A Sweet Inspiration Board

Photo credits: bowtie (Snippet and Ink), candy buffet (Martha Stewart Weddings), couple (Ruffledblog.com), bridesmaid fashion (A Southern Wedding), ring (Weddingaces.com), place cards (Brides.com), centerpieces (A Southern Wedding), child attendants (Utterly Engaged)

We put this board together as inspiration for those who love the bright candy colors of summer (or who just love candy)! We did a great wedding a few years ago with a candy theme and it was so much fun! Candy-flavored martinis rimmed with Pop-Rocks and crushed lemon drops, an elaborate candy store display and desserts passed on lollipop sticks.

Even if you don't have a sweet tooth, these fun colors can be great for summer weddings.  We've always loved mixing orange and pink with bright yellow. These colors are so perfect for the sunny days of July and August.  We also love the melon shades of these bridesmaids' dresses. So fun and flirty. We hope you enjoy this fun inspiration!

Ruby Feather giveaway!

I once overheard a bride gush to her friend that she'd fallen in love with a gorgeous "Oscar de la Hoya" dress on sample sale. This girl was so sweet and genuinely excited,  I just didn't have the heart to correct her. (Besides, maybe legendary boxer de la Hoya does design wedding dresses on the side. I don't know his life.) 

The point is, you hear a lot of funny things in this business. When I asked another bride if she would be wearing a veil on her wedding day, she replied, " Obviously. Without a veil you're just a girl in a white prom dress." It's an interesting theory, right? Personally though, I'd be more inclined to believe the gender flipside: that without a boutonniere, the groom is just a guy in a tux. 

Boutonnieres add instant style and pizazz to a wedding. And unlike bouquets, which are almost always made of flowers, bouts give you the opportunity to think a bit more outside the box. 

Ruby Feather thinks outside the box. Her designs are show stoppers unto themselves: colorful, charming, and perfectly executed. Using artificial blooms can be tricky, but Ruby pulls it off each time, and the happy client is left with a memento of their wedding that will last a lifetime. (Also, the wedding planner in me loves that her boutonnieres won't sag, droop, or break at the stem at any point during the day.)

Before we get to today's truly phenomenal giveaway, we wanted to you be able to hear from

the creative mind behind Rubyfeather, Rebecca Singleton. 

How did you start your business?

I've always been making things and being crafty! Ever since I was very young. I had made some wedding boutonniere a hair pieces for a friend and just decided to set up an etsy shop to see how it would go. It all took off from there! I love seeing the orders come in and seeing what new adventure you have ahead for you with colors and fabrics, etc! It's so much fun!

What inspires you?

All the other crafters on Etsy!!! They are amazing. I love anything handmade - that someone put so much hard work and effort into something for you to love, It just makes it all the better.

I love when I put 2 colours together and it just works!!! And of course nature. Who couldn't be inspired by nature!

How would you define your style?

I love the vintage styles and all things antique and retro. I like my crafts to stand out and look unusual or different. Why would you want to look like everyone else?!

What is your favorite color combination for weddings?

I'm currently working on boutonnieres for a client with beautiful purple and blues with some silver and they are looking amazing, but really and truly it's nice to work with a variety of colors. Sometimes I have some crazy bouts with orange and pink and green and a week later I might be working on ivory and gold. I enjoy the variety.

What do you like most about designing for brides?

Being part of their wedding day. Customers put their trust in you to come up with something that will add to the whole look of their wedding and that is really satisfying. I like that they have something handmade and almost like a keepsake of their special day. It's like love has gone into the item already before it even gets there!

What would be one piece of advice you'd give a bride? 

Go for something different. I think so many people just do the same as everyone else and it's nice for guests to look back and remember something unusual or different from the day. There may be things that they have in their head and they think, "Nah - that's too crazy."  Do it!!!!

Thanks, Ruby! Today's giveaway winner will get five custom wedding boutonnieres, compliments of Ruby Feather. How great is that?! To enter to win, just email us at weddings@engagingaffairs.com with Ruby Feather in the subject line. Good luck!

How to contact Ruby Feather:

Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/rubyfeather

Alison

Olio Designs Winner!

The winner of the 50 custom lollipops from Olio Designs is Sara Raffel.  Congratulations, Sara!  Shoot us an email and we'll hook you up!  Thanks to everyone for entering.  Another great giveaway in about an hour--hooray!

A University of Maryland Wedding {Ashley & Domonique}

To most that know me personally, I am a huge fan of all things Terps (or Maryland Terrapins to those who are unfamiliar with the ACC college teams) having graduated from the University myself.  Something about being back on the campus is always comforting.  It was there, parked in front of the university chapel, that I first saw the most beautiful limo I had ever seen.  It was a mint green Jaguar and I was going to have it for my own wedding.  But in the end, that was not to be.

