Bridal Fashion Trend Report 2019

Fall is one of our favorite times of the year. Yes, the leaves are gorgeous, and the apple cider and PSLs are cool, but we LIVE for the Knot’s Couture Show every October. And, just like every other year, the great bridal showcase did not disappoint. If you’re obsessed with bridal fashion (like we are), but couldn’t catch a flight to the Big Apple, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Keep reading for our 2019 fall and winter trend report from the shows.

Metallic Gowns

This hot trend could easily replace the traditional wedding dress or could be worn for your second look or even for your pre-wedding events—think super chic bridal shower attire. From silver to gold, to copper, have fun with this daring look.

Simple and Classic

If you’re a no-frills type of bride, you will be in heaven. Megan Markle made a bold statement with her simple dress, and the designers took note. Most brands had at least one simple look. No lace or sparkle, the modern look of these gowns allows your beauty to command all the attention.

Capelets

We were stunned to see so many capelets and intricately designed bolero jackets paired with a variety of gowns but loving it all at the same time. Capelets offer the perfect solution for chilly fall nights or a cover-up during religious ceremonies.

Halter Necklines

Another new wedding dress trend featured halter necklines. This sleek look is both timeless and chic. It’s perfect for the bride that wants a regal look. We could not help but try on this beautiful jumpsuit. This ensemble, in particular, has a detachable train offering two looks in one.

Move Over White; Blue is the New Hue

Almost all the designers had some representation of the new blue trend. From soft shades of the sky tone to dramatic pigmentation reminiscent of the sea, we witnessed some departure from the traditional white. Would you dare to go blue for your big day?

Grab your besties and book your appointment NOW to see these trends up close and in person. And, check out our Event Page for our calendar of trunk shows. Say yes to your dream dress at Elite Secrets Bridal. We can’t wait to serve you!

Elite Secrets Awarded for Excellence in Business by Downtown Partnership of Baltimore

Last night was nothing short of amazing! Our CEO, LaTonya Turnage, was awarded by the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore for her dedication to business in the community. This recognition comes on the heels of another stellar business quarter and successful trunk show.

Bridal Beauty Expert and Founder of Elite Secrets Bridal

Other prestigious honorees include Mayor Catherine Pugh, National Aquarium, and Mercy Medical Center.

The honoree, CEO of Elite Secrets Bridal, LaTonya Turnage

Here’s what our founder had to say “I was honored to accept The Business Award from Downtown Partnership of Baltimore for the uniqueness to my business and our contribution to the downtown businesses on Charles Street! I’m still on a high and overwhelmed with this year of favor. Let me just say NOTHING happens without God!!! 2018 has been our #bestyearyet! The faith walk hasn’t been easy but I’ve put my faith in God and he has delivered on every promise. It’s like the flood gates have opened. I still can’t believe it! We’re thrilled over here at ESB and looking forward to what 2019 will bring. Thank you to each and every one of you for the love, support, and encouragement. A special thank you to my forever love partner, my family, our ESB team…without you where would we be, and THE BEST publicist in the world, Mahogany Blue PR!! As I type this post, I’m praying that this will reach just even one person who needs that extra dose of encouragement this morning. This little brown girl from Baltimore is in it to win it! Stay encouraged friends!

Mr. and Mrs. Tony Turnage at the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore award ceremony

Well said and well deserved! We can’t wait to share all the incredible things we have in store for 2019!

Downtown Partnership of Baltimore

Want to partner with a winner? Make your appointment with the award-winning shop for Baltimore brides today. Book your wedding dress consultation, bridal hair and makeup trials here. We can’t wait to serve you!

8 Tips for Wedding Dress Shopping at a Bridal Trunk Show

Wedding dress shopping can be a bit overwhelming.

Not only are there so many choices (so many gorgeous dresses!) but the pressure is on to find a dress you love, look and feel fabulous in, and comes in (ideally!) under budget.

