Tag: Autumn

How To Style a Late Summer Wedding

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As the golden days with warm weather dwindle, we find ourselves looking wistfully at gorgeous outdoor weddings. Boho-luxe, rustic, shabby-chic, beach, and glamping themes make beautiful summer themes; yet as we slowly transition to fall, an entirely new aesthetic beckons.

Bring the bright, airy beauty of summer and rich opulence of an abundant harvest together! Jessica Cooper Photography paired with Sweet Caroline Gowns to feature warm metallics, rich accent colors, and plenty of pretty sparkle.

Make your own late summer wedding utterly radiant with just four styling elements.

Golden Oldies

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Vintage-inspired and dripping with gorgeousness, our lovely gold accessories bridge the gap between seasons with luxurious elegance. Sparkling rhinestones, gold metallic leaves, and intricately decorated details leave the onlooker breathless. Style your whole ensemble around a base metallic color such as gold, copper, rose gold, or silver and you’ll feel like a goddess. Your jewelry, hair piece, veil, belt, and shoes are all opportunities to personalize your look.

Colors That Pop

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We love that bold brides are departing from the traditional white dress and branching out to other colors! Style a confident look for your ceremony or reception with a dress featuring appliqués, ombré, floral print, or just a non-white hue. Let the bridesmaids’ dresses complement your ensemble. Navy, forest green, and marsala evoke earthy elegance; softer tones such as grey, nude, and tan create a neutral backdrop. Shimmering sequin gowns are totally allowed.

Natural Hair

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This year’s brides are going au naturel. Whether you love long waves or are dying to try out a top knot, you can and should customize your look. Start out with your hair down for a laid-back and completely romantic style for the day. For the afternoon and/or ceremony, try twisting your hair into a half-up braid or chignon for a more formal yet still easygoing look. When night hits and you’re ready to party, create a totally chic top bun and flaunt sparkling earrings. Keep your hair styles simple so you can show off more accessories throughout the day.

Romantic Touches

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Blend the beauty of harvest with the lighthearted romance of summer—literally. Create tablescapes that feature calligraphy, lots of greenery, your chosen metallic, upcycled vases, and plants such as gourds, succulents, and berries. Get creative and pick your favorite elements from each season; you’ll be surprised at how well they blend together! You can play up the rustic charm of summer with wildflowers and burlap accents, or lean towards the vibrant allure of autumn with candles and leafy branches. Incorporate striking colors and string up lights, so both your day and night photos will look gorgeous.

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Are you styling a late summer wedding? Follow us on Instagram for more styled shoot inspiration, and browse our Fall 2016 collection for eye-catching accessories.

Roaring ‘20s Wedding Inspiration

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Step into an age of fabulous glamour. If you’re rocking a vintage style for your wedding, check out this classy photo shoot by Amanda Lauran Photography and Michele Wilderman Styling for inspiration!

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Beaded jazz-age dresses and snazzy gent’s attire create a theme of Art Deco opulence. Hair designs featuring fantastic bling lend sophisticated glamour to your look.

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Keep in mind that accessories define your style. Slip on a rhinestone halo like 6505 for a more boho-chic vibe. A glittering comb like 6503 or 6580 adds a classic accent that dovetails perfectly with a slinky satin sheath or vintage lace gown. For a dramatic dose of sparkle, a headpiece like 6501 brings the opulence of the 1920s to your big day!

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This bride and groom incorporated navy blue and metallic grey with a small pop of sparkle and color to spice up their vintage theme. Dramatic makeup, artful bouquets, and winter shrugs suggest a seasonal wedding or New Year’s Eve party.

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Love the look? Check out our My Bridal Style Vintage page and Instagram feed for more elegant vintage wedding details.

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Styled Shoot Credits:

Photography: Amanda Lauran 

Makeup: Michele Wilderman Styling

Producer: Arielle Fera Events

Florals: Chicory Florals

Accessories: Bel Aire Bridal

Gown: BHLDN

Custom Suits: Commonwealth Proper

Furniture: Fox & Finch Vintage Rentals

Gold & Gorgeous

10 Things To Be Thankful For On Your Wedding Day

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You’ll spend months planning for the big day, but you won’t believe how quickly the ceremony and reception will fly by! In the spirit of Thanksgiving, remember to stop, smell the roses, and enjoy these 10 things when the time comes to say “I do.”

The Weather

Good or bad, the weather will impact your special day. Sunshine adds a cheerful glow to your photos—rain is good luck! Have fun and make the most of the season in which you marry.