But this is not a blog about me, but about two other Terps, who met, fell in love and got married at my, I mean their, alma mater.  (and for me, it's the first time I have had the pleasure of planning a wedding on the campus grounds after seeing countless ceremonies taking place over weekends as a student.)  Ashley and Domonique got hitched on July 3rd surrounded by friends and family at the University Chapel.  Some of you fellow Maryland (or Raven) football fans might recognize the groom!

The bride and her ladies got ready at her parents' home in DC.

Outside the chapel, the men congregated to wait for the arrival of the bride.

I remember hearing the bride say as she approached her groom for the first time that day, "I'm coming Domonique, you'd better get excited!"

The reception was held at the newish (finished in 2005, I believe) event space in the Samuel Riggs V Alumni Center.  The pink and purple combination looked festive and sophisticated.

I loved the fun details like the caramel corn and caramel apples and the whimsical purple and pink flowers on the wedding cake!  The candles and the special lighting by Digital Lightning really gave the room a romantic glow.  The lush flowers from the talented team at Edge were breathtaking and the pale pink water in the tall floating candle holders was such a fun touch!





Congratulations Ashley and Domonique!  You were my last wedding before the heat wave!
Thank you to our fabulous team
Photography- Mary, Love Life Images
Entertainment- DJ Isaiah
Catering- Design Cuisine
Lighting- Digital Lightning
Flowers- Edge Floral Events Designers

Sara

Anna Michelle Heirloom Winner!!

The winner of the Anna Michelle Heirloom Marilyn veil is Lisette Acosta.  Congratulations Lisette!  We're insanely jealous. Shoot us an email and we'll hook you up!

Bethany Lorelle giveaway!

Today's giveaway sponsor has reduced me to a little girl wanting to play dress up. Except instead of going through my mom's jewelry box, I want to raid Bethany Lorelle's.

So shiny! And sparkly! I love how her pieces seem contemporary and vintage at the same time-- and of course, absolutely romantic. Bethany Lorelle was kind enough to answer a few Bridal Bubbly questions.

What inspires you?  

I am  inspired by the heroines of Jane Austen (who felt the empowerment of their own inner beauty by adding a simple ribbon), 18th-century France (a time when even a short walk to the market was a reason to accessorize), and the decadent glamour of Old Hollywood (Hepburn).

How would you define your style?

My style is  whimsical, chic, and playful. I love to create pieces for the modern women who loves a little vintage flair.  My favorite pieces are the ones you can wear with a little black dress, or your jeans and a tee.  

What is your favorite product from your line? 

I love the one of kind pieces that I get to create.  The creations that are a combination of the clients aesthetic and my own imagination.  Each one is unique, just like each bride is unique; and just as I hope my work inspires brides to contact me, each bride inspires a new creation from me.

What do you like most about designing for brides?

What I love most about designing for brides is getting to know them.  Creating for one of the most important days in a woman's life is such a privilege.  I am always honored when brides approaches me to create for them.  It's truly a gift that they are giving me.  I love to make all my clients happy, but making a bride happy is like the icing on the cake of my job. It's such a beauitful time in a women's life.

What would be one piece of advice you'd give a bride?

Be You.  There is nothing that makes a bride more beautiful than when she is personifying her own style.  I feel a bride looks her best when the accessories serve to complement, rather than create, her inner beauty and glow.

Thanks for the interview, Bethany! Now for the best part: Today's giveaway winner will have her pick among two of Bethany's most popular pieces, seen below:

So which lucky reader is going to have to make a very hard choice between these two gorgeous accessories? To enter the drawing, email us at weddings@engagingaffairs.com with Bethany Lorelle in the subject line. Good luck, and thanks again to Bethany for this fantastic prize!

How to contact Bethany Lorelle:

Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/bethanylorelle

Website: http://www.bethanylorelle.com/

Mignonne Handmade Winner!

The winner of the Mignonne Handmade giveaway is NinjaPandaWedding.  Congratulations!  We can't wait to hear what fabulous accessory you choose!

Olio Designs giveaway!

Etsy is such a dangerous site to visit. You think you'll just browse, and then suddenly, you stumble upon something you never knew you existed but now MUST have, or life will be drab and gray and without sunshine. Case in point: these lollipop favors by Olio Designs. They are so adorable that I am now a little bit resenting all my friends who are not getting married, or having babies, or giving me some other reason to throw a party with lollipops.

So freaking cute! It's no wonder Olio is one of Martha Stewart's favorite Etsy crafters, right? 

