The countdown has officially begun…

The countdown has officially begun. We are one week away from the …NEW WEBSITE. NEW COLLECTION. NEW BRIDES. NEW MODELS. NEW NEWS and it is all OH SO FABULOUS!!!!…..Monday, February 7, 2011.

(image courtesy of Leslee Mitchell)

Dressing like a Princess…

We are so enthralled by the April 2011 nuptials of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Could it be that we secretly had a crush on the prince or is it simply that every little girl dreams of being a princess? Whatever the case, we love ALL the hype and excitement surrounding this historic wedding.

Starting tomorrow, January 25th, Reiss an English design house will have Kate’s engagement look for sale. Check out the website below. This would be a fab rehearsal dinner or get away dress for the “princess” in your life.

http://www.reissonline.com/shop/womens/dresses/

Image: Mario Testino

Please cast your vote…

Photographer: leslee mitchell

Please cast your vote for the fresh faces of the heidi elnora 2011 collection. Twelve ladies will be selected to model the latest and greatest gowns by heidi elnora. To cast your vote, visit our “like” page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Heidi-Elnora/97923182322. Your vote along with a meet and greet with the designer will determine which ladies will grace the pages of the heidi elnora website, the runway, and may have the opportunity to be used in local and national media including print and television appearances as well as a trip to NYC for fashion week .

Voting ends on FRIDAY, JANUARY 14 at NOON!!!!!

We look forward to seeing who you choose!

MODEL CASTING CALL….

Requirements: nice, height: 5.6-5.11, dress size: 2,4,6. Available ALL DAY on Sunday, January 16th.

For the first time in 3 years, heidi elnora is having an open casting call for models for the heidi elnora website. We will select 12 ladies to model the 2011 heidi elnora collection. One of the nation’s top photographers, Leslee Mitchell http://www.lesleemitchell.com/will be coming to Birmingham for the shoot. Professional hair, make up and styling will be provided as well as breakfast, lunch, and snacks. If chosen, these girls will grace the pages of the heidi elnora website, the runway, and may have the opportunity to be used in local and national media including print and television appearances as well as a trip to NYC for fashion week . If you or someone you know are interested in modeling please contact us via our facebook “like” page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Heidi-Elnora/97923182322.

With over 180 emails already received from girls in Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia, we will narrow down our top 15-20 on Saturday, January 8th. On Monday, January 10th we will announce our finalist by posting each models headshot on the heidi elnora “like” page. We will need your help voting for your favorite model. Whichever 12 girls receive the most “likes” under their image will be our models for the Sunday, January 16th photo shoot and have the opportunity for the above appearances. Anyone and everyone can vote. We look forward to seeing who you choose and can’t wait to show you the 2011 heidi elnora collection!!!!!

Hair Team: Hair Therapy

Make Up Team: Tour de Glam

Videographer Team: Holloway Productions

Mamie + James…welcome my friend!

With much pride, I would like to introduce you all to Mamie + James. A collection of hand-made garters by one of my very best and talented friends, Loren James. Loren uses “notions collected from open air markets in Paris + New York and even some from Mamie’s sewing box.”  Mamie + James start at $35-$250. Loren offers customization too!

Inspiration comes in many forms, some unexpected, and some very close to the heart. Loren found the inspiration for her line, Mamie + James, in the form of the adventurous life of her Mamie and Papa, and how their love brought them to so many places together. She grew up hearing tales of their life in Morocco, of traveling by sea with two small children, and how they would sit out a storm on top of well-worn suitcases. Endlessly inspired by Mamie’s flair for evening wear and her love for sewing, even as a young girl Loren marveled at her ability to make something incredibly stunning and feminine from very basic materials with such ease. Remembering all the beautiful and whimsical things she experienced during her childhood, Loren set off on her own adventure to write a story all her own – one that led her to travel, explore and create a very personal collection of memories, sketches, photographs and garments. Her story took her all the way from Savannah, GA to the beautiful French countryside. By combining her childhood day­dreams with modern-day exploration, Loren has created her collection for Spring 2011. A collection that infuses chic, modern shapes with delicate vintage detailing – for the girl who wishes to embark on her own series of adventures.

