Tag: holiday

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.

Style Spotlight: The Beautiful Bohemian Bride

Planning a laid-back bohemian style wedding? Congratulations! You are officially a low-key, cool bride.

For boho-chic, glamping, or rustic wedding themes, your styling options abound. No longer are brides limited to strapless ball gowns and high heels.

In fact, once you’ve chosen a comfortable dress you love (that’s right, we said comfortable), all you have to do is add a few special accessories, and presto! You’ll look and feel like a bride—without boning, pins, body tape, or corsets.

Since we’re an accessories company, we’ve got the inside scoop on the prettiest headpieces and veils for your style of wedding. Scroll to check out our top 6 picks just for you.

The Floating Petals

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Sheer beauty floats atop your head with this light-as-air veil. Six different tulle petals create a graceful, ethereal design that is bridal yet so boho-chic. There are no trims or fussy frills included. You can order this style with the same color petals or with a blend of shades for your own unique look.

The Simple Trim

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For a look that is blissfully simple, a cascading ribbon edge veil will do the trick. This design features rounded corners and a waterfall of tulle that floats down to fingertip length. Especially if you’re hosting a wedding weekend with multiple events, this style is perfect to throw on for the actual ceremony.

The Breezy Foldover

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Want that picture with a beautiful long veil blowing in the breeze? If you love the dreamy appeal of a bridal veil, this cathedral is perfect. A sheer foldover design floats behind you in a cloud of tulle. You can wear the top tier over your face or behind you—both looks are incredibly romantic.

The Sparkly Hair Vine

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Weave an enchanting spell with a gorgeous, glittering hair vine. This lovely, flexible design features shimmering opal crystals or rhinestones and can be worn as a headband or woven into your hair. Perfect for styling a creative boho-chic look with a smidge of sparkle, this vine secures on organza ties.

The Metallic Leaf Headband

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Make your day feel truly special by gilding your locks with a metallic leaf headband. Glittering with rhinestone accents, this antiqued metal headpiece brings an elegant aesthetic to your bohemian look. This design coordinates beautifully with an enchanted forest or glamping theme.

The Floral Half Halo

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Bring on the flower power! Grace your hairstyle with a beautiful tie headband of soft organza flowers and rose buds. Embellished with subtle lace details and sparkling rhinestone accents, this ethereal design touches your tresses with bridal romance. The semi-flexible band ties on sheer organza.

Want more ideas? Check out our My Bridal Style: Bohemian page for inspiration. You can also follow us on Instagram for pretty styled shoots and real bride features.

10 Ways to Include Your Pet in Your Wedding

lovely-family-000087191055_MediumThey’re adorable, unpredictable, and hilarious. Some people do not want children, let alone pets, at their wedding. For others, the presence of furry family is an absolute requirement!

How involved your pet should be in your wedding depends on how they act around strangers/crowds; if they are trained or can be trained in time for the ceremony; and if you have someone you can trust to watch them while you’re cutting the cake.

Sound good? Then check out these 10 fun ways to include your pet as you get married and move forward in your love story.

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The Proposal

Could you say no to a cute little pup or kitty with a sparkly gift hanging from its collar? This utterly heart-melting proposal is perfect as you start a new family.

Engagement Photos

Celebrate this landmark occasion by including your pets in the engagement photos! Capture your special moment without the logistics of bringing animals to the wedding ceremony.

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Save The Dates

Use your engagement photos or snap a few fun pics on a family outing to personalize your Save The Dates and invitations. Your pets can be snuggled between you or sitting with a cute sign.

Cake Customization

Would a cake topper with a bride and groom feel out of place? Choose a custom topper with your whole furry family included, or go wild with an animal-themed cake!

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Getting Ready with Your Pet

You can take photos before the first look or ceremony with your fur baby. Take care with your wedding attire and be sure they have clean paws.

Walk Down the Aisle

Ask the bridesmaids or flower girls to walk (or carry) your pet down the aisle! You can decorate the leash or collar with flowers or leaves in keeping with your overall theme.

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Best Dog /Ring Bearer

If your dog is well-trained, you can give them the honor of ring-bearer! Slide on a collar or pillow with strings, or deck out your pup in a bandana or bow tie to mark the occasion.

Animal Wedding Theme

Some couples do an all-out animal wedding theme, and invite exotic animals with their trainers to the big day. On your registry, you can even ask guests to donate to your preferred charity.

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Wedding Portraits

Take photos with both sides of your new family and include your pets, too! This is a nice time to celebrate and share kisses with everyone.

Pet Treat Favors

If you’re hosting a pet-friendly wedding, provide water stations and an area for them to play. Send everyone home with treats!

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Are you including your pet in your wedding? Share your ideas!