Add a sample sale or trunk show into the mix, and we’re officially bewildered. But fear not, we’re here to help!

What is a Bridal Trunk Show?

A trunk show is a special event in a bridal boutique where they invite a designer to showcase their collection. Sometimes it’s a one-day event, but for particularly popular collections, it could last for multiple days. Often the designers themselves, or stylists from the fashion house will be on hand to help you find the right dress.

Trunk shows are a particularly good opportunity to check out a visiting designer whose full collections aren’t stocked in your city.

8 Expert Tips for Shopping at Sample Sales and Trunk Shows

So, now you know what bridal trunk shows are, how do you get the most out of shopping at one? Here’s where bridal beauty expert LaTonya of Elite Secrets Bridal steps in.

Located in Baltimore's esteemed Mount Vernon fashion boutique district, Elite Secrets Bridal opened its doors bringing to Baltimore’s bridal scene an experience that cannot be found in any other Baltimore bridal boutique. The pedigree of founder LaTonya Turnage, bridal beauty expert, has been fundamental to our philosophy to combine expertise and excellent service with style and grace. Leaving pretense to the side, we focus on bringing the best designer and emerging bridal gowns from all over the world to Baltimore Brides!

1. What Lies Beneath

Feel your best underneath your wedding dress. The appropriate undergarments will not only help you feel your best; they will help your dress look the best. Opt for nude-colored underwear and a great strapless bra.

2. Bring a Companion

Take a trusted friend—someone you trust that will give you sound advice. Honest encouragement and constructive feedback can be extremely helpful and great company can up the factor for your bridal dress appointment.

Leave the whole entourage though. Too many conflicting opinions can leave you confused and stressed.

3. Mind Your Budget

Know your budget! Bridal trunk shows often offer a discretionary discount (usually 10%) off gowns ordered over that weekend.

It’s a great way to spend a little less in the event you find your dream wedding dress.

4. Do Your Homework

Research the designer first – for a trunk show the boutique will primarily present the featured designer only.

Make sure you are interested in their styles and silhouettes to get the most from your experience.

5. Necklines, Shape, and Silhouettes Oh My

There are so many variations to a wedding dress. Have an idea of what neckline, shape and silhouette you like best. Research the different styles, so you’re familiar will the lingo, too.

You will soon find you have narrowed down your style and what is flattering for your figure.

6. How High?

Bear in mind the height of your heels you plan to wear on your wedding day when you begin your dress shopping.

Keep in mind that hems cannot be lengthened, only shortened, so it’s a good idea to take the maximum heel height with you.

7. Ask the Expert

At a trunk show, if you are lucky the designer or stylist may be there in person, take full advantage of expert availability and ask for styling advice.

With their experience and knowledge, you are likely to find that they know what suits you—sometimes better than you! Check out Elite Secrets Bridal’s upcoming trunk shows here.

8. Consider Your Timing

Know your time frame. Some designer dresses need up to eight months to be completed and altered.

Learn beforehand, how long the designer needs for your dress and let your stylist know if you’re in a time crunch.

Put your new trunk show knowledge to the test and join us for the Pronovias show Sept. 27th - 30th. Affordable designer gown for every type of bride. Book your appointment to say yes to the dress. We look forward to serving you!

Provonias Comes to Elite Secrets Bridal for One-of-a-Kind Trunk Show

For Immediate Release 

Contact: Angel West (312) 375-2752

awest@mahoganybluepr.com

Elite Secrets Bridal Hosts One-of-a-Kind Trunk Show Featuring Pronovias, September 27-30

WHAT: Pronovias is hosting only one show for its new White Collection in all of Baltimore, and it’s going down—exclusively—at Elite Secrets Bridal. So, grab your tribe and book your appointment. It’s time to say “Yassss” to the the dress! For four days, we will be celebrating Pronovias’ White Collection so mark your calendars for some serious dress shopping, September 27th through September 30th –it’s a can’t miss event for brides. Think classic A-line gowns, sassy, elegant sheaths, and fit and flare styles with a side of sexy, AND a 10% discount.