RING in the New Year!!!

Congratulations to all of the recently engaged brides!

Weddings in a Winter Wonderland Land!

I LOVE researching for wedding inspiration and with that, I LOVE winter weddings. There is something so magical about being married in the winter. Maybe it’s the sound of the fireplace crackling or the feeling of bundling up with your love bug, but whatever it is, it sure does make me happy.

I love a girl with some cowboy boots!!!!

One of my MOST favorite brides, Jessica Bryant recently shared with me her wedding album. We had such a good time designing her gown. It was a true FAMILY affair. Come see me Jessica. I miss you and your sweet Momma and sister already!!!!

an October day in New Orleans!

After a few miserable experiences at wedding dress shops in New Orleans, I was convinced I would be wearing grey sweatpants to walk down the aisle.  Thanks to Google, I found Heidi, made my appointment, and headed to my home town of Birmingham to get “the dress.”  From the moment my mom and I walked in, Heidi made us feel comfortable and welcome.  Although I did not know exactly what I wanted, Heidi truly listened to what I had to say.  My dress is a true collaboration between Heidi’s amazing talent and the vision I had in my head.  What she created was better than I ever could have imagined! Rob and I were married on a gorgeous October day in New Orleans.  Both the wedding and reception were at Latrobe’s on Royal, a beautifully historic building in the French Quarter, which had the rustic and romantic feel we were looking for.  Before the festivities began, the two of us walked to take pictures around the Quarter with our photographer.  It was so great to take some alone time together before the ceremony.  Locals and tourists alike thought we were shooting pictures for a wedding magazine, and some even started to follow us around. Everything about the day was absolutely perfect from the flowers to the music and the food.  I had an amazing time, and better yet, I got to marry by best friend.  We were so blessed to be surrounded with so much love from our family and friends, and everyone had a great time dancing and goofing off in the photo booth at the reception. I have never felt more beautiful in my entire life than I did wearing my one-of-a-kind wedding dress made by Heidi.  Being able to create my own wedding dress was such a great experience for my mom and I to share together.  Heidi is not only an amazing designer, she is an incredibly warm and caring person.  I am so grateful to have worked with her!

Love,

Amanda

To see more images check out Studio Tran’s blog at http://studiotran.com/index.cfm?postID=707

It’s back…White Saturday SALE!!!

In celebration of “Turkey Day” and all of the super sales going on around the country on “Black Friday”, we have decided to have our own super sale … “WHITE SATURDAY.” Just print this flyer  to recieve 15% off your heidi elnora gown and veil. Appointments  are available for both Birmingham and Atlanta locations from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm for Saturday, November 27th ONLY.

NOTE: We have added some really FAB new silhouettes that have yet to be posted on the website. These gowns start at $1500.

(Space is limited at both locations so schedule your appointment today.)

Birmingham 205.977.7202

Atlanta 404.903.4263

email:info@heidielnora.com

Holiday Help!!!!

There are several very exciting things in the works at heidi elnora and we need some additional help. If you or someone you know are a talented and professional seamstress who is looking to make some extra holiday money, please email us a quick resume to heidielnora@yahoo.com.

Happy Veteran’s Day!

This Veterans Day is celebrated to honor those who served our country and to remember those who sacrificed their lives to achieve peace and democracy for their beloved nation.

And the winner is….

Last night at the BAMA theater in Tuscaloosa, Alabama the 2011 Miss Alabama and Miss Alabama Teen were crowned. It was an extremely exciting night for the contestants as well as the audience.

After two long days of competition, Miss Tuscaloosa, Madeline Mitchell was crowned as Miss Alabama beating out Miss Vulcan, Rachel Jarvis, who finished first runner-up.

“It is a true honor to win this event,” Mitchell said. “I’m so excited. It was amazing. I had all my friends here supporting me. It just felt great.”

Congratulations Madeline. We are looking forward to designing you a dress and watching you compete for Miss USA in Las Vegas!!!

