Randy to the Rescue

Wow, it's been such a whirlwind here that we've really fallen behind in our blogging! I'd like to share with you a big project we've been working on: Randy to the Rescue. This is such a new, fun idea for the TLC Channel.  Randy Fenoli stars in this new series with a twist: he packs a large truck with his favorite designers (well, their designs-not them personally!)

This truck packed with goodies is making rounds to large cities across the country, where venues are transformed into bridal salons. The best part of all: Randy himself is there to help brides find their perfect look! What I love about this concept is the fact the Randy realizes the gown itself isn't the only thing to transform a woman into the bride she dreams of being; it takes the perfect accessories as well! What a breath of fresh air to see a show that completes the look.

We've shipped a wide variety of styles for Randy to use in his show at his request. To be exact: 13 headpieces, 11 veils, 11 bracelets, 15 earrings, and 4 belts! The show is set to air this summer, and we'll be sure to let you know when. Be sure to attend an event yourself to fully appreciate our handcrafted in the USA beauties!

Gown: Anne Bowen
Photography: Leslie Privette Photographic Artist
Model: Emilee Behrendt

Photoshoot with Leslie Privette Photographic Artist

Wow-I'm so excited! Our photo shoot with Leslie Privette Photographic Artist was so much fun yesterday...I hope that you enjoy this sneak preview of our couture headpieces, veils and jewelry as much as we do! Also, a very special thanks to Claire Pettibone for sending us the most amazing gowns to use. It was both an honor and a luxury-I cannot imagine any bride not wanting one of her amazing confections! Check out Leslie at http://www.leslieprivette.com

Made In America-25 Years Strong!

There is a lot of hype about being "Made In America" right now. Guess what? I LOVE it! Did you know that we've been making our designs for 25 years in the good ol' USA? I've been advised, numerous times over the years, to have our designs mass produced for us overseas. I'd sure make a lot more profit, I can tell you that. However...it's just not in my DNA. Not at all. Call me stupid, stubborn, whatever- but I REFUSE. I KNOW how good our products are. Yes, it does cost more to have them made here. But it is worth it-it's that simple. Please support the USA-made designers out there. We are strong, talented, and love what we do. And we do it with a passion to make you happy.

Cheryl King Couture on the cover of Charlotte Weddings

How exciting to find our beautiful Cheryl King Couture veil "Jewel" featured on the cover of Charlotte Weddings magazine!

Closeup of our lace in gold; also available in silver, ivory and diamond white.

Side view of our Cheryl King Couture veil 'Jewel'

We've included this lace in some yummy headpieces you may enjoy!

Noelle, featured in the silver lace.

Priscilla features silk petals, cubic zirconias and our gold lace.

Cheryl King Couture in Inside Weddings

Our Cheryl King Couture design Mariah graces the pages of Inside Weddings Magazine, Winter 2011!  Another amazing issue, as always, and we're honored to be included.

Mariah features gorgeous chunky Swarovski crystal and rhinestone leaves nestled in a fun spray of feathers, and is accented by a wonderful Swarovski marquis rhinestone cluster filigree.  Here's a photo of it worn with our Savvy bubble veil and Icing Couture bracelet BC56B and earrings BC56E:

If you like our Mariah comb, here are a few other headpieces that you may enjoy as well!

Abigail

CarrieSP

Fran

Maureen

MaureenL

Mona headband and Icing Couture earrings SW110E

Samantha

Zoe

Cheryl King Couture in Destination Weddings and Honeymoons

Our beautiful hand carved mother of pearl hairpin has been selected by the fashion editors of Destination Weddings and Honeymoons Worldwide Guide for 2011! 

Here is a closeup photo of this beauty, accented with a gorgeous Grade AAA freshwater pearl.

If you love this style, here are some other mother of pearl flower selections that you will adore!

Addison

Heidi

Selena

Shelly

We've also designed some fabulous jewelry to perfectly complement these styles:

BA30B hand knotted Grade AA large pearls

KV26E

KV26N

KV28N

Couture Bridal Market October 2010, Days 3 & 4

Well, as we headed into Sunday we were quite exhausted!  A record number of visits and fabulous parties will do that to you.  Actually, we were so fatigued that we decided to stay in and eat a wonderful meal at the hotel restaurant that evening, then head back to the suite.  Party animals!!!

