Country Chic Wedding Dresses

I must admit, I've never been much of a country girl, but I have begun to embrace the look and feel of a country style wedding. I love the combination of elegance and rustic simplicity that a properly designed country wedding can have.  Not to mention that it can be so much kinder to a budget.

If you are a bride planning a country wedding of your very own, you want your dress to reflect the style and theme of your wedding, just as that theme reflects your fun-loving, down to earth personality. Here are some great dresses for a country chic bride -to-be.

And just think how wonderful they will look with your favorite pair of cowboy boots!

 Waking Up By Peter Langner Spring 2013 Collection

This dress is fantastic.  The exaggerated flowers in the bodice pop and the sash adds just a pinch of color to accentuate the summertime feel.  The cap sleeves add a nice touch for the bride that doesn't want a strapless gown.

Galina Beaded Lace Trumpet Gown from David's Bridal

Lace and cowboy boots...yes please. The horizontal lines in the lace may not be flattering on every body type, but this dress is the ultimate sweet touch to a country chic celebration.

White Collection by Vera Wang

Looking for something full?  This is the dress.  Vera Wang created for David's Bridal, this designer dress at the perfect price offers a full, flowing ball gown without overdoing the accents.  The simple raised flowers along the neckline are just the right touch.

 Narelle by Elizabeth Fillmore Spring 2013 Collection

This dress reminds me of a woodland princess fairytale I heard when I was a child.  The low back and spaghetti straps, with the floral touches along the neckline and the waist and the graceful fall of the skirt combines all of the elements needed for that summer evening under the stars.  

 Armour sans Anguish  made with reclaimed material.

Now this is a little touch of homespun amazing.  The alternating shades of whites, the lace, the tulle, and the simplistic design gives this gown a character all its own.  It is the perfect combination of unkempt and elegant.

Of course, there are hundreds more.  For more country wedding ideas and details, check out the other posts, or visit me on Pinterest, Etsy, or Facebook.

#weddingdress #country #gowns

Boys Birthday Party Cakes

 When it comes to a boys birthday party, it takes planning and a dash of imagination and creativity. Girls are different. Little girls are happy to have a pink glitter party or a simple sleep over with their friends, but little boys have different interests. Let's face it a blue sparkle party won't be exactly what they have in mind to celebrate.

We have put together some fantastic cake ideas for boys parties. Some can be made at home. There are others you may need to consult your local cake specialist for. 

Here are some of our favorites. 

 The monster cake. I love the cake pop eye balls. This one is simple and versatile. It can be made in any shape and the frosting can be done in any color. Great for the younger boys.  

This one is a little harder.  You will need skills with a pastry bag. 

But the result is adorable and the kids will love it. 

By far my favorite. LEGO CAKE!  Just awesome. 

 

Here's for that boy that loves construction vehicles. 

Super easy and looks like you put in a lot of work. 

 Don't want the hassle of cutting and serving cake to 20 six year-olds?  

Try some of these adorable cupcake ideas that can all be done at home 

with just a little know how and an extra few minutes of prep time. 

Feeling fancy or having a themed party?  

Visit your local cake artist for something so amazing you will feel guilty just cutting it. 

Like one of these beauties. 

You would be amazed what someone with practice can make out of fondant. If you can think it, a professional can create it. You can find all of these and many more boys birthday party ideas on our Pinterest boards. 

Thanks for reading! 

#boysbirthdayparty #cakes #cupcakes #fondant

10 Ways to Save on your Wedding

Every bride has a vision for her wedding day. But we quickly discover that the wedding we want and the wedding we can afford are two very different events. 

With this in mind, we have compiled a list of ways to save on your big day.

1.  Consider renting a dress or buying used.  Lets face it, our daughters will more than likely another want to wear our out od date wedding dresses when it comes time for them to say I Do so why make that the reason to spend the extra doe?  There are tons of websites to find fabulous gowns for less.  

2. Instagram pictures.  Photographers are expensive and while pictures are important, everyone is already taking them anyway.  Why not have everyone contribute to your wedding album with their point of view.  You may be surprised how talented some of your friends and family are with a camera in hand.

3.  Borrow linens.  Many venues will have linens they use when hosting events of their own.  It never hurts to ask if they are available and if they can be included in the price.  They may be plain white, but you can always add a runner for half the cost.  

4.  Buy local first.  Look around rural areas and ask friends and neighbors for vendors that may provide services you need.  Maybe they know a good seamstress that only does jobs on the side, or a culinary student that can do the catering for a fraction of the cost as a major restaurant.  

