{Beauty in Burlap}

Beauty in Burlap

Burlap has become such a trend, really capturing the rustic and vintage vibe. This fabric is

easily printed on via stenciling and is offered in a variety of colors.

So many possibilities it's endless. 

Top Image: Which Goose Etsy Shop

Second Images: Karen Mordechai Photography

Third Image: N Hayes Designs Etsy Shop

Fourth Image: Unknown Sorry!

Fifth Image (Left): Reblogged from Tonya Peterson Fifth Image (Right): Unknown Sorry!

Last Image: Sparkle & Posy Etsy Shop

{Lovely lil Lingerie}

Lovely lil Lingerie
Since lingerie parties and Boudoir photo shoots are becoming such a popular trend, I thought I'd make a lil post. While this subject can be a very provocative, I believe it is best to keep in mind that subtleness can be sexy. Listen to your mother when she says "less is more."
These images above really capture overtly feminine looks from the delicate lingerie to the actual cropping of the photos. It looks as though the photographer has captured little moments that look so effortless.
My two "go to" designers for bridal lingerie are BHLDN and Claire Pettibone.
  

Top Image: Reblogged from Burnett's Board
Second Image: Etsy Shop Anista Designs
Third Image: Claire Pettibone
Fourth Image: Etsy Shop Andolinas Wishes
Last Image: Reblogged from Burnett's Board

{Tying the Knot}

Tying The Knot

Okay gentlemen! I rarely post menswear items, but this is something I just can't seem to get enough of. These vintage bow ties are simply delightful and quite easy to make. If you know how to operate a sewing machine, you could make one yourself. While these seem to make amazing accessories for your day, they can also double as great gifts for the men in the bridal party. Throwing in a pair of vintage cuff links just adds to the uniqueness. 

Top Image: Reblogged from Swing Wedding

Second Image: Drawings by Jo James

Third Image: Reblogged from My Vintage Life

{What Type of Bride Are You}

What type of bride are you?

We've chosen our brides, now where do you fit in?

The Statement Bride: Yes, that's right, we said "statement" bride. She is strategic in her thought process. She thinks about the impact of her gown, accessories and decor, but finds the balance in it all. Pairing a simple gown with an over-the-top statement piece or vice versa is her thought process.

The Starry-Eyed Bride: Her looks are inspired by Princess Grace, a timeless and classic icon who lived that fairy tale life. Dreaming of her special day is something she has been doing since she was a little girl. Her day has been meticulously planned with each item complimenting the next. This starry-eyed bride is drawn to classic styles, but wants to be the focal point.

The Mod Bride: Her love for fashion has inspired her day. Straight from the runway, she looks for the newest in trend, while carefully accessing which new looks will last the test of time.

The Eclectic Bride: The eclectic bride picks and chooses from different eras, aesthetics and styles to make it just her own. The best part about this is mixing and matching anything you want! While most brides stick to their "theme," this eclectic bride takes her loves makes for a quirky and cute. 

The Eccentric Bride: She is eccentric in her own way. This bride wants her day to express her own personal style and doesn't take into consideration trend. She is marching to the beat of her own drum and is more stunning for it. Be brave, be bold and enjoy that special day!

The Boho Bride: She is always aware of her surroundings and draws on it to add beauty to her special day. Bohemian brides see the beauty in every little detail and specialize in enhancing it. Nature plays a key role in her wedding, acting as a perfect backdrop.

{Tis the Season}

Tis The Season!
Winter weddings can be quite amazing! The trick is to use touches of the holiday spirit and not overdo it. Think Winter Wedding not Christmas Wedding. Although I've added in the image of the ornaments, I caution you to minimize the use of true "Christmas" items.
Pine cones, cranberries and mistletoe can give a rustic feel. By adding a bit of shine, it can truly emulate the glistening white snow and really add a sense of elegance. So use it, but use it sparingly.
Lastly, a fur or faux fur cover up is a must! While you have all night to show off your dress in all its glory, don't forget to get some photos (outdoors) with your fur. Also, matching stoles for your bridesmaids is just icing on the cake!
Top Image: Before the Big Day
Second Image (Left): Van Ons Second Image (Right): Invites Weddings
Third Image: Studio Laguna
Fourth Image (Left): Purchase at Etsy Shop Back to Zero Fourth Image (Right): Studio Home
Fifth Image: Love It So Much
Last Image: Every Last Detail

{Holiday in Color}

Holiday in Color
More and more couples are combining their big day with the holiday's. Christmas and New Years Eve are among two of the most popular. By taking a more modern approach to the traditional "green and red" color palette, the overall feel is warm, inviting, but not overtly "christmas."
Choosing small details such as the greenery and floral arrangements commonly associate with the holiday season is a great place to start.
Top Left Image: Martha Stewart Weddings
Middle Image: Twigs & Honey
Top Right Image: JL Designs
Bottom Left Image: One to Wed
Bottom Right Image: Unknown...sorry!

{Jo & Juan}

Jo & Juan:
Thinking it was only appropriate to start the "real weddings" with my own. 
Juan and I are the true DIY couple. With myself being a fashion designer and Juan having a degree in Graphic Design, it was only fitting to start from scratch. 

***One piece of advice: 
* When planning your DIY wedding: Don't be afraid to ask for help. You cannot possibly do it all on your own, so call in the troops! Juan and I were both lucky to have not only people willing to volunteer, but also some amazingly creative family and friends.

The location was an easy pick. I grew up on a farm and always pictured getting married there, with weather being our only worry, we set the date for August 13th.
Starting with the invitations, Juan and I both created a whimsical "Wedding Wonderland" using watercolor as our base. We then used this design as the launching point for our color palette and theme for the entire wedding. 
Party favors (only costing 25 cents each) were flowers potted in soup cans finished with a colorful vintage label. Both the flowers themselves and labels helped to add color to the primarily white tables. Loved the look of these! Also, very easy for guests to take home and place on their windowsill.
Keeping on budget, my sister and I woke up at 5 a.m. to pick ten buckets of wildflowers for our centerpieces. These Queen Anne's Lace are truly my favorite flowers and better yet, they were free!

***My favorite moments:
*Hearing the sound of the trumpet while getting my photos taken. This was a sign that the wedding guests were arriving and that my big day had finally arrived.
*My maid of honor (my 15 year old cousin Sylvia) crying like a baby through the entire ceremony.
*Fireworks as a surprise wedding gift from my brother Jon.

 Keeping with the DIY theme, I designed and sewed my wedding dress, the flower girl dresses and the groom and ring bearers polka dot bow ties. 
I used my authentic 1950's yellow table to really pop the colors of the cupcakes and cake. While cooking/baking is not my forte, my cousin volunteered to create the amazing dessert display. This was something that couldn't have been more perfect! She really created something that fit my personal style and really complimented everything in the tent. As a wedding gift, she gave me the vintage crystal cake stand she used for my cake. I have to say it was my favorite gift and something I am hoping my children with use on their special day.
Lastly, all the amazing photos seen above were taken by my photographer Stephanie Lehnert.
I cannot stress enough how important it is to find not only a great photographer, but one who is truly easy and comfortable to work with. Our photos look natural and in the moment because that is exactly what they are. Stephanie could be seen literally running to capture those perfect moments.
Please check out more example of her amazing work at Novia Distinctive Photography 
Brides Makeup and Hair by Sarah Rupp