Imagine wedding dresses that will have your guests talking from the moment they lay eyes on you. Whether you plan to tie the knot in a garden ceremony or say I do in a city ballroom, Elite Secrets Bridal’s Pronovias Trunk Show is THE place to find your perfect wedding dress.

Because this trunk show is so special, Elite Secrets Bridal has enlisted the help of some talented wedding professionals.

·         Get ready to be wowed by wedding jewelry from Glitzy Girl Jewelz. Say yes to your dream dress and accessories.

·         Asaadi Graphics will take this trunk show to another level. Get your very own custom wedding monogram created on the spot by the New York-based, award-winning graphic design firm. Our complimentary gift to you!

·         Audrey Luxe Weddings & Events will style this incredible event, so you know this fete will be unlike any other.

·         Radisson Hotel Downtown Baltimore will host the show in a one-day pop-up shop on Sunday, September 30th. Our team, the dresses, and accessories will be at the Radisson for the grand finale of this spectacular show.

Here’s how to attend this event and say yes to your Pronovias wedding dress:

1.       Book your appointment between Thursday, September 27th and Sunday, September 30th online at EliteSecretsBridal.com/contact or call 410.727.7000.

2.       Grab your bride tribe. We’ll bring the champagne!

3.       Let’s make magic! Our professional staff is ready to serve you and your tribe—with bubbly in hand.

WHEN & WHERE:

Thursday, Sept. 27th through Saturday, Sept. 30th, Elite Secrets, 330 N. Charles St., Baltimore

Sunday, Sept. 30th, Radisson Hotel, 101 W. Fayette St., Baltimore

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

About Elite Secrets Bridal

Located in Baltimore's esteemed Mount Vernon fashion boutique district, Elite Secrets Bridal opened its doors, bringing to Baltimore’s bridal scene an experience that cannot be found in any other Baltimore bridal boutique. If it has anything to do with bridal beauty, Elite Secrets Bridal is your source. We serve brides with beauty for their Big Day from bridal hair, and makeup to accessories and wedding dresses Leaving pretense to the side, we focus on bringing the best designer and emerging bridal gowns from all over the world to Baltimore Brides! For three years in a row, brides voted us best in class with the WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award. Elite Secrets Bridal is located at 330 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21201.To book an appointment or for additional information, please visit www.elitesecretsbridal.com.

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Happy Birthday, LaTonya!

It’s been quite the year for our lady boss, LaTonya. Between opening a new bridal showroom to overseeing makeup for Baltimore Bride’s Aisle Style to producing the amazing Spring into the Grand Fashion show and loads of press, this past year has been one for the books! 

To add to the celebration, the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore will honor our founder with the prestigious Downtown Partnership Award! This award is reserved for the region's most influential business, government, and community leaders.

Related: Our CEO, Featured on Baltimore Bride Magazine

That’s why we want to take today to celebrate the birthday lady and wish her some well-deserved relaxation …and cake and champagne wouldn’t hurt either!

We can’t wait to see what this next chapter has in store for you! Happy birthday, LaTonya!

XO,

Team Elite

P.S. Now you know we cannot celebrate without our Elite Brides. We’ve got a BIG surprise for you. An announcement is coming soon, but don’t let that stop you from booking your consultation with us today. Click here to make your bridal appointment and don't forget to wish LaTonya happy birthday!

P.P.S. Enjoy some of the highlights from her fantastic year.

Meet Sabrina: Our Bridal Events Manager

If you don’t already know her, we are so excited to introduce you to our bridal events manager, Sabrina Aloe!

Sabrina lives for the behind-the-scenes at any ESB event, ushering brides through their journey to saying yes to the dress, and adding life to any party that comes her way.

