New Bridal Couture from New York Fashion Week

Posted on October 16, 2025 by jlammerts

Top Trends for 2026

In short: corsets (sometimes with dropped waistline); everything that glitters; bold textures (from 3D appliques to feathers) and the return of the tulle skirt – plus the eternal lace!

Corsets:

Every collection had at least one – open or hidden, giving the upper body a sculpted silhouette. Examples below from the new brand Wiederhoeft, from KYHA and WONÁ Concept.

Drop waist/basque waist:

A U- or V-shaped dip at the waistline for a sculpted, nipped-in look thanks to the curve of the fabric. Enaura showed it with finely beaded styles and Galia Lahav with lace-covered gowns. Rime Arodaky incorporated the silhouette in fabrics like duchess satin for a softer, yet still sculpted look.

Crystals, pearls and other sparkle:

Embroidered jewel designs by Marco & Maria, crystal-covered dresses by Hermione De Paula. and all-over silvery shimmer with every movement at Francesca Miranda.

Bold texture:

Heavier fabrics like damask; but then also sculptural additions, 3D applique and House of Gilles‘ fringe and beading in couture constructions.

Tulle skirt, ballerina look:

At Vivienne Westwood with a chic, drop-waist corset, or as a removable tulle overskirt at Mark Ingram Collection with a Mikado sheath underneath.

And again and forever: lace.

For the romantic bride at Monique Lhuillier; full-lace (some even dramatic and sexy) at Jaclyn Whyte.

Lastly: party dresses for dancing!

Shorter or asymmetrical hemlines are good for “all-wedding” but especially for dancing – look up Elie Saab; lingerie-inspired designs e.g. by Milla Nova and shimmering disco looks by KYHA.

Texas wedding venues: Commodore Perry Estate

Posted on October 9, 2025 by jlammerts

An incredible discovery today: a historic mansion, literally minutes away from downtown Austin in a quiet neighborhood – and once you pass through the wrought-iron gate onto the flagstone driveway, you find yourself in a different world.

The Mediterranean-inspired architecture of the mansion with its neoclassical influences, the surrounding manicured park with mature trees (many magnolias among them!) and the peace and serenity of the 10-acre estate transport you in a zen-like state of mind; I guarantee it.

An additional building of the same vintage – the 1920s – houses a gym and spa, and then there is a hotel building with 52 rooms which looks and feels exactly the same; hard to believe it’s just a few years old! Designer extraordinaire Ken Fulk managed the nearly impossible – both for the mansion which was gently renovated while preserving its historic charm, and for the new hotel building which was constructed using historic materials including encaustic tile and reclaimed wood floors and a classical architectural vocabulary like this interior courtyard surrounded by arcades. Nothing is “fake” – it all breathes authenticity and luxurious understatement.

And then – did I already say that it’s the most exclusive wedding venue in all of central Texas? With just over 30 wedding events per year – maximal 6 of them buy-outs – the venue makes sure that each couple and their guests receive the full attention and effort of the dedicated staff. In short, they are treated like royalty!

Indoors, the mansion exudes the quiet charm of its beginnings a century ago, with period furnishings and decor, but without the feel of a museum; rather like a well-aged private home, handed down through the generations and lovingly cared for.

The property, under the umbrella of the luxury hotel group Auberge, prides itself on extraordinarily good food: from the same kitchen and the same chefs who run the onsite Michelin-starred restaurant.

For all its elegance and sophistication, it’s a cozy, warm and welcoming space with a French-Mediterranean atmosphere – and it even has a patio with outdoor seating.

Back to weddings! There are several outdoor ceremony areas to choose from…

… all equally beautiful and with the option to use the back facade of the mansion as the gorgeous backdrop for your vows!

Just imagine the possibilities… with draping and flowers and and and…! And if you’d rather not chance the weather, you can have your ceremony in the former chapel which otherwise serves as a stylish space for dancing. In short… you can have it all, and all here, onsite – a complete, unforgettable wedding weekend with your guests. For me, Commodore Perry Estate was a true revelation. I’m charmed!

