Thanks for stopping by our blog! Fresh Wed is a selective group of wedding vendors in North Dakota and Minnesota who share a fresh outlook on the wedding industry. Through this blog, group members will offer advice and tips for wedding planning, show real weddings + engagement stories from the area, and provide a behind-the-scenes look into the wedding industry.
Can you believe it’s already the end of July? Summer is just flying by …
Issue #11 of Utterly Engaged is available. And I love the concept – bringing in the old with the new. They asked readers to send in pictures of there grandparents/parents wedding. How lovely is this this photo (and the caption, ahhhdorable). But the issue also tries to bring old style to meet modern. Here’s my e-zine version of Have You Ever/Would you ever:
Let your entire bridal party wear fishnets? It’s pretty sexy.
Wear the sweetness (haha – bowtie). This is a great video. No one wants to be accused of wearing a clip-on.
And how about this hat? Do or don’t – if you are having a circus themed wedding, it would make a do… maybe not.
Speaking of wedding hats… on women, I can’t find a picture, but what the heck did Carrie Bradshaw have on her head at Stanford’s wedding. I disliked that, but thoroughly enjoyed this (Warning: awful video quality, but still great entertainment).
I’m very into single-shoulder dresses right now. Bare some skin because those dresses are fab, for any event. And how stunning is Natalie? Lace, one shoulder, short dress, braided up-do – so classy and beautiful.
And since I threw in some dress fashion, of course shoes are to follow. These (sold out) peacockiness heels make me smile!
Moving on to details! Wedding favors for guests is a popular wedding planning topic. And depending on your colors, theme, style, you can find just about anything days.
Beach themed
Fall themed
Edible
and more edible (I want one!)
Speaking of edible – back to my previously mentioned game … Would you ever!
Random wedding fact: Yowza No wonder websites like THIS are out there for you (I just love the name of the site – so blunt and honest).
And to send you on to your merry way for the weekend, here are some cool, indie rockin’ love songs.
You’re What I’m Looking For
The Prettiest Girl in the Whole Wide World
Perfect
(So happy I found Poptastic Bride this week!)
At long last, an actual wedding post! Today photographer Katie Lewis shares a charming country wedding she recently photographed. Enjoy :)
Tenielle and Scott were married at an adorable country church in Leonard, ND. Their wedding was totally and completely about who they are and celebrating their backgrounds. Not to mention incredibly home-made! The groom wore a kilt made in Scotland of his family’s tartan. The bride wore a dress that she designed and made herself. Yup she made her own dress! She also made the bridesmaid dresses!
During and after the ceremony they incorporated wedding traditions from their many backgrounds. For example, they took a piece of tartan and bound their hands together during their vows. This is a Scottish tradition symbolizing being bound together in marriage. As they left the church the wedding party laid fir boughs on the ground for the bride and groom to walk on; a German tradition.
The reception dinner took place on the front lawn of the church. The bride’s brother built a wooden structure behind the couple’s sweetheart table. Every table had beautiful different china. The bride’s mother made all of the food including the amazing desserts!
When the bride and groom left they changed into more comfortable clothes. The bride wore her grandmother’s hat that she wore on her wedding day. They took off on a horse drawn carriage and then took off for their honeymoon in New Zealand.
Happy Friday!
Dear readers, I would love to go to a movie this weekend, any suggestions? There are a few movies I’m getting antsy to see, but just aren’t out yet … such as Eat Pray Love, starring Julia Roberts. Has anyone read the book? I just bought it the other day. Book or movie first? Speaking of Julia … it just so happens I found this darling article – Love Lessons from Julia Roberts (movies). Get relationship tips from her characters, like, if you’re in love with your best friend, don’t wait until right before his wedding to tell him so. (Can you guess the movie?)
And something else a little movie related. Back in May I posted a link for a sweet ‘Up’ themed engagement session. They carried the theme over to their wedding! Incredibly sweet. And how cool is it that the writer and producer sent them a gift!! I think my favorite part is the picnic blankets for seating.
I must just be feeling sweet and lovey-dovey today. Here is another sweet wedding, and so intimate – Amy and Chris. It looks like just a couple of friends attended. It’s so quaint and cozy, and beautifully decorated in my favorite vintage fashion!
Please tell me you watch Say Yes to the Dress. I don’t enjoy trying on clothes when I’m shopping, but I love watching these women, these complete strangers, try on wedding dresses. Every once in a while, they have an episode where they have a big sale and women are just waiting outside for the doors to open. Too bad we don’t live near New York, because a big Kleinfeld’s blowout sale is a few days away!
