the groom lived out of state. Fast forward a few months later, I received a call & began working with Harlena on final planning & overall event design/style.

In working with this couple, they had retained many of the key vendors such as venue, photographer & videographer for the wedding on their own. Opulent Couturier was brought in to bring the brides overall design/event style vision to life & ensure a flawless execution on the day of the wedding. Their ceremony was simply beautiful and heartfelt, followed by a live jazz cocktail hour in the garden at Carnton Plantation by saxophonist Charles Walker. The couple chose a buffet style dinner, candy bar as favors & danced the night way!

Congrats Kevin & Harlena!

Vendors:

Venue: Carnton Plantation

Photography: Rolands Photography

Videography: Chris Wheeler Films

Rentals + Tent: Classic Party Rental

Hardin Party Supply - China + Glassware

Liberty Party Rental - Linen

Floral design: The Tulip Tree

Lighting & Draping: Elliott Events

Catering: Private Company
Cupcake tower: Angelic Creations

DJ/Music: DJ KingSeed ---- They were great!!

Cheers to an amazing 2013 & Congrats....

noreply@blogger.com (Latrice of Opulent Couturier) — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 15:29:00 +0000

Happy New Year! We are looking forward to working with so many amazing clients in 2013! If you were engaged over the holidays we congratulate you & hope to be a valuable resource in your wedding planning & event style process.

Cheers to a great year!

Do you have any resolutions or goals for this year?

Image inspiration: Pinterest & Martha Stewart Weddings

Beauty Secret Saturday.... Bridal Party Foot Comfort

noreply@blogger.com (Latrice of Opulent Couturier) — Sun, 25 Nov 2012 02:30:00 +0000

{Beauty Secret Saturday} It's no secret we all love those fabulous stiletto heels & most stylish brides want their 'Maids in them...but lets be honest they aren't always comfortable!

A great item to add in your bridesmaids gift bag is th

e Band-aid Friction Block! This magical block reduces rubbing on the skin & creates an invisible barrier. Perfect for open heels.
Coming in as a honorable 2nd for foot comfort are the Cynthia Rowley bandaids...stylish & cute!

Both products can be found at your local drug store or Amazon.com

Helpful tip: Comfortable feet make a happy bride & bridesmaids!

Source: Amazon, Google

Bridal Accessories ~ Savings

noreply@blogger.com (Latrice of Opulent Couturier) — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 22:35:00 +0000

Brides clutch your pearls & your rhinestones! One of my favorite bridal accessory designers Kirsten Kuehn Designs is offering Fall Savings {25% off} this week! This would be a great time to pick up that sash, garter or headband you've been swooning over on the KKD website. The savings code to enter at the time of checkout is "FALL25", shop now because the sale ends on Saturday!!!

Credit:

Be Inspired by Pink

noreply@blogger.com (Latrice of Opulent Couturier) — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 13:42:00 +0000

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and I could not let this month pass by without sharing some of my favorite wedding style inspiration....in Pink of course!

Be Inspired...

Image Source: Pinterest

DIY Wedding Inspiration: Paper Flower Decor

noreply@blogger.com (Latrice of Opulent Couturier) — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 18:00:00 +0000

Gorgeous flowers we all love them & a popular trend specifically for the DIY/Crafty bride that may want to save a little on the overall wedding budget is to create paper flower bouquets & arrangements.

TRUTH:: While this may be a cost saver from fresh florals, I have to caution it takes a lot of time to create 1 centerpiece not to mention 10-15. We all know that time is important so unless you start several months early cutting paper flowers. This could end of being a stressful DIY Project. However I love this inspiration board & I hope it inspires our DIY brides!!

Image Credit: Pinterest

Wedding Planning: Tips for hiring your Wedding Caterer

noreply@blogger.com (Latrice of Opulent Couturier) — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 19:30:00 +0000

Keep these tips in mind when interviewing caterers for your wedding:

Explain your overall wedding vision

Inquire on the number of events they cater each year.

Are they insured & licensed

Ask for photos or sample menus from weddings they have completed if its not shown on their company website.

Inquire about tastings & pricing & the number of guests that can attend a wedding tasting.

Assess the personality & professionalism of the Owner and/or Catering Manager. This really comes into play on the day of the wedding.

Inquire about their staff attire: YES this is very important & demonstrates professionalism in appearance. There's nothing worse than having a black tie wedding & the catering staff arrives in jeans & a white t-shirt....

Inquire about other services they provide: china, flatware, table linen for catering tables, etc.

