The sweetest flower girl in the world June 14, 2009

Next week, I will be spending a few days with one of my dearest friends, Amy–she’s my madame du honore, and her lovely daughter Maeve is our flower girl.  While recently unpacking, I came across a photograph of me holding a newborn Maeve Kathleen in the hospital.  And I can distinctly remember making the trip, on the way from class, and how small and perfect she was.  It’s unbelievable that she is know walking and talking, brilliant and school-going.

 

Given my old-fashioned tastes, it’s no surprise that my favorite flower girl dresses are sweet, simple, and romantic.

 

Look at this first dress, very simple, but so sweet.  I would only change out the sash so that the ribbon was much, much wider, and much, much, longer.

from Us Angels

 

This one looks a little tiny bit too prim, but I love the little gloves.  I imagine putting an even more voluminous crinoline underneath, and adding large blooms to the girl’s hair– that would soften the whole look.

also from Us Angels

 

Now– _look_ at this darling little jacket!  How Jane Austen is this?

from The Briar Patch

 

Or this?!  I’m totally smitten with this little capelette.

also from The Briar Patch.  I’m so torn between the capelette and the little blue jacket that I want Maeve to have both, for different sets of photos.  Or one for the night before, or something.

 

Clearly, I’m going gaga over these little frocks.  Look at these two heirloom lace dresses, also from The Briar Patch.

Perfectly darling, no?  And lovely Maeve has the most amazing golden-red hair.  These muted ivories and whites will make her look like some little faerie right out of a pre-Raphaelite tapestry.

 

Just one more– I’m absolutely smitten.  Look:

also from The Briar Patch.

 

Finally, I must mention Maeve’s little brother, Braden– how blessed are we to also have the most adorable ring bearer!   And how perfectly tiny Mr. Darcy is this?

also from The Briar Patch.  

 

_And_— what if we had a little vest made out of the Dunbar tartan, to match the groom’s family kilts?  How sweet would that be, peeking out from this perfectly proper suit?

Classic beauty March 10, 2009

 

I love this old advertisement from Ivory Soap for so many reasons.  First, we don’t have many advertisements nowadays that use drawings or sketches– ads today use “real” women– but they aren’t very real.  The bride in this illustration doesn’t even look like she has any make-up on; this is appropriate, of course, because the ad is for Ivory Soap.  As in, your skin will be so naturally beautiful that you won’t need any make-up.

 

I also really like the beautiful lettering, and the illustrated roses around the phrase, “The Bride.”  It’s so simple, and old-fashioned.  It makes me think of book labels, or place cards, or personal stationery. 

 

The greenery and flowers are also lovely– notice that there are fresh flowers on the bride’s veil, and we can see one of the bridesmaids’ bouquets.  The bridesmaids themselves look so sweet, and serene, and are sending the couple off with rice.   And the bride herself– the very picture of calm.

 

Finally, I really appreciate that the bride and groom are pictured together. Again, in many ads, and all throughout bridal magazines, it’s only about the bride.  Even in Martha Stewart Weddings, which does a great job of showing off the uniqueness and beauty of each couple, there are few photos with the groom, or with the groom as equally pictured as the bride.

 

I understand that the finery and choices for the bride can be more exciting than those of the groom…and that the consumers of bridal ads are mostly the women themselves.  But I don’t like the idea that it’s all about _me_ on that day, that I’m a fashion plate existing in a one-day fantasy.  I prefer the reality: that Matt and I are sharing a sacrament, with our families and loved ones around us, and _together_ are beautiful and glowing on that day.  Somehow, this old advertisement captures some of that sentiment, in lovely, muted pastels.  Perfect.

Hair vines, enchanting combs, and other lovelies March 3, 2009

 

Given that I already have a cathedral-length veil to wear, I have to be careful about what else I choose to put in my hair– of course, I am all for festooning myself with all manner of lovely things, but a girl can’t wear everything at once.

 

A quick trip through Etsy made me eager to entwine my hair with fancy things.  Perhaps I’ll need something for the rehearsal dinner, and then for brunch the day after the wedding… for all wedding-weekend long.

From Esty seller Lulu Splendor.

 

 

From Etsy seller Miss Ruby Sue.  I’d like this one just for every day.

 

From Etsy seller Feathers and Frills.  This looks like little more than a simple piece of lace, perhaps with a ribbon at the back to tie it, but I love how beautiful it looks, without being over-done.

 

Also from Lulu Splendor.

 

I know more and more brides are going without a veil, or choosing other options: feathers, fascinators, hats, or fresh flowers.  I think definitely if we were still having a summer wedding, I would want to incorporate fresh flowers.  I wonder if the brides-ladies would like to wear something romantic and sparkly in their hair…

Inspiration: pewter March 1, 2009

I described before how we’re hoping to use old pewter containers (as yet unfound) in the entry-way of our wedding reception room.  I’m crazy about the unshiny lustre of pewter.  It’s elegant, but not flashy, old-fashioned, but not ugly, and mutes the colors of flowers in a most romantic way.

 

Notice that a monochromatic bundle of flowers like this can be picked up in a grocery store for just a little– but they look amazing in this gorgeous container.

 

 

I never thought of using fir boughs on a table!  How lovely and perfect for a winter wedding!  I don’t think pine boughs are expensive that time of year, and I know a lot of youth and student groups sell them for fundraisers.  And, the wedding is _after_ Christmas, so perhaps we could pick up several swaths for a good price.  Fir, pewter, candlelight…  remaining inspired!