While researching stylish ideas for a baby shower, I came across Lollipop Events and Designs.  They have a shop on Etsy where you can custom order and purchase tags like the one pictured below.  Their site has several galleries as well…great ideas! We need to ask some of our wedding planning friends here in Charlotte for suggestions of local vendors who print these types of tags.  We will do some more research…more soon!

Photo courtesy of Lollipop Events & Designs on Etsy

Thank you Martha Stewart Weddings for capturing the perfect picture of the Wallis gown by Modern Trousseau.  Seriously…this gown screams fun, flirty, lets dance the night away.  Every bride who has slipped into our sample loves the comfort of this gown but also appreciates the small details such as the neckline and the feel of the skirt.  Make an appointment to float across our floors in this number…you will not regret it! 704-333-0377

Photo courtesy of  Martha Stewart Weddings

Hayden Olivia will welcome Kim to Charlotte this weekend.  She brings with her the newest styles from the Priscilla of Boston and Vineyard collections.  Most all styles fall in the 2K-5k price range.  Enjoy a 10% trunk show discount with the purchase of your gown and a gift from Hayden Olivia, you can’t take your gown home with you after all!  The collections are available today, Friday and Saturday.  Appointments are limited at this point but we will do everything we can to fit you in!  704-333-0377

Picture Courtesy of Priscilla of Boston

Makes 50

• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
• Vegetable oil cooking spray for pans
• 1 package (2 1/2 teaspoons) unflavored gelatin
• 1/3 cup cold water for gelatin, plus 1/4 cup for syrup
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Red food coloring
• 2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, melted
• Vanilla Cookie Recipe

Directions:

1.  Mix cornstarch with confectioners’ sugar in a small bowl. Coat two rimless baking sheets with cooking spray. Cut parchment to fit pans, draw 1 1/4-inch circles, and place on baking sheets, ink side down; spray with cooking spray. Dust with cornstarch mixture to cover completely; shake off excess. Sprinkle gelatin over the 1/3 cup cold water in a mixer bowl. Let stand to soften, about 5 minutes.

2.  Heat remaining 1/4 cup water and the granulated sugar in a small pan over medium-high heat, stirring, until dissolved. Place a candy thermometer into syrup; wipe sides of pan with a wet pastry brush if crystals have splattered up. Boil, without stirring, until temperature reaches the soft-ball stage (238 degrees). Remove from heat; add to softened gelatin. Hand-stir with the whisk attachment a few seconds to cool; place bowl on mixer stand. Whisk on medium-high until soft peaks form and mixture holds a shape, 8 to 10 minutes.

3.  Whisk in the vanilla and a small drop of red food coloring (for pale pink). Transfer half the mixture to a pastry bag with a 1/2-inch tip (such as Ateco #806), and pipe kisses inside circles on baking sheets.

4.  Add another drop of food coloring to the mixture in the bowl, return to mixer, and whisk to blend. Transfer marshmallow mixture to the pastry bag, and pipe remaining kisses.

5.  Let stand at room temperature until set, about 4 hours. Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days.

6.  To assemble, place a small dab of melted chocolate on each cookie, and top with a kiss. Let stand to harden. Store airtight at room temperature up to 1 day. Serve at room temperature.

Photo & Recipe from Martha Stewart Weddings, Fall 2010

Have you seen the fall issue of Martha Stewart Weddings? Their own runway show of the season’s favs are stunning. Some of the styles that Martha loved are some of the same that we loved…they are available right here at Hayden Olivia. You can slip into one of these gowns at a trunk show scheduled this fall (please see our events page) or call to request a specific gown and we will make sure it is available for your appointment.

Kenneth Pool Embrace, full tulle skirt with beaded belt

Melissa Sweet “Tavi”

Jewel gown by Priscilla of Boston

Photos courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

Stephanie James Couture called several months back and shared with us that they were receiving lots of interest from brides right here in the Carolinas.  Stephanie James is known best for her 60′ inspired short or tea length gowns.  We both thought it was a great idea to host a trunk show for those bride’s wanting a Stephanie James gown.  She has sent 17 of her favorites.  If you have yet to book a fitting room to try these gowns on, call soon and we will fit you in!  704-333-0377

Photos Courtesy of Stephanie James Couture Blog

We can not be any more excited about celebrating our 2nd Birthday by launching a lovely New Website and Blog.  A huge double portion of thank yous goes out to a group of over the top, kind professionals that you must meet!

The team of designers, programmers and marketing minds behind this labor of love were fantastic to work with.   The team of international professionals includes  Jenny/Designer (Australia), lurie/Marketing (Italy), Chris/Programmer (Florida), Heather/Type A Client (North Carolina).  Thank you VITRIOL !

Cunningham Photo Artists is responsible for majority of the banners and large photos throughout the new site.  Drea and I, along with other fabulous Charlotte vendors collaborated for a photo shoot that was featured on Style Me Pretty earlier this year.   This is our most favorite photo shoot to date…we could not resist, the photos were way to fabulous not to use.  The prettiness was perfectly captured… Thank you Drea!

Tara Mauldin is a sweet friend who has not only photographed the boutique, she has photographed Blane’s (Heather’s 10 month old son) newborn photos.  She is a way cool mom who works hard at what she is passionate about.  We could chat with her for hours.  Head on over to her blog to see her work…you will be very impressed!

Richard Isreal is a Charlotte based photographer, father, and friend who’s hobbies include collecting vintage cameras, photographing weddings who let him “just do what he does best,” and spending time with his sweet family.  His photos include the “shut up and kiss me” on the home page and the maid on the green couch.

I am so thankful to have met Jeremie Barlow .  She is photographing a childhood friend’s wedding in Oct and Jeremie came to the boutique to photograph Lauren’s first fitting.  Jeremie is another mom who is super focused on her family and business.  Thank you Jeremie, I am grateful.

Photo courtesy of  Tara Mauldin