Contact: cpe.events@aubergeresorts.com

Expert interviews: Wedding cakes by Cake Coquette

Posted on September 26, 2025 by jlammerts

Cake baker extraordinaire Gabrielle Feuersinger and I as a wedding planner and designer go back more than a decade. I deeply admire Gabrielle’s talent, enthusiasm and unrelenting perfectionism in creating the most wonderful wedding cakes for my couples. Who better to ask about all aspects of “wedding-cake-decision-making” – than HER?!

So here we go…

– How did you get into wedding cake baking and design?

I make cakes for all and any occasion, but making wedding cakes is my favorite because I get to work with fun, inspiring couples to design something original, meaningful and something that will be in their memories forever. It has to be perfect and I put a lot of extra love into my wedding cakes.

A charming basketweave design (all piped in buttercream!) with buttercream flowers – for a garden event

A true “labor of love” in Wedgwood blue.

– What makes an exceptional cake?

An exceptional cake is a cake that looks amazing and tastes excellent. Wedding cake got a bad rap for a long time, but my cakes are delicious and I am really proud of my flavor offerings. I get a lot of positive feedback.

Photo: Shhivika Chauhan; Gabrielle made this cake literally overnight for an emergency wedding, and it’s glorious!

– Which factors should couples consider when choosing their cake and its decor? E.g. transportation, ambient temperature, setting, style…

I encourage cakes to be displayed indoors for overall safety. I think the venue and guest count should be considered when deciding the size of a cake. A wedding for 450 people in SF city hall for example shouldn’t be a 2 tier displayed on the steps. I’m not pushing for a 450 display cake, but something in the middle looks better.

– Which factors influence the price of a wedding cake?

Price reflects time. If I am making details that are time consuming and intricate, like fine lace piping details or detailed sugar flowers, this will be the biggest factors in pricing.

Handmade floral motifs and gilded detail

Photo: Tuan B. Photography – a cake with handmade sugar flowers and gold accents

– What are the latest trends in wedding cakes?

Right now, 2025, the look is vintage, Lambeth style buttercream piping. I love it… so easy and quick (for me). It doesn’t break the bank.

– Anything else you want to add…?

When coming in for a meeting I love to see all the details you have been working on; the invitation, dress, plates, linens, venue….all these details get my creative juices flowing and I can bring something fun to your cake.

Here are two examples of Gabrielle’s incredible creativity: for a couple of mathematicians who love traveling (!!), she designed a wedding cake in the shape of a vintage suitcase, complete with stickers of the bride’s and groom’s favorite travel destinations, and topped with a stack of professinal math books that looked so lifelike that their fellow mathematician guests tried to pick them up and leaf through them!

And for another couple with a “Tiffany” wedding theme, she designed a cake in the shape of stacked Tiffany boxes, held together with a bow – incorporating (at the groom’s request) a REAL Tiffany box containing a pearl bracelet (do you see it in the photo?). This cake had to be guarded until cake cutting time!

Round or rectangular – that is the question!!

Posted on August 27, 2025 by jlammerts

When planning your wedding reception, you might be in doubt what’s better, more beautiful, more practical – round or rectangular dining tables?

While there is certainly no “right” or “wrong” and no “one-size-fits-all” solution – there are several aspects to consider.

1.) How much room do you have, relative to your guest count? Rectangular tables are more “space-economical” than round ones.

2.) What’s the shape of your dining/ballroom? Square or very open spaces (like, e.g. a lawn) look better with round tables, narrow rectangular floor plans look better with rectangular tables.

3.) How formal is your event? Round tables signal more formality, while rectangular tables, especially if arranged in long rows, are considered more informal.

4.) What’s your design vision? Tall, round floral centerpieces are best displayed on round tables;

floral/greenery garlands look best on long rows of end-to-end rectangular tables.

5.) Practical necessities: aisles need to be 36 inches wide for guest movement and for waitstaff/service.

Advantages and disadvantages of round tables:

They facilitate interaction between guests and feel more intimate, but as we stated above, they take up more space than rectangular ones.

Advantages and disadvantages of rectangular tables:

Guest interaction is more limited to the persons seated to the immediate left and right and to the person across the table. Rectangular tables are great for buffet set-ups, food stations and bar set-ups and for very structured dinner layouts, but they might need some extra dress-up in order not to look too basic.