A true fashionista at heart, Sabrina, is gifted with expertly styling brides for their Big Day. And of course, she does it with style and a pop of red lipstick to boot.

Here’s what #EliteBride Miesha had to say. “My Bridal consultant Sabrina is beautiful and, so patient. Thank you so much for making this bride’s experience so wonderful. I said yes to the dress!”

As the saying goes, it takes one to know one. Sabrina was once an #EliteBride herself. The bridal expert is wife and mom of two.

Stop by and meet Sabrina in person (Saturday, July 7th is her birthday). And, schedule your appointment with her to say yes to your dream dress to become an #EliteBride, too. We can’t wait to serve you.

We have a new home!

IT’S OFFICIAL! It is with great pleasure and much anticipation that we announce that we have a new home—online that is.

We now have a storefront on TheKnot.com. Check out our new digs here.  See images of our gowns, learn all about Elite Secrets Bridal and our CEO. There’s even an opportunity to make an appointment. Come back regularly for store specials, events, reviews, and more.

"We're so excited to have a prominent presence on The Knot. It is such an iconic publication in the bridal world and we're happy to be there, says LaTonya Turnage, owner and founder of Elite Secrets Bridal. 

Summer is here and the wedding season is underway. It's time to say yes to the dress! Book your appointment with us today. We can't wait to serve you. 

Our CEO, LaTonya Turnage, featured on Baltimore Bride Magazine

We are thrilled to share that our CEO, LaTonya Turnage, was featured in Baltimore Bride Magazine's new online series, "Ask the Expert." In the inaugural post, our bridal beauty expert shared her story on starting Elite Secrets Bridal.

There were tons of tips for brides about everything from how many people you should bring to your dress appointment (the answer might surprise you), the key to finding the perfect dress and her favorite part of helping a bride: “Once they find their perfect dress and they’re caught in the moment and everyone is crying, we do something special here. While the bride is in her dress, we put on a nice song for her and she’ll do a walk. We ask the bride what song, whether it’s her first dance song or one she’s considering. Everyone in the room is crying and emotional. It never gets old; every time I feel like family.” 

Read all about our expert and see more images at http://www.baltimorebridemagazine.com/blog/2018/6/21/ask-the-expert-bridal-shop-proprietor.

Summer is here and the wedding season is underway. Book your appointment today and say yes to your dream dress. We can't wait to serve you. 

Baltimore Pride Weekend

This weekend Baltimore will celebrate it’s 43rd annual Pride Weekend. United We Shine is the theme for this rainbow-colored weekend that will highlight how the city will come together to celebrate its LGBTQ community. 

There will be an 11-block parade, a high-heel race up Charles Street, a festival in Druid Hill Park and more (get the full details at baltimorepride.org).

...and a contest at Elite Secrets Bridal. You didn't think we would miss out on all the fun, did you?

To win our special surprise prize:

1. Take a selfie in front of our shop (330 N. Charles St.).
2. Post your pride pic and use the hashtag #EliteLove.
3. Follow us at @elitesecrets AND @elitesecretsbridal.

Winner will be announced Monday, June 18 on an Instagram Live. Time will be announced soon. 

Good luck and happy Pride!

Elite Secrets Featured on Every Last Detail

This wedding is for a special type of bride who envisions a tad more than an elopement, but less than a larger wedding. She wants the intimacy of close friends surrounding her on her special day, celebrating in the space she feels the most comfortable: home. The patterns and colors of the mid-sixties tied together envelope this grown-up, eclectic woman. The team at Jade & Joy Events wanted to capture the vision of a modern couple who loves mid-century design and wants a colorful, updated take on that style for their day.