5.  Don't splurge on expensive new jewelry to wear on your wedding day.  Make these items your something borrowed.  Your mother , grandmother, aunt, or even sister may have a stunning necklace or earrings to give you that glam flare on your big day and they will be happy to lend it for such an occasion.

6.  Believe it or not, you don't need $400 shoes on your wedding day.  You probably won't be wearing them the whole time anyway.  So strive for comfort.  You can find comfortable white, cream and off white satin shoes at Payless any time of year, and for the bride who wants a splash of color, they die them to match just about anything.  

7.  Hire a planner.  I know what you are thinking, hiring a planner is spending even more money, right? Wrong.  A planners job is to help you make the right decisions for your budget and to negotiate with your vendors to get you the best possible price.  They have more than likely worked with vendors in the area before and know who is worth the extra dollar and who may be ripping you off.  They are worth it.

8.  Opt for a wine and beer bar rather than a premium bar.  The cost is less per person and it still gives your guests choices without making it a cash bar or breaking your budget.

9.  Check Etsy for some great and inexpensive gift ideas for your bridal party.  There are some very thoughtful, handmade items just for your lovely ladies that are a great alternative to spending $40 per girl.  (Especially if you have a large bridal party.)

10.  Don't get caught up in small details.  Consider the elements that will enrich the experience the most and don't worry about adding smaller less significant items to table settings, center pieces and the decor.  While these items may be cute and fit your theme, is it really important to have three different votive holders on your tables?  The little things are not what will be remembered when all is said and done, and the cost of them adds up quickly. Keep it simple and elegant. 

Falling in love with...

Each month we write a piece we like to call falling in love with...  It always features a different topic or focus, but the theme is always the same LOVE.  Nutty, head-over-heels, just gotta blurt it out LOVE.

I spend hours everyday looking at wedding gowns.  I probably see hundreds of dresses per week that I barely bat an eye at.  Not that they aren't beautiful, but they just don't have that WOW factor.  Some seem like they are missing details.  Others may have too much going on for one dress.  And many, unfortunately, just don't have anything that makes the design unique, so the poor gown looks like so many others that I don't give it a second look.

But then, I come across a dress so beautiful, I simply have to stop and take in the details.  It is  a gown that makes me gasp with a super girly "oooohhh."  And the best part is when I look at the designers website and there are more gowns that put me in a trance.

That is how I fell in love with JUSTIN ALEXANDER gowns.

Here is a sneak peak at some of the gowns in his Spring 2013 line, and why I'm in LOVE.

Dress 8650

Why I LOVE it...                                                                                                                       

This soft flowing, beautifully beaded gown is stunning.  The tea length skirt is amazing and so hard to find.  The button back and the subtle cap sleeves give this dress an incredibly vintage feel.  No train to worry about, and the modest v neck allows comfort and support.  Not only stylish and stunning, but comfortable as well.  This dress is a winner all across the board.                                                                      

Dress 8651

Why I LOVE it...                                                     

One word, RUCHING.  Everything about this dress is subtle but amazing at the same time.  It is the ruched tulle that makes this dress so insanely gorgeous.  It wraps around the model  just right to accentuate all her curves.  It is sleek and sexy without being trashy or flashy.  I adore the cape sleeve off to one side and the beading makes the dress irresistible.  Like the first dress, this also has a bit of the old Hollywood starlet feel.  (You will find I'm a sucker for vintage.)

Dress 8633 rear view

Dress 8633

Why I LOVE it...

The beading and the ruching along the top are wonderful.  The low back accompanied by the shimmer of the Taffeta skirt and the buttons that extend along the train give this gown an elegance that can not be beaten.  The off center drop waist is the perfect accent to the details of the gown.  So classy, you can't go wrong.

Dress 8640

Why I LOVE it...

This is so modern.  I love the messy ruffles of the skirt.  The bulky beaded belt is an amazing accent.  The low setting, simple sweetheart neckline and the messy train are a wonderful marriage of tradition and couture.   This dress has a great shape and a fun style for any bride looking for something just a little different.


So there you have it.  A handful of reasons I fell in LOVE with Justin Alexander Bridal.

If you have a wedding or party related product or service you think I will love, send me a link to your website at tullentiaras@gmail.com.

