Wedding Dress | Wedding Ideas

Photographer's Snippet: The initial telecommunicate from Duncan reads: “As my fiancee works in fashion we are looking for a artist who can bring that extra dimension to our day. Your background and gallery shots suggest that you are very such the ones for us!” Sandra studied fashion design and is inaugural her possess boutique. It comes as no surprise then that Sandra fashioned her start dress herself - with a 6 cadence train! Sandra’s family are from Columbia and Duncan’s are English so it was a great mix of ideas and inspirations including a super modify Mariachi band at the start reception which was held at Goodwood House. Duncan and Sandra’s start ceremony took locate at the very grand Arundel Cathedral in West Sussex. Arundal Cathedral was shapely in 1873 in a French Gothic style and makes for a fairytale start ceremony venue.

Bridal Preparations took locate at the quirky Angmering Manor Hotel.

Wedding Ceremony at Arundel Cathedral

Flowers by Jamie Aston

Wedding cars - Vintage Rolls Royce

{ where am i going? art journal kit by elisejoy }

i know, i know. i never call, i never write.

was in NYC last weekend briefly on a music adventure to CMJ, am planning a trip to dubai/UAE, doing some behind-the-scenes research for this blog... no excuses!

my readers, i need to get on a posting schedule. i have roughly 11 things on deck, some of them for months, some of them i'm embarrassed to admit to because i've left blog friends hanging.

looking in my drafts folder, they are:

i hope that by listing them here it shows that i do think about you far more often than it shows the last few months. plus it's the first step toward finishing a few of them, for the love. i also purchased (months ago!) a domain name for the site: etsyweddingblog.com, but have yet to revamp the template and reorganize the resources now that they've grown. i need an assistant. perhaps an intern... (don't we all!)

being at fort point open studios and working with other artists reminded me why i do this: to connect couples with amazing craftspeople and artisans, and to give exemplary indie design a wider audience. i've been neglecting that job of late, and plan to be more mindful of your good faith in reading.

for all waiting to hear back by email, i am catching up slowly.

i thank you all for your patience and for reading!

We found out today that we have been included in the Top 10 Wedding Planner Blogs by the Online University Reviews in the US. Sitting alongside the likes of Martha Stewart Weddings The Bride's Guide and The Bride's Cafe, we are in pretty amazing company. This is a really interesting article that includes many great blogs and website links to help in the planning of your wedding. We feel a bit special being included, thanks Suzane for letting us know.

by Jane Cameron

A friendly reminder to all you lovely people that our Week 4 5 Weeks of Christmas giveaway ends at 5pm EDST today! To go in the draw to win this pretty Happy Hearts set from the gorgeous girls at Clinique, valued at $89 AUD, simply email competitions@styleguide.com.au with your name, address and answer to our simple question - What would you like to see more of in Wedding Style Guide? Don't forget that $5 from every Happy Hearts set sold will be donated to the Big Brother, Big Sister charity, so what better excuse to buy one for youself if you don't win! Visit www.clinique.com.au to view all their fabulous Chrissie sets.

by Emilie Harrison

so. what's really the best way to do this? i'm clearly not planning my wedding anymore and without any personal wedding goals, it's been tough to keep this blog going.

clearly.

i'm not very good at ending things, especially when i'm kind of like really attached. i just sulk. and think about it. and then think about it some more, knowing the inevitable, still hopeful for another outcome.

this blog has treated me kind for so long and i've been writing without pretense for a few wonderfully fun and enlightening years. can i say grateful. and super attached.

there are things i'll remember forevs. like my first post on TTO (toads clueless) and how like 500+ posts later i'd somehow become like this bonafide wedding blogger (me. bonafide. ha.)

the blogger friends out there who are some of the strongest, wittiest women i've ever met.

the loads and loads of creativity and encouragement this little world here has to offer to blogger brides.

and now i have to say goodbye? WHAT.

but this blog was about my journey, my successes and failures as i tried to plan a $10,000 wedding. and now that i've been there and done that (like 7 months ago), i don't have much to say anymore.

lame. so that said, here's the last bit.

weddings, no matter how you slice it and dice it, will tug at your heart strings and push your buttons. you're emotional because you're thinking about your families and what this shabang will mean for them, you're emotional because you're excited about the new family you're about to build, you're emotional because all of your besties are there to support you, you're emotional because there's a lot to do and you're kind of like just stressed the eff out, you're emotional because you find yourself walking that fine line between keeping everyone happy and being true to yourself...