Miss Alabama USA pageant…this weekend!!!

On November 6th and 7th in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the 2011 Miss Alabama and Miss Teen Alabama pageant will be taking place. The winners of this weekends pageant will compete in the Miss USA pageant in Las Vegas, hosted by Donald Trump. Heidi Elnora is proud to be an official sponsor of the 2011 Miss Alabama USA and Miss Alabama Teen USA pageant. Check back with us next Monday to see the winners, who will be wearing a heidi elnora gown for their upcoming appearances!!!!

For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit http://missalabamausa.com/.

NYC Fashion Week…

As most of you know, Heidi gave birth to her precious baby boy Jack, 3 weeks ago. Since she is super busy being a super Mommy, she was unable to present at fashion week this past weekend. However, here are a few images of what will be in stores in January. Don’t worry, there is way more to come….

Katie Grace – basic silhouette. A silk shantung strapless ball gown with pockets.

Coco Marie – basic silhouette. A silk shantung strapless gown with sweetheart neckline, low v-back, and chapel length train.

Ashley Brooke – A one-shoulder mini with ostrich feather skirt and rhinestone belt/strap.

Images: Frank Carnaggio

Happy Anniversary…

I can hardly believe that this Sunday will be one year since I married my sweet husband. We had such a beautiful and perfect day. All the months that I spent planning and organizing truly made our wedding day everything that I hoped it to be. Thank you to everyone, especially my parents, that helped  to make our day so sweet!

Jeff, I love you SO much. Happy Anniversary!

Check out our wedding video (courtesy of Lance Holloway) at  http://vimeo.com/7407927 and http://vimeo.com/8387210. To see all of our wedding pics (shot by Angela Karen Photography), please go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/Heidi-Elnora/97923182322?ref=ts , under photos =”the wedding.”

Welcome to the family….

As some of you may or may not know, Jeff and I will be expecting our first child this Monday, Sept. 27. Needless to say, I will be on maternity leave for a bit. It’s funny how the moment you plan to take a break your email and phone ring off the hook. Cheers, to a few of my 2011 brides who made it in before my leave. For those of you, who want to make appointments, please email us at info@heidielnora.com or call 404.903.4263. Zaira, my Atlanta stylist will be scheduling all of my Birmingham appointments. The Atlanta store will be up and running as usual.

As for appointments, I will be opening up my calendar for a few Saturday appointments in October, November, and December and will be back to work full-time in January. Please call Zaira or email to confirm a date and time. Appointment space is limited. First come, first serve.

CHEERS to a few of the 2011 heidi elnora brides…

A sneak peek!

Check out our facebook page for a sneak peek of the 2011 heidi elnora ad. We hope you like her!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Heidi-Elnora/97923182322

My sweet “petite” bride!

We work with brides of all different shapes and sizes. From super tall to super small and everywhere in between. Meet Greta. She is 4’10 and her husband is 6′. How cute are they?

A great write up!

Thank you to everyone who has called or emailed me about the write-up in Alabama Journey’s magazine. I literally have had more feedback from this article then some of my national press. People have called from all over our great state, even a sweet little 98-year-old women who shares my name, Elnora. What a great conversation!

If you haven’t had a chance to read the write up, I have attached it here for you.

2 bits, 4 bits, 6 bits, a dollar….

‎2 bits, 4 bits, 6 bits, a dollar. All for encouraging our youth, stand up and holler!!!!

In celebration of Fall and Alabama’s favorite sport, Heidi will be donating 10 cents to FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) for every new “like” she has on her heidi elnora business page. It cost $385 to send a young athlete to camp http://www.fcacamps.org/. Our goal is to send 2 athlete’s to camp. So we are looking to gain a total of 7700 new “likes” which will equal $770. So far we have 1400 likes so that is $140.00 towards sponsoring a youth. Please spread the word. It only will take you a few seconds to send this page to your friends. It doesn’t cost you anything except for your time. If everyone can get 10 friends to “like” heidi elnora we will surpass our goal, which would be FABULOUS!!!!! Thanks for spreading the word and we mean literally.

