Alfred Angelo Real Women/Real Brides Campaign

Alfred Angelo

Alfred Angelo Real Women/Real Brides Campaign

DISCLAIMER: We were invited guests of Alfred Angelo, and received a promotional item in exchange for this post. All opinions are those of Kelly!

We are excited to have this guest post by Kelly Green about some absolutely beautiful Alfred Angelo dresses!

I think it’s safe to say I’ve tried on easily 50 or more wedding gowns in my life. No, I’m not a Zsa Zsa Gabor-wannabe (with nine husbands), but I did model them briefly when I was young, then of course to get married, and then most recently for the Alfred Angelo Real Women/Real Brides campaign with my friend and fellow blogger Lee Allport.

Alfred AngeloWhen I was a little girl I imagined I’d get married in Cinderella’s magical ball gown. It would have those cute little puffed sleeves, beautiful draping over the hips (that accentuated the perfectly tiny waist I just knew I’d have), and my hair would be tied up in a satin ribbon, all blinged up, so my hair copied hers exactly. I tried to work on variations using Fashion Plates (how many hours did I spend “designing” clothes with that thing?!). Alas, I always came back to that Cinderella perfection. Who knew that one day someone would make an entire line of wedding gowns inspired by the Disney princesses I adored?

At my first Real Women/Real Brides event, I fell in love with Alfred Angelo Dress 1148.

For a moment I thought a ball gown might still work for me, but my shape, and the personality I have now dictated a different silhouette. The ruching and vintage vibe in this style struck me as timeless and (let’s face it) more forgiving. If a bride should feel anything on her big day, it’s confidence that she A) has found the right guy who complements her and, B) looks amazing and feels great! (Note: This gown is part of the “EasyRUSH Delivery Program,” and can be shipped from local warehouses in 10 or 12 weeks!)

Alfred Angelo
Tracie, Lee, Jennifer, and Suzannah posting to Alfred Angelo on TwitterInstagram, and Pinterest.

At the Real Brides/Real Women blogger event (on guest assignment for Shelley with friends including Nicole, Tracey, Jennifer, Suzannah, Mina, Brittany) we worked with Lee from MySentimentExactLee.com to curate a collection that fit our personality and style. Since I’d just recently been to Disney on Ice: Frozen, the Elsa-inspired gown (Style 251) by Jason Gillen was on my list! I love how the silvery pattern seems to fall like snowflakes down the sheath silhouette. The Watteau train (see photo) reminded me of a veil, so with that gown a girl could easily skip the veil and go for a tiara. (I’m always open to wearing a tiara!)

Alfred Angelo

Next, I thought about something from the modern vintage collection. I liked Style 8536. From the net cage overlay, to the halter strap, it made me feel as if I’d stepped out of a Renaissance fair wedding. It’s not costume-like, but has that romantic feel. I just needed a circlet of flowers or beads in my hair….

I tried the flared gown Style 2527, next. I adore the crystal beading and dramatic ruffled skirt. It’s definitely for the woman who can handle her drama!

Alfred Angelo
From l to r: Kelly in 2526, Mina in 2454, and Brittany in discontinued style 879.

We had planned only trying on three, but Style 2526 called my name. Actually, it called to Jocelyn who was helping us at the Altamonte Springs store. She felt that the lace-up corseted feature would accentuate the “positives” (if you know what I mean!) and was spot on. That’s one of the best things about trying on gowns at an Alfred Angelo salon. It’s not all about body type, but personality and venue, and so many other things mixed in. She asked me questions and got to know me a bit, not just what I “thought” I wanted.

Alfred Angelo

I know in all the bridal shows it seems like brides come in and in 30-minutes or less have their dream gown. For me, I always had to try on a few, to find just the right one for the photo, for the fashion show, or for my big day. Having a consultant who will take the time to listen to your desires, but who isn’t afraid to cajole you out of your comfort zone is exactly what the bride-to-be should look for. If you don’t live near Orlando, find an Alfred Angelo store in your area. They’ll help you find the gown that’ll make you feel like a princess, or better yet… a queen!

 Alfred Angelo

Alfred Angelo

Kelly Green is a theme park, restaurant, travel, education and charity support blogger in addition to being a freelance social media director. When not writing or hosting events, Kelly can be found either in a vintage store, or at a homeschool field trip with her soon-to-be-8-year-old son. This photo is from her wedding ten years ago at Fantasy of Flight air museum that was featured in Central Florida Bride magazine. Her dress was from the 1940s, revamped with Ginger Rogers sleeves. And yes. She crocheted her snood.

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A Celebration of Harry Potter Begins Tomorrow At Universal Orlando

A Celebration of Harry Potter Universal Orlando Resort

The Second Annual “A Celebration of Harry Potter” Begins tomorrow at Universal Orlando Resort

Beginning tomorrow, fans from around the world will come together to celebrate Harry Potter’s adventures at the second annual “A Celebration of Harry Potter.”

Hosted by Universal Orlando Resort and Warner Bros., this three-day event will allow fans to enjoy incredible experiences from Q&A sessions with some of their favorite Harry Potter film talent to exploring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and more.

A Celebration of Harry Potter Universal Orlando Resort

A Celebration of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort will include unforgettable experiences, such as:

·  Q&A sessions with film talent and other special guests, including Robbie Coltrane (Rubeus Hagrid), Michael Gambon (AlbusDumbledore), James Phelps (Fred Weasley), Oliver Phelps (George Weasley) and Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood)

· A special opening event on Friday evening starring the Harry Potter film talent, MinaLima, and award-winning artist KazuKibuishi and more.

· A live duelling demonstration and wand combat masterclass hosted by Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, featuring the world’s only Wand Combat choreographer, Paul Harris

· A live demonstration with award-winning illustrator Kazu Kibuishi, who will be drawing some of the Harry Potter characters on stage in this interactive panel hosted by Scholastic.

· A look behind the scenes of the graphic props of the Harry Potter films with graphic designers, MinaLima

· A Celebration of Harry Potter” Expo with unique and interactive exhibits from Warner Bros., Pottermore, Scholastic, MinaLima, Harry Potter: The Exhibition and Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, including the opportunity to try on the Sorting Hat

· Special kids’ discussions and interactive experiences such as an exciting duelling demonstration and wand combat masterclasswith Paul Harris, an interactive ‘Dance Like a Beauxbatons and Battle Like a Durmstrang’ experience, as well as Harry Potter film trivia

· Park guests can enjoy The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and TheWizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida plus the iconic Hogwarts Express that transports guests between the two lands if they have a park-to-park ticket

· And more!

Access to select events within “A Celebration of Harry Potter” is included in regular admission to Universal Studios. Admission to panel events will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information about the event and tickets, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/Celebration. To join the conversation, use #HPCelebration.

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