Can you mix round and rectangular dining tables?

YES! But it should not be done haphazardly, but preferably in a symmetrical pattern. Look how beautiful this can be:

I hope this all will help you in envisioning YOUR perfect dinner setup!

Planning a Green and Sustainable Wedding

Posted on August 21, 2025 by jlammerts

Weddings are joyous celebrations, but they can also generate significant waste and carbon emissions. Fortunately, couples today are embracing eco-friendly choices that reduce environmental impact while keeping the day just as magical. A sustainable wedding is not about compromise—it’s about creativity and conscious decision-making.

Eco-Friendly Venues
Choosing a venue that prioritizes sustainability is a powerful first step. Outdoor settings like gardens, vineyards, or family properties minimize the need for excess décor. Many venues now integrate renewable energy, water conservation systems, and waste reduction programs—making it easier for couples to celebrate responsibly. But even forbidding disposable serveware and plastic-bottled water in favor of real china and real glassware ONLY (like, for example, several high-end venues in the SF Bay Area do), is actually a great step towards less waste.

Sustainable Décor and Florals
Instead of single-use décor, couples are opting for rentals, repurposed items, or natural elements. Locally grown flowers reduce carbon footprints while supporting nearby farmers. For an eco-chic touch, consider potted plants that can be gifted and that will live long after the wedding – something I frequently recommend. Potted orchids in particular are a hit with my couples! Here are a few examples from previous weddings:

OR you could use your dessert in lieu of a floral centerpiece! We’ve done it last year – have a look:

Conscious Catering
Food is often the largest contributor to waste. Sustainable catering emphasizes seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and plant-forward menus. Farm-to-table food is fresh and delicious – the way to go! Especially for Cocktail Hour appetizers and dessert bars (see below an example from one of my weddings), it is so easy to do that. Donating leftovers to local shelters ensures that nothing goes to waste while extending the joy of your celebration to the community – this is something we do on a regular basis.

Attire and Accessories
From renting gowns to choosing ethically produced fabrics, fashion choices can also go green. Brides and grooms increasingly select attire they can wear again, or they repurpose vintage pieces—giving garments a second life. These two of my brides had a wedding dress re-tailored: Ali right below wore her grandmother’s dress, and Nicole had her mother’s wedding dress cut short and taken in – and it fit her like a glove!

Invitations, Escort Cards and Favors
Digital invitations and RSVP platforms dramatically cut down on paper waste. For those who love tangible keepsakes, recycled paper or seed-embedded stationery is both stylish and eco-friendly. As for favors, you could gift experiences, offer edible treats (macarons or chocolates!), tree seedlings or seed packets (which could actually do double-duty as escort “cards!”) or donations to environmental causes instead of disposable trinkets. The photo below is from the wedding of a dog-loving couple – they made a donation to an animal charity on behalf of their guests.

By weaving sustainability into each detail, you can create a wedding that not only celebrates your love but also honors the planet—leaving behind cherished memories, not excess waste. We at A Day Like No Other have been doing this from the outset (some of the photos in this article are 13 years old!), and so we have gained extensive experience with environmentally friendly practices. Plan your wedding with us! We’ve got the ideas, the experience AND the expertise!

Wedding flowers for Fall

Posted on August 15, 2025 by jlammerts

Asters and “Mums”

Not the “core” choice of wedding flowers, for sure – but these flowers have a LOT going for them. They are first and foremost Fall flowers, and I would recommend using them in season as that is when they are the freshest, you have the largest selection and the lowest price for them.

Both asters and chrysanthemum varietals (“mums” for short) are great team players in wedding arrangements and bouquets, going well with roses, calla lilies and even with orchids, as a textural contrast. Their colors run the gamut from light yellow and peach, pink, coral red to wine red and from lavender hues to darkest purple.

Let me show you what we have!

Spider Chrysanthemum

Exotic, thread-like sculptural petals creating a dramatic, airy and elegant bloom —great for dramatic bouquets or as standout florals for a “fireworks” effect.

Decorative chrysanthemum

Full, rounded blooms (pom-poms) that add fullness and texture or intricate blooms (quill variey) ideal for detailed floral arrangements.