Your Best Girl

This might be your maid of honor, a close relative, or a cherished friend. When there’s a last-minute crisis, she’s there for you. Let her know you appreciate her support!

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Delicious Food

You specially planned out the whole menu. Enjoy it! Whatever meal you serve at your wedding will always have a special place in your heart (or perhaps your stomach).

The Bar

Whether you need to drown out embarrassing comments from relatives or just want to have a good time, relaxing with a few drinks is a well-earned privilege of the bride and groom.

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Your Grandparents

If they hadn’t fallen in love, your parents wouldn’t have been born (and neither would you). Be thankful for them, wherever they are; they made your story possible.

Tasty Treats 

Your wedding cake is a big deal! Unless you don’t like cake, in which case the lovely little goodies you serve instead will provide a much-needed sugar rush during the reception.

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Hired Help

From the wedding planner to the photographer, everyone who takes part in your wedding relieves you of responsibility. The less you have to handle the day of, the more you can enjoy getting married!

Your Parents

They helped shape you as a person and taught you how to recognize a good partner. Take an opportunity to thank them for all the wonderful things they’ve done in your life.

The Guests

Your friends have played nearly as important a role in your life as your family. It’s a blessing to have people you care about there to watch you say “I do” to a new future.

Your Groom

Above all, be grateful that you found true love—not everyone is so lucky! It is a rare and beautiful thing to cultivate a relationship like yours. Cherish it with all your heart.

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Tell us, what are you thankful for?

Are you a Thanksgiving bride?

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Thinking of planning your wedding around a holiday theme? If you love food, family, and warm, fuzzy feelings, perhaps a Thanksgiving celebration is right for you! Read on to see our top ten reasons you should tie the knot on this late autumn feast day.

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You Are Family Oriented

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to bring family together, and many people plan to travel, anyway. The long holiday weekend gives relatives an opportunity to catch up and friends more time to have fun! Just be sure to let loved ones know far in advance to reserve your wedding date, because flight costs go up this time of year.

Anniversaries Are Important

Want to reserve time off from work for your anniversary? This might seem a minor consideration, but booking your wedding on a holiday weekend will ensure you get an extra day or two to celebrate and remember your wedding with family—year after year!

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You Love Nature’s Rich Hues

Do you appreciate earth tones and bright accents? A late fall wedding may incorporate jewel tones and vibrant autumnal hues. Brown, burgundy, gold, grey, and orange reflect the season’s natural beauty.

Fall Is Fun

Is there anything better than crunching falling leaves, sipping hot drinks, and watching the rain? If you love the weather during late fall, a Thanksgiving wedding is a natural choice. Consider getting personalized umbrellas or wearing boots for the big day. Have fun with your food, drinks, and décor!

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Turkey, Turkey, Turkey!

Heap on delicious helpings of hot and savory foods! Serve courses your guests will want second and third helpings of, like roast turkey, apple pie, turkey sandwiches, pumpkin ravioli, turkey salad, mashed potatoes—and did we mention turkey? If you venue allows it, hosting a potluck or asking family members to cook is an affordable way to share special recipes and feed your guests!

Rustic Warmth

Lanterns, candles, and warm lighting create beautiful ambiance for a Thanksgiving wedding. If you’re hosting your reception at a lodge or facility with a roaring fire, all the better! Pumpkins, wheat, and leafy decorations add to the cheer of a harvest-themed wedding.

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Longer Is Better

Does the romance of a chapel or cathedral veil sweep you off your feet? A long veil will frame your gown and look stunning in photos! Whether you’re going for simple elegance or head-turning beauty, a long veil will fulfill your late autumn wedding vision.

You Like to Wrap Up

Shawls, scarves, and wraps are not only warm and comfortable, but provide unique opportunities to enrich your wedding. You can add a splash of color and incorporate sentimental meaning at the same time! Ask a close friend or family member to knit something special for you and your bridal party (plenty of time in advance, mind you) to create lovely memories for everyone

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Gratitude Is Glorious

Love is a special gift. If you’re thankful in particular for your relationship and want to reaffirm this theme during your wedding, Thanksgiving pairs beautifully with a message of gratitude.

Gold Accessories Are Perfect for Your Gown

We mentioned that colors complementing the vibrance of late autumn and the harvest work well with a Thanksgiving wedding. If you love gold accessories, this time of year is definitely for you! Gold adds warm, subtle shine and coordinates beautifully with champagne gowns, embroidered details, and earth-tone accents.

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Bel Aire Bridal Headpiece Style: 6482

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Would you plan a Thanksgiving wedding? Tell us about your late autumn or winter ensemble choices!

