Blossoming Wedding Heels

Although your wedding shoes might be hidden for the majority of your big day (depending on the length of your gown), there are moments when your shoes will be on full display. For example, photographers love to take creative pictures using your shoes as a focal point before the ceremony. Also, if you are sitting down during your ceremony sometimes your shoes peek out from under your gown. And of course, your shoes will be showing at times when you are dancing up a storm during the reception (if you haven't kicked them off or opted for comfier slippers by that point!).

Moral of the story: Why not choose some shoes that have some character? You might not ever wear them again in your life, but the photos taken on your wedding day will last a lifetime.

Here are some adorable Cole Haan "Ceci Air Rose" heels that are definitely not meant to stay hidden beneath your wedding dress:



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Bustle Wedding - The Johnsons

Who: Brittany & Brian Johnson

What: Partial Wedding Planning & Coordination

Where: Franklin College

When: November 28, 2009


{Bride + groom! Source: Indy Photo Booths}

Brian & Brittany had such a lovely wedding day! The weather was a gorgeous as could be on a November day - slightly chilly, but the sun was out and the sky was beautiful. Brittany looked absolutely amazing in her dress - and Brian looked extraordinarily handsome in his ivory tux. The colors for their wedding were chocolate brown and pale yellow.

The ceremony was held in Custer Theater in the Old Main building on the Franklin College campus, where both the bride and groom went to college. The reception was a short walk away to the Napolitan Student Center. On the second floor Branigin Room, dinner was served buffet-style, and then dancing and festivities were all held on the first floor in the atrium.

Emily, my most favorite sister/assistant, was there the entire night to help with anything and everything! We even had a chance to hop in the photobooth:


{Emily (left) + me (right); Source: Indy Photo Booths}

Vendors:
Catering - Franklin College Catering
Florist - Shana Schutt Floral Design
Photographer - Hosea Johnson
Pipe and drape rental - A Classic Party Rental
Photobooth - Indy Photo Booths
Cakes - Cakes by Cathy

The Hair Up There

In case you haven't noticed, headbands and unique hair accessories are becoming more and more popular these days - especially for weddings. Instead of a traditional veil, do you think you would go for a jeweled headband? Check out this delicate jeweled headband from Haute Bride.

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I like it because it's got just the right amount of sparkle.

Maybe you're having an outdoor ceremony and want your hairstyle to play along? Consider this lovely hair clip from Anthropologie.

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And of course, real flowers are always a good option too!

Looking for a little drama - of the style variety, that is? TenThings has you covered, with unique jewelry and amazing feathered hair accessories for your wedding or any special event.

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The best thing about all of these hair accessories is that they allow you to be on-trend without going overboard in the style or budget departments. We think it's just another way for you to shine through on your big day.

Men's Engagement Rings: To Do or Not To Do?

A recent article in the New York Daily News (source) discusses the trend of “mangagement” rings, meaning women buying their fiancés engagement rings. Whether or not it’s for you and your fiancé, it’s an interesting idea, don’t you think? Check this one out:

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You can tell it’s an engagement ring, but there’s a certain tailored masculinity to it that makes it very unlike a typical women’s engagement ring.

On the other hand, Chris Easter, Co-Founder of TheManRegistry.com says don’t believe the hype when it comes to men’s engagement rings (source).

So readers, what do you think? Should this one be left alone? Or it is time to change the tradition and buy your man some bling?

Finishing Touches

On your big day, of course you want to look your best, down to the very last detail. And what would your wedding day be without a little frosting? No, not the kind on the cake – although that’s important too – we mean the kind you wear. That’s right… jewelry!

Looking for some bling on a budget? This necklace and earring set will give you plenty of sparkle without the hole in your wallet.
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The vintage-inspired design would perfectly complement a strapless gown.

Or, check out this stylish gold heart from jewelry designer Jennifer Meyer.
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Even though this necklace in particular is pricey, with a little shopping you could replicate this delicate gold necklace for a fraction of the price. It’s perfect if you’re going for an understated look with your jewelry and don’t want to distract from your dress or hair.

If you’re getting married on the beach, this seashell charm would look gorgeous on a fine silver chain.
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Something like this could easily transfer into everyday wear and would be a sweet reminder of your beautiful wedding day.

Even though all the jewelry options out there might seem overwhelming, think about jewelry as one more way to let your personality shine through. Then pick something that makes you feel like you.

Abby & Rafik: Wedding Highlights

Long time, no blog! With a new job and Bustle's wedding season in high-gear, I've been such a slacker.

Abby & Rafik's wedding was on October 31, 2009, and was absolutely fabulous. I worked with them to plan their wedding from scratch in about 6 months. It. Was. Awesome. Abby was so creative and wanted to pack tons of details into their wedding - it ended up being spectacular.

Please check out their highlight video, courtesy of B&C Digital Media Productions:

Abby & Rafik Next Day Highlights from B&C Digital Media Productions on Vimeo.

Thinking Outside the Book

Are you looking for wedding guestbook ideas that are more you than the usual cream-colored book with lined pages inside? Well, here are a few tips on ways to make your guestbook into something more than just a book on a shelf.

A simple and popular idea is to frame a great photo of the two of you, give it a large mat and a beautiful frame, and have guests sign the mat. Ta-da – instant and meaningful artwork!

If you’re wondering how to announce your marriage to far-flung friends and family, consider creating a postcard guest book. Collect postcards from places that hold meaning for both you and your significant other – the city where you get married, your hometowns, your favorite vacation spot – then create a small package that you send to friends and family. Include a postcard, stamped and self-addressed, along with a note announcing your marriage and ask them to mail you their well wishes. When you get the postcards back, put the cards in a photo album or take them to a local copy store and have a custom album created.

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One couple we know, Lindsay and Eric, were looking for a guestbook idea when they came across the window frame from Lindsay’s grandparents’ old house. They put a mirror behind it, and had guests sign the mirror with Sharpie markers. How cool is that?!

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There are no rules when it comes to choosing how you want your guests to mark their presence at your reception. Our suggestion - make it your own, and have fun!