VENDORS WHO MADE IT ALL HAPPEN…

Photography: Mary Sarah Photography // Venue: Women’s Club of Bethesda // Event Planning: Jade & Joy Events// Floral: Flor De Casa Designs // Stationery: Vintage Fleur Designs // Wedding Cake: Sorby Sweets // Rentals: Boheme’s Jubilee // Tableware: Ann Margaret Ceramics // Hair, Makeup, Veil, Wedding Dress, and Bridal Salon: Elite Secrets Bridal // Backdrops: DNicole Settings // Groom’s Attire: Christopher Schafer Clothier // Bride’s Shoes: H&M // Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids + Jenny Yoo + Watters Bridal // Jewelry: Blanca Flor Silver Jewelry// Headpiece: Ilieana George Couture

Love this bride's look? We've got you covered. Say yes to the dress, bridal hair and makeup at Elite Secrets Bridal. Book your appointment today. We can't wait to see you! 

{Event Recap} Spring into The Grand Fashion Show

On the evening of May 30th, engaged couples, top individuals from the wedding industry, along with a variety of influencers gathered at The Grand in Baltimore. The event that brought all of these individuals together was the Spring into The Grand Bridal Fashion Show.

Hosted by Elite Secrets Bridal and The Grand, the runway show featured looks that included styles from the bridal boutique on Charles Street. There were bridesmaids’ styles from Bella Bridesmaids and groom’s fashion from Taylor Wood Clothier. The grand finale was the reveal of designer Khemistry’s debut bridal collection. The couture line included curve-hugging, show stoppers in satin, sequins, and beaded fabrics.

VIP Guests were greeted with a glass of champagne and passed light eats in The Grand’s beautiful Oriental Room that doubled as the VIP gifting suite an hour before the show. VIP guests of industry professionals and influencers selected swag from brands Bai Drinks, Bella Bridesmaids, e-cloth, iCloth, Kenne Bug, Kind Snacks, Paula O Store, Pocket Palette, Skinny Pop Popcorn, and Wedding 411. 

At the 6 o'clock hour all guests indulged in the signature champagne bar before heading into the Mirror Room for the fashion show. Local influencers, Alysha (@discovercharmcity) and Chyno (@theboywiththebluebeard) welcomed attendees and kept the audience engaged throughout the show.

Six scenes were highlighting the latest trends in hair and makeup, bridal and bridesmaids fashion, and grooms wear. Guests previewed style ideas for all types of weddings, including Royal, Boho Chic, Great Gatsby, and Destination. Just before the grand finale, four of the cutest flower girls stole the show in a runaway strut sweeter than any wedding cake.

Elite Secrets Bridal and The Grand made a statement in Baltimore that evening!

To view social media event photos, please search the hashtag #SpringintoTheGrand on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Award-winning Bridal Beauty Expert, LaTonya Turnage, Featured on BMore Lifestyle TV

Founder and owner of Elite Secrets Bridal, LaTonya Turnage, sat down with the hosts of BMore Lifestyle TV this Monday for a segment on wedding dresses. The award-winning bridal beauty expert talked about the royal wedding looks in the West—similar to Duchess Meghan Markle’s style, and trends inspired by the East. In the segment, Elite Secrets Bridal featured designs from Allure’s Madison James Collection and a custom couture gown from Khemistry, LLC.—exclusively sold at Elite Secrets Bridal.

And, of course the hair and makeup was professionally by the award-winning beauty team at Elite Secrets.

Looking to say yes to your dream dress? Or, ready to catch a beat for your wedding day hair and makeup? We’ve got you covered! Book your consultation today. We can’t wait to service you and your bridal party!

Elite Secrets Featured on Wedding Chicks

We are thrilled to announce that we were featured on wildly popular wedding blog, Wedding Chicks!  Read all about the design details and inspiration for this Industrial Chic styled shoot.

