Darling Bride

Little Details: Cakes

2010-02-15T21:33:00.021-05:00

Oh, the cakes. All nine of them! I loved the idea of having a cake buffet and it was one of the most fun wedding elements to plan. Some dear family friends have a wonderful catering company and when they sent me the list of mouth-watering flavors I thought I'd never be able to narrow the list down.

Carrot cake was a must (it's L's favorite) and so was the southern staple red velvet. We also had fresh orange layer cake with orange cream cheese frosting, ice box coconut cake, white cake with raspberry filling & white chocolate frosting, strawberry shortcake layer cake, butter layer cake with fluffy chocolate frosting and sour cream.

Rounding out the flavors was a classic yellow layer cake with buttercream frosting that Bette and Terry made larger than the rest. This was the one Larry and I took our first bite from. And what a bite!

Unflattering silly cake shot, but it makes me laugh!

What I loved was how edible and delicious each cake was. Not covered in stiff fondant or perfect looking. Just completely full of flavor and goodness.

The sweet little vintage wedding topper was found at this Etsy shop.

My mom helped me in the hunt for milk glass cake plates and they looked so pretty- different heights, some with fancy lace edges, others with dainty gold star patterns. Fran made up pretty little cards with all the different flavors.

I found little flower frogs on ebay to hold each one up. And our florist surprised me with the prettiest arrangement on the table, and even tucked tendrils of ivy into each little frog. It was such a happy moment when I saw it all come together- we'd just taken a few pre-ceremony bride and groom shots and I was on my back to the ladies waiting room. I just about died of happiness at how pretty the whole thing looked!

Little Details: Hankies

2010-02-15T21:09:00.009-05:00

One of the projects I began right after getting engaged was collecting vintage hankies. At first I wasn't sure what I would do with them. I had so many ideas in mind: print them with the invitation wording, give them as gifts for the wedding party, use them as cocktail napkins. In the end, I did end up giving each female (bridesmaids and special friends) a vintage hankie with her initial on it.

With all the other gorgeous hankies I collected-- some with all over dainty floral pattern, others with lace trim or embroidered with flowers-- I came up with a wedding favor for each guests that also became one of my favorite parts of the ceremony.

Our florist (more on her genius later!) filled them with rose petals and placed one at each chair, securing them with tags made by the lovely Dear Emma on Etsy.

It was so much fun being sprinkled with the rose petals as we made our way down the aisle- you can see by the photos how much I was laughing!

Bride and Groom

2010-02-15T20:57:00.002-05:00

Well, it's been three whole months since I married sweet L! The day was magical, a gorgeous blur. Perfect. It really was. So many moments during the reception, we said to ourselves, "is this real? Is this really our wedding?"
Looking at photos, taken by our wonderful photographer, Ingrid Damiani, has been the best way to relive the whole experience. I'll be sharing some of the scenes and details of our wedding over the next couple of weeks.
All photos taken by Ingrid, whose blog you can visit here.

Lovely paper

2009-12-05T09:16:00.008-05:00

When it came to our invitations, I had a vision. I knew exactly what I wanted, but I needed a lot of help!

First, I commissioned Fran, from Little Flower on Etsy, to create the artwork. She handwrote the wording for the invitation, the RSVP card and a return address for us, sending us both a jpeg and the original for printing purposes. I love the look of calligraphy and sense it really gave us the handmade, personal feel we were after, it was perfect.

Then I found Andrea of Mollie Dog Paper (who makes the most adorable custom notecards). She provided the custom Gocco printing service. This was imperative, because using the Gocco was the only way I could get the look I was after- white writing on a dark charcoal background. I had used the Gocco for our save-the-dates, but when it came to the invites, I didn't trust myself to do it well without stressing too much! Andrea is a pro and delivered such beautiful work.

Once Andrea was done, we sent the envelopes to Fran for hand-addressing in her beautiful lettering. She can do many different styles- we chose the one she calls "Cocktail!"

We were so lucky to find both these amazing Etsy sellers! They both perfectly understood the look we were after and it saved us the stress of having to completely do the invites ourselves.

We brought the invitations down to Jacksonville with us over Labor Day weekend and set up shop- my whole family helped, which was invaluable.

My sweet mom handpainted little flowers on each invitation and RSVP card, plus sealed each envelope with a blossom! Everyone helped with the envelope liners (for both the outer envelope and the RSVP envelope- I didn't do inner envelopes since our wedding was less formal) and I set to work stamping each envelope with all the vintage stamps I'd been collecting. I didn't realize quite how many I had- but we had more than enough for each invite!

The envelopes, as they arrived from Fran.

My sweet groom, working on an envelope liner

My mom showing off her lovely work!