...you're emotional because you're committing to f.o.r.e.v.e.r with that one amazing person...and want the wedding to be that kind of perfect...

it's just one day. but it's significant, you know?

so amidst the flurry, should things ever get a little hairy or overwhelming, take a step back and remember what it's all about. (hint: it's not about cake flavors or wedding dresses.)

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." - maya angelou

i had to remind myself every now and then...what mattered to me, who mattered to me, and what the day itself meant to me. in the end, not everything made sense to everyone, but it absolutely made sense to me, to my husband, and to our loved ones.

and on the day of, we were fortunate enough to experience tender love, true joy, and hours of uninhibited dancing.

so this is me, wishing all of you the same and more during planning and on your wedding day.

and in life.

ok?

photo by max.

it's been real.

xo

In the mood for a totally domesticated afternoon of laundry while in my finest. ;o)

Injecting your big day with a little creativity to personalize your wedding can be one of the most rewarding activities you undertake throughout the planning stages. Start by elaborating on your mutual interests or focus on the things that brought you together. If you met in a coffee shop, serve up some home-brewed, gourmet coffee during the reception or as unique wedding favors. If you were engaged while on a skiing trip in Colorado, decorate your reception tables with snowflake-themed elements. Though you have a lot of choices to make in the coming months, making your wedding day your own should be a special collaboration between you and your new partner.

Customizing your wedding day will always link your special day with you and your soon-to-be in your guests' minds. Though there are many things that happen behind the scenes, many of your choices will be dictated by your theme, color selection, and wedding date or place. Engaging your guests on your wedding day with relevant activities, dress code requests, menu selections, and unique wedding favors ensures that your families and friends will be talking about your wedding for years to come!

Select Customized, Unique Wedding Favors. The wedding favors you select are important because it's the memento your guests take home. Choosing a favor with utility in mind guarantees your guests will use the favor long after your wedding day. Coasters, candles, wine bottle stoppers, luggage tags, and personality boxes are all popular with the savvy bride who mixes and matches unique wedding favors to suit her guests' needs and interests.

Your own unique wedding favors can all be decorated with your colors or themes, tying your day together flawlessly. The decision to personalize wedding favors is always a big hit with crowds, with items that include photo albums, sticky notes and notepads. Personalize your wedding using favors such as tasteful crystal flutes, ribbons, luxurious fabrics, and boxes.

Choose a Theme Based on Your Interests. A theme is an excellent way to personalize your wedding and a fun way for guests to participate. Though they range from the eccentric – fantasy and sci-fi – to the elegant – seasonal and destination, a theme, complete with food, decorations, colors, and unique wedding favors, makes your wedding day a cohesive event that guests will long remember.

Say you and your new partner are big fans of bungee jumping; personalize your wedding by taking it to an extreme level – do a jump just after your first kiss as husband and wife. Or, for a more traditional touch, wear your grandmother's lovely silk wedding dress from the '40s and throw a big, vintage wedding bash complete with a live swing band.

A destination event is another idea that brides are using to personalize the wedding day. It's more like a vacation within a wedding, which gives your guests an opportunity to get away, see a new place, and attend your big day. Many couples decide to exchange vows in tropical climates, though this is by no means a requisite. Though destination weddings are a bit pricier than their traditional counterparts, it's an exciting adventure for both you and your guests. If you're short on money, turn your ceremony and reception into an homage to a destination or locale you both love. Serve inventive cocktails, unique wedding favors, and require everyone to show up in Hawaiian attire.