New England Aster

Tall, late-season asters in shades of purple—perfect for garden bouquets

Michaelmas Daisy (an aster varietal)

Compact asters with delicate lavender petals with golden centers, ideal for elegant accents, symbolizing late-season charm.

These images showcase the richness and variety you can work with in floral design—ranging from sculptural impact to textural softness. Use them individually or layered together in a mood board to convey bloom diversity, textures, and color palette.

And here are examples of these beautiful flowers used in bridal bouquets and wedding arrangements:

I hope you are inspired now! Go create!!

Honeymoon destinations: Fiji

Posted on July 15, 2025 by jlammerts

A Tropical Paradise of Culture, Nature, and Romance

Nestled in the heart of the South Pacific, Fiji is an archipelago of more than 300 islands, each surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs.

Located approximately 2,000 km northeast of New Zealand, its two main islands—Viti Levu and Vanua Levu—are home to most of Fiji’s nearly 920,000 residents. The islands’ geography ranges from lush rainforests and volcanic mountains to white-sand beaches and secluded lagoons, creating a breathtaking natural canvas.

Fiji enjoys a tropical marine climate, with warm temperatures year-round averaging 77–86°F (25–30°C). The dry season from May to October is especially popular with tourists, while the wetter months bring lush vegetation and dramatic tropical showers. The islands boast rich biodiversity, from exotic birds and fruit bats to flowering hibiscus, towering coconut palms, and vibrant coral gardens teeming with marine life.

Fijian culture is a warm blend of indigenous Melanesian traditions and strong Indian influences, rooted in community, hospitality, and connection to nature. Visitors can experience traditional village life, enjoy a kava ceremony, or watch firewalking and meke dance performances. English is widely spoken, though Fijian and Hindi are also national languages. Christianity is the dominant religion, alongside Hinduism and Islam, creating a rich tapestry of festivals and traditions.

For travelers—and especially honeymooners—Fiji offers an unmatched blend of luxury and authenticity. Whether you’re sipping cocktails in an overwater bungalow, diving with manta rays in the Yasawas, snorkeling in the pristine coral reefs…

… or enjoying a private beach picnic on a deserted sand cay …

Fiji invites romance at every turn. Resorts often incorporate Fijian design and local produce, enhancing the cultural immersion without compromising comfort. Locals are generally very friendly and welcoming (though business-minded…), the beaches offer powdery white sand and crystal-clear water, and the technicolor sunsets create an unforgettable backdrop for beginning a new chapter in life.

In every sense, Fiji is not just a destination—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience of serenity, wonder, and romance in the tropics.

Wedding flowers – roses

Posted on July 10, 2025 by jlammerts

Probably the most iconic of wedding flowers, already a cliche… roses are symbolic of love, passion and beauty. So much so that many of my brides reject them right away as their wedding flowers: “overdone, expected, old-fashioned, boring” etc. etc.

What they overlook are all the advantages that roses offer: a riot of colors, a variety of shapes – from the classic sculpted single-bloom rose to the lush, full English Garden roses (big as peonies and round like ranunculus) to spray roses, carrying many small blooms on each stem.

Let me go into the advantages of roses:

Available year-round, sturdy and robust (i.e. long-lasting), reasonably priced (yes, that exists!) and then, of course, variety of shapes and a rainbow of colors from white/ivory to yellow, powder pink, shocking pick, magenta, red to purple and near-black. Only disadvantage (and that is more for your florist) – thorns need to be removed before handling, but that would be all!

Here are some more examples of this gorgeous flower, solo and combined in bouquets.

One more thing: I absolutely predict a big come-back for the famous Baccara rose: long-stemmed, velvety dark red – nearly black. It’s dramatic and elegant, and I’ve even designed bridal flowers around this idea – each bridesmaid carrying just one of these statement roses, and the bride a whole bouquet. Have a look:

(And aside from the visual drama – there you have a bridesmaids’ “bouquet” at $10. Unbeatable, right?!)

Contact me at jutta@daylikenoother.com for your free consultation.

Now booking for 2026!