Many hours were spent gluing envelope liners into place

A stack of invites, paint drying.

Close up of a rose bud

A finished product- complete with envelope liner

This vintage wedding paper was a favorite

Envelopes

2009-10-14T10:47:00.004-04:00

Our beautiful calligrapher, Fran from Lil Flower, made them so spectacular. Wait til you see them with vintage stamps!

Rose petals

2009-10-14T10:43:00.002-04:00

We have tons of these vintage hankies (after a year of collecting!). They'll be filled with fresh rose petals, bundled and placed on every other chairs. Guests will toss them after the ceremony.

Light up the sky

2009-10-14T10:39:00.004-04:00

Italian globe lights, paper lanterns, trailing silk ribbons.

Cakes

2009-10-14T10:34:00.003-04:00

Words to describe: many, edible, varied, delicious.

Care Free

2009-10-14T10:31:00.002-04:00

Third time's the charm

2009-10-14T10:28:00.001-04:00

As with wedding dresses, I had a terrible time making my mind up about my shoes (until I found the "one," of course. Here they are, the J Crew Molly. Classic and perfect, don't you think?

A DIY that needs to be done

2009-10-14T10:22:00.002-04:00

We're going to paint this old birdcage silver and tie a gorgeous silk ribbon from Soolip in San Francisco on top. To stash any cards from guests.

And makeup...

2009-10-14T10:20:00.002-04:00

In love with Leighton Meester's gorgeous smooth skin, sweet pink cheeks and lips, delicious black eyeliner (lots of lashes!).

Hair inspiration

2009-10-14T10:18:00.002-04:00

To keep my look from being too over-the-top vintage (and not at all costume-y), I want to do a messy, low side-bun, which feels modern and chic. Seen here on the adorable Anna Paquin.

Vintage Wedding Stamps

2009-10-14T10:14:00.002-04:00

We used all vintage stamps on our invitations. It seems like we should have this on our wedding cake! So beautiful...

Cocktails?!

2009-10-14T10:10:00.004-04:00

We'll be serving two signature cocktails in glass dispensers. Guests will be able to help themselves, filling up vintage Mason jars already garnished with fruit. They can choose from a John Daly (Firefly sweet tea vodka and fresh lemonade) or Spicy Rum Punch (fruity and dangerous!).

Pretty maids all in a row.

2009-10-14T10:05:00.003-04:00

Pale, pewter silk with tiny white polka dots and a silk rosette at the waist. Adorable! My maid of honor is my sister, Mary Ashley. My bridesmaids are my oldest and bestest friends, Jenny and Alison and Larry's two beautiful daughters, Lauren and Carly. They're wearing pink or silver shoes.

Family Silver

2009-05-28T07:55:00.006-04:00

Between my mom and my grandmother, there's a lot of old silver pieces sitting around, not being used. So we're going to be using them for our centerpieces.
Here's a photo of the dining room table as I covered with all of it- can't wait to see how it turns out!
The large Apurn in the lower left corner was used at my parent's wedding and my grandmother's.

Where shall I sit?

2009-05-08T11:22:00.003-04:00

Our reception will feature food stations instead of a seated dinner, and we've decided on an open seating policy. I always think place cards and table numbers are a great way to infuse more of your style into your wedding, so I'm just a touch disappointed not to have another DIY project to work on.

If we were going the placecard route, I would think about something like this sweet little vintage bird place card that recently sold on etsy.

It just looks so lovingly made and hand-lettering your guests' names is just another way to show them how much you appreciate their attendance.

Sold by seller bellalulu who has a blog here.

Retro Moon

2009-05-07T09:21:00.005-04:00

I think L and I will take a honeymoon in Turks and Caicos (suggestions of any kind welcome). I'm, of course, already planning my wardrobe!

And I really want to take this adorable look: Lilly Pulitzer's Malibu Vintage Bikini Top and Short! So retro and sweet- just the sort of thing Grace Kelly would wear to the beach. From the Lilly website: There is a little PIN-UP GIRL in all of us. Promise.

Grace photo found at DC Nearlyweds.

Dressing

2009-05-05T22:31:00.001-04:00

Loving...

2009-05-04T16:31:00.003-04:00

This girly-chic wedding cake and sweet vintage topper from this amazing wedding.

From the amazing Ashley Garmon, an Austin-based photographer. Her gorgeous website is here and her blog is here.

Oh no!

2009-04-26T16:11:00.005-04:00

I knew this would happen! I adore the wedding shoes I already found, adore them! But the girl who purchased three (yes, three!) wedding dresses before I found the "one" has now found these on sale at J.Crew. The Avignon, in pink Italian silk with a delicious grey bow, exactly my (petal and platinum) color scheme! So luscious!