Use Colors, Flowers, and Food to Great Effect. Personalize your wedding by designing the menu with both of your favorites in mind, treating guests to a smorgasbord of decadent appetizers, entrees, sides, and desserts. For the main, anticipated dessert, some brides have elected to personalize the wedding cake by serving flavorful cupcakes with the couples' new monogram. You can also decorate the cake with unusual wedding toppers, bake with new flavors, or add colorful, vibrant frosting options.

If you are throwing a beach-themed wedding, for instance, your colors will consist of rich caramels, honeys, blues, and baby yellows. You can use these hues on the decorations at both your wedding and reception – drape chairs with silky honey fabric, place unique wedding favors in the shape of seashells strategically by the plate settings, and top your reception tables with sky blue table covers.

The colors you use to personalize your wedding will underscore your theme if used effectively, and flowers, too, can be useful if placed appropriately and will continue to echo your theme throughout the night. Though the most popular flower choices remain calla lilies, gardenias, and hydrangeas, all of which you can order to match your colors and theme, many other flowers, such as roses, birds of paradise, tulips, and hibiscus, will capture the romance and style of your wedding day as well.

Don't Be Afraid to Get Creative. Remember that, after all, it is your day. This is your time to plan an event your guests will never forget and a prime opportunity to let your personality and interests shine through. Use your creativity to select unique wedding favors, rich, vibrant colors, and exotic decorations. Don't be afraid to personalize your wedding by mixing the old traditions of the bride and groom's families with your new ideas. Though the day may be hectic for you, with your own blend of personalization and sophistication, it will be a day that you and your soon-to-be will never forget.

By Cherie Johnson

Injecting your big day with a little creativity to personalize your wedding can be one of the most rewarding activities you undertake throughout the planning stages. Start by elaborating on your mutual interests or focus on the things that brought you together. If you met in a coffee shop, serve up some home-brewed, gourmet coffee during the reception or as unique wedding favors. If you were engaged while on a skiing trip in Colorado, decorate your reception tables with snowflake-themed elements. Though you have a lot of choices to make in the coming months, making your wedding day your own should be a special collaboration between you and your new partner.

Customizing your wedding day will always link your special day with you and your soon-to-be in your guests' minds. Though there are many things that happen behind the scenes, many of your choices will be dictated by your theme, color selection, and wedding date or place. Engaging your guests on your wedding day with relevant activities, dress code requests, menu selections, and unique wedding favors ensures that your families and friends will be talking about your wedding for years to come!

Select Customized, Unique Wedding Favors. The wedding favors you select are important because it's the memento your guests take home. Choosing a favor with utility in mind guarantees your guests will use the favor long after your wedding day. Coasters, candles, wine bottle stoppers, luggage tags, and personality boxes are all popular with the savvy bride who mixes and matches unique wedding favors to suit her guests' needs and interests.

Your own unique wedding favors can all be decorated with your colors or themes, tying your day together flawlessly. The decision to personalize wedding favors is always a big hit with crowds, with items that include photo albums, sticky notes and notepads. Personalize your wedding using favors such as tasteful crystal flutes, ribbons, luxurious fabrics, and boxes.
Choose a Theme Based on Your Interests. A theme is an excellent way to personalize your wedding and a fun way for guests to participate. Though they range from the eccentric – fantasy and sci-fi – to the elegant – seasonal and destination, a theme, complete with food, decorations, colors, and unique wedding favors, makes your wedding day a cohesive event that guests will long remember.

Say you and your new partner are big fans of bungee jumping; personalize your wedding by taking it to an extreme level – do a jump just after your first kiss as husband and wife. Or, for a more traditional touch, wear your grandmother's lovely silk wedding dress from the '40s and throw a big, vintage wedding bash complete with a live swing band.

A destination event is another idea that brides are using to personalize the wedding day. It's more like a vacation within a wedding, which gives your guests an opportunity to get away, see a new place, and attend your big day. Many couples decide to exchange vows in tropical climates, though this is by no means a requisite. Though destination weddings are a bit pricier than their traditional counterparts, it's an exciting adventure for both you and your guests. If you're short on money, turn your ceremony and reception into an homage to a destination or locale you both love. Serve inventive cocktails, unique wedding favors, and require everyone to show up in Hawaiian attire.