Is there corkage fee if you provide your own alcohol?

Is there a fee for cake cutting service?

Happy Planning, XOXO

Bridal Style: Mint Green + Gold Color Palette Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Latrice of Opulent Couturier) — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 15:23:00 +0000

{Color Palette Inspiration} Mint & Gold are two colors that I love for a early evening summer wedding. The mint captures the essence of summer for the ceremony & the gold will lead you into the reception/party for the evening!
Seriously playing up the gold accents for the reception to create w true glitz/party atmosphere!

Image Credit: Pinterest

Post Wedding Day Brunch Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Latrice of Opulent Couturier) — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 16:16:00 +0000

Wedding Planning: A cool way to end the wedding weekend, exchange good-byes, thank your guests who

traveled far is by hosting a post wedding brunch! Here are some things to consider:

*Who is hosting the brunch? Traditionally it would be the brides parents, but that doesn't always have to be the case.

*Decide on the location, conveniently having it in the host guests hotel would be ideal.

*Create a guest list - usually its for couples' families & any remaining OOT guests. Attendants and friends can also be included.

*Send invitations - they can be included in your invitation suite or sent separately.

*Set the menu - usually creating interactive food stations are a huge hit. Stations such as cereal bars, omelet

stations, crepe stations & lets not forget the mimosas!

Are you planning a post wedding day brunch for your wedding? How are you going to decide who attends?

Image Credit: The Knot.com & Pinterest

Guest Post: Something Old, Something New - Modern Twists on Classic Wedding Fashions

noreply@blogger.com (Latrice of Opulent Couturier) — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 14:14:00 +0000

So happy to have a guest post today from none other than the great Pearl & Clasp a leader in the bridal industry for wedding accessories! Be sure to visit their website here & take advantage of their great July discount of 25% off & use the Code JULY25OFF!

Many brides who are in the midst of wedding planning feel torn between embracing classic wedding styles and practices and opting for styles or party elements that will put their own personal, modern stamp on the special day. Fortunately, in today’s day and age, brides can have it all, by putting modern twists on classic wedding fashions. Here are some ways in which you can put your personal touch on wedding traditions that you aren’t quite ready to toss away with the bouquet.

Restring Grandma’s Pearls

If you want to wear heirloom jewelry on your special day but aren’t thrilled about its outdated style, you’re not alone. Fortunately, most jewelry can be recreated so that it merges the sentimentality of the piece with a couture look. Restringing pearls, for example, can transform a piece that is less-than-gorgeous into one that you’ll treasure forever, both because of its significance and because of its style. A long single strand of pearls can be changed into a shorter double or triple strand, or into a trendy necklace and bracelet combo. Alternatively, if you have other heirloom jewelry such as gold or gemstone pieces, you can have them melted down and reformed into a different piece. It won’t be as inexpensive as restringing pearls is, but it will likely be worth the effort and expense.

Mix and Match

Long gone are the days in which the bridal party had to wear fashions similar to the bride’s; today’s brides should dare to be different, and should consider mixing and matching different styles. If you can’t choose entirely between classic and modern styles, why not enjoy the best of both worlds? Bridesmaid gowns with a traditional style will look fantastic in photos, especially when contrasted against a couture wedding gown, and will really give the bride a unique way to stand out. Alternatively, the bridal party can wear trendy gowns, while the groomsmen can escort them wearing traditional tuxes, making a unique style statement.

Modernize Your Veil

The veil is thought to be the oldest wedding tradition, as it dates back to the biblical times of Rachel and Jacob’s wedding. But just because Kate Middleton chose a traditional long and lacy veil doesn’t mean you need to! If you’re looking for a modern twist on a traditional veil, skip the lace, and have your veil embellished with pearls or rhinestones to complement your wedding gown or jewelry. Or, choose an ultra-short birdcage veil attached to a small headpiece or fascinator, which will not only be extremely chic, but will avoid the discomfort associated with longer veils.

When planning your wedding, there’s no right or wrong, and there’s nothing inappropriate about mixing traditions with today’s trends. It’s your special day, and you should be able to enjoy all of your favorite wedding styles and traditions!

Bridal Inspiration: White by Vera Wang

noreply@blogger.com (Latrice of Opulent Couturier) — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 15:49:00 +0000

Everyone has heard of fashion designer extraordinaire Vera Wang but did you know that she has a line of bridesmaid dresses and wedding dresses at David’s Bridal? These dresses are less expensive, but they are definitely not any less beautiful!

The Fall 2012 White by Vera Wang collection will be out later this month but here is a sneak peek of her latest creations.