Fall Bridal Market Recap

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We showed at the Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago, and New York bridal markets. We enjoyed seeing all of our stores and hearing positive responses to the Fall 2015 collection. Our gorgeous accessories complement many popular Allure, Casablanca, Maggie Sottero, Monique Lhuillier, Samuelle Couture, and Truvelle gowns. Have you matched our accessories with other designer dresses?

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For Spring 2016, we are carrying over trends like floral crowns and accessories in champagne and blush. We also have new items such as shoulder jewelry, opal headpieces, and veils with metallic lace! Swarovski crystals, intricate embroidery, and extra-soft tulle are making an appearance.

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Our romantic gold and silver lace cathedral veils beautifully complement the woodsy, rustic-chic vibe that is so popular this season.

Untitled-1For more dramatic brides, our pretty-as-a-princess opal and rhinestone jewelry complete an effect of fairy-tale elegance.

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Our variety of belts range from simple & delicate to bold and beautiful.

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Looking for shoulder jewelry? Set your heart on these lovely styles incorporating vintage designs, draping crystals, lustrous pearls, and oh-so-much sparkle!

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Tell us, which look is your favorite? Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook for more fashion-forward updates and sneak peeks of this season’s lovely styles!

Want to see more? Check our website in December for the full Spring 2016 Collection gallery.

Fall Color Crush: Copper

Amidst the poignant beauty and vibrant hues of autumn, this season’s most popular wedding colors stand out with stunning allure: earthy reds such as marsala and auburn; fresh greens including sage, fern, and mint; and autumnal favorites like cocoa and pumpkin!

Does this sound delicious, or what?

This week, we’re crushing on warm and cheerful hues such as gold, bronze, copper, and champagne! Check out these five ways to add a splash of sensational color to your wedding. 

Glorious Headpieces

If you’re decking your bridesmaids in a seasonal color such as champagne, chocolate, amethyst, or maroon, a sparkling gold accent perfectly complements these rich hues. Wear a gold bridal headpiece and give your maids matching hair pins, or vice-versa!

Confident Jewelry

Be bold in gold! Try wearing a statement bracelet or earrings in a warm metallic tone; you can match a headpiece or belt and show off red-carpet worthy style in your bridal photos.

Statement Shoes

Dare to dream with sparkling shoes or a gold clutch. A dramatic pop of color adds some pizazz to your ensemble while still looking fashion-forward and utterly fabulous. These details create fun photo opportunities, too!

Beautiful Bridesmaids

Metallics are all the rage this season. There’s nothing more gorgeous and eye-catching than decking your maids in stunning gold sequins or Art Deco beading! Never underestimate the power of sparkle.

Autumn Bouquet

Incorporate the warm hues of fall into your bouquet by choosing brightly-colored flowers and leaves, or wrap the end in a metallic ribbon to add an extra bit of shimmer. You can tie in your accent color with a jewel-tone brooch, too!

Photography Credit: Jessica Cooper Photography 

Gown: Sweet Caroline Styles

Fall Florals for Your Hair

Warm gold and champagne hues perfectly mirror the colorful opulence of fall foliage. If you’re saying “I do” to an autumn wedding, you know what we’re talking about! Beautiful gold embroidery, metallic lace, and champagne wedding gowns look drop-dead gorgeous with the right accessories.

This year has been all about florals, and we’ve fallen in love with these gorgeous, glamorous headpieces. Take a peek and find the perfect treasure for your wedding day look!

From Top Right: 6590, 6452, 6465, 6544, 6320

6590 – Gold painted floral comb 

Combine the timeless beauty of flowers with the stunning shimmer of rhinestones, and you get style 6590. Lovely gold metallic blooms with tiny crystals and pearls create an elegant, romantic comb that is perfect for any fall wedding. Pair this with your pretty gold lace or embroidered gown to create an unforgettable ensemble.

6452 – Shimmering gold flower and metallic comb 

Evoke the golden beauty of nature wearing style 6452. Shimmering crystals and metallic gold flowers on a comb create a look that is both classically bridal and full of the warmth of autumn. You’ll adore the elegance and sparkle of this sumptuous design.

6465 – Golden headband with weaving design of crystals

Add a touch of feminine glamour and nature-inspired sparkle to your look with style 6465. This lovely headband features tiny leaves with a weaving design of rhinestones and crystals, infusing instant warmth and charm into your ensemble. Pair it with gold accessories and a gorgeous autumn bouquet.