Accessories: Ilieana George Couture

Cakes & Catering: Yia Yia's Bakery

Coordinators & Stylists: Bird of Paradise Events

Flowers: Bella Fiori Flowers

Groom: Tuxedo House

Hair, Makeup & Beauty: Elite Secrets

Lighting: 27 Studios

Paper Goods: Devine Designs by Diesha

Photographers: Clapp Studios

Rentals: Select Event Group

Venues: Studio 4

Wedding Dresses: Elite Secrets

The Grand and Elite Secrets Bridal to Host Inaugural Spring into The Grand Bridal Fashion Show, May 30

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT

Angel West

Mahogany Blue Public Relations

312.375.2752

awest@mahoganybluepr.com

The Grand and Elite Secrets Bridal to Host Inaugural Spring into The Grand Bridal Fashion Show, May 30

Baltimore, MD— The Grand, one of the most distinct, sophisticated, and unique event venues in Baltimore, and Elite Secrets Bridal, Baltimore’s premier destination for bridal fashion and beauty celebrate their inaugural Spring into The Grand Bridal Fashion Show on Wednesday, May 30th from 6 PM to 8 PM at The Grand.

An affair for the stylish, Spring into The Grand is a premier luxury bridal event, featuring the hottest trends in bridal couture. The event creates the perfect ambiance to preview some of the latest trends in bridal fashion, hair, and makeup. Mix and mingle with engaged couples, wedding tribes, vendors, and local influencers at the signature champagne bar before the show.

Attendees will preview collections from vendor partners Bella Bridesmaids, Khemistry, and Taylor Wood Clothier. The fashion show will be hosted by local influencers, Alysha (@discovercharmcity) and Chyno (@theboywiththebluebeard).

When asked about the thought of creating a bridal fashion show of this magnitude, LaTonya Turnage, the Owner of Elite Secrets Bridal and the co-Creator of Spring into The Grand states "I'm so excited about the upcoming fashion show! My company is curating the best in bridal fashion and beauty trends! The guests will be over the moon happy with the caliber of collections that will be featured. I love all things bridal, so this is another creative way to give back to the industry I love working in!"

To attend Spring into The Grand Bridal Fashion Show, please visit springintothegrand.eventbrite.com to RSVP for this free event. Care to join the conversation on Spring into The Grand and share with your friends that you’re attending? Please use the official event hashtag #SpringintoTheGrand2018.

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White Friday Sale at Elite Secrets Bridal

It's that time again, and we are happy to be ringing in the season with you! Join us for our annual White Friday Sale starting this Friday, May 4th in our bridal showroom on North Charles Street (across the street from Bella Bridesmaids) in downtown Baltimore. 
 

This sale was such a success last year, we've decided to bring it back this year. So grab your favorite girls—mom, sis, and grandma, too—and come ready to find your dream dress. Our stylists are on stand by to offer you and your tribe the ELITE experience you deserve. 

Enjoy up to 70% off sample gowns,
plus 10% off all new orders! 

Visit the showroom this weekend. We cannot wait to celebrate with you!

ELITE SECRETS TAKES ON NEW YORK BRIDAL WEEK

ELITE SECRETS TAKES ON NEW YORK BRIDAL WEEK

From rubbing shoulders with some of the world’s top bridal designers and getting up close with (and trying on!) some of most amazing wedding dresses and accessories—our trip to New York Bridal Fashion Week was all kinds of epic.

We hit the trail to the Big Apple early Tuesday morning and headed straight to Metropolitan Pavilion for The Knot’s show. The Knot Couture Show is the leading forum for bridal designers, buyers and press to connect and discover the latest trends in bridal fashion. Powered by The Knot, Couture has served the needs of this vibrant industry for over 20 years.

Check out the photo journey of our trip!

Want to say yes to your New York Bridal Fashion Week dress? Book an appointment today with Elite Secrets Bridal. We're waiting for you!

Elite Secrets Bridal Pays Tribute to Icon, Amsale Aberra

Every year, the bridal industry unveils fresh collections of wedding gowns and a lengthy list of trends. But the truth is that there has not been a significant and lasting shift in what women wear down the aisle since the late 1980s. That was when a young bride, disappointed and frustrated by the mountains of tulle, lace and beading that defined wedding gowns at that time, decided to design her own streamlined dress.