Perfect for the southern belle who wants a classic ball gown style dress, this dress also features a gorgeous bow detail that ties the halter neck.

For the bride who wants a non-traditional look, this champagne gown with feminine flower detail is ideal.

This dress combines the best of both worlds with its mermaid style. A sleek, figure hugging top half joins a voluminous skirt made of ruffles.

This gorgeous dress is a simpler style, with a fitted bodice, tulle skirt, and beaded belt.

You can look for these dresses and more to debut later this month, as well as new dresses from the White by Vera Wang bridesmaid dress collection. Which style is your favorite?

You are Invited! Opulent Couturier Style & Accessory Soiree

noreply@blogger.com (Latrice of Opulent Couturier) — Wed, 30 May 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Are you ready for a evening of sips, sweets, style & shopping with Opulent Couturier & Charming Charlie?
As a lover of accessories I believe that all women should know how to accessorize and make the most out of their overall appearance.

Come out for a evening of shopping & fun with me & receive 20% off your total purchase at Charming Charlie, The Mall at Green Hills, Nashville.
This is a great opportunity for brides & the Stylistas to play in great accessories & purchase the perfect looks in an exclusive closed store environment!

Nashville Brides: Bring pictures of your dresses & I will personally help you accessorize for the big day!!!
Professional ladies: Learn how to spruce up your wardrobe with the right accessories!

Date: Sunday: June 10, 2012
Time: 6-8pm CST
RSVP: Hello@OpulentCouturier.com or leave a comment below!
Location: Charmining Charlie @ The Mall at Green Hills
Discount: 20% off

www.OpulentCouturierStyle.com

Image Credit: Leslee Mitchell, Accessories by Charming Charlie

{Opulent Couples} Happy 1st Anniversary

noreply@blogger.com (Latrice of Opulent Couturier) — Mon, 21 May 2012 22:56:00 +0000

Today we are excited to wish a Happy Anniversary to Drs. Ugo & Toni Egolum!

See more images from their wedding images & travel themed engagement shoot on the Facebook Fan Page!

Be sure to click the "Like" button while you are there!

Cheers to many years of love & happiness!

{Opulent Couples} Congrats to Jeff & Felecia

noreply@blogger.com (Latrice of Opulent Couturier) — Sat, 19 May 2012 12:14:00 +0000

Today is the big day & I can't be more excited for this couple & to see our planning + style come to life. Its been my pleasure getting to know you during this planning experience & I wish you all the best! You have such a great family & friends support system, I know the best is yet to come!!

Cheers to Love + Happiness!

Be sure to check out their feature on Essence Magazine Online & also on The Brides Cafe!

Image Credit: Leslee Mitchell

Style Saturday - Fabulous Falsies

noreply@blogger.com (Latrice of Opulent Couturier) — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 15:40:00 +0000

I recently discovered that Pop Star Katy Perry had a new line of false eyelashes that are exclusively carried by Ulta. Katy Perry is definitely a fashionista in her own right and definitely rocks a unique style as only she can, from cotton candy pink or cobalt blue hair to sequin and major sparkles.

False eyelashes can take a bridal makeup from simple to fab in just a few seconds. Falsies create a wide-eyed flirty look that will get any grooms attention during your first look, not to mention they look amazing in pictures!

Katy Perry teamed up with Lash Specialists Eylure and created 4 distinctive lash styles that allow brides to select just how dramatic they want to go with their falsies for their bridal style.

Styles include:

Sweetie Pie {Pink}- A danty, natural hair lash that will discreetly add length and volume to your own lashes. A stunning and wearable new lash collection from Katy Perry and Eylure. All Katy Perry lashes by Eylure are handmade, 100% natural and each style is reusable.

Oh Honey! {Yellow} - A flattering full lash, textured for a natural finish but with enough volume to take your lashes from fine to fab! A stunning and wearable new lash collection from Katy Perry and Eylure. All Katy Perry lashes by Eylure are handmade, 100% natural and each style is reusable.

Cool Kitty {Blue} - A stunning and wearable new lash collection from Katy Perry and Eylure. The style will make your eyes look amazing. Gorgeous framing with manicured tips, these lashes can be worn in the day to be daring or at night as the perfect finishing touch. All Katy Perry lashes by Eylure are handmade, 100% natural and each style is reusable.

Oh My {Purple} - Big and beautiful with a layered effect. All the texture you could want in a lash yet so wearable and really flattering. Be daring, go double effect! A stunning and wearable new lash collection from Katy Perry and Eylure. All Katy Perry lashes by Eylure are handmade, 100% natural and each style is reusable.

