We would also love to know who are you favorite bridal vendors? Photography? Catering? Flowers? Wedding Planners? Submit them to us for our upcoming showcase of vendors!

The newest addition to the Bel Canto family, our bouquets are definitely eye catching! The brooches just seem to add the perfect touch to such an important memento from your wedding day. I am so looking forward to working with brides to create bouquets that complement their wedding colors and have that “something old” quality to them.

We had a wonderful set up in the downstairs of the Oaks and enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. Liz Perniciaro did hair while brides played with our different hair combs and head bands, making for a wonderful game of “dress up.”

During the 1940′s to late 1950′s designers such as  Eisenberg, Wiesner, Weiss, Crown Trifari, Coro, Francois and Bellini were making very high end rhinestone jewelry that was really breath taking. They used multi cut rhinestones in their intricate creations. The sparkling clarity of one of these well cared for vintage pieces is mesmerizing.   

After the rehearsal dinner, the bridal party retired to the historic Preston Woodall House Bed & Breakfast in Benson, NC where the wedding was to be held the next day. The following morning they were pampered as they prepared for the afternoon ceremony. Melissa took special care to avoid having David see her before the ceremony, though he almost spoiled it by arriving earlier than expected. 

It was a meaningful, emotional day. Melissa shared this: “My Granddad and Dad made the decision to not see my dress or me in it until the wedding day. Both waited at the bottom of the stairs as I walked down. With tears in their eyes, each gave me a big hug telling me how lovely I looked. It was special moment for all as Grandmas and Mothers looked on!!”

Left, the proud father accompanies Melissa to the ceremony.

The ceremony above; the bridesmaids wore aubergine dresses with ivory sashes. The groomsmen were in black tuxes with silver vests.

Below, a couple obviously very much in love (with good views of Melissa’s veil worn with a vintage headband from Bel Canto Designs). Also a beautiful pumpkin cake with pumpkin mousse filling and butter-cream outer layer (this was October…) from A Piece of Cake Bakery.

Melissa’s father picked out the music for their father-daughter dance, surprising her with a poignant song with lyrics reflecting his feelings about this milestone in their lives.

Finally, this wonderful picture of a beautiful bride oozing with happiness from her special day. Melissa is wearing a pearl headband with a vintage focal piece from Bel Canto Designs. In her words, “The headband was awesome. Everyone loved it. I still wear it out and about on occasion.”

Thank you again, Melissa, for sharing your wonderful day!!

The new 2011 Southern Bride & Groom Bridal Directory and Wedding Planner came out in December and it is filled with wonderful information and photos. We’d like to share a few of those in which Bel Canto Designs pieces were featured.

This elegant and sassy photo was taken by Dara Blakeley. The model is wearing one of our most popular sets of earrings.

Below are some chic shots by Mike Bayley.

Vintage pieces are the focus of the Bel Canto Designs hair comb, necklaces, bracelets and headband.

Vintage Panetta Earrings

Infinity Earrings

Heirloom Pave Rhinestone Bracelet

Pave and Pearl Vintage Inspired Earrings

We will begin posting some of our “real weddings” next week but in the mean time, here is a bit of Holiday Sparkle

Vintage Laguna Crystal,Rhinestone Ball and Faux Pearl Necklace

This headband was done for a lovely bride wanting to keep the theme of her wedding jewelry sapphire. The large Pell brooch is accented by wrapped crystals.

A Weiss “star” is the anchor for this pearl necklace.      Triple strands of various sized freshwater pearls  are accented  with vintage faceted crystals with a bit of a  twist to the drape.

Here is another Weiss piece. The quality is amazing in this rare piece. This one has been made into a hair comb.

This hairpiece features soft white feathers with a vintage two tone blue accent

An antique enamel brooch circa 1940 with marine colored blue stones made into a hair comb

And this last photo has is a large Beau Jewels piece and redone vintage earrings. Beautiful feeling of a rocky northern shore to this one

Here are a few pictures from the event.

A “ceremony” was held on the third floor. Lovely bride and bridesmaids modeling Tre Bella gown and dresses. The handsome gents, Bernard Formal Wear.

Sugarland was on hand with their beautiful cupcakes ( also taste great!) as well as their YUMMY gelato.

Bliss by Sam, a wedding planning group, was also on hand. What an engaging group of women!

As well as wedding planner, Erin McLean

We were up on the third floor so Liz could work her hair magic

And, of course, Joann Sullivan ( on right ) who hosted the Bridal Boutique