Flower Wild

2009-04-24T08:53:00.013-04:00

In my search for the perfect floral inspiration, I came across this perfect company: Flower Wild, owned by Kate Holt and based out of Los Angeles and Santa Barbara.

I can practically smell the heady, glamorous scent of all those luxe roses, sweet peas and peonies wafting at me from my computer screen. And believe me, it's delicious! Their gorgeously organic arrangements are old fashioned and perfect. And the little details, like vintage silver vases and couture silk ribbons just send me over the edge!

From Kate's own words: "Here we work with the untamed beauty of Mother Nature to create bouquets that complement each individual flower." Untamed, I love that!

Visit the website here and the blog here.

Something pink!

2009-03-20T10:24:00.003-04:00

The dress is a no brainer, but is it bad luck for the groom to see the bride's shoes before the wedding?

Because I'm too excited NOT to post these little beauties!

Spotted back in November during a trip to the Georgetown Kate Spade, I loved them, and even remarked to L, I think these will be my wedding shoes. No doubt he was excited as I was (ha ha)!

Then when I noticed they'd been marked down on the KS website, I just had to! They are on their way to me now and I'll be tempted to wear them before our day, but I promise to practice amazing self control.

Dancing with these on my toes will be such a treat!

The proposal

2009-03-12T11:04:00.003-04:00

I never did post the pretty little cards I used to "propose" to my Maid of Honor and bridesmaids!

For my sister/MOH, I found this sweet card from Etsy seller Spilling Beans. Her entire line is just lovely and she does all kinds of custom work.

To my sweet bridesmaids, I sent this card, found from TallulahCards. She's also got plenty of wedding-related stationary, for grooms, moms, sisters and other important people!

Small Packages

2009-03-11T13:41:00.007-04:00

I just popped into Grocery for some lunch and made a fun discovery: mini Chocolove bars!

I've long been a fan of the original, for the good chocolate and sweet love poem on the inside wrapper. These minis would be adorable wedding favors and there are colors to suit almost ever palette.

Now I've just got to decide if I should save the one I bought as a homecoming gift for L or eat it myself!

Work in progress

2009-03-11T09:41:00.009-04:00

Obviously I've been absent, but it is because I have been so BUSY with plenty of wedding-related happiness!

Since my last post I have:

- found a church for the ceremony and a gorgeous venue for our reception

- purchased a dress

- booked a photographer

- booked a band

- conceptualized a menu with a caterer and scheduled a tasting (soo excited!)

- sent save-the-dates (these were DIY and VERY time consuming)

- started pre-marital sessions with our New Jersey-based priest and had a great meeting with our Florida-based priest who will perform the actual ceremony

- launched our wedding website with plenty of hotel/travel information

- started a collection of vintage hankies (more on this later)

- started a collection of antique silver vases and cachepots for flowers

- begun research on flowers and linen choices

- begun shopping for gifts for my bridesmaids and others who will be participating in our wedding

Whew! I'm pretty darn impressed with myself, considering we've got eight months and three days to go as my sweet L pointed out this morning.

Of course, what good is a blog post without any photos of these new developments? I promise to get some up in a jiffy!

Gorgeous bouquet from this amazing wedding on MS.

Ever been here?

2008-10-08T08:00:00.000-04:00

Gosh, I just fell in love with this image of a beautiful bridal salon, located...somewhere!
I saved the photo ages ago and never thought to label it.
But just look at the gorgeous wardrobes housing the pristine gowns. And the delicate crystal chandeliers. And the antique chaise, upholstered in champagne brocade.
How could you not fall in love with a wedding gown in a place like this?
If you know it, let me know?

Touch of lace

2008-10-07T08:00:00.000-04:00

These lace Mary Janes make me swoon. From Australia's Bailie Photography.

Fresh faced

2008-10-06T08:00:00.000-04:00

Look at this gorgeous bride.
Isn't she fresh-faced and full of light?
And her vintage sensibilities- to die for! I think that little wisp of a veil is perfect- it looks both modern and retro at the same time. What is that style called I wonder?
Also love the tulip bouquet.

From here. The photographer is Leo Patrone. His blog is here.

Pass the pepper?

2008-10-03T20:27:00.004-04:00

Someone dear to us had my family over for a celebration supper. Look how sweetly she set the table: a vase full of red spray roses, a chunky red glass heart and a sweet little vintage-y bride and groom salt and pepper shaker.

Such a special meal and she thought of every detail! Thanks P!

Prettiest Bridal Party

2008-10-03T20:07:00.005-04:00

Look at these lovelies! They are all gorgeous. And don't you love the bride's budget-friendly BCBG dress? She makes it look like a million bucks!

From photographers Mark and Leslie Biggar of Sakura Photography.