Amsale Aberra, a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology, sketched out an elegant A-line gown with a high waist and sheer sleeves. It was 1985, and that dress formed the creative seed for the bridalwear business she founded the following year and that she ran with her husband Neil Brown until her death Sunday, at 64, from uterine cancer.

Aberra, a native of Ethiopia, helped to change the way that women presented themselves on their wedding day. She offered women an alternative to the extravagant fashions of the 1980s. Aberra created gowns that exuded sophistication, sensuality, confidence, restraint and maturity.

She dressed celebrities like Halle Berry, Julia Roberts, Katy Perry and Ariana Grande, and her dresses appeared in the television series “Grey’s Anatomy” and the films “Runaway Bride,” “27 Dresses” and “The Hangover.” 

The bridal fashion icon will truly be missed. 

No matter your style Elite Secrets Bridal has the wedding dress of your dreams. Book an appointment today and say yes to the dress!

Top 5 Bridal Beauty Trends for 2018

Bridal hair and makeup are two of the most essential parts of the wedding planning process. The goal is to have your Big Day perfectly exude “you” in every way and make you feel like the most beautiful bride to be on earth. That is why we have marked these noted beauty trends for this year, as the top 5 bridal beauty tricks that are the 2018 movement. These are chignons for your buns, tiny florals for your waves, magnifying colors for your lips, glow for your skin and authenticity for your hair.

The number one trend on the list is Chignons. Textured and styled to suit your hair, this new trick is a twist on classic chignon- you coil it around your bun. Loosely fitted on your hair this “non-bridal bridal” up do gives your hair a blissful embellishment.

Bold Lip is the second tip on the list to take full advantage of on your bold day. With a few layers of semi-matte lipstick, you can make a statement pout seamlessly comfortable. This trick makes your teeth look whiter and flow with your glamorous dress.

Trend number three are Tiny Florals. By layering your hair with barely-there florals, you get to be creative with styling your hair by simply letting it be with sprinkles of beauty on it.

Glowing skin is the fourth tip in the book. Having a radiant complexion by combining neutral lips and beautiful hair makes the gorgeous bride effortlessly beautiful.

Lastly, going natural and embracing your mane to the fullest on the most personal day of your life. The trend for 2018 is to flawlessly wear your hair in its true beauty; from full on afros delicately adorned with pretty flowers to braided updos and twists.

Ready to rock some of these hot bridal beauty trends? We've got you covered! Book your bridal hair and makeup trial with our award-winning team today.  

Elite Secrets Featured on MunaLuchiBridal.com

We are thrilled to announce that we are being featured on MunaLuchiBridal.com today!  Read all about the design details and inspiration for this lux "Black Panther" styled shoot.

Signaling a revolutionary moment in pop culture, Disney-Marvel’s “Black Panther” is one of the highest grosser of all time, with more than $1 billion. How can you not love the blockbuster film about T’Challa’s challenge to take his rightful place as the King of Wakanda and the Black Panther? The fight scenes are epic—it’s what makes a superhero movie, particularly a Marvel film—but, it’s the sub-storyline that intrigued planner and designer, Tami Brown of Blush Weddings & Events by Tami B. “In the film, there’s clear chemistry between T’Challa and Nakia, Lupita Nyong’o’s character. However, true Marvel Comic fans know that Black Panther marries Ororo also known as Storm from the X-Men group,” said Brown. Rumors are already swirling around Hollywood of Storm entering the storyline in the inevitable sequel. Can you imagine Storm and The Black Panther’s walk down the aisle?

