Anne Barge

We were just sent a sneak peak of Anne Barge's new advertising campaign. C'est magnifique!! These images are classic and romantic, just like an Anne Barge gown. Which is your favorite?

Liz ,Dick and One Degree of Separation

I recently had a rare leisurely Saturday at the beach to catch up on my magazines. One of my guilty pleasures is Vanity Fair, and I was pleasantly surprised to see a vintage photo of Elizabeth Taylor gracing the cover of the June 2010 issue. The article inside was the delicious re-telling of her whirlwind and scandalous affair…… and subsequent marriage to superstar actor Richard Burton. At the time……and we are talking about the “Mad Men” era of the early ‘60’s, this union shocked the world and was even condemned by The Vatican. Vanity Fair likened them to modern day superstar couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. I was just a young lad at the time, but I have to admit that I was totally fascinated and awestruck by the comings and goings of this gorgeous megawatt superstar couple. Of course I was mesmerized by Elizabeth’s breathtaking physical beauty, but as a couple they had tremendous style and chutzpah. And it seems that every move they made was chronicled by the paparazzi! I had other reasons for my fascination, for you see, by only ‘one degree of separation’ I had some personal connection to the legend that was ‘Liz & Dick’.

I will never forget the day that the envelope from my mom arrived at summer sleep-a-way camp. In it was a note and newspaper article chronicling Liz and Dick’s attendance at a Caxton Hall, London wedding. But it wasn’t just any wedding . It was the wedding of Gladys Mills, a personal friend of my family, and Robert Wilson. BobWilson, was personal assistant and confidante to Richard Burton, and Gladys was one of my grandmother’s and great aunt Thelma’s closest friends. Liz & Dick were not just merely guests in attendance at this wedding, but served as Best Man and Matron of Honor to the couple. I have distinct childhood memories of Gladys and Bob…..a dashing, sophisticated and terrifically chic middle aged jet set couple being entertained at my parents’ home. My mother recalled their glamorous life style and the ‘all white and chrome’ apartment in a luxury hi-rise. So given my interest in the whole Liz & Dick saga and a personal connection to Gladys and Bob……..plus my love (even at that age) of all things WEDDINGS, I was in my GLORY!

I was recently sorting through some old family photos when I came across the wedding portraits of Gladys and Bob. I sat down and recalled the thrill of that time for my family, and how excited we all were for her ….not just because of the Liz and Dick thing, but because Gladys & Bob had found each other in their middle age and Gladys was radiantly happy! But of course the Liz and Dick connection raised the thrill factor for this star struck adolescent! Lol!

Please enjoy these few photos that I share from my personal collection.

Mark to Host Live Chat on WETV.com

Save the Date!
Join Mark Ingram and Ceci Johnson for a live chat on WEtv.com on Tuesday, July 13 from Noon - 1p ET. From choosing the perfect wedding dress to invitations and etiquette, Mark and Ceci have you covered. Get your questions ready!
http://www.wetv.com/wedding-experts

Luisa Beccaria

While recently in Milan for the Italian Bridal Market, I was able to see the Luisa Beccaria Bridal Collection. My staff and brides are huge fans of their ready to wear collections, so I jumped at the opportunity to view their bridal collection. I was not disappointed! The collection offered romantic ballgowns and cocktail dresses in a palette of pale colors and ivories. The Luisa Beccaria philosophy of "extravagant chic" was evident in the fabrication and exquisite detailing of each piece.

I am thrilled to bring the Luisa Beccaria Bridal Collection exclusively to New York. The collection will be available at my Bridal Atelier in early Fall.

-- Mark








For more informaion on Luisa Beccaria, click here.

Oscar de la Renta Spring 2011 Bridal Trunkshow Expanded

Great news! Our Oscar de la Renta trunk show has been supersized. The show will now run July 8th through July 17th. We will have the entire new Spring 2001 collection available plus all of our favorite current Oscar pieces.

To entice you, check out this video from Video Fashion Daily covering the Spring 2011 ODLR Bridal runway show. Keep an eye out for Mark discussing his favorite looks.

Angel Sanchez Spring 2011 on VideoFashion

We love, love, love the bridal market videos produced by VideoFashion. Check out this one on Angel Sanchez. The show is stunning and one of our favorites from the past market, but what we love the most is the direct commentary from Angel himself.

Let us know which gowns are your favorites!

ODLR: The Sample Room

We came across this amazing video on Full Frontal Fashion giving a behind the scenes look at the sample and production rooms at Oscar de la Renta. If you watch closely, you can see some bridal looks being developed. This is how true couturiers work, and how we feel bridal gowns should be made. Beautiful design must always be supported by flawless production! Enjoy the video and tune into Full Frontal Fashion for a live stream of the new ODLR Resort Runway show today at 1:00.

Mark Appearance on Let's Talk Live

Mark was featured as a guest on Lets Talk Live on DC's News Channel 8 to promote the WE TV and Wedding Central Mall Tour. Mark's first Mall stop is today in Columbia, MD. If you attend the event, send us your pics and we will post!