Are you wearing falsies to enhance your bridal look? Are you keeping it subtle or going glamorous + dramatic?

Opulent Freebie: Custom Monogram Bridal Bag

noreply@blogger.com (Latrice of Opulent Couturier) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:30:00 +0000

It's Wedding Wednesday + we are adding a bridal freebie to the mix! We want to hear from newly engaged brides or brides that are almost finished with their wedding planning.

Simply leave us a comment + answer the following questions!

What do you enjoy about planning your wedding? What are some special details that you are looking forward to on your wedding day? What does your Maid of Honor mean to you?

The winner {will be chosen at random} will receive a custom embroidered Bride & Maid of Honor Bag! What a great gift for any Bride + Maid of Honor to hold your wedding day goodies, right?!!!!!

Brides, help me spread the word about this great freebie! A winner will be selected on April 18, 2012 by a random drawing! Good luck!!

Happy Easter/Resurrection Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Latrice of Opulent Couturier) — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 15:13:00 +0000

Be inspired by this lovely bouquet & Spring style from The Bride's Cafe. Enjoy this day with family and friends! Happy Easter from Opulent Couturier!

Image credit: Amelia Johnson Photography

Let your passion lead you to your purpose!

noreply@blogger.com (Latrice of Opulent Couturier) — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Its hard to believe that almost two weeks have passed since I had the greatest & somewhat life changing experience ever! I've been a long time fan and respected the business leadership of Oprah Winfrey. I mean Oprah has touched so many lives during her 25 years of being on television and she influenced me to "keep dreaming a bigger dream". I wanted to hold off in posting my recap in order to coincide with the taping of our St. Louis show on April 9th at 7pm CST on the OWN Network.

Several weeks ago there was a open call for tickets for a live taping of Oprah's Lifeclass Show on the OWN Network in St. Louis, MO via Oprah.com. Of course I posted a reminder on Facebook for my friends to try to get tickets, its a once in a lifetime chance especially since the Oprah Winfrey Show is off the air. To give you the condensed version, I set my iPhone reminder the day of the ticket pool but little did I know that my friend Jasmine also registered as well because of my Facebook post..... A few days later I received an email that I was NOT selected to be in the audience, I was a little bummed but after years of always getting the busy signal when I tried to obtain tickets to the show, I was disappointed but it wasn't like I hadn't been turned down in the past. Out of thousands of people what are the odds right??

On afternoon of February 27th I received a text message from my friend Jasmine saying that she won tickets to the St. Louis Show & I was so excited for her. Well a few minutes later she asked me if I wanted to go....Ugh YES you don't have to ask me twice. Its OPRAH WINFREY LIVE! Again, what are the odds of that really happening? I was denied, she was accepted. The excitement brewed for a few days that I was finally going to see Oprah Live and to put a cherry on top Bishop T.D. Jakes a very popular Pastor/Bishop of The Potter's House in Texas was going to be teaching the Lifeclass. Pick me up off the floor! Now it was the question of what do I wear...??

We set out on our adventure to Lifeclass in St. Louis early Sunday March 25th. just the shear fact that I would see Oprah the next day had me pumped! It officially set in when we pulled up in front of the Peabody Opera House 4 hours later to pick up tickets and the streets of downtown St. Louis were buzzing with excited show guests & it was decked out for Oprah's Lifeclass Tour. At that point I could not contain myself in the truck & I think Jasmine got a kick out of it because I am normally the cool, calm & collected type! I mean I was going to see Oprah in exactly 24 hours from that point. A definite pinch yourself moment!

After getting settled in at the hotel, we could not be in St. Louis without trying out Sweetie Pies, a local family owned soul food restaurant. Ironically they now have a reality show on the OWN Network, called Welcome to Sweetie Pies! Its a must watch, Ms. Robbie the matriarch of the family is such a little spitfire & a savvy business woman at 70+ years young! While we were there Life Coach Guru Iyanla Vanzant arrived to have dinner! I give Sweetie Pies a thumbs up on the food & our great service from Andre (Ms. Robbie's Grandson), if you are ever in St. Louis its a must visit restaurant, put your calorie counting to the side, because its true soul food!