Editorial Spread in Atlanta Occasions Magazine!

The fall issue of Atlanta Occasions magazine will feature THE KNOT wedding which was held this past February at The Foundary at Puritan Mill in Atlanta, GA. We provided the wedding gowns for the event. Please be inspired by the amazing images from my photography friend Hollie Lytle http://hollielytlephotography.blogspot.com/

Updates…Updates…Updates….

When you get a chance, check out the updates to the website http://www.heidielnora.com/. Three new press articles, including Lucky Magazine along with 14 new May and June brides.

To my brides, thank you all for your kind letters and sweet emails. I am so honored to have you wear a heidi elnora gown on your big day. Please keep in touch!!!

Photo courtesy: Angela Karen Photography

heidi elnora is LUCKY!!!!!

heidi elnora has been recognized in the September 2010 issue of Lucky Magazine as “master of the glam Southern-inspired gown” (page 106)

Congratulations to our sister store, Lovely, for gaining such great exposure!

full articleclose up

Good Friends with Amazing Talent = Speechless

This week, I got to work with some of my best friends, Jeremy Stephens and Haleigh Stidham Blackwell. They are not only beautiful on the outside, (which you should see them both, they really are quite lovely) but on the inside too. I love working side by side with them. They make MY HEART SMILE. I also made two new wonderful friends last week, photographer extraordinaire, Leslee Mitchell and my sweet bride Ashley Brooke Joseph Mezrano. LOVE them both!

Check out what the “wolfe pack” can do!!!!! 🙂

Photographer: Leslee Mitchell http://www.lesleemitchellphotography.com/

Gown: Heidi Elnora http://www.heidielnora.com/

Hair: Jeremy Stephens http://www.hairtherapyonline.com/

Make Up: Haleigh Blackwell

Bride: Ashley Brooke Joseph Mezrano

Tomorrow night!

I am so excited to attend one of my new friends/bride’s wedding. It is going to be super fabulous, if I say so myself. She has not one but two heidi elnora gowns. One of which will be in the 2011 collection. Since these gowns are both true couture gowns, we have put a little over 100 hours in each. Her wedding gown will have over 80 yards of fabric. To be honest, I am a little obsessed with both.

Last night, my brides photographer Leslee Mitchell, came into town for the gown unveiling. Since the wedding isn’t until tomorrow, Leslee was kind enough to post a few image from inside my shop. I think they are wonderful. Please check out more of Leslee’s work  http://www.lesleemitchellphotography.com/

A Featured Bride!

If you haven’t picked up Birmingham Magazine lately, please do so. One of my favorite brides, Taylor Smith, has her wedding featured. Taylor wore a heidi elnora gown with a sweetheart neck line and all-over Italian alencon lace. The gown was a-line in shape and had a chapel train. The back of the dress was finished in covered buttons. Her photographer, Angela Karen, captured amazing images of Taylor on her big day.

Inspiration from a cartoon?

It’s amazing to find out where people get their inspiration. When it comes to popping the BIG question, it all about the delivery.

A girlfriend of mine was one of the animators for the Pixar film, UP. Check out this precious engagement box inspired by the film.

image : the model maker.net

Image: Disney . Pixar

BE THE ONE…

For those of you who don’t do facebook, please take a moment to review this link. http://www.restorethegulf.com/. It’s a petition to help to save our gulf coast. or watch the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUO3M7MYvAI. Please forward this link to everyone you know. Every voice helps!

A view of NYC…

As you may know, I was in NYC all last week sourcing fabric, meeting with vendors and our sister store, Lovely http://www.lovelybride.com and ultimately getting inspired. It was a hot, rainy, yet busy trip. I have attached a few images to give you my view of NYC. I can not wait for fashion week in October to show the world a view of Alabama.

Taking a break in the middle of Broadway!

My girlfriend Amanda Loren introduced me to PinkBerry and yes, it makes my heart smile!

One night we visited 5th Avenue for inspiration. Bergdorf never fails me with the most creative and amazing window displays.