Top Tips from Jenny Craig and Mark on Looking and Feeling Your Best on Your Wedding Day

Last week, I had the pleasure of hosting Sara Rue, actress and Jenny Craig celebrity spokesperson, for a tea to celebrate her 40lb weight loss on the Jenny Craig program and her upcoming 2011 wedding. Sara, who most recently starred in one of my fav TV shows Eastwick, was an absolute delight! Her enthusiasm for the Jenny Craig program and her determination to look and feel her best on her wedding day was truly inspiring. After mingling with guests from the bridal industry, Sara and I got down to business and started looking at gowns. I had pre-selected a few choices for her in three categories: Destination, Formal Ballroom and Hollywood Glamour. Sara chose her favorites and is going to get busy on planning her wedding. Once she chooses a venue, she will come back and find her perfect gown.

Sara has learned so much about health and well being from the Jenny Craig program, following are our "official tips" on how to look and feel beautiful on your wedding day.

Both Mark Ingram and Sara Rue agree that it is essential to look and feel your best on what is often considered the most important day of your life! Whether your goal is fitting into the perfect wedding dress, having the ideal hairstyle, being bride buff or just wanting to strut down that aisle with poise, Sara and Mark are here to provide you their top tips on how to ensure complete bridal confidence:

Leading an active lifestyle is a vital part of feeling confident and staying fit – get moving with an activity that you enjoy and you’ll learn to look forward to physical activity rather than dread it. Since starting the Jenny Craig program, Sara Rue has taken up fun activities such as hiking, running mini marathons and walking her dog, Biscuit!

Need more motivation to work out? Have your fiancé join you! Couples jogs are perfect for getting away from all the wedding anxiety and spending some quality time together. Plus, you’ll be bonding and getting fit at the same time so you can slip into the beautiful wedding dress you’ve been dreaming of your whole life. Sara Rue and her fiancé even took up tennis to stay in shape together!

Craving comfort food? You can still eat all the foods you love leading up to the big day – the real secret to slimming down is portion control! Meals that are properly balanced with the correct serving sizes of protein, vegetables and complex carbohydrates will keep you feeling fuller longer without experiencing deprivation. With Jenny Craig, Sara is able to still enjoy her favorite foods like chocolate cake and macaroni and cheese, just in the right serving size.

Plan ahead! As a bride-to-be, you are probably rushing around everywhere getting everything in tip-top shape for the big day, leaving little time to even think about eating healthy. Plan your meals and snacks ahead of time – that way, there are no surprise encounters with the vending machine or drive-thru.

Stress can be dangerous to a healthy diet and active lifestyle. Be sure to have an outlet where you can unwind with and de-stress. Be it a friend or family member, it is always helpful to have someone by your side for extra motivation and support you need during this exciting time in your life.

Weight loss is about progress, not perfection! There are tons of little things you can do every day to help you take steps toward living a healthier lifestyle; it doesn’t have to be a drastic change! Change one thing each day and before you know it you’ll have easily transitioned to smarter eating and lifestyle
choices.

A faux tan is the best tan. Women everywhere agree that they feel slimmer and more confident when they have that summer glow. Scared to do it yourself? Tanning salons now offer spray tans that won’t leave you feeling orange or streaky.

Stay calm. Shopping for a bridal gown can be overwhelming! Bring tear sheets, photos and downloaded web images of styles of gowns you wish to try on. This allows those helping you to have a visual idea of what you’re looking for.

Strike a pose. The day has arrived and you’re feeling less than perfect? Don’t worry! You can still look fabulous by striking the perfect pose: stand tall and straight, as slouching adds weight to your frame. And don’t forget to gently hold your arm away from your torso – this creates a more flexed and toned shape in your biceps.

Hair not cooperating? Dress it up with some flowers! Especially in springtime, bridal updos that incorporate floral accents are sure to draw attention away from the simple bun and toward the bright accessories.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Water not only helps you stay slim by flushing out excess salt, but it also keeps your skin glowing and clear.

The right fit. When choosing your wedding gown, look for silhouettes and styles that flatter your best figure features. Don't get too caught up on the hot trends of the moment. Focus on what is best suited for you! Entrust the bridal experts to help you with your decision.

Finally, RELAX! This is your big day and if you are at ease and comfortable in your own skin, your whole demeanor will reflect the same, ensuring that everyone will remember you as a happy, carefree bride.

With these simple tips, Sara and Mark are sure you will not only look glamorous but will feel it too.



Mark and Sara with a Rivini gown

Mark and Sara look at a Jenny Packham gown

Mark, Sara and Bridal Guide Magazine Editor in Chief Diane Forden

photos by Michael Loccisano, Getty Images

Join Us at The Bride's Newlywed Nest on Thursday

Come out to Bride's Newlywed Nest on Thursday evening to share a cocktail and personally chat with Mark and Bride's Fashion Editor Rachel Leonard about bridal and mother of the bride/groom fashion. We will be showing some great new gowns!

All brides and moms who attend the event and make a future purchase at Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier will receive a special discount. Plus, for each sale we will make a special donation to the Lower East Side Girls Club.