Friday Favorites: Boots, Bows and Beautiful Details

TGIF!  It was a bit of long week, but I found a few wonderful things to keep me going.  And now I want to share with you!  Are you ready?

Weddington Boots

Now this is a genius idea--boots for your wedding day!  Bring on the rain, mud and terrain on your wedding day with these super adorable Weddington Boots.

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Bharat Parmar Photography

And speaking of rain... don't let it ruin your perfect day.  Make the most of it!

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True Knot - Bow Wedding & Engagement Rings

According to The Knot, bow-shaped engagement rings are a hot trend in 2013, like this stunning one from True Knot.

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Ceci New York - Laser-cut Invitations

As some of you may know, Ceci Johnson of Ceci New York is my idol.  Every invitation she creates is absolutely magical and this one is no exception.  I am over the moon in love with it (and the rest of the wedding for that matter) for its luxurious laser-cut details.  But what makes this one extra special is that the invitation was delivered in a music box!  (See more!)

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Are you smiling yet??  :)  Good!  Now go have a wonderful weekend!!  See you next week.

Wedding Day Song Ideas: Train, Dashboard Confessionals, Jack Johnson, & Owl City

This week's songs come from my friend's wedding ceremony playlist. 

Dashboard Confessionals - Stolen

Train - Marry Me

Jack Johnson - Do You Remember

Owl City - The Bird and the Worm

Listen to my running Wedding Song Ideas playlist here.  Enjoy!

 

Wedding Dress Wednesday: Stephanie Allin's Rosalba

Happy Wednesday, Friends!

Hope you're staying cool this week.  The heat and humidity is a bit much for me, but I'm loving the long hours of sunshine and blue skies!

Speaking of summer heat, the season of skirts is in full bloom!  The metro during my commute into DC is a sea of skirts every morning, especially on hot days like today.  You never realize just how versatile skirts and dresses were until you have your very own personal fashion show of dozens of different ones every morning.  So many lengths, cuts, materials, patterns and colors to choose from!  The working DC woman is definitely not limited to black pencil skirts, that's for sure!

In the spirit of dressing for the summer temperatures, I thought I'd showcase a short summer wedding dress.  This is a lovely tea-length dress from Stephanie Allin's Couture La Dolce Vita Collection.  Meet Rosalba:

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The tea-length skirt, hitting at the calf, is a classy way to keep cool while staying conservative enough for a formal affair.  Same goes for the off-the-shoulder lace that makes for an illusion neckline.  Plus, it's just all around dainty and adorable!

Stephanie Allin Couture is based in the coastal town of Mumbles, South Wales.  She is one of my favorite designers.  What I love about her dresses is the sweet and simple elegance, and, more importantly, the classic romance in every dress.  I can imagine each of her dresses on a bride in Paris.  In fact, one of my all-time favorites dress (which also happens to be Stephanie Allin's Sofia) is featured in a photo shoot under the Eiffel Tower.

So, tell me summer brides: what are your dress plans to beat the heat (or embrace it)??  I'd love to know!  Leave me a message in the comments!

If you like this dress, you might also like Justin Alexander's 8465.

Friday Favorites: Invitations with Florals and Laurels

TGIF!  It's also the first day of summer.  Who's ready for the weekend?  Be sure to get out an enjoy the warm sunny weather!

Today I'm introducing Friday Favorites!  What's that you ask?  It's a short and sweet little post of five of my favorite items from the week that will appear on--you guessed it--Fridays!  Just a fun little way to finish off the work week with something pretty.  So, without any further adieu, here are this Friday's favorite wedding invitations featuring flowers and laurels.  Enjoy!

Rifle Paper Co.

Elegant hand drawn florals.  I love Rifle Paper Co's art style!

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Kat Catmur - Poppy Invitation

More hand drawn florals but in a laurel.  I like the minimal use of color to keep it from being too busy.  (See it!)

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Quimby Suite - MaeMae Paperie

Less is more with this chic, perfectly designed invitation suite.  Such dignified elegance with subtle playfulness.  (See more!)

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Yolanda Mariak Chendak (Minted) - Flourish Nuptial Wedding Invitations

Sweet, simple and modern. Perfect for an outdoor or garden wedding.  (See it!)

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Moira Design Studio - Floral and Woodgrain Invitations

Rustic, organic and hand drawn.  Beautiful.  (See more!)

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How many of you summer brides opted for florals on your invites?  Share in the comments!

Hope you enjoyed.  Happy Friday and see ya next week!

Wedding Dress Wednesday: Lea-Ann Belter's "Colette"

Happy Wednesday, Friends!

It's June!  Can you believe it?  Memorial Day has come and gone, marking the unofficial start of summer.  Did anyone have or attend a wedding over the long weekend?  I went to one set on the gorgeous campus of my alma mater, Virginia Tech, located down in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  The bride was my freshman year roommate who I've known since 1st grade.  I've never seen her more happy than she was that day!  Then, just five days later, I attended another friend's at the Airlie Center in Warrenton, VA.  Both were beautiful, fun, and perfect reflections of each couple.  I wish a lifetime of happiness to all the newlyweds!

On this lovely Wednesday afternoon I present a draped silk gown that I think is perfect for this early summer time of year.  This is "Colette" by Lea-Ann Belter Bridal:

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"Colette is soft and dreamy. This silk georgette gown features a delicately draped bodice with an asymmetrical draped skirt that falls into a chapel train. The waist is adorned with a Swarovski crystal beaded belt. Tiny silk buttons extend the length of the back bodice.  Collette is available in white or off white."

I love this dress because it makes me think of a Grecian Goddess draped in a luxurious, billowing gown.  It may look a little on the heavy side for June weather, but since Georgette silk is semi-sheer and lightweight, it should be fairly breathable in warm temperatures.  And with a touch of Swarovski crystals on the sash, you'll really look and feel like an ethereal goddess bride with your silk dress blowing in the breeze.  So for all you Aphrodites, Athenas and Heras out there, this might be a good dress for you!

Let's hear from the summer brides: what materials did you look for in your bridal gown?  Which did you (maybe reluctantly) avoid in your search?  Tell me in the comments!

See you next week!