Creating Your Own Reality

I know, I know. It is easier said than done. Planning a wedding is hard work - is is stressful, overwhelming, tiring, and a full-time job on top of your full time job. You have to plan the vendors, the timeline, budget out your earnings each month just to cover your costs, and plan all of the little details in between while you have your friends and family pulling you from every direction.

This absolutely sounds stressful, I completely agree with you! And just reading that first paragraph probably stressed you out even more than you were already overwhelmed with today's wedding to-do list.

But we are going to change that. We are going to turn those negative, overwhelming thoughts to positives.

Together, let's create a new reality.

Who is creating your reality?

You create your reality, your life, each and every day. Personally, I think that weddings are stressful, because society tells you it is stressful.

Think about it...if everyone you had ever met, every article you had ever read, and everything you had ever seen in regards to weddings was positive, upbeat, and altogether a happy occasion, even throughout planning, your mindset would be completely different. The idea that weddings are stressful and overwhelming wouldn't even cross your mind!

But wouldn't you be doing the same amount of work?

You would still have another full time job. You would still need to choose your perfect vendors. And you would still be working with a tight budget. But your overall mindset would be that this experience is positive. Those negative thoughts would not be there, because you wouldn't know any better.

What if from the time you were born, vegetables were delicious and dessert was disgusting? It would be hard to imagine the other way around but because our society has told us the opposite, our minds believe it.

Turn the negatives into positives!

Your mind is a very powerful thing, if you haven't already realized it. So if all of what I am saying is true, then why can you not create your own reality?

Why not turn your negatives into positive, each and every day of planning your wedding?

"My family is pulling me in every direction!"

While this sounds stressful, think of it as your loving family doing everything they can to help you and to make your wedding day as perfect as can be!

"It's so hard to choose my vendors...there are just too many options!"

I know that choosing your perfect vendors is difficult, but what if there was only one vendor in the whole world? You may or may not like their work so wouldn't that be even worse? Because there are hundreds of vendors out there to choose from, you have the opportunity to choose one that is absolutely perfect for your budget and your vision.

"It's like a full-time job! And I already have a full-time job!"

And your full-time job on top of full-time wedding planning: I know you say it's overwhelming, but isn't it nice to get a little break from your "real" full-time job and do some Pinterest perusing? Or getting a breath of fresh air on your lunch break speaking with that florist you totally cannot wait to book because of her beautiful work? Isn't it nice to be able to spend hours upon hours planning one of the most exciting, beautiful, and meaning days of your life?? I think so!

Create Your Own Happiness

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Because you have been told so, planning your wedding is just way too stressful. Your mind has turned every beautiful part of planning into a negative...just because they told you so.

But with every negative, there is always a positive...I promise! And with that powerful mind of yours, you can find it and make your experience a positive one.

It may rain, pour, or even thunder on your wedding day, but how amazingly unique and beautiful will your photos be?

You can find a positive in every single negative. So start every day, every moment, and your new life together with a positive mindset. You're setting the stage for the rest of your life.

Your Wedding Day Timeline

Before we get started, always remember that there is no right or wrong when it comes to a wedding day timeline. No matter what time you do it, you will always be correct! But a couple of tips before we move to the timeline:

 - Always leave more time than you think...especially for getting ready!
 - If your guests tend to be late, write 15 minutes to 1/2 hour earlier than the start time on your invitations!
 - Always assume that the timeline won't stay perfect on your wedding day...and that's okay!

Below I have put together a very abbreviated timeline from my wedding, just to give you some starter ideas and to get those juices flowing!

Everyone's timeline is going to be different. Not only because every bride and groom will have a different start time, but also because the flow works better or worse with different venues, not everyone want to do all of the same "activities" and traditions, and because we all have different taste and opinions! So my advice to you is to set the timeline as you wish...do what makes the two of you the happiest!

No timeline is THE timeline.

Designer Interview: Judy Lee

"Who is Ju.Lee?  She is my alter ego.  She believes in true love.  She loves to travel and be inspired by the people and cultures in different cities.  But most importantly, she wants to share her journey with brides (you) who want unique romantic dresses made locally with flattering fits.

I started Iridescence Bridal Couture in 2006 with the dream and passion of helping other brides to design the perfect wedding dresses for their magical days.  After countless hours of consultations, sewing, beading, stitching, and fittings, this journey has led me to focus not only on the design of the dresses, but also the fit in relations to different body types. 

When it comes to wedding dresses, I look for elegant designs and charming details with just the right touch of dazzle.  Nothing over the top.  I want the bride (you) to look and feel effortlessly beautiful without trying too hard.  This is my design philosophy."


     - Judy Lee, Ju.Lee Collection

What brought you into the wedding industry?

After designing and making my own wedding dress in 2005, I was completely head over heels in love with the beauty of weddings.  A woman may have worn numerous dresses in her life, but she will never forget what she wore on her wedding day.  Being a part of this important moment in her life is what made me become a bridal dress designer.

You have a great idea! What do you do next?

Once I have an idea, I will immediately sketch it on paper.  Because ideas come and go, it’s important to jot down my ideas right away.  Then I begin to find the right fabrics and materials that will best express the ideas.  The hardest part is always editing the designs and details because there are so many amazing options and possibilities!

What gives you your inspiration for new designs?

The collection is inspired by vintage details and silhouettes but each design is inspired by a place that I have either visited or wanted to visit around the world.  I’ve always been intrigued by the old world charm but want to reinterpret bridal fashion for the modern bride.

Where do the names of each gown come from?

The name of each design is inspired by a city or landmark around the world.  I’m always captivated by the architectural designs and the unique lifestyles of the people who live there.  For example, “Chicago” is inspired by famous museums and architectures from the city with the creative use of fabric blocking.

What fabrics do you absolutely love working with?

I adore laces, chiffons, and charmeauses.  They are very elegant and soft and drape so beautifully.  

Do you design with a specific bride in mind?

She is bold and stylish and is not afraid to be unique.  Although she may not be a traditional bride, she believes in tradition and is still a true romantic at heart but embraces the unexpected.  My brides are positively originals and are admired and adored by those around her. 

Who would you love to see in one of your gowns?

I’d love to see Mila Kunis and Olivia Wilde in one of my dresses!  Their elegance and beauty are mesmerizing but in a fearless sexy way. 

What advice do you have for my brides who are in search for their perfect wedding gown?

Brides should know their body shapes and unique body features when shopping for wedding dresses.  They should not base their decisions from Pinterest or magazine clip outs on models that are size 0 and airbrushed.  The best wedding dress should flatter her body in a way that dauntlessly highlights her assets and discretely camouflage the flaws.  When the dress fits perfectly, it will look amazing even if it’s a simple design.

Can you inspire us with a couple of your gowns and the type of wedding you see them going perfectly with?

"Los Angeles"

“Los Angeles” is perfect for a traditional wedding because of its universally flattering silhouette with a classic, elegant design. 

"Miami"

“Miami” is designed for beach weddings because it is flirty and functional – a floor length flowy skirt with side pockets make it easy to dance the night away on the sand under the moonlight. 

"New York"

“New York” is a fun creative dress design with a touch of glam.  Kick off the heels and put on some cowboy boots to keep the wedding down-to-earth and outdoorsy yet still sophisticated.

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Thank you Judy for sharing your background, inspiration, and advice for all of our brides. I cannot wait to further explore your collections and follow your work for years to come, and hope that I one day have the opportunity to plan a wedding for a Ju.Lee bride!

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