Monday barged in with a roar, as our visits with the media and our buyers was non-stop.  I just LOVE seeing all our old friends and meeting new clients!

That evening, again running late (which is a very good thing indeed, yet why oh why does this working thingy have to put such a damper on our party life?)  we headed out to a party hosted by the amazing Martha Stewart.  What a wonderful touch to be serenaded as we entered!

 The fun began as we entered and saw such a festive and fun atmosphere!  A DJ was rocking the house, and stations were at the perimeter of the large room full of adventure.  Of course, the bar was central so...off we went! (Imagine that).  Tiny, fun treats were delivered by hand, including mini milkshakes in shooter glasses, tiny apple pies, bite sized ice cream cones, and an endless supply of other goodies.

Enjoy some of our photos below!

Entrance to the Martha Stewart party

Ronnie outside the entrance

Cheryl can't pass up a signature cocktail!

Ronnie with the Glitter lady.

Cheryl "getting her glitter on"

Now time for the false eyelashes!

Cheryl's turn at the eyelashes.  Whew-this involves trust!

The Pipe Cleaner Lady is awesome!

Our pipe cleaner rings

Just a few shots in the Smilebooth!

The mugshot from NYPD...lol

There were so many other activities, including manicures by Essie, calligraphy, candy bar, ice cream station, whew...I just can't name them all!

We headed back to the suite, to rest before breaking down the showroom all day Tuesday and flying home to our wonderful families.  What a fabulous trip we had!!!

Asian Adventures: Dinner Meeting

So sorry for the delay-luckily we've been swamped and I haven't had time to blog. 

Back on track with the Asian Adventures:  J and I had a meeting with some possible vendors, and we were excited to meet them.  We were picked up in a taxi and whooshed (is that a word?) away!  I was crammed in the back of our tiny cab with 2 others, and our driver thought he was in a Nascar race.  Amid many horrified moments I endured was when the girl next to me decided that she was car sick and needed to vomit.  Those of you who know me understand that I am totally, emphatically and undeniably freaked out by this natural occurrence.  My immediate response was to insist that I be let out of the car immediately.  Well, the driver laughed, while everyone searched for plastic bags, as we were going about Mach 2 in heavy traffic.  I did not care that I had no idea where I was, that I was in the middle of the road with cars hurtling by us on both sides; I only knew that our bodies were practically enmeshed together and I would end up wearing it.  I freaked her out so badly that she managed to contain it!  I think I really impressed them...

Hours later, we wrapped up sketches for casting settings and cubic zirconia cuttings, and they were going to treat us to dinner.  Oh boy!  I was starving.

We walked to the restaurant, a mere few blocks away.  Imagine my surprise to find our dinner options outside the door!  Yummy frogs, snakes, etc. happily wiggling away.

I decided that maybe I wasn't very hungry, after all.  Plain white rice, please!  Our gracious hosts were determined to order a feast, and I had my very own "A Christmas Story" experience.  They brought out a rooster, cooked, head and all-including that little wiggly red part!  I couldn't help it, I burst out laughing.  (Now, I don't mean any disrespect at all-just coming from America these things were outside of my normal existence.)  Everyone looked at me, and I explained to J why I was laughing.  She told them, and again, just like the movie, someone came over and whacked off the head, right there at the table. "Fa ra ra ra ra, ra ra, ra, ra..."  kept circling in my warped head!

Then I really, really expressed my professionalism.  I broke down in tears at the table.  Yes, I did.  I was just so outside of my element, and felt so undeniably weak.  I missed my husband and sons terribly, was in a land on the other side of the world where I couldn't speak the language and stomach the food.  I had an all out "Pity Party," right there at the table.  (At least it wasn't wailing, just a stream of tears that I couldn't shut off.)  I just told J to explain to them that I was homesick and excused myself.  

After a few minutes, I pulled myself together and came back to the table.  I guess I just needed a meltdown, because after that, and a few Pearl River Beers, things began looking up!  All in all, I think I did America proud!  (NOT)

Couture Bridal Market April 2010

Here are some photos of our showroom last April in NY at the Essex House for the Couture Bridal Market.  It was so wonderful to see all of our friends!