Seems like all us New York wedding folk are feeling especially generous this past couple of weeks, no? Maybe it is a collective attempt at distracting everyone (ourselves included) from the fact that our beloved summer is winding down. Hmm. In any case, our good pal Linsey and her team over at Facetime have teamed up with Merci New York to offer brides-to-be (or friends/ relatives/ acquaintances of a bride-to-be) a chance to win wedding day hair, makeup and styling, with up to 5 bridesmaids included! Only catch is that the wedding must take place in the New York metro area, which actually seems pretty fair in the end, given the typical-to-NYC markup on everything wedding-related, from venues to dresses to, yep, hair and makeup. Hey, just sayin’.

(For more information, go here.)

Well, folks, Melissa’s just returned from her best friend’s wedding in Stockholm, Sweden. And after hearing some stories and seeing some pictures, all we can really say is: Wow.

This is one of those weddings you dream about when you are a little girl (and, er, maybe still do); a legit fairytale wedding come true. And we aren’t overly gushing here, we promise. Take a look at the bride, just ridiculously stunning in Vera, for starters. Or at her bridesmaids, clad in perhaps the most beautiful collection of gowns that Thread (well, Melissa) has ever designed. Or at that soft Swedish sunlight. (Sunlight that’s not, mind you, just perfectly timed picture-taking light. No–it being summertime in Sweden and all–that sun didn’t set until about 11pm, and then greeted the still-celebrating-at-3am guests a mere four hours later. Yeah.) Oh, and let’s not forget that the whole shebang took place at the sprawling family estate of Erin’s now-husband, David. In Sweden, may we remind you. On a river. In the summertime.

Told you we weren’t overly gushing.

Congratulations, Erin & David!

(Happy photos courtesy of photographer Ian Johnson; see more on his blog here and here.)

Just about every bride needs one. Yet, for whatever reason, the rehearsal dress is oft-forgotten in the shuffle of finding that perfect wedding gown. As such, we feel it is our solemn duty to remind you to start thinking about it, and now, and here. And we do this not only because Thread has boatloads of darling little numbers just parfait for the Big Night Before, but also because we’ve decided to give away one such dress to one lucky bride-to-be.

To win said dress takes little to no effort on your part, dear brides-to-be. Simply become a fan of Thread on Facebook, if you aren’t already, and then shoot us a happy little email here with your name, wedding date and the super short version of your particular love story, be it how you met or what you adore most about him (or her).

The gal who makes us ‘aww’ the most wins. Easy as pie, no?

The requisite fine print: The winner will be notified on Thursday, September 2nd via email, and has ten days to respond. Winner must choose dress from our Party Collection, and has choice of color (all available in ivory), length (mini, knee or tea) and fabric  (faille, duchess satin or cotton sateen). Questions? Comments? Go here.

Two words: Save-the-date postcards. (Is that four? Five, even? Post-card?) Anyway. Nicole stumbled across a darling little blog, Ruffled, while doing some research for her own upcoming (not any time soon) nuptials, and was immediately sold on the idea. Original? Check! Chic, cute and so-exciting-to-get-in-the-mail? Check! Inexpensive (ie. maybe the best part)? Check!

Everyone’s happy.

For the how-tos and whatnot, go here.

(Pic from ruffledblog.com)

No, sir-ee. This gorgeous little number, worn just beautifully by bride Camille at her wedding in the Berkshires this past June, goes for a mere $375. We say: Right on, Camille. We hope you put the extra money saved towards what truly matters in the great scheme of things. Like champagne.

Congratulations, Camille & Dan!

(Buy this gown, the Liddy, here, ladies. Photo courtesy of Tammy Leahy Photography.)