The New Look of Maya Couture

I'm so happy to announce that Maya Couture has a new look!  As we continue to build our brand and grow as a company we strive to evolve and become more visible and accessible to our clients.  I'm so proud of our new image and hope you like our new look too!

I have to extend a huge thanks to my dear friend and graphic designer Katie Bundy.  Her ability to clearly understand our vision and mission is truly a gift.  Her talent and aesthetic blew me away.  I know you'll see why when you visit our new site.  She was patient, and clearly communicated to me what she needed to make our new look possible.  It was the perfect collaboration.  Thank you Katie!!  You can find her contact information at the bottom of this post.

The first step was to create a new logo.  After numerous edits and tweaks I fell in love with this one.  The MC watermark I feel emphasizes our brand and combined with the two different fonts in the store name and bridal salon is modern yet timeless and is still feminine.  Here's the new Maya Couture logo...

We've also freshened up our advertisements.  You will find our new ads in VOW Bride and Hampton Roads Wedding Guide.  I think the image supports our goal to provide our brides the best selection and gowns that grace the pages of the most popular bridal magazines and runways of today's leading wedding designers.  More importantly it reinforces our commitment to you by offering the services and products to bring the wedding of your dreams to life!

But I have to say the grand finale is our new website!  Our goal was to present our visitors with a site that showcases our one-stop-shopping concept, oozes of wedding details, and is romantic, but that is also functional and informative. Our new site is also a celebration and testament to the growth of our brand, our reputation, and the mark we've made and continue to make in the bridal industry!  I hope you enjoy visiting our new site, and that you find the content helpful and will encourage you to visit us!

For the new site click on the link - www.mayacouture.com

If you're ready for a new look you can contact Katie:

Katie Bundy
Twelve 24 Design, LLC
757- 343-9145
kb@twelve24design.com
www.twelve24design.com

Meet Designer Matthew Christopher

Brides of Hampton Roads, are you seeking a fresh new look for your bridal gown that's glamorous, fashion forward, yet sophisticated and offers some of the most exquisite details in bridal designs today?  If so, a Matthew Christopher gown may be waiting for you!

We are so happy to introduce Matthew Christopher and his stunning silhouettes to you during an exclusive trunk show of his collection!

You can see his designs on the runway at the VOW Bridal Event Sunday, February 20th at the Virginia Beach Convention Center.  Doors open at 11:30AM.

On Monday February 21st you can meet the designer and try on his gowns during an exclusive showing of his collection at our store!  Doors will open at 9:00AM.  Call 757-461-1690 to schedule your appointment with Matthew Christopher.

We look forward to welcoming Matthew to Hampton Roads and introducing him to our lovely brides!

Maya Couture Named Bride's Choice 2011

We are happy to announce we won the WeddingWire Brides Choice Award for 2011!This award recognizes the top 5 percent of local wedding professionals from the WeddingWire Network who demonstrate quality and service excellence in the wedding industry. Thank you to our brides for making this award possible and to our friends in the industry who are also a "Brides Choice" in 2011!!

To find Maya Couture on WeddingWire visit:

http://www.weddingwire.com/reviews/maya-couture-norfolk/8099bc86dadeedf3.html

Get "The Dish" on Everything Weddings!!

Are you newly engaged and have no idea where or how to begin planning the biggest day of your life, or are you in the throws of planning and are overwhelmed by all the details?  Do you have most of your planning wrapped up and just need a few key vendors like a hair and make-up stylist?  If you fit into any of these categories then I have the answer for you!

My dear friend and wedding planner extraordinaire, Jennifer Lalonde, recently launched "The Bridal Dish" catered to the DIY bride that is in desperate need of direction and assistance with her wedding planning and design needs.  The Bridal Dish studio is housed in the offices of Jennifer Lalonde Events and is the "hub" for everything weddings!!

Make an appointment to get "the dish" and to browse the planning studio and all its' resources.  The studio boasts an array of magazines, books, and resource guides to help direct and inspire you.  Additionally, there are marketing materials and contact information for preferred vendors of  The Bridal Dish.  so, whether you're at square one or just need one or two more vendors  The Bridal Dish can put you on the right path, matching you with professionals in your price point and best suited to bring your inspirations to life.