I actually think I'd feel guilty removing these darling covers to eat the lollipops inside. Fortunately for me, nothing cures guilt like sugary goodness. And fortunately for you, the incredibly crafty and generous Meg at Olio Designs is giving away FIFTY custom lollipop favors to one Bridal Bubbly reader! To enter for your chance to win, email us at weddings@engagingaffairs.com with Olio Designs in the subject line. Good luck winning this delicious giveaway, and enjoy this quick interview with Olio designer Meg!

What inspires you? 

I am inspired by color -anything from a beautiful piece of fabric or a great piece of paper to the unique shades found in the forest or on an ocean beach.

How would you define your style? 

I like clean, simple lines and vibrant colors.

What is your favorite product from your line? 

My favorite product is my lollipop favor. I originally designed the lollipop favor as a valentine for my son to take school. I had opened my Etsy store only a few months before and decided to add the lollipop favors to my inventory thinking they would make great birthday party or baby shower favors. I was surprised when not too long afterward I was contacted by a bride who wanted to customize the lollipop favors for her wedding. Lollipop favors are the perfect favor for the bride who is looking for something fun and unique to add to her reception but wants to keep it classy!

What do you like most about designing for brides? 

Brides are so much fun to work with. They are preparing for a new and exciting chapter in their lives and I feel very lucky to play a small part in making their wedding day uniquely their own. 

What would be one piece of advice you'd give a bride? 

Talk! After 11 years of marriage I have learned that the most important thing in a happy and healthy relationship is good communication.

How to contact Olio Designs:

Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/oliodesigns

MissNowMrs winner!

Happy Monday everyone!  The winner of the MissNowMrs gift card to make their life SOOO much easier is Josh Fixler.  Congratulations to Josh, and his fiance Ann!  Email us your snail mail address and will will get the gift card zipped out to you!

Anne Michelle Heirloom veil giveaway!

The moment that is guaranteed to get more happy tears than any other in a bridal shop is not, surprisingly, the first time a mother sees her daughter in a wedding dress. It's the moment when the bride first tries on a veil. Without the veil, you're a beautiful girl in a dress, but with the veil, there's no mistaking it: you're a bride, and suddenly that's very real and emotional.

When I worked in a bridal salon, I loved the big veil moment. I only wish I had known back then about Anne Michelle Heirloom, whose exquisite veils and hair pieces are some of the prettiest I've ever seen.

And now the the super talented Anne Michelle is donating one gorgeous Marilyn birdcage veil as today's Bridal Bubbly giveaway! For a chance to win the veil (pictured below: flower fascinator not included), just email us at weddings@engagingaffairs.com. Put Anne Michelle Heirloom in the subject line and let us know you want to enter the drawing. We'll pick a winner later this week.

Until then, here's the Bridal Bubbly Q and A with Anne Michelle. 

How did you get started in design?

I’ve always thought of myself as an artist, mostly interested in watercolor and ceramics.  One of my first jobs was working in a bridal fabrics shop.  While I was there I became familiar with the highest quality materials, and started following wedding trends just out of interest. It was there that I started designing and making wedding veils for clients. About a year and a half ago, I found myself with some extra time on my hands, and started making veils again and flower fascinators. I found the creative process really satisfying. It was a good place for all of my creative energy.

Why weddings?

Weddings are so pretty! I love the soft colors and materials. I love all the little details that make a wedding truly special. I really love working with brides that have a unique sense of style.  I love hearing that they love their veil, and that it really made their wedding look complete.

What inspires you?

I love small details. I read a LOT of wedding blogs, and I love a wedding that is saturated with personality from the couple.  I also draw a lot of inspiration from vintage photographs and graphic design.  I am really inspired by my materials. I don’t usually sit down to design with an end product in mind. I just use what is in front of me and start putting it together. I love to stumble on a fabulous piece of vintage jewelry and creating a piece around it. The end result can end up kind of kooky, and not for every bride, but it has a ton of personality.

How would you define your style?

I usually say it is old-Hollywood inspired, but still clean and modern.  My pieces tend to have clean lines, though I’m working on a line with softer edges and more volume.

What would be one piece of advice you'd give a bride?

Relax and enjoy planning your wedding. Don’t let it freak you out.  The best weddings aren’t perfect , they speak about the couple and tell the guests about their personalities, interests, and style.  Find little details that you love.  And lastly, find a fabulous accessory that will make your guests remember you. 

How to contact Anne Michelle Heirloom:

Etsy Store: www.etsy.com/shop/annemichelleheirloom

Blog: www.theveilblog.blogspot.com/