Use Colors, Flowers, and Food to Great Effect. Personalize your wedding by designing the menu with both of your favorites in mind, treating guests to a smorgasbord of decadent appetizers, entrees, sides, and desserts. For the main, anticipated dessert, some brides have elected to personalize the wedding cake by serving flavorful cupcakes with the couples' new monogram. You can also decorate the cake with unusual wedding toppers, bake with new flavors, or add colorful, vibrant frosting options.
If you are throwing a beach-themed wedding, for instance, your colors will consist of rich caramels, honeys, blues, and baby yellows. You can use these hues on the decorations at both your wedding and reception – drape chairs with silky honey fabric, place unique wedding favors in the shape of seashells strategically by the plate settings, and top your reception tables with sky blue table covers.

The colors you use to personalize your wedding will underscore your theme if used effectively, and flowers, too, can be useful if placed appropriately and will continue to echo your theme throughout the night. Though the most popular flower choices remain calla lilies, gardenias, and hydrangeas, all of which you can order to match your colors and theme, many other flowers, such as roses, birds of paradise, tulips, and hibiscus, will capture the romance and style of your wedding day as well.
Don't Be Afraid to Get Creative. Remember that, after all, it is your day. This is your time to plan an event your guests will never forget and a prime opportunity to let your personality and interests shine through. Use your creativity to select unique wedding favors, rich, vibrant colors, and exotic decorations. Don't be afraid to personalize your wedding by mixing the old traditions of the bride and groom's families with your new ideas. Though the day may be hectic for you, with your own blend of personalization and sophistication, it will be a day that you and your soon-to-be will never forget.

by Cherie Johnson

Some people would argue, but I believe there are actually 4 main, visible areas to accessorize: neck, wrists, shoulders, and the waist. Think about all 4 areas while you contemplate your bridesmaid dress, evening gown, prom dress, or other special occasion outfit.
- Theoretically, you can accessorize one or all of these areas, if you do it properly. Do not forget to continue through all the accessorizing tips, to make sure you don’t overdo it.

Decide if your dress or outfit of choice is simple, elegant, fancy, flirtatious, embellished? Is it monochromatic or which colors make up your outfit? Where are you going? Take all of these mental notes to make sure you not only choose trendy accessories, but also appropriate accessories.
- Remember, even though feathers may be trendy, they may not be appropriate with your graduation dress.

Less is More.
-Once you have put on your matching tennis bracelet, your faux pearl necklace, your costume jewelry or faux gems, take a second and third overall look at your outfit and remember “Less is More”. If you’re not a seasoned accessory-user, you can be certain that removing one item will be beneficial to your overall look.
- I always like to look at myself in the mirror as if I am a stranger and I ask myself “what would I think of that person?” It takes practice, but it works!

If you are done with your bracelets, necklaces, and rings, you can move on to your shoes. Shoes should always be comfortable and they should always look elegant. Please leave your clear plastic platforms in the closet!
-If you are wearing stockings, choose neutral or skin-tones for a formal affair. They should be subtle- no fishnets!
-If you need an extra something, you can always create or buy some shoe clips. They are a cheaper alternative to buying new shoes, and really revamp your look.

Now we’re ready for a wrap or jacket. This is usually the hardest part for people to get right. If you purchase a bridesmaid dress with exposed shoulders, look for a company that offers a matching shawl. Shawls and wraps are my favorite because they are the most inexpensive and easiest to store. I tend to keep too many shawls because they don’t take up much room in my closet. Just make sure whatever you are using as a cover up, that it matches in texture and color. For example, if you are wearing a light, airy gown, you do not want to wear a leather or heavy satin jacket.

Carry a purse or small evening bag. This bag can be matching fabric or beaded and can be used to add a lot of interest to your overall look. Your purse or evening bag should be large enough to hold your keys, lip gloss, cash, and other small personals.

by Lizzette Brodsky