Wedding Traditions and History: The Bridal Party

This week we are taking a look at the fascinating history of the modern day Bridal Party.

The Bridal Party: Then
Photo by Michelle McMurray

The Bridal Party: Now
Photo by Gertrude & Mabel

In early traditions, groomsmen were called ‘bridesknights.’  These bridesknights supported the groom by helping him capture and protect his bride. They would ride their horses to another town to kidnap the bride, and the groom’s ‘best knight’ would help fight for the groom’s love.

The Groomsmen: Then
Drawing by Manga and Anime

The bridesknights would then oversee the safety of the bride until the wedding ceremony was over.  The best knight would stand on the Brides side so he could be next to her and protect her until they were married. This was thought to confuse the evil spirits, ensuring that no spells could be cast over the couple.

It’s safe to say that the role of the groomsmen has changed significantly over the years!  Today’s responsibilities include planning the groom’s last hurrah by way of a bachelor party, and ensuring he makes it to the church on time for the ceremony.

The Groomsmen: Now
Photo by Gertrude & Mabel

The Bridesmaids: Then
Photo by Martin Schweig

Back in the day, bridesmaids played a very similar role to the brideknights. The bride’s closest friends would help the bride get some distance from her over-protective family and unwanted suitors so she could be captured by the groom she desired.  On her wedding day, her bridesmaids would dress similarly to the bride in an effort to throw off any evil spirits and bad luck that could be directed towards the otherwise easily identifiable bride and groom.

The Bridesmaids: Now
Photo by Michelle Pattee Photography

Nowadays, the maid of honor and bridesmaids are chosen specially from the bride’s close group of friends to stand beside her on the big day.  They celebrate her by planning a fabulous bachelorette party prior to the wedding, and see to it that each and every one of her needs are met while she prepares to walk down the aisle.

Traditions are so much more fun in our day and age!

Photo by Gertrude & Mabel

Get to Know…Stacy McCain

This month we are getting to know the lady who’s responsible for making the real magic happen –  Miss Stacy McCain!  This year marks the seven year anniversary of Stacy McCain Event Planning ( aka SMEP ), during which the company has received wonderful reviews from clients and vendors alike.  Stacy’s passion for her work is remarkable, as is her commitment to spending quality time with family and friends.  Here’s a little insight as to how this event planner spends her day to day:

Photo By: Sasha Gulish

Q: Which industry related tool can you not live without?

 A: Scissors! No matter the event, size or location we ALWAYS seem to be in need of a pair or two. 

Q: When you’re not on site at an event, what can we find you doing?

A: Catching-up with friends over a glass of wine or spending quality time with my very supportive and understanding boyfriend.

Q: At which venue are you dying to work?

A: Locally, I’d love to work at Kunde Family Estate in Sonoma. 

Photo of Kunde Family Estate : Photo From Snooth.com

Internationally I’ve been dying to work at Cuixmala in Mexico. 

Photo of Cuixmala : Photo from Cuixmala.com

Q: My go to snack is ________.

A:  I tend to snack on trail mix, grapes, goldfish crackers and mandarin oranges.

Q: What is/are your guilty pleasure(s)?

A: My guilty pleasures include US Weekly, fro-yo (twist of chocolate & peanut butter), Sour Patch Watermelon candies and shopping. 

Us Weekly :: Sour Patch Watermelon Candies 

Q: TV wise, what are you watching right now?

A: Nashville, Scandal, Revenge and Grey’s Anatomy.

Q: I can’t stand ________.

A: Inconsiderate drivers.

Q: What’s the last thing you purchased online?

A: Airline tickets to Palm Springs for Stagecoach, so excited!

Q: Music wise, I am currently listening to ______.

A: Foster the People’s ‘Coming of Age’ from their new album ‘Supermodel’ out in March.

Q: Favorite thing I currently have hanging in my closet is ______

A: My red Zara coat

Q: What’s your favorite restaurant in the Bay Area?

A: Cotogna, love me some Italian food!

Q: What do you love most about working with the Stacy McCain Event Planning team?

A: My amazing team of assistants! Would not, could not do it without them. Their energy, drive and willingness to do what it takes to get the job done is incredible!

Photo By: Sabine Scherer

Photo By: Sabine Scherer

Photo By: Sasha Gulish

In case you missed it, be sure you Get To Know… Allie Phelps

Happy Valentines Day!

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2014 Grammy Awards Red Carpet Faves

The 2014 Grammy Awards featured some truly stunning red carpet ensembles this year. We saw a lot of sheer fabrics, chunky lace, texture and metallics, marked with the occasional pops of blues and reds. Stylistically, gowns were form fitting with plunging necklines, fitted bodices, mermaid trains and sheer overlays. For us, watching the red carpet arrivals was the most exciting part of the night, and we loved seeing what the stars brought to the table. Here are some standouts from the evening:

Beyonce wore a gown by Michael Costello

Photo courtesy Atlanta Black Star

Alicia Keyes was electric in Armani Privé

Photo courtesy Become Gorgeous

Pink was red hot in Johanna Johnson

Photo courtesy Pop Crush

Taylor Swift sparkled in Gucci

Photo Courtesy The Hollywood Reporter

Miranda Lambert turned heads in this sexy Pamella Roland gown

Photo courtesy International Business Times

Guiliana Rancic was vibrant in a coral number by Alex Perry

Photo courtesy News Australia

Katy Perry stuck a chord in a stunning Valentino dress

Photo Courtesy Jones Magazine

Kelly Rowland left nothing to the imagination in a gown by Georges Chakra Couture

Photo courtesy Republic Records

A pregnant Ciara glowed in Emilio Pucci

Photo courtesy Cosmopolitan

And who could forget Pharell Williams’ Yogi Bear inspired hat? Heyyyyyyyy Boo Boo!

Photo courtesy Teen Y

Now the real question is, would you dare to wear one of these dresses to a black tie event? (with the exception of Pharell’s hat, of course…)