5 Cool Irish Wedding Traditions You Can Adopt

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Every March 17th, it suddenly seems like everyone you know has Irish heritage somewhere in their family tree. But the rest of us can also appreciate the romantic, historical, and fun traditions that spring from this country’s rich history. Read on for some seriously steal-worthy wedding ideas!

The Claddagh Ring

This one is so romantic, it just had to make the top of our list. The Claddagh ring originated in a small fishing village just outside of Galway and is a symbol of love, loyalty, and friendship. It may be used as a promise ring, wedding band, or anniversary ring and should ideally be given as a gift.

Wear it on your right hand with the point of the heart towards you if you’re in a relationship; with the point facing out if you’re looking for love. Wear it on your left hand with the point towards you if you’re already married; with the point facing out if you’re engaged.

Want more info? http://www.theirishstore.com/blog/2014/07/16/claddagh-ring-says-about-you/

Handfasting

This Celtic tradition is super sweet and gives you something to do besides just reciting your vows. Handfasting literally ties the couple’s hands together, “tying the knot” to symbolize a steadfast commitment to each other. It can be used in a marriage ceremony or for an engagement. Historically, this agreement joined a couple in a probationary relationship; if, after a year and a day, the couple still wanted to be married forever and ever, they could call a priest to make it official.

Want more info? http://www.celticjewelry.com/content/celtic-weddings/a-brief-history-of-handfasting-in-celtic-marriage/

Irish Drinks

Especially if you’re hosting a St. Patty’s Day wedding, you can give your reception an Irish twist by incorporating traditionally “Irish” drinks such as whiskey, mead, or Guinness. There’s no definite reason why drinking became so popular on St. Patrick’s Day, but the holiday originated from a Catholic feast day honoring the patron saint of Ireland.

Want more info? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Patrick%27s_Day

Ringing Bells

In many religious traditions, people rang bells at the wedding ceremony to drive away evil spirits. The practice of ringing a small bell arose in Ireland under the Penal Laws, which prohibited Irish Roman Catholics and Protestants from performing services except in private. Newlyweds would keep a bell in the home after the wedding, too, to help mediate arguments and remind them of their wedding vows.

You can hand out cute little bells to your guests for the send-off, which is especially convenient if confetti is not allowed at your venue.

Want more info? http://www.ireland-information.com/articles/irishweddingtraditions.htm; http://bridalguide.com/blogs/bridal-buzz/irish-wedding-traditions

Lucky Charms

The shamrock is a well-known Irish symbol of luck, initially popularized by St. Patrick to help explain the Trinity. You can use it on your invitations or feature the symbol in your general décor.

The horseshoe is another token traditionally carried by the bride on her walk down the aisle. Brides in ages past held an iron horseshoe that was later mounted on the wall of her home for good fortune; modern brides often choose porcelain horseshoes or wear silver charms.

Want more info? http://www.irishcentral.com/roots/five-old-irish-wedding-traditions-you-may-not-know-about-photos-221339081-237772511.html

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Gorgeous in Gold: Spotlight on Style 6482

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Dreaming of a golden wedding? If you’re celebrating with warm colors and elegant details when you say “I do,” look no further than style 6482. Jessica Cooper Photography and Sweet Caroline Styles bring us this rustic styled shoot that shows just how much fun a wedding can be!

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Let yourself shine and enjoy your day to the fullest. Worn with loose curls, 6482 adds irresistible sparkle to a romantic hairstyle. Luxurious gold leaves and glamorous rhinestone accents beautifully complement any wedding theme—whether you’re getting married indoors in a dance hall or outside in a meadow.

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You can wear this design with a pretty lace gown, an ethereal fairy-tale dress, or a vintage-inspired outfit—the choice is yours! Gold hair bling looks lovely with a traditional gown, but is also stunning with non-white dresses in trendy hues such as blush, light blue, or champagne.

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Every wedding is unique. Create a bridal wardrobe that is perfect for you!

Sweet Caroline Styles

Jessica Cooper Photography

‘Till Death Do Us Part—Halloween Proposal Ideas

Planning a spooky Halloween proposal? Pop the big question with a seasonal twist using one of these fantastic ideas. Whether your beloved covets a glittering black diamond, a gothic skull ring, or a traditional sparkly setting, these proposals will definitely get a “Yes!”—if she’s not too afraid!

 Corn Maze Hunt  

Does she love playing games and solving puzzles? Take your star sleuth into a corn maze for the best treasure hunt ever! Give her clues to guide her through to the end, where you can drop a knee and/or ask actors in the maze to hold up signs.

Haunted House Surprise

Give your future fiancée a scary surprise by popping the question inside a haunted house! If you’re a thrill-seeker with a spine of steel who would brave monsters, zombies, and psychos to stop and declare your love, this is a daring way to go. Just make sure she’s not too freaked out to say, “Yes!”

