Back to the Basics – For an Old Fashioned Wedding

Posted on May 3, 2012 by Kathryn

We (you, me, everyone) seem to forget in our tech-friendly, app obsessed, 21st century life, how lovely and charming the old world approach to things (life, love, weddings, etc) was and can still be. Instead of boats we take planes, instead of paper we use computers, instead of meeting our husbands and wives “organically”, we meet online, and instead of traditional weddings, we are wrapped up in the next best thing… because we are all living in a very modern world.

Okay fine, I know I’m not out to convert all of the modernists back to our traditional roots, but I do want to prove that there is plenty of beauty in an “Old Fashioned” wedding filled with charm, glamour, and grace. If you’ve stopped reading please don’t! I promise that even the most modern of us all can find ways to incorporate the past into our weddings (even though today I’m proposing any entirely back to the basics, old fashioned wedding approach and lots of inspiration!)

So as always, I like to begin with the bridal gown! This Ian Stuart gown (below) is impeccable. The detailing of the skirt, the choice color (ivy, not white), and most especially the separate jacket with a corset that hugs the waist, make this dress the perfect choice for a very traditional wedding. But there are plenty of ideas that aren’t just about the fashion. Try making fun place cards for your guests using vintage keys like the ones below… For the reception, throw in vintage rented furniture to fill an empty reception hall (see below) like this 18th century inspired sofa canape upholstered with blue and silver silk lampas. For the bride, accent your modern hairstyle with a very vintage brooch (below) and a pair of vintage shoes – I am OBSESSED with these Vintage Di Scarla of Italy heels from Etsy! And finally for your color palette, pick accents like cream and mauve which can be used perfectly in all of the floral centerpieces and bouquets (I LOVE the bouquet below). These colors are so muted that you can add the loud touches like an intricate wedding dress and vintage furniture which nicely balances those creams, taupes, and mauves to create that “old fashioned” look we are going for…

Credits: Met Museum, Ian Stuart – Bellevue, Style Me Pretty, All the Rest , The Wedding Chicks, Etsy, Etsy

PinExt Back to the Basics For an Old Fashioned Wedding

The Western Way

To The Golf Course

Trend Alert: Chic Outdoor Cocktail Lounge

Tying the Knot

Posted on March 7, 2012 by Kathryn

Before there was “until death do us part” at wedding ceremonies, there was “tying the knot”…

“Tying the knot”, “to tie the knot”, even just “the knot” (think wedding planning website) have become wildly overused phrases in the wedding world but I’m guessing you, like me, never stopped to think where it all came from.

It was said that in ancient Celtic and Pagan wedding rituals, the hands of the bride and groom were tied together. The custom became known as handfasting. And as you may have guessed, the term handfasting served as the origin for our expression “tying the knot” today.

So where am I going with this? Well aside from teaching you something you may not have known a minute ago, there are a number of fun and unique ways for old traditions to be incorporated into modern day weddings. I’m not talking about literally tying the bride and grooms hand together at the alter, but how about incorporating a little piece of a past tradition into your modern day wedding? There are some amazing ways to do just that (see below)… from a “knot” boutonniere, to a creative way of filling an empty reception room (check out the cool rope rug), or just use some rope to “accessorize” (adding to your table setting, your centerpiece or for your bridesmaids dresses?) Well maybe not the bridesmaids dresses but you get my point. Think a little out of the box, blend a bit of old and new, and you have no idea what you may come up with…

Credits: A Subtle Revelry, Pinterest, Pinterest, Kiss the Groom, Style Me Pretty, Tommy Hilfiger, Green Wedding Shoes, Anais Collezioni by St Pucci, Crush Culdesac, Style Me Pretty

The Perfect (Spring Wedding) Palette

Vintage Details

Southern Wedding Charm

The Getaway Wedding Car

Posted on March 3, 2012 by Kathryn

Finding the perfect wedding car seems to have become a difficult feat these days with wedding party entourages continuing to grow in number and rental car, bus, limo, trolley, (horse and carriage?) prices becoming more and more unbearable. So whether you are dreaming of a traditional Rolls Royce, a modern Bentley or a Hummer Limo, the options really are endless.

Today we’re sticking to the traditional; I’m thinking more vintage classic over ultra-modern. I love the look of the antiques, especially on your wedding day, and most especially for some good photo ops. So between these amazing finds, I think there is one for even the modern bride to love…

Credits: Once Wed, Once Wed, Whimsical Wonderland Weddings, Pinterest via Jose Villa Blog, Pinterest , Style Me Pretty, Grey Likes Weddings, Danis Stephenson Photography, Pinterest

Something Blue

To the Plantation

The Classic Gown {In Traditional Lace}

The Old Hollywood Wedding Way

Posted on February 29, 2012 by Kathryn

In honor of the Oscars this weekend, what could be more fitting than a bridal throwback to the Old Hollywood wedding and all that comes with it: think glamour, charm, and Clark Gable. When I think of the Old Hollywood wedding I think red lipstick, lace, feathers, lovely headpieces, and the roaring 20s. Even today you can have a piece of old Hollywood in your wedding by just incorporating a few statement pieces like any of these – from a mid-century(esque) necklace, to a vintage inspired wedding bouquet, a classic veil, or finishing it all off with an exquisite dress.

Feeling like you are living in the past yet?

Credits: Culture Bridal, BHLDN, Restoration Hardware, Culture Bridal , Flourish Bouquets, Etsy , Style Me Pretty, Etsy, Whimsical Wonderland Weddings

Dress of the Week - Oscar de la Renta

Fall Wedding Trends

Dress of the Week - Reem Acra (Winter Edition)

The Beauty of the Wedding Shrug…

Posted on February 28, 2012 by Kathryn

Winter may be nearly over, but there is still plenty of time for a fabulous fur shrug! What better an accessory than a timeless, cozy, elegant piece (okay, you know you can always do faux fur if you’re an animal lover!!) If you’re thinking that fur is old fashioned or out of style, get that idea out of your head! A fur accessory will not only keep you warm on the coldest of wedding days; it looks absolutely incredible too!

I am in love with these shrugs! Each is used uniquely as a fashion piece (or winter coat). White, grey, brown, black, with or without sleeves, all of these brides have put a spin on the old fashioned fur and how amazing do they look…