James Clifford Hjelm Honored by DEBI with the Lifetime Achievement Award

StarDust Celebrations is thrilled to congratulate the legendary James Clifford Hjelm on being given the Lifetime Achievement Award by the DEBI (Distinctive Excellence in the Bridal Industry) Awards last week. An icon in the industry, James Clifford (also known as Jim Hjelm) was awarded this honor for his numerous excellent years of designing stunning bridal gowns. We could not be more excited for James to be awarded this honor and to be a partner with him in this industry.

Recruited early in his career by the prestigious Priscilla of Boston, James earned a reputation for gorgeously chic gowns made with the utmost quality and detailing. He spent nearly two decades at Priscilla, during which he designed for celebrities and political powerhouses – including two presidents’ daughters. Jim left Boston for New York in 1980 to serve as head designer at Galina Bouquet, where he worked to further establish his own style and really make his mark on the industry. His design philosophy is to strike the perfect balance between classic styling and modern fashion flare. And he is incredibly gifted at finding this ideal harmony! His efforts paid off in 1987 when he was invited to join a major bridal house and head up his own namesake line.

James again took major strides forward when in 2004, he joined Mon Cheri Bridals to launch his James Clifford Collection. The exclusive, upscale collection is a culmination of James’ legendary vision, extraordinary talent and unmistakable style.

In addition to his incredible design prowess, James is an absolutely lovely person. He personally attends many trunk shows for his gowns throughout the country, and we have been honored to host him at StarDust several times. He is warm and genuine, spending quality time not only with our brides but with our staff, as well. For such a creatively gifted designer, he is also very humble. We could not be happier that James was awarded this well-deserved honor.

Here are some of the breath-taking styles of the James Clifford Collection we carry at our specialty salon catering to voluptuous brides, A Curvy Bride:

And here are some gorgeous styles we carry at our flagship StarDust Bridal Salon:

We also just have to share with you that several other 2014 DEBI Awards went to several of our wonderful designer partners. In fact, of the eight categories (two of which StarDust Celebrations does not carry), five of the winners are designers we offer!

Bridal Gowns: Allure Bridals (LuLu’s Bridal)

Bridesmaids Gowns: Bill Levkoff (LuLu’s Bridal)

Headpieces: Bel Aire Bridal (StarDust Bridal Salon)

Flower Girl: Joan Calabrese for Mon Cheri (StarDust Bridal Salon)

Special Occasion: Montage by Mon Cheri (StarDust Bridal Salon) 

Congratulations to all of these talented, well-deserving bridal apparel professionals! Thank you for being such amazing partners in this incredible industry!

Real Wedding: Claire and James' "English Garden" Wedding

Working with Claire and James was a dream for our wedding planning dynamos. Claire, who is truly a beautiful person inside and out, came to us with a definite vision of a classic, elegant affair with an English garden feel.

Our team went to work creating a gorgeous design that included boxwoods, lattice and garden arches, all set to transform the Four Seasons Resort.

 

In addition to the formal garden atmosphere, Claire tasked us with finding ways to make the reception space creative, romantic and interesting.

We mixed tables to include banquets, rounds and banquettes.

 

Lush floral arrangements abounded and soft candles glimmered off of the subtle bling accents of the napkin rings and table linen overlays.

Spectacular lighting and elegant chandeliers completed the awe-inspiring ballroom.

The cakes were simply stunning, true works of art.

James is a geologist so the talented Lauren at Fancy Cakes created this amazing replica of a geode!

Also tying into the geologist thread were the favors: lovely soaps fashioned after several different types of gems, each with its own scent unique to that style.

After a fabulous seated dinner, guests danced all night to the high energy performance by TheWonders, and DJ Marcus Rollins contributed to the party atmosphere while emceeing the event.

The wonderful evening was rounded out by the TCU Fight Song (honoring the newlyweds’ alma mater), photo booth fun and a flutterfetti sendoff of the couple in the Four Seasons golf cart!

 

Claire was such a delight to work with! Because she had a clear idea of what she wanted, she was quick to make solid decisions when presented with options and move onward to the next task. When the entire vision came together on Claire and James’ wedding day, the result was simply stunning! Here are more beautiful photos (from the amazing Carter Rose at f8) – see if you don’t agree.

Warmest thanks to our wonderful vendor team:
Bakery: Fancy Cakes by Lauren
Beauty: Elan Makeup Studio, Anita Brown
Bridal gown: Eve of Milady, StarDustBridal Salon
Bridesmaid dresses: Mori Lee, LuLu’sBridal
Ceremony music: Gyros Strings
Ceremony venue: Four Seasons Resort, Cottonwood Ballroom
Dance floor: DFW Dance Floors
Lighting: Marcus Rollins
Photography: f8studios, Carter Rose
Reception music: Band - The Wonders; DJ/Emcee - Marcus Rollins
Reception venue: Four Seasons Resort, Las Colinas Ballroom
Rentals (décor): Shag Carpet
Wedding design and planning: Weddings byStarDust, Marsha Ballard French, CMWP

Another Weddings by StarDust Sneak Peek: Katelyn and Kyle

Our talented wedding planners pulled off another fabulous event this weekend! Beautiful bride Katelyn was radiant in her Matthew Christopher Sofia wedding gown!

Katelyn and Kyle's gorgeous wedding took place at Marie Gabrielle, with a picture perfect garden ceremony followed by a celebratory cocktail hour and beautiful and fun reception.

Here are few more sneak peek pics showcasing the lush floral design by The Garden Gate and a lovely cake by Delicious Cakes.

We cannot wait to share the official photos from the gifted Amy Herfurth, as we know they will be spectacular! Hopefully these phone pics will hold you until then! Congrats, Katelyn and Kyle!