A Day Like No Other – wedding coordination and design

“When only the best will do…”

Honeymoon Destinations: Tahiti and her Islands

Posted on June 29, 2025 by jlammerts

The ultimate honeymoon dream, to me, are the Polynesian islands – Tahiti, Moorea (just a stone’s throw away out in the lagoon), Bora Bora with its dramatic volcanic peak, Mt. Otemanu (and then the “outer islands” that are less touristy and harder to reach). Their natural beauty is simply breathtaking – the backdrop for romance and an opportunity to experience the culture and cuisine of the islands. They form an archipelago in the South Pacific Sea, scattered across more than 4000 square miles, 8 hours flight time from Los Angeles.

What makes Polynesia so special for couples is its stunning landscape: emerald-green peaks, powdery white-sand beaches, and turquoise lagoons that seem almost unreal. Overwater bungalows in places like Bora Bora and Moorea offer ultimate privacy and luxury, with direct access to the sea, private decks, and breathtaking sunsets.

Beyond the beauty, Polynesian islands provide rich cultural experiences. You can witness traditional dance performances, enjoy beachside luaus, and learn about island heritage through music, tattoos, and storytelling.

Not to forget – on Bora Bora, you should visit the Musee Gauguin. As you may know, Paul Gauguin, a 19th century French banker, was one of the first Europeans to “escape” to the islands, leaving behind his family and his career to paint the life and culture of Tahiti and Moorea, and many of his world-famous paintings (at least copies thereof) are on permanent exhibit at this intimate museum.

Despite the fact that tourism has become the foundation of the local economy and that tourists are largely considered a necessary evil, most locals are friendly and retain a deep sense of hospitality, rooted in their culture, which adds warmth to every encounter.

Moorea is a little more sleepy and laid-back than the main island, Tahiti;

… while Bora Bora has become the center of luxury tourism. But still, it’s main “town” – Vaitape village – feels like time has stood still…

Adventure and relaxation go hand-in-hand everywhere in Polynesia. Snorkeling with rays and reef sharks, hiking volcanic trails, or sailing across a calm lagoon are just a few of the activities to share together. For quieter moments, you can enjoy a beach picnic, a couples’ spa treatment, or simply watch the stars from your private deck.

The islands also offer world-class cuisine featuring fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and French and Polynesian fusion. Oftentimes these foods are enjoyed as part of a luau with a Polynesian Dance performance…

Or you could enjoy a romantic dinner by torchlight, with your feet in the sand and the sound of waves in the background – the epitome of island romance.

Whether you’re exploring lush jungle paths or enjoying breakfast delivered by canoe to your overwater villa, the Polynesian islands create unforgettable memories. They offer a rare combination of tranquility, elegance, and authenticity—ideal for couples beginning their journey together; a true honeymoon paradise for memories of a lifetime.

Honeymoon destinations: Munich and the south of Germany

Posted on June 23, 2025 by jlammerts

Munich – that’s “Oktoberfest,” right? Was that your first association?

Well… yes. Parades and beer tents and the general atmosphere of a time-honored country fair. That’s what you get when you travel to Munich in the Fall – between September 20 and October 5 this year, to be exact. BUT there is so much more to Munich… let me show you.

Beautiful baroque architecture…

The Marienplatz and Liebfrauenkirche…

… parks and beer gardens…

… and lots of things to see in the vicinity. You could go on a day trip to King Ludwig’s castle Neuschwanstein (inspiration for Disney’s Cinderella castle)…

… a folly that actually cost the king his life – he was found drowned in a nearby lake, most likely a political assassination motivated by his enormous spending spree on fairytale castles.

You could go on a day trip to see the Alps and the picturesque little town of Mittenwald …

… or, even better, stay there for a while for mountain hiking. Also less than 200 miles away is Lake Constance with its fully restored Bronze Age village…

… absolutely worth the detour.

For your stay in Munich, I recommend as your homebase the hotel Bayerischer Hof – traditional, elegant, centrally located (with the most famous dirndl shop right next door!) and the additional benefit that the Oktoberfest parades go right past its front entrance.

Once you are in Germany, what about traveling a bit further north for a Rhine river cruise past countless medieval castles…

… and a visit to the medieval city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber – also home to one of the most famous “Christkindlmaerkte” (Christmas markets) in all of Germany?

I am sure you’ll love it. Again – send photos!

Wedding Woof

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