And finally, I didn’t know that this was such a problem…but since it is (apparently), here are some tips for holding your bouquet!?
Hello, Fresh Wed readers! Life has been busy, to say the least! It is wedding season after all, and all of our lovely Fresh Wed vendors are out and about with their clients at this time of year. But fear not :) This week we are back and have all sorts of beautiful things to share with you. First up, a Fresh Friday that becomes a Fresh Monday from our wedding link expert, Amanda.
A beautiful gift idea, more for a bridal shower than a wedding – heirloom recipe card boxes, that can by Rifle Paper Co. Each box is unique and made from salvaged wood. I love hand-crafted gifts!
Honeymooning at a beach? Check out these reads if you are a Beach Blanket Bookworm! (Even if you aren’t honeymooning, but just need a good summer read, take a peek!)
Everyone has wedding advice, about the ceremony, about the reception, about your budget, your hair, your make-up, and on and on with do’s and don’ts. But, have you ever seen all of the advice in one spot – Check out these 75 Do’s and Don’ts. YES, 75!
And finally, meet Jordan Jordan! How adorable is the note on the back of the program. And how adorable are her yellow shoes!
Happy Friday! Today’s Fresh Friday is kind of a mixed bag of ideas. I get so bookmark happy during the week, and when I go back to look at them, not everything really flows together. Much like my days! Enjoy!
First up, I’m a desert lover – cookies, cakes, pies, ice cream, chocolate, even if it’s just a small Andes dinner mint, I will even eat it after breakfast. As much as I love wedding cake, I’m really loving the popularity of cupcakes. There is so much you can do with displaying and colors and flavors! Check out this DIY cupcake stand.
Speaking of DIY, check out this massive gallery of wedding favor ideas, and if you are a DIY-er, you must look at this bargain shop online Save On Crafts! Vases, bowls, lighting, ribbon, tulle, feathers, flowers, favors, guest books, balloons, even jewelry – what a bargain.
Look at this, I’m grouping my thoughts together … While on the topic of favors and decorations, I have a new plant fascination – air plants. They are fantastic little guys. Don’t let the name fool you, they do need a soak in some water about once a week, but you can put them ANYWHERE, without soil! Just look at what this hotel does with them. They look like mini fireworks. They would make great table pieces, especially in glass containers. They are not that expensive, and there are colors: Pink, red, yellow, but this spiral shape is my favorite.
I think these little self-watering pots would make great gifts – anytime!
It must be the weather, but I’m loving plants and flowers at the moment. But to bring it in to bridal style, Martha’s idea of the day: Fresh Flowers for Your Hair. You could work a flower into almost all of these celeb styles.
Sweden’s Crown Princess Victoria was married on June 19th. But it was a weekend-long affair, and I love her classic, royal style. What a fairly tale. Or does everyone begin their wedding weekend with a concert gala!?
It may not be a royal wedding, but who wouldn’t want cute little guys at their wedding? I just love this real wedding – at a wildlife park! Put them at the top of your guest list – giraffes and penguins!
Helloooo Friday!
Let’s start of with some color, color, color – brighten things up after that dreadful weather yesterday.
And what better style for color than style from the ’80s! I have no idea who could pull this off, but I’m tempted. How totally rad would it be to get an invite to an ’80s-themed wedding?! See more color from this shoot here – including shoes, headband, flowers.
But why stop at accessories? Not all bridal gowns are white. But if you do go for white, add some pop with snazzy shoes (if your are getting married around here, these days you may need the galoshes).
Speaking of shoes, my friend, Toni, recently walked down the aisle. How adorable are these boots? Her dress was long and covered them, so I’m so happy we have this photo. They need to be seen!
photo by Brandi Coldwell, lolajo.com
But enough about fashion and style (NEVER!), but yes, moving on. I have not seen the movie Bride Wars, with Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway, but I’m sure that quite often friends and relatives are planning weddings in the same year. You are both starting to make arrangements … and you want to avoid conflict. How do you avoid Bride Wars? (Has anyone seen the movie? Thumbs up or down?)
Recently, I stumbled upon a wedding site from the UK. You & Your Wedding covers everything – planning, beauty, honeymoons, gifts. And I had no idea that rehearsal dinners were a US tradition, and the trend is headed to the UK. And, for that giving groom of yours – if he needs tips on ways to be romantic.