#justinalexander #wedding #dresses

BoHo Wedding Gowns

So you want a relaxed, comfortable wedding with an off the beaten path style?  Boho wedding gowns will definitely add to this feeling with ease.  These designs are light weight and offer a look that is far from traditional.  They are defined by their simple construction, flowing, lightweight materials, and unique body shapes.  These gowns won't be found in your run of the mill bridal boutique.  

The best part is, some great 'BoHo' style gowns are vintage.  One of my favorite words.  There are some wonderful 1960's and 1970's style gowns out there just waiting for the right girl. 

So if you are not in to satin and sequins and are looking for a gown that will enhance your natural bridal beauty, here are some wonder picks and the places to find them.

MidnightFlight on Etsy.com  

         These dresses are just two of the exceptional boho inspired gowns designed by #Yolan Cris.  

               

Boho Wedding Dress Collaborations - The Richard Nicoll for Topshop Bridal Collection 

                   

             Not much to say here other than wow.  This dress is so simple but still breathtaking.

                          

                                                                                            By EcologieLoveVintage on Etsy.com

Tell us which gown is your favorite in the comments section below.  Visit us on Pinterest to see more great designs and ideas for your big day.  Thanks for reading.

#BoHo #wedding #dresses

Falling in LOVE with...July

Each month we write a piece we like to call falling in love with...  It always features a different topic or focus, but the theme is always the same LOVE.  Nutty, head-over-heels, just gotta blurt it out LOVE.

July 2013-  THIS WEATHER

This month I am absolutely in LOVE with summer!  It's not very often that an unsung hero like weather is given recognition in the grand scheme of weddings, but let's face it, it is a huge factor. 

When you were a little girl, dreaming of your wedding day (or maybe not such a little girl), didn't you imagine a certain type of weather?  I know that I have always wanted a winter wedding, and what would that fantasy be without a light snowfall?

This summer sun is saving the day for some grown up little girl in South Carolina getting married this weekend.  She daydreamed of a beautiful beach wedding complete with sun, sand, and that light breeze coming off the ocean.  Or the couple in Virginia that planned a stunning ceremony on a family farm and took the chance to not schedule a rain date. 

These beautifully sunny July days, complete with that light breeze of summer are just what these ladies have been imagining their special day would be like.  They wished the rain would hold off for the day.  They wanted their pictures in a sunny garden surrounded by brightly colored flowers.  And they wanted their first dance to be at sunset under a clear July sky. 

I LOVE that all of these ladies were able to have this dream.  Thank you Mother Nature for providing this fantastic season for a wedding that has existed in the minds of little girls for years.

Biggest Mistake Brides Make

In the great big world of weddings, there are a million things that can go wrong.  That's one of the reasons that hiring a great planner for your wedding can be so important.  

But, we understand that some brides and their families like to do it themselves.  We are here to warn you of the biggest mistake brides make when self-planning. It is so easy to fall into this trap that most brides don't even know they are there until it's too late.  

So what is this budget draining, cliche making, obvious to all the guests mistake?

Over detailing the decor.

It's a problem for so many wayward self-planners with Pinterest and a dream.  Here's how it starts.  Girl gets an idea for her wedding that she loves as much as her groom-to-be.  Next, girl proceeds to google, pin, Instagram, Facebook, catalog shop and Internet cart every item that is related to her theme.  The problem...all of these small items add up, cutting into the wedding budget and space.  

Honestly, how many butterflies need to be on the tables, and just because its a winter wedding, doesn't mean that every item that has every been produced with snowflakes on it is appropriate for your wedding.  

It is easy to get carried away with these details, but in the end, you are spending your wedding budget on frivolous items that aren't adding value to your concept.  

Instead of buying up everything that might go with your idea of a love bird wedding, and covering the tables with anything you were able to purchase online that had birds on it, take the time to put together a table concept that incorporates your theme without being forced.

Here are some tips to help you avoid this trap...

1.  Look at the big picture and only purchase items that are essential. 

2.  Avoid Oriental Trading.  (While there are some items that may be worth the purchase, usually you end up buying everything that relates to your theme because its inexpensive and you waste money that could have been spent on more important aspect of the wedding.)

3.  Before you buy, ask yourself, will my guests remember this detail.  If the answer is no, it's not essential to bringing together your vision.  

4.  Use Pinterest to help find exactly what style you want for your reception.  Use the pins as a guide for what you will need and for what you won't need.

5.  Consult a professional.  Especially if you are working with a limited budget, it will save you money in the long run.