{EVENT RECAP} Stellar Weekend for Elite Secrets Bridal

This trunk show and the media attention around it was unlike any other. We kicked things off on Friday with a press preview. Some of Baltimore’s most recognized journalists met at the Studio to preview autumn and winter collections from Justin Alexander’s Sweetheart and Sincerity Bridal. A few even tried on some of the couture wedding dresses. Early on Saturday morning, beauty expert and CEO of Elite Secrets, LaTonya Turnage, headed to WBAL-TV to do makeup for the morning segment on Preakness Fashion with Baltimore Sun's John-John Williams. It was a treat to see the big hats and glam outfits paired with the famous Elite Secrets beat.

After some fun on set, the team headed back to Elite Secrets to welcome brides to the trunk show. Brides and local wedding vendors gathered at the Mount Vernon bridal boutique to shop and mingle over champagne.

When the show ended, the team packed up the dresses and made their way to Port Discovery for the Philanthropik’s Shade event, a benefit for Baltimore’s Mayor Hugh’s summer jobs program. Models revealed the collections as they mixed and mingled with Baltimore elite crowd of professionals and celebrities.

Last but not least, our friends from WBFF-TV interviewed our favorite girl boss and entrepreneur, LaTonya during the trunk show on Sunday. Needless to say, the weekend was a huge success!

In fact, because the show was such a success we’ve extended the Justin Alexander Trunk Show special through this week! Book your bridal appointment today and enjoy 10% off Justin Alexander wedding dresses and 50% off wedding accessories.

From breathtaking ball gowns to romantic A-lines to sleek modern dresses, the new Sweetheart and Sincerity Collections by Justin Alexander is what fairy-tale dreams are made. Equal parts classic and romantic there is something for everyone. Think soft traditional fabrics, intricate details, and graceful hues all coming together to create some of the most elegant and show stopping gowns you will ever see.

Beyond extraordinary gowns and accessories, shopping with Elite Secrets Bridal supports a worthy cause! A portion of the proceeds from retail sales will go to For 3 Sisters, a Maryland-based nonprofit organization with a mission to raise awareness and improve the quality of life for men and women affected by breast cancer.

About Elite Secrets Bridal

Located in Baltimore's esteemed Mount Vernon fashion boutique district, Elite Secrets Bridal opened its doors, bringing to Baltimore’s bridal scene an experience that cannot be found in any other Baltimore bridal boutique. The pedigree of founder LaTonya Turnage, bridal beauty and fashion expert has been fundamental to our philosophy to combine expertise and excellent service with style and grace. Leaving pretense to the side, we focus on bringing the best designer and emerging bridal gowns from all over the world to Baltimore Brides!

5 Insider Tips for Staying Comfortable on Your Wedding Day

All the blogs and magazines share tips for looking flawless on your wedding day but rarely do we talk about how to feel great on your big day…especially when you’re wearing a beaded gown with layered of tulle and tons of hairspray. To ensure you’re as comfortable as you are beautiful, take LaTonya’s tips for enjoying your day with fidgeting or readjusting a thing.

Bypass too-tight shapewear

Squeezing yourself in shapewear that is too small is not worth the agony…seriously. Yes, you will cinch in an inch or two, but you won’t be able to sit, eat or (most importantly) dance comfortably. Besides, you’ll look gorgeous without it and feel much, much better.

Save the lingerie for your honeymoon

While it might seem sweet to wear sexy lingerie under your gown, it may not be worth the discomfort—especially if you’re getting married during the summer. Plus, after dancing and just general wear, you’ll likely want to change into something fresh before your wedding night officially gets under way.

Unzip when you can

If you’re wearing a corset top dress, have someone undo your dress for the ride to the ceremony, especially if you have a long trip. You’ll likely be nervous and sweating more than usual anyway so being all zipped up into your dress might get uncomfortable. Have your maid of honor or stylist help you secure your dress before you walk down the aisle.

Bring a cover up

If there’s even a chance of a breeze or low temperatures, make sure you have something that you can wrap yourself up in. You don’t want to shiver during your pictures (they always take longer than you think!) or at the end of the night when you’ll want to continue visiting with guests in the night air. Bring along a wrap or a cute shawl to wear over your wedding dress.

Pack a backup pair of shoes

Even if your shoes are comfortable, standing in heels all day will take its toll on anybody. Bring a pair of comfortable flats or slippers so you can swap out your heels when needed. By the time your reception comes around you will thank me.

{EVENT RECAP} Elite Secrets Hosts First Trunk Show Featuring Justin Alexander

On Friday and Saturday, April 21 and April 22 in Baltimore, Elite Secrets Bridal hosted its first bridal trunk show featuring sought after designer, Justin Alexander. Brides and local wedding vendors gathered at the Mount Vernon bridal boutique to shop and mingle over champagne and bites from the Sascha Catering. The event was a huge success! In fact, because the show was such a success we’ve extended the Justin Alexander Trunk Show special through this week! Book your bridal appointment today and enjoy 10% off Justin Alexander wedding dresses and 50% off wedding accessories.

From breathtaking ball gowns to romantic A-lines to sleek modern dresses, the new Sweetheart and Sincerity Collections by Justin Alexander is what fairy-tale dreams are made. Equal parts classic and romantic there is something for everyone. Think soft traditional fabrics, intricate details, and graceful hues all coming together to create some of the most elegant and show stopping gowns you will ever see.