This styled shoot takes us into Wakanda and right into the wedding of T’Challa and Ororo. The ceremony space was lavishly filled with royal elegance. Mirrored columns topped with lush arrangements of white orchids, hydrangea, and roses flanked the aisle leading to the ceremony. The queen-to-be wore a custom black trumpet silhouette adorned with a beaded corset bodice and a chiffon cape. The bouquet of white orchids added balance against her gown. The groom was outfitted in a black-on-black tuxedo befitting of the Black Panther. Patent leather shoes, of course, completed this regal look.

The reception featured black linen atop a mix of a king’s table and rounds. Gold chairs and chargers added rich depth to the tablescape. The centerpiece commanded attention with high and low blooms of white florals intertwined with glass votives and candelabras. A Wakandian wedding would not be incomplete with the country’s natural resource, vibranium. More drama was added with kisses of blue crystals in the floral arrangement and blue napkins made from Nigerian lace. The details were just as stunning. Black tiered cake with gold accents and a stationery suite with gold-on-black engraved lettering completed this royal styled shoot.

See the full shoot at https://munaluchibridal.com/lux-black-panther-inspired-styled-shoot/.

Vendors:
Photography - Clapp Studios
Planner and Designer - Blush Weddings & Events by Tami B.
Florals - Bella Fiori Couture Floral & Events Design
Venue - The Hotel at University of Maryland
Cinematography - C Spot Media
Cake - Fresh Bakery
Stationery - Designs by Robyn Love
Bride’s Dress - Khemistry
Groom’s Tuxedo - The Tuxedo House
Rentals - Select Events and Lush Couture Rentals
Bridal Hair and Makeup - Elite Secrets Bridal

Your Spring Bridal Beauty Timeline Leading to your Big Day

Spring is in the air! Soon springs flowers will bloom, and the temps will start to warm. Exciting, right? Well, to most this sounds endearing, but if you are a spring bride images of pastel florals and Easter themes may be overshadowed by all the looming tasks left on your list of wedding to do’s.

Between seating charts and first dance song selections, you’ve got enough on your plate without having to worry about the beauty tasks, so we figured we could help with another way to avoid wedding day stress. Here’s your last-minute Elite timeline for all things bridal beauty so you will look and feel your most beautiful self ever on your wedding day.

 Two months before

• Test out tanning options. You don’t want to wait for this task. Starting early ensures that you won’t get stuck with a color you’re not proud to wear.

[Related Post: Everything you Need to Know about Wedding Airbrush Tans]

• Make an appointment to see an eyebrow specialist for shaping. Working on shaping those fine hairs above the eye now, gives them plenty of time to grow back and start over if you don’t like the outcome.
• If you haven’t booked your hair and makeup trials, it’s not too late. Book your appointment with us here.
• Talk to your dentist about teeth whitening or begin an at-home regimen for enhancing your pearly whites.
• If you’re thinking about making a dramatic change to your hair color for the wedding, this is the time to try it out. Figure out your desired hair color and work out a plan with your color specialist. This gives you plenty of time to grow it out or change the hair color before the Big Day.

Two weeks before

• Touch up roots on your hair color. This is optional and depends on the color and the process. It’s best to consult your color specialist for customized instruction for keeping your strands flawless for your special day.
• Exfoliate your entire body 2-3 times a week. Slough off dead skin and reveal your natural glow all over.

 One week before

• Start eating healthy from here on out. Cut sodium to beat bloating and start eating clean to boost your metabolism.
• Zen out with yoga and meditation to reduce your stress. Extra stress leaves your skin vulnerable to break outs. This important tip is sure to help keep your zit-free on your wedding day.
• Make appointments for all your waxing needs, brows, legs, lip, and bikini line, etc.

Congratulations, your big day is almost here, and you have everything needed to look your best self. All you need to do is smile and enjoy the beginning of this new chapter.

Join us for the Spring into the Grand on Wednesday, March 28 from 4 PM -7 PM! We will celebrate the wedding season at The Grand Baltimore at 225 N. Charles. There will be cocktails and bites. Can't wait to mix and mingle next Wednesday!