Pumpkin Patch Romance  

Does she love seasonal, family-friendly activities? For a good old-fashioned fall proposal, take one knee in a pumpkin patch! You can plant the ring on a special pumpkin ahead of time, or ask friends and family to write your message on pumpkins and meet you there.

Black Cat Delivery 

For animal lovers, there’s nothing more adorable than a furry new family member bearing a sparkly present! You can also engrave their collar or tag with the question, which makes a great keepsake. For a Halloween twist, adopt a black kitty—and start your engagement with nine lives’ worth of good luck!

Candy Dish Delight

If your sweetie loves treats, why not deliver your question by offering her a dish of candy with an extra-special present sitting on top? This simple proposal is both classic and fun. You can also drop the ring into a glass of cider, or replace the plastic spider ring on a Halloween cupcake with a major upgrade.

Jack O’Lantern Message 

Nothing is more romantic than asking for her hand in marriage by flickering candlelight—preferably with scattered rose petals. Carve pumpkins to ask, “Will You Marry Me?” and drop in some candles. After it gets dark, lead your lovely lady to the magical location!

Trick or Marriage

Do either you or your beloved have kids? Let them be part of the proposal by asking them to hold up signs. When she opens the door expecting Trick or Treaters, she’ll be thrilled by your heartfelt surprise!

How are you going to propose? Share your story!

Style your New Year’s Eve Look

Need some inspiration for styling your New Year’s Eve look?

Read on for tips on how to add bling to every party ensemble.

The Look: Formal Glamour

Celebrate the New Year in true style! A long, sparkling gown paired with a sumptuous headpiece and dazzling earrings will make his heart skip a beat. Our 6351 fascinator captures the light with extravagant rhinestones arrayed in a lavish design. Matched with a stunning rhinestone bracelet and gorgeous dangling drop earrings, you’ll turn heads.

From top left: Earrings: EA217, Headpiece: 6351, Bracelet: BC141

Tip: Coordinate with your guy. Make sure he looks snazzy and will complement your gorgeous bling with a sharp suit or tux!

The Look: Vintage Sparkle

Have you had a fabulous year? Celebrate the decadence of ages past and open yourself to a wealth of new experiences with a dazzling vintage theme! Our 6501 rhinestone headpiece and rhinestone encrusted BC123 bracelet add the perfect touch of bling. Add simply stunning earrings to finish off the ensemble—after all, you’ve got to look stunning. You’re the life of the party!

From top left: Headpiece: 6501, Earrings: EA212, Bracelet: BC123

Tip: Add a pop of color with a racy red lip.

The Look: Tantalizingly Trendy

Ring in the New Year with a snazzy dose of flirtatious fun! Bling up a little black dress with irresistible sparkle using our 6522 crystal headpiece, beaded and rhinestone belt BT010, and shimmering bracelet BC108. You’ll shine long after the fireworks go out in this dazzling attire.

From top left: Belt: BT010, Headpiece: 6522, Bracelet: BC108

Tip: Stack bracelets for more bling!

We wish you all a wonderful New Year!

♥ How will you make 2015 your best year yet?

Top Reasons to Have a Christmas Wedding

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‘Tis the season to get engaged! Amongst the beauty and cheer of the holidays, we can’t help but wonder how many of you newly engaged couples will be saying “I do” again in about a year’s time? Summer and fall weddings are more popular than winter celebrations, but the cold season offers plenty of charming reasons to tie the knot.

Holiday Colors

Green and red, silver and gold, or white and blue are all beautiful color schemes for a holiday wedding. Choose a theme that is right for you and run with it!

Sparkling Accessories

You can’t wear sparkling high heels to a beach wedding. Romantic cathedral veils, stunning headpieces, and formal gowns stand out as some of our favorite winter wedding elements. To add holiday cheer, incorporate green, red, or gold into your bouquet! From shimmering headbands to twinkling bouquet jewelry, a few bits of bling will infuse your look with gorgeous radiance.

Bright Decorations

Tinsel, garlands, strings of lights, mini trees, poinsettias, pinecones, plaid table runners, ribbons and presents—what’s not to like about holiday decorations? Provide your guests with an ornament decoration station, so they’ll have something special to take home! From the table cloths to the centerpieces, you can enjoy reusing these seasonal home accents for years to come.

Religious Significance

If you are deeply spiritual, a Christmas wedding may brighten your ceremony and make your vows even more meaningful. Churches tend to put up gorgeous decorations this time of year, and you can easily incorporate a religious or festive theme.

Family

If your friends and family gather together for holidays, why not plan your wedding around the same time? You can incorporate traditions from both sides, create a few special memories of your own, and enjoy the cheer of celebrating anniversaries to come.

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So, what do you think? Is a Christmas wedding right for you? Let us know when you’re planning on getting married and why you picked the date!