This MSN feature is pretty great, msn glo! Here are some relationship reads: The Husband Whisperer (I love that), and 9 Secrets Happy Couples Shouldn’t Keep.
I just can’t get enough sunshine and spring/summer warmth. And because of that, I’m in a floraly (yes, made up word) mood and I’m sharing it with you. Recently, I’ve decided that even dandelions, when they are yellow and in a full field (not my yard, but actually wild) can be a happy sight. Wildflowers could make for some lovely wedding decor. And there are plenty of creative ways to display them on tables: Bottles or glass (I love the variety of shapes and sizes), antique containers, wooden boxes, even shot glasses! Or add floral touches in other aspects of the day! Check out this decorating guide from Pottery Barn.
On the fashion front, I have an update. A while back I mentioned TOMS wedding line. Now, they are introducing wedges! These are much more feminine then the wedding style, and if you still feel as if you would like to contribute to their cause, I think the wedges are a great summer shoe choice. And bridesmaids would love them, because much like dresses, how often do you wear the shoes again? Just look at the wedge possibilities from the city sage!
Have you heard – the new Martha Stewart Weddings, Summer Issue is available! And it’s dedicated to DIY. Here are some of my favorites (and these slide shows are lenthy, so make sure you have time to browse):
Good Things for Summer Weddings
Cake and Cupcake Toppers
Wedding Updos
I’m going to end today with a song. A happy song. A love song. A song I can listen to over and over. At first, I just loved the music and instruments. Then I decided I love the singer’s voice. Then, I actually listened to the lyrics. And if you listen long enough, in the last few seconds he describes the true meaning. Please enjoy Excuses, by The Morning Benders.
Let’s go GaGa, etsy style! Someone somewhere could totally pull this off, and I would love to see the photos, or you could just invite me!
Big is in for jewelry! And these necklaces are big, bright and beautiful! I think something like this would be gorgeous this summer with a strapless dress.
And if you don’t believe me, look at this real wedding: Lhasa and Adam. She’s simply stunning in her bold necklace and short dress.
Speaking of real wedding style, check out Cherise and Aaron. I should be more specific, check out Cherise’s shoes and the bridesmaid shoes. And her dress is beautiful. How incredibly stylish is this wedding?
Don’t forget the honeymoon! How about these Honeymoon bathing suits, or one pieces.
Or the comfort for lounging.
Camping honeymoon?
Relaxed and feminine
I think Rompers are a new staple for summer: Dressier, Casual color, and a little floral.
I’m ending today with a Ruche roundup! This one of my favorite online shops, especially for darling little dresses. Imagine my excitement when I saw the Bridesmaid lookbook, which offers ideas for dresses that your bridesmaids could actually wear again, and again, and again! No more ugly dresses in the back of closets. And they have styles for everything – for bacholorette parties or even rehearsal dinner.
Here are some of my favorite dresses:
Bridesmaids: Solid or print (an adorable summery pattern)
Rehearsal dinner: Silk Blooms or Silk Stripes
Bachelorette party: Feminine Tux or Illuminating print (bring some life to the party!)
When decorating the church for your big day, think beyond alter flower arrangements and bows on pews. Lately Brooke from Just Add Water is getting inspired by magazines showing carnation spheres as centerpieces.
For last Saturday’s wedding, Brooke says the bride wanted something different, so she used carnation spheres on square vases at the reception. The bride and groom also wanted a unique look for the church. Brooke thought, why not start at the church with the carnation spheres? Instead of hanging the flowers from a pew, she made a bigger statement with a tall clear vase next to the pew and topped it with her favorite curly willow sticks for some height.
Brooke L-O-V-E-D the way the carnations looked and so did the bride!
Speaking of the bride, she carried soft orange roses which were complimented by red hybericum berries to give it some texture. She wanted simple, yet chic and contemporary flowers.
The bridesmaids’ bouquets were constructed of light blue hydrangea, red hybericum berries, red dahlias and soft orange roses to coordinate with the bride’s bouquet.
It’s been a whirlwind of a week here at Fresh Wed! The mighty name holders at godaddy.com had a little registration confusion about our domain name. After a long talk involving too much technical mumbojumbo, we’re back online. Yay and yay!
So, since I didn’t run Amanda’s fabulous link list last Friday, here it is on a late Monday night.
I’ve been out of the office all week, and it’s Friday, and I have a ton of catching up to do and relatives coming in tonight. So all I have to say for today is…
I adore short dresses. See them here:
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