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Things We Love |
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 THE ERA OF THE COCKTAIL has made a comeback, and we are,
once again, becoming a cocktail culture. With this in mind, what could
be more appealing than turning cocktail and bar accessories into your
wedding gift registry theme? With the accessories you see here, you’ll
be all set for company.
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Northern California’s wine region is ranked as one of the nation’s top five destination wedding locations. Robbin Montero unites the wedding, wine, and tourism industry of Northern Califorina.
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On her A-List, Linda Pitelli of Eventful Designing is captured by the magic and imagination of Los Angeles and it's major star factor.
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Janice S. Casacca explores the Central Coast’s effortless beauty and the flavor of old California where the sprawling countyside meets the deep blue Pacific Ocean.
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 Michael Aram, Coral Reef Black Serving Set - The Coral Reef Collection
takes its inspiration from the mystical and serene symbolism associated
with aquatic imagery, Michaelaram.com , Retail $70
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With the combination of Mediterranean architecture, cobble-stone streets, a warm, dry climate and cobalt-blue skies, your Lake Las Vegas wedding already has some major element in its favor:
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Your Wedding Day Resources
 PREFERRED |
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| Roberta Chiarella, a woman of many talents, has a story that is quite
unique. Before she became a successful celebrity jewelry designer sold
at upscale boutiques like Henri Bendel, she was actually the Vice
President of Yves St. Laurent (YSL). “I had an incredible position in
the corporate world with an office overlooking Central Park, but I was
frustrated being a corporate executive,” she confessed. Roberta turned
her frustration into creative energy though, when she received an art
catalog in the mail. “I saw a resin-product that can be heated to
become pliable so I ordered this material,” she explains, adding that
she just started heating and making different things with it. Her first
idea was a cool pin, which she wore to YSL
where a few people said,
“That is fantastic. Do you sell them?” One co-worker asked, “How
much?,” and just like that, she sold her first broach for the asking
price of $500.00. She knew at that point she was onto something, and
shared her success with her husband. |
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For the next year-an-a-half,
Roberta reveals, “I brought this portable burner everywhere,”
explaining that she made jewelry pieces even when she traveled. She
sold 32-of-the-40 pieces at her first Henri Bendel trunk show—an
amazing success for a newbie art designer. One woman who purchased a
piece was the editor of Woman’s Wear Daily who wrote an article on
Roberta called, Executive by day. Jeweler by night.
“I started working in Henri Bendel almost every weekend doing trunk shows and built it up. Then I hired someone to help me, and after a year-and-a-half, I got a factory in Rhode Island to begin mass-producing,” Roberta said, showing the process of how far she’s come. Every piece of jewelry that Roberta designs is made by-hand at the factory. “It’s all crafted by artisans,” she said, adding “I make the master piece—I draw it, work with the stones, then it goes to the sample maker, and then to the factory. The person that makes the piece always starts it and finishes it. There are no machines doing this, it’s finished like a couture dress, sewn by-hand,” she explains.
She has learned that maybe craftsmanship is a generational element and perhaps her purpose in life was to continue on as a craftswoman. Roberta is a second generation designer and has always been surrounded by the arts, but her inspiration really took off when she began working with Swarovski crystals. “Crystals really inspire me. I work around their beauty. I adore the sparkle and it fascinates me,” she said, adding “The designs that I create are all very technical and beautifully finished. I am so proud of the hand-craftsmanship. The more complicated the piece is, the better the sparkle will be. When the piece is done, I love to hold it in my hand… and I get lost in the sparkle,” she said, revealing her ornate love of shiny baubles.
Roberta, with her couture background, only selects the best for her line. “I use platinum, rhodium, which is the strongest metal there is, and also I use 22KT gold. It’s not costume jewelry. My jewelry pieces are going to last a very long time,” she notes. Most of her Roberta Chiarella collection is 75% earrings, “because earrings are the most important accessory,” she chimes, adding “My forte is really in wedding design.”
When asked if she ever thought she’d be creating jewelry for brides, she had a very strong answer. “I never thought I would work in the wedding industry, but I love the wedding world,” in an almost surprised tone, adding, “In fact, I never in my life thought I would be doing what I am doing—it’s kind of fantastic. We work hand-in-hand with our brides. I take it very seriously, and I feel very blessed to able to do this,” she adds.
For a bride getting married, Roberta has a line consisting of earrings, necklaces, bracelets and even beautiful hair accessories. Her collection is made with crystallized Swarovski elements in many colors, shapes and sizes. If you don’t live in New York to visit her directly, you can find her pieces online at her website. When she consults with a couple for the first time either in person or over the phone, she asks a lot of questions. She talks with the bride to get an idea of her personal style. “I really like to talk one-on-one to get a clear idea,” she states. She factors in if the wedding will be indoor or outdoor, she requests to see the dress, and asks important questions about the bride’s hair and makeup. Roberta’s jewelry has that couture aspect, a big reason why many brides would want to wear pieces from her signature line.
Designing now for 18 years, Roberta takes on a new adventure of lecturing at Parson’s on how to be a designer. “I am really proud,” she said. Noting more success—in January 2008, she was invited to Paris to celebrate Crystallized Swarovski Elements international event Unbridaled. The event celebrated the release of the coffee table book, Unbridaled, The Marriage of Tradition and Avant Garde. The book showcased the top 100 designers from all over the world. “I was singularly honored as the only jewelry designer representing the United States—to be selected was the highlight of my career,” she said.
Roberta also gives back, in a very heart-centered way to the community. “I do jewelry making with girls that sometimes live in shelters,” she states in a very humble way. She works with the Step-Up organization and Styleworks, which helps under-served women and girls. “I will call Swarovski to request a donation, and they always donate,” she reveals. “The girls come, they have plastic dishes, a bag of beads, and crystal beads… and we sit around and make jewelry. It’s just wonderful,” she notes. Clearly... Roberta makes jewels from the heart.
By Alisa Jennifer Kay |
Roberta Chiarella
301 East 64th St
New York
NY
10065
Phone: (877) 725-3935
Click for Website
Directions
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Tips |
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#31 FLORAL DECOR
No wedding is complete without flowers. Try updating the traditional
centerpiece by using masses of your favorite flowers in a variety of
complementary tones for added texture and interest. For instance, if
your bloom-of-choice is the gerbera daisy, try one centerpiece with
dozens of red gerberas, another with orange, and another with
fuchsia-colored bunches. Let your imagination run wild!
Ariel Yve, Ariel Yve Design
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#16 COMFORTABLE RECEPTIONS
Reception spaces are taking on a comfort
theme nowadays. Rather than using cocktail tables alone, couples are
creating a lounge effect in their reception areas by adding cozy
furniture groupings of sofas and coffee tables, along with tenting and
draping, lamps and lanterns, lit up trees and dozens of candles. You
may want to hire a jazz quartet or flamenco trio to create a sultry
ambiance. Some couples are even hiring cigar rollers! You can also
use this set-up outdoors for a living room beneath the stars!
Jill La Fleur, The Wedding Planner
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#26 MARRYING MINDFULLY
Creating the “perfect wedding” can easily overshadow what is really
important about getting married—creating a sacred and lifelong bond
with your beloved. Your wedding is not a “to-do” list. Take time to
tend to your relationship and to yourselves so that you enter into the
celebration relaxed, joyful, and with a full heart.
Carmina McGee, Skin – Health - Well-Being
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