Sweetie Pies....great food, laughs, business etiquette discussions & branding chats took place while in line for our food! Wow we could have made magic happen if the right person was listening.... I had to start a "pay per word" virtual charge account for Jasmine because her business branding mind was going 10000 miles per minute while we were in line. *Sweetie Pies Call Me, we have great branding ideas...* All I wanted was a picture with Ms. Robbie....it was achieved! *smile*

Jasmine & I in line for the show......! Its almost showtime! Ironically the ladies behind us were from Nashville!

One of the step & repeat backdrop banners for the Oprah Lifeclass Tour!

I OFFICIALLY have my own Oprah Winfrey Magazine Cover....I was so excited about this...who wouldn't be right? I committed in 2008 to Live My Best Life and this made it come full circle.

I don't want to give the Lifeclass show away {Tune in Monday Night April 9, 2012 at 7pm CST} but I do want to share key points that made an impact on me. So many things sparked healthy conversation on the ride home also....it was a great experience! Oh yeah that's Oprah (Via my iPhone below)...Eeeeekkkkkkkk! I must say that throughout the show taping I could not believe just how real/down to earth Oprah was with her staff & also the audience. She is a true professional that operates with integrity, what a great business model/mentor to look up too. I know people that make $50K+ and think + act like they have arrived & need special treatment in public....Oprah was the opposite.... {I Digress...Quickly} Her transparency at the end of our class session was golden and I know that the OWN Network has great things in store! If you don't watch or have the OWN Network its a MUST add for your cable viewing! The shows are really great & thought provoking.

LifeClass Notes:

Let your passion lead you to your purpose.
You are significant. If it brings you gratification + fulfills you its your purpose.
Don't spend time/energy being what you are not, its through disaster & adversity that you find yourself.
Passion + Purpose are partners. Its your GPS System. So things that are authentically true to your DNA.
What is the transportation that leads to your purpose destination?
Listen to your inner voice.....
Don't allow your situation to become your launching pad.
You need Passion to withstand the obstacles while moving toward your purpose.......
The greater the digression the stronger the progression...
Money without purpose does not make you. Don't chase provision, let it chase you! (Love This)

Have a goal but also a strategy to get to your purpose & passion.
Your life really matters.....Do you believe that?
When your space is small don't depend on people to get you to the next level.
You can not embrace your future, if you are holding on to your bad history.
We can not reap a dividend where you are not making a deposit,
To Live on Purpose you have to be intentional!
To resist your fear your faith will get bigger...
Gratitude is a hate check....
LOVE will always leap over excuses and find a way to get it done...

"Your purpose doesn't have to make you famous but meaningful....."

I encourage you to watch the Monday taping of the St. Louis LifeClass, if you are trying to figure out your purpose. It was an amazing show & really helped me to get into position for what I have planned for the future.

Keep it stylish,

Featured : Southern Glam: Great Gatsby Inspired Bridal Style

noreply@blogger.com (Latrice of Opulent Couturier) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 07:32:00 +0000

Its so exciting to see our bridal styling featured on one of my favorite wedding blogs, we were featured on Elizabeth Anne Designs for a Glamourous Southern Bridal Style Shoot. If you are anything like me, you hope that bridal glam is here to stay. I am all the about the diamonds; sparkles & gorgeous wedding gowns and I am so pleased to have worked with such an amazing team!

The stunning gowns are by Nashville based designer Olia Zavozina. I could not have achieved the glam photography without the amazing eye of photographer Leslee Mitchell, If you want stylish bridal photography she gets it ladies! Kristen Kuehn is by far the most talented bridal accessory designer today. She designs with the stylish bride in mind & such quality! The beautiful vintage Rolls Royce from one of my favorite transportation companies in Nashville, Grand Avenue Transportation.. Carnton Plantation is a great venue in Franklin TN and their staff was impeccable. They really allowed my vision to take flight and I am thankful for their partnership. A list of all vendors + talent will be provided at the conclusion of this post.

Bridal styling is a service that I've been so excited to add for 2012 brides. Its one thing to purchase a wedding gown, however when its properly styled with just the right accessories, shoes, hair styling, etc its the total package! Brides don't be afraid to accessorize on your wedding day!

Be inspired by Southern bridal glam.......

The following Nashville wedding vendors contributed to this bridal fashion shoot:

Photographer – Leslee Mitchell Photography \ Shoot Planner & Bridal Stylist - Opulent Couturier \ Hair & Makeup - Kara Gaylor \ Venue – Carnton Plantation \ Vintage Car – Grand Ave. Transportation \ Gowns – Olia Zavozina \ Bridal Accessories – Kirsten Kuehn Designs \ Fashion Accessories – Charming Charlie - The Mall at Green Hills \ Model + Talent - Chung Chow