A Different Kind of Bridal Bouquet

In ancient Rome, brides carried bunches of herbs in lieu of flowers to symbolize fidelity and to scare off evil spirits. While this superstitious function has been abandoned, herbs are making a comeback as a vintage-feeling, aromatic companion to the bridal bouquet. Herbs, like flowers carry special meanings. Some wedding-appropriate herbs include lavender (best wishes), rosemary (remembrance, true love), and marjoram (joyful living). Check out these ideas to incorporate this ancient bridal tradition into your own big day.

Image 1: A lavender bouquet, theknot.com

Image 2: A bouquet of thyme, rosemary, and sage mixed with hyacinth and lily of the valley, marthastewartweddings.com

Image 3: A bouquet of mixed herbs and mums, creditcrunchbride.wordpress.com

Ideas We Love: Boutonnieres With Flair

Check out these interesting takes on the age-old boutonniere tradition! With materials ranging from fabric and buttons to feathers and cacti, these arrangements show that a boutonniere doesn't have to just be a simple space filler, but can be a unique expression of a couple's personality, and the theme of their wedding.

Images: theknot.com

3 Tips For Your Best Wedding Photos

1. It may seem obvious... but scheduling a consultation with your photographer prior to your wedding allows them to get to know you, and get a sense of the style of photography you like. This can also be a great time to review the photographer's past work, and share photos of yourself that you like and dislike so the photographer can begin planning which angles would be best to shoot from. An engagement session can also be a great trial run.

2. Ask your photographer to take photos of the location, food, and decor. After spending months carefully planning these details, it is all-too-easy for a bride to miss the execution of these little things in the flurry of the wedding and reception. Having the details on film not only gives a better sense of the event as a whole, but will remind you of these aspects down the road.

3. Make sure to take candid shots... not just of you and the bridal party, but also of your guests. While formal photographs of the wedding are certainly a large part of a photography package, photos of you and your guests in candid celebration allows you to remember these moments and who was apart of them, more than posed photos alone.

Wedding Whites: Colors Decoded

"It's a nice day to start again. It's a nice day for a white wedding."

-Billy Idol

Every bride is faced with a decision. From the dress... to the shoes... to the tablecloths... we must select the color. But even a decision as seemingly simple as a "white dress" is not always so simple when considering the face that the bridal industry at-large is fluent in so many varying shades of white. So, in an effort to de-mystify...

Pure White: A very bright white. While pure white is thought to be a traditional choice, it is important to note that pure white is likely to provide a harsh and stark contrast to many skin tones, excepting those with very dark skin, on whom the color can be quite flattering.

Off-White: Off-white is traditionally a white with a tinge of gray or yellow to create a slightly less harsh color. Off-whites are likely to flatter yellow, olive, or dark skin tones.

Ivory: Ivory is a white with a touch of yellow. Shades of ivory are fairly universally-flattering, but especially complement those with fair skin tones.

Champagne: A darker white than any previously listed, with a yellow or pink hue. Champagne colors have a classic "aged" look, and are flattering to many skin tones. Those with redder complexions, however, should be careful not to choose a champagne that is too pink in hue.

Cream: Also a darker white, with a brownish or yellow hue. Creamy shades are very flattering to those with pink or red complexions.

Image: GettyOne

A Signature Cocktail

These days many couples are foregoing the open bar in favor of a signature cocktail to be passed before the reception meal. Hand selecting a cocktail as a couple is not only a fun retreat from pre-wedding jitters and planning stress, but can add a personal touch to the before-dinner mingling. Try this Real Simple favorite... a modernized combination of a the retro class of a mojito and the exotic spice of a margarita that is as universally appealing as... Lucy and Desi for instance.

Lucy and Desi

1/4 cup fresh mint leaves

1 1/2 ounces tequila

5 slices cucumber

1 ounce agave syrup

1 ounce sour mix

1 ounce lemon lime soda or sparkling wine

In a cocktail shaker, muddle the mint, tequila, and cucumber. Shake with the agave syrup, sour mix, and ice. Pour into a glass and add soda. Mint and a cucumber slice makes an attractive garnish!

Image: www.bride.net

In Bloom: 4 Summer Flowers For Your Bouquet!

"Go easy on the bouquet.

Bouquets that are too large or too loud will detract from the dress."

-Vera Wang

Every well-researched bride-to-be knows that the trick to saving money on the bridal bouquet is selecting flowers that are in-season. While this can include flowers with year-round availability such as roses, less traditional flowers that naturally complement the season can also make for an eye-catching bridal bouquet. For brides craving a summer wedding, here are some beautiful 'late-bloomers:'

1. Sunflower: Sunflowers reach their peak in the summer months, and only a few are required to create a wonderfully full, yet simple bouquet. Sunflowers symbolize loyalty.

2. Zinnia: Zinnias are an inexpensive flower available in a variety of beautifully bright colors. Zinnias symbolize friendship.

3. Dahlia: With their spice-like fragrance and Aztec origins, the dahlia adds a flair of the exotic at little cost. Dahlias symbolize gratitude.

4. Hydrangea: Hydrangeas are another flower where just a few can create a full and well-shaped bouquet. Hydrangeas are available in the popular bright green and blue colors as well as white, pink, and purple. Hydrangeas symbolize devotion.

Images: www.theknot.com, Jeremy Lawson Photography, Hanjel Lianeras Photography, Halo Photographic, Troy House

I am beyond excited to share my best friend's gorgeous, gorgeous wedding!

My best friend since childhood got married a few weeks ago. I was fortunate to not only be her maid of honor but I also got to make several custom gowns for her and the bridal party. The whole tropical, laid back vibe of the wedding was so Nicole. She is just as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside and is one of the kindest girl’s I know.

Nicole words cannot express how happy I am for you. It was a beautiful ceremony and a fantastic day for all who were there. I love you so much!

Nicole modeling off the jewelry I got her from my chic boutique!

The bride and groom

Matt and the boys

Loved this cake

I'm actually excited about wearing this dress again!

To love, laughter and happly everafter...