6544 – Petite Clip of gold accents

Looking for a subtle floral accent? Style 6544 is a petite clip composed of gold wire with tiny rhinestones bent into an artistic flower. This lovely little design is beautiful for the bride or bridesmaids; it is also diminutive enough to pair with plenty of other gold accessories.

6320 – Soft, champagne fabric flower with embroidery

For a classic touch of bridal beauty, slip 6320 into your hair. A soft champagne fabric flower with silver embroidery, this charming comb complements autumn colors like champagne, brown, and gold. Enhance your ensemble with timeless elegance and graceful romance.

5 Signs You’re Ready to Get Married

You are financially independent.

It’s a fact that couples with solid finances are happier. People who are ready to take the next step and start a household should be ready to finance a wedding; save for a house; and plan for retirement (not to mention the cost of future kids). You can handle regular bills, manage debt, and save money. You keep your economic stress down and maintain a reasonably steady budget.

You plan for the future

As in, you have a five-year plan and maybe a 10 year plan. Definitely career goals—at least some sort of direction in your life. Because if you don’t know where you’re going, how can you take someone else with you? You have developed your personal desires and have a clear sense of identity. You and your partner have discussed what you both want from life and are prepared to move forward.

You know what love is

Infatuation and intimacy are different. You’ve interacted with people enough to know when a relationship is special and will last, and when it won’t. The two of you share common interests and enjoy talking—even about touchy issues like religion or politics. You’ve confessed your secrets and ambitions. Genuine love is powerfully good. The One connects with you on a deep level and is worthy of your trust.

You keep promises

You are familiar with sticking to your commitments: showing up to work on time, volunteering regularly, and staying true to your word. Marriage calls for dedication. If you’re ready to tie the knot, you already desire to serve your partner with love, patience, and kindness—even when it’s tough. Unselfishness is essential to a healthy marriage and must be strong on both sides.

“You” includes your partner

When making plans, you include your partner in just about everything—because the two of you are a package deal. You enjoy personal time and like to hang out with friends/family, but also realize that marriage is being together. Sitting together, traveling together, cooking dinners together, sleeping together. That’s the whole point, isn’t it?

Any couple who is ready to go the distance (and make it) is part of something greater than just themselves. Both of you already think in terms of “us” and “we” instead of “I” and “me.”

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Obviously, there are many more ways to know if you’re ready. How did you know he or she was the One? Share your story!

Top 5 Signs You’re a Halloween Bride

Do you love Halloween so much that you’d marry it—or rather, tie the knot during this spooky season? Smashingly stylish attire, ghoulish décor, and out-of-this-world wedding ideas just might tempt you into choosing October 31 as the day you lay your single life to rest! Check out these top five signs that you might be a Halloween bride.

Your Wedding Color: Black

Are you a bit obsessed with all things gothic? The first thing you did after slipping on that ring was to choose black as your color. Other people might think it is a bit gloomy for a wedding, but you know that black is slimming, goes with everything, and looks oh-so-chic with the right accessories. (Are your nails painted black right now?)

Your Ring: Unique

Are you not a sparkly round-cut type of girl? If your beau proposed with a vintage ring, colored stone, or a rock that wasn’t a diamond at all, this is a good indication that your preferences stray from the beaten path. As Robert Frost says, “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood… I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”

Fall Foodie

Do you look forward to the Pumpkin Spiced Latte season all year? Do you avidly watch the calendar and celebrate when the local pumpkin patch opens up? Have you already updated your Pumpkin Recipes Board on Pinterest? Would you serve pumpkin pies, hot chocolate, caramel apples, or other autumnal goodies at your wedding?

Is your stomach growling just reading this? Enough said.

You Reuse & Recycle 

If you are a creative person who is into crafting and repurposing items, you’ve already got your mind on sourcing re-usable wedding décor.

Little black dresses for the bridesmaids will be perfect for date nights. Wedding goblets with skulls—why, you’ll use them every October! The idea of pulling out lovely black table linens for spooky parties sounds pretty good, doesn’t it?

You’re a Kid at Heart

Nothing warms your heart like watching the Trick or Treaters every year. You loved pounding the pavement on All Hallows’ Eve when you were a kid, and you’ve never quite grown out of your fondness for huge bags of candy and elaborate costumes ever since.

You love the idea of letting your flower girls and ring bearers dress in costume—and maybe throw candy down the aisle! The kids will have a blast, and you are definitely the type of person who believes that weddings should be fun.

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Tell us, are you a Halloween bride? Let us know why you chose this holiday season to tie the knot!