As you're doing your research you realize you need more support The Bridal Dish offers several different levels of membership to suit your needs and your budget!  For more information on the membership tiers simply click on any of The Bridal Dish links, or schedule your consultation today:

The Bridal Dish
757-689-8082
508 N. Birdneck Road
Suite G
Virginia Beach, VA  23451

Happy Planning!!

Photos of The Bridal Dish captured by Katherine Blevins

Trend Alert: Flower Power

Our 2011 collections have been steadily streaming in for about a month now, and one of the trends I'm most excited about is the presence of floral details.  Flowers are everywhere!  You will see them as bold, singular statement pieces on the waistline or neckline of a simple silhouette, to floral fabrics and patterns that cascade through an entire flouncy, romantic style.  For the modern bride look for flowers that are bold and three-dimensional with loads of structure, so they pop off the gown and come to life.  There is no shortage of this look in the 2011 season.  Flowers worn in the hair are more popular than ever.  A single flower to accent a soft chignon, or an updated take on a vintage look with feathers and crystals complimented by a birdcage veil are sure to be the most popular looks.  Let's not forget the bridal party either.  Bridesmaids dresses of all lengths, fabrics, and colors will offer the floral accent.  Flowers are feminine, romantic, soft, and are an expression of love and adoration - perfect for bridal wear!  This season don't hold back...your floral desires will take you far beyond your bouquet!!

A Bride's Story...In Her Own Words

Bakari and I have known each other since high school but it wasn't until last year that we became a couple. We have been best friends since 9th grade and our parents still live in the same neighborhood! We have a beautiful 11 month old daughter that was one of our flower girls. You may have seen her crawling over the back fitting room floor!

Our experience with Maya Couture was wonderful. I am not the kind of girl that has to try on a million dresses. I did my research online and found a designer that I loved. I went on the Essense of Australia website and found a dress I had to have. It was #D985. I just knew this was the one! I went to the store just to see it in person. When I walked into the store, everyone was super nice and helpful. I was 8 1/2 months pregnant so I didn't want to try it on. One of the young ladies said "oh come on, try it." I did and I LOVED it!! I didn't make a final decision that day but I promised I would be back.

After I had the baby in Dec 2009, I returned in January. I met with a lovely sales rep named Ashley. She was wonderful. She made sure that we were comfortable even with a newborn around. I told her what dress I wanted and she brought it out along with another one by the same designer #D963. Suddenly I found myself in love with two dresses!! I couldn't make a decision but she was patient with me as I tried on both dresses a few times. Even though she had to lace and unlace each one, she never complained. Then I realized I needed to see both dresses on at the same time. She looked confused but I wasn't going to have her put it on…, I had my mother put one on! We both stood in the mirror and the decision was made. D963 won!! While in the store, I found a gray fabric sash that I was allowed to purchase. At the reception, I put the fabric around my waste and put the jeweled band on top of that. It gave the dress a whole different look. I also had the seamstress add a halter strap which was good for a busty woman like myself.

Since the wedding I have started a wedding and event planning business and I will be recommending Maya Couture to all of my brides.

Our Wedding:

We were married at the Historic Chamberlin Hotel in Hampton Virginia on Sept 4, 2010.

We had an evening wedding that started at 7 pm. My dress was a Pearl color and it shimmered as the sun went down behind the gazebo! Our wedding was photographed by Jason Jarvis of Jason Jarvis Photography. He was the best. He stayed from morning until the last person left. And his prices can't be beat!

Well I think that's about everything. Thanks Again the Maya Couture staff for their professionalism and dedication to their brides!! Keep up the good work ladies.

Sincerely,

Tamika Rice-Haley

Military brides can get free wedding gowns | HamptonRoads.com | PilotOnline.com#rfq#rfq#rfq

Military brides can get free wedding gowns HamptonRoads.com PilotOnline.com#rfq#rfq#rfq