Meet ALTAR: a heidi elnora sister store!!!

For those brides living in Missouri or Kansas City, I am pleased to introduce you to one of my sister stores, ALTAR. This super new and fab shop will have it’s official grand opening the second week of August. If you have a chance come by, visit the store and the 2010 heidi elnora collection!

332 W. 75th Street

Kansas City, MO 64114

phone: 816.926.0555

web: www.altarbridal.com

The kindest compliment!

Heidi,

I know I told you all this when I saw you after my wedding but I really wanted to let you know again how thankful I am of you. I never could have achieved such a magical day if it hadn’t been for your love, support, guidance and of course AMAZING dress! I still look back at that day and besides marrying Jason the thing that sticks out the most is how beautiful I felt in my dress. As you remember when we first meet so very long ago I had a hard time trying to determine what dress was going to hold up to my dreams and visions and also everyone elses expectations. Being in the fashion business and loving it as much as I do, everyone knew that my dress would be far from ordinary and it would be a true work of art…And that is exactly what you accomplished! All the hours you spent with me reassuring me or trying every twist and tuck and pleat that I thought would work on the dress came together to make the most amazing dress I had ever seen.  And imagine I lucky I felt to be the one to get to wear it!
I have NEVER in my life had so many people compliment me on something as they did with that dress. I had everyone stop and want a picture not of me, but of your dress! From random people on the beach, at the condo, and even the cooks at the reception everyone came out to look at my dress! As I said before this was more than a wedding dress, this was my dream, our vision and your work of art. It was my pleasure and honor to wear a Heidi Elnora couture gown and I just want you to know that. Thank you from the bottom of my heart (and my moms!)

Love,

Courtland Weed Tison

One of my favorites!

Ann Yates Wyatt was one of my June brides. Ann Yates wore one of my most favorite gowns that I have ever designed. I hope you love her gown as much as we did.

Also, Ann Yates, thank you for this sweet email. It means so much to me!

“PS- I forgot to tell you you the most important part! Everybody was so in love with my dress! I mean even men made comments about how cool and different it was. My florist has been tweeting about it and updating her facebook status about and she of course mentioned it was custom made by Heidi Elnora! She is pretty funny. She was so excited when I told her you made my dress. She is quite the fan! Anyway, I think the photographer really had fun with it and it was so fun to wear! I didn’t want to take it off after the reception. I kept it on for a good hour after Jon and I got back to our room!” – Ann Yates Wyatt

Backyard Barbeque!

If you are having an outdoor or summer wedding, a great way to save cost on your reception food is having a backyard barbeque. It’s fun, easy, and will save you a dollar or two!

Yield: 24 Servings
Cost per Serving: $0.78

Ingredients

• 4  slices bacon
• 1  onion, finely chopped
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 3  pounds  lean ground beef
• 2  tablespoons  Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper
• 24  small dinner rolls

Preparation

In a skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels. Discard all but 2 Tbsp. bacon fat. Cook onion in bacon fat until translucent, about 3 minutes, then add garlic and cook 30 seconds longer. Remove mixture from pan and let cool. Crumble bacon when cool enough to handle.

In a large bowl combine beef, bacon, onion mixture, Worcestershire sauce and salt and pepper, and mix well. Form into 24 small patties and chill.

Preheat grill to medium; oil when hot. Cook burgers for about 7 minutes for medium rare, turning once halfway through. Serve burgers on rolls.

The week of the 4th!

In celebration of the 4th of July, I plan to bring you a few little things that make remind me of the 4th. I hope you enjoy!

A weekend get away…

Jeff and I will be traveling to North Carolina tomorrow for a very special visit. My husband informed me of our itinerary and one part is visiting the Biltmore. I have wanted to visit the Biltmore for years now. I can’t wait!!!

Enjoy your weekend everyone.

Happy Thoughts…

Sometimes you just have to think happy thoughts. God is bigger than any trouble. Family is more important than anyone. Do the best you can, that is all that you can EVER do!