Beyond extraordinary gowns and accessories, shopping with Elite Secrets Bridal supports a worthy cause! A portion of the proceeds from retail sales will go to For 3 Sisters, a Maryland-based nonprofit organization with a mission to raise awareness and improve the quality of life for men and women affected by breast cancer.

Book your bridal appointment today!

About Elite Secrets Bridal

Located in Baltimore's esteemed Mount Vernon fashion boutique district, Elite Secrets Bridal opened its doors, bringing to Baltimore’s bridal scene an experience that cannot be found in any other Baltimore bridal boutique. The pedigree of founder LaTonya Turnage, bridal beauty and fashion expert, has been fundamental to our philosophy to combine expertise and excellent service with style and grace. Leaving pretense to the side, we focus on bringing the best designer and emerging bridal gowns from all over the world to Baltimore Brides!

5 Important Things EVERY BRIDE Must do to Look Your Best on the Big Day

5 Important Things EVERY BRIDE Must Do to Look Your Best on the Big Day 'How to look great on my wedding day?' is a thought that runs in the mind of many brides. The truth is, it is not rocket science - and it all boils down to a couple of important wedding day makeup, hair and dress tips you need to follow.

Speaking of which, we are outlining the best ones for making your look absolutely flawless - below.

1. Strike a Pose In Front Of Your Mirror

It may sound silly, but knowing where your hands are at all times during your wedding, and what your pose is, can be actually helpful. The best way to practice it is in front of the mirror, by trying each celebrity pose.

Oh, and did you know that some poses can make you 10 pounds lighter in front of the camera? Grab a friend and have them help you out!

2. Have a Professional Apply Your Makeup

Just because you have a bridesmaid who knows how to apply makeup, that doesn't mean that she will do a great job on your wedding day makeup.  Most likely she will have a lot going on and things to do that day to get herself ready. You won't be her center of attention, and your makeup may suffer because of it.  A professional makeup artist makes it his or her job to make sure that the bride is the most important face of the day!

3. Learn How to Work your Face for the Camera

Double chins are the enemy of every bride. In case you don't know what it is, it's the pose when you are looking down, and your chin is doubling and colliding with your neck. They can make even the slimmest of women look bad in pictures.

The best way to prevent a double chin from happening on your wedding photos and videos is to always move your head forward. Just make sure you are not looking at the ceiling or making awkward poses, right?

4. Embrace The Beauty Of Laughter

Sometimes, the best wedding photos are the ones where you and your friends laugh. Fake smiles are not flattering for sure - however, the same cannot be said for fake laughs. So, next time when you want to relax - let out a forced 'Ha! Ha!' - and do it again, again and again.

The results? Natural photos that everyone loves!

5. Buy The Dress, The Shoes And The Accessories

Be sure to purchase your attire in the right order. First buy the dress, next select the shoes, and lastly the accessories. That way is the easiest to follow and the most hassle-free choice to go for. And remember - always choose your wardrobe wisely. Try not to get caught up in the trend of the moment, but instead focus on your personal style and what flatters you most.

Looking for the perfect dress? We’ve got you covered. Join us at Elite Secrets Bridal on April 21 and 22 for the Justin Alexander trunk show. Click the box below to make your appointment today! You don't want to miss this! 

What Your Wedding Lipstick Shade Says About You

Not every bride treats her lips equally when it comes to the big day. Some prefer gentle and more relaxed lipsticks - and other are brave enough to go with the bold red. There are plenty of choices when it comes to lipstick shades, and you should know their meanings.

Mauve - Luxury With A Hint Of Mystery

Mauve is the softer shade of purple and a color that symbolizes a luxurious woman with a shade of mystery in her. It is great to show off your sophisticated style and portrays strength and confidence. Also, it is modern, trendy and stylish choice that many brides go for recently.

Hot Pink As The Color That Stands Out

Hot pink lipsticks are not for everyone. They are ideal for the brave and energetic brides who know how to light up a room and are never afraid to stand out. They replicate the center of attention and give a bubbly, excited and friendly flair to your wedding.

Coral - The Adventurer

Coral is a new trend and perfectly suits tanned brides with love for adventure and the outdoors. It replicates proud, bravery and ability to stand out for yourself. Brides who wear coral are lovers of the environment and want to spend weekends in the outdoors rather than sit at home.

Taupe As The Earth Shade

Down-to-earth is one way to describe taupe as a bridal lipstick shade. It makes your look wholesome and comfortable and in the same time genuine and dependable. It is natural and gives a hint of expression but at the same time laid back and not too flashy.

Bright Red For The Boldest Brides

Red is probably the boldest color of them all. It is sexy, passionate and confident. Brides who wear red lipsticks know what they want and what they deserve - and are passionate with their moods at all times.

Nude As The Confident And Classy Bride

Last but not the least - nude lipsticks replicate shyness and quiet. They are a great fit for brides who actually don't want to be the center of attention but still want to look classy and elegant and show their kindness and genuine personality.

So, have you found yourself in these bridal lipstick colors - and know what you are getting for the big day? Let us know in the comments!

♥ ♥ ♥

Brides, the 2017 Collections from Justin Alexander has just arrived at Elite Secrets Bridal! Find your dream dress at the trunk show of all trunk shows, April 21 and April 22.

Contact us TODAY to book your appointment (443-219-7049) OR click the button below. We're giving 10% off dresses purchased at the show. You don't want to miss this!