P.S. Their blog is an absolute dream to look through. Full of gorgeous photos!

Bobbi's Brides

2008-09-24T08:30:00.000-04:00

I adore the sweet-cheeked bridal looks Bobbi Brown puts together. Each one is more gorgeous than the next.

I want some version of this: glowing skin, rosy cheeks and perfectly smoldering eyes.

2008-09-23T08:30:00.000-04:00

Mindy Weiss's new collection for Two's Company if full of sweet gift ideas for the newly engaged. Plenty of tools to keep you organized-- file folders, pocket-sized notebooks, even envelopes you can use for tipping vendors-- and all in a pretty, Tiffany-esque blue.

I just received this "Unforgettable" Sticky Notes Booklet that includes an adorably packaged tablet of sticky notes, purse-sized pen and little stickers customized to save your place in all those bridal magazines you'll be reading!

Short and Sweet

2008-09-22T20:03:00.000-04:00

If I do end up wearing my mom's dress to the ceremony, I'll be changing into something fun and flirty for the reception.

In a dream world I'd be wearing one of these perfect frocks, both from Oscar de la Renta.

Images: Brides

Portables

2008-09-22T08:40:00.000-04:00

I just read about these drawstring embroidered shoe bags from Zazendi in the Fall/Winter issue of Town & Country Weddings. Perfect gifts for bridesmaids, who might want to carry an extra pair (read: comfortable!) to the reception.

Also available for lingerie, makeup, bikinis and your travel hairdryer.

Delicious Detail

2008-09-21T08:00:00.000-04:00

This must be the most adorable thing I've ever seen!

I absolutely can't wait to order one for our wedding cake!

From etsy seller LH Calligraphy.

Spoiled Rotten!

2008-09-20T15:30:00.000-04:00

I must admit that I'm floating on a cloud! Being engaged has been so lovely. Aside from being a romantic time with one's new fiance, you're constantly being feted by darling friends!

My BFFAE, Happy Daily, surprised me with several treats (she always does!) when I saw her in NYC this weekend. First was a little crystal dish to hold my new ring. I'll follow her suggestion and keep it in the bathroom, where I've found myself taking off my ring before my shower. Second was this adorable book, which is full of old wedding traditions and folklore. It's such a fun read: did you kissing a chimney sweep (where would one find one of those?!) on your wedding day is good luck?

One of my precious co-workers surprised me with this planner and a gift certificate to Border's, knowing how much I'd need my fix of Martha Stewart Weddings now that the engagement is official!

And earlier this week my former roommate (herself a very recent bride) presented me with this lovely set from the ever-wonderful Philosphy. The Bridal Party contains mini bottles of Wedding Cake Ultra-Delicious Shower Gel, Bubbly Ultra-Rich Shower Gel, and Bridal Bouquet Ultra-Feminine Shower Gel in a signature box. This morning I used Bridal Bouquet and found it a very pleasing scent indeed.

Something Old

2008-09-20T15:15:00.002-04:00

I've fallen in love with the idea of wearing my mom's wedding dress for the ceremony.

She and two of her first cousins all wore it on their wedding days and the idea of carrying on the tradition is appealing to me more and more.

It's an ivory satin and lace column dress, demure in that classic and pretty 1960s way with a bateau neckline and three-quarter length sleeves.

I've been inspired by this gorgeousness: The Vintage Wedding Dress Company is based in London and sells meticulously restored wedding gowns from the 1920s on up!

These beautiful brides (from the site's archives page) make the vintage dresses they chose look so fresh!

Inspiration

2008-09-20T15:14:00.000-04:00

From Lisa Hubbard via Snippet & Ink

Vintage Bling!

2008-09-20T09:31:00.000-04:00

My darling L proposed over the Labor Day weekend and we are engaged!!

Of course, there are loads of plans to be made, but before we move too far ahead, let's focus on one particularly lovely aspect of an engagement: the bling!

In this case, it's vintage bling. My ring is from the 1920s- a handmade platinum setting hosts an Old European Cut (OEC) diamond that sparkles away in the center. There are 14 tiny little side stones, adding a very delicate brilliance of their own.

I love OEC diamonds, with their higher crown and smaller table and deliciously chunky facets. This one throws off light like nobody's business! Mmmmmmmmm.

I think my love for antique stones and settings come from my adoration of my grandmother's engagement ring. Her setting is pure 1940s, but the center was a family heirloom and much older. If it's not an OEC it's most certainly a Transition cut.

During our search for the perfect ring, it was a guilty pleasure to spend a little time each day poking around a couple of favorite sites each day.

Here are a few of my favorites for antique eye candy!

M.Khordipour Enterprises

Image credits: Top- Fay Cullen. Bottom- Estate Diamond Jewelry