My precious husband

My Nana’s front yard

My childhood

Awww…..I want to be there!

Gorgeous photos from a wedding designed by Lisa Vorce of Oh how Charming and photographed by the talented Elizabeth Messina. I love EVERYTHING about this wedding…the hanging stars, the twig balls, the draped fabric…..sigh… (Green Wedding Shoes)

Happy Father’s Day!!!!

One of the most important moments of your adult life is your wedding. One of the most important moments in your Father’s adult life is walking you down the aisle. For me, THAT MOMENT was one of the most precious moments of MY LIFE.

Daddy, I love you so much. Happy Father’s Day!

Photography: Angela Karen

Recipes…

For those of you who truly know me know, that I am not much of a chef. I can make a mean panini, pretty good spaghetti, and cereal. Other than that, it’s all up to Jeff. When we were engaged I received a hand full of recipe books. Those help a lot but my favorite recipes are those given by the chefs themselves, my Mom, Stepmom, Mother-in-law, and especially my Aunt Susie. For some reason, when a recipe is on a fun note card, it makes it that much more appetizing!

Image: Entertaining Anytime

Image: The Beautiful Paper

Chalk it up!

Do you  remember when you were in elementary school and you hated to have your name on the chalkboard? For me, it meant here comes the check marks and then BIG TROUBLE. Now a days, having your name on a chalkboard can be a good thing.

Marilyn Monroe in 2010!

I am so excited to share with you a few  images from one of my May weddings. When I first met Jennifer Hendricks, she was “over” the search for the perfect gown. After chatting for about an hour and a half, I sketched out this gown for her. Jennifer’s theme was old Hollywood. I think these images will show how we captured Jennifer as a 2010 version of Marilyn Monroe!

Images courtesy of Katherine Birkbeck Photography (for larger files, please click photographers name)

Stick it to me…

A great way to “jazz” up a traditional wedding shoe is to add a little sparkle and a little personalization, through the use of stickers. Sticky back rhinestone and pre-fabricated rhinestone appliques are easy to find and easy to attach. Share them with your bridesmaids or just use them for yourself. No matter what, just have fun with it!

Above: Appliques by Mindy Weiss

All about heidi elnora – ATLANTA!

This week was all about heidi elnora -ATLANTA. We had 2 successful events on Wednesday and Thursday night. The Bloomingdale’s event was on Wednesday. I am beyond honored to be Bloomingdale’s exclusive bridal gown vendor. Thank you so much Bloomingdale’s for another great event!

On Thursday night, we held an amazing runway show at Spa Sentio. With a packed out house and a party that lasted into the wee hours of the night, Spa Sentio represented. Working with amazing team of people, success was all that could have been achieved. Thank you Max, Holly, and Jennifer and Spa Sentio for hosting the event and for the fabulous hair, make-up, and models, Amy Osaba for the always amazing flowers, and Tina Rowden for the beautiful images. I look forward to working with you all on our next big project!!!!!

images courtesy of Tina Rowden

Tying the Knot!

What exactly does tying the knot mean? We have all said it at least once. The dictionary explains it as “To become husband and wife in legal ceremony.” While the urban dictionary explains it as “Tying the knot of the ropes in the marriage bed.” However, you want to take it is up to you.

See how these brides “tied the knot!”

Long day-nights!

Today has been so super busy that I haven’t had a chance to blog. It is now 11:00 and this is the first chance I have had to sit down, much less look at my computer. For all of you that read this on the daily, sorry for being such a slacker. I promise to pick up the pace. (If that is even possible!)

Pink, it was love at first sight!

Aerosmith could not have set it any better. If you are a pink lover like me, you will appreciate the following images. Something about them just make me feel good. How about you?

How cute are these earrings? What a perfect “something pink.” You can find these bad boys on www.flourishboutique.com/. I am going to order myself a pair tomorrow. As for this 10K pink diamond, I will just admire it. No ordering myself one.

Behind the Seams….heidi elnora 2011 collection

Please stay tuned as the BRAND NEW heidi elnora website launches this Monday, February 7th. ENJOY!