Weddings

As some of you will know, I spent time in Los Angeles in March, probably the most health-concious and cleanse-obsessed place on the planet. Its no secret that I’m a ‘grab what’s available’ kinda eater, that I have a penchant for wine (and gin!) and that I’m totally allergic to exercise. However while I was in the land of buffed bodies, I did surprise myself by becoming quite the green juice junkie (something I have kept up since returning home!) and I even started to think a little more about how I treat, and what I put into, my body. I’m no model. I’m a comfortable(ish) UK size 12 with enormous boobs and wobbly bits but, overall,  I’m pretty happy with how I look. Now it might be something to do with getting scarily close to 30 or spending more time with my much more health-conscious American BFFs, but over the past few months I have started to think more about what I eat and the effect it all has on the way I look and my mood. I’ve always figured that I ate pretty well. I don’t have a sweet tooth at all and I rarely snack, but my Achilles heel is without a doubt the regular love affair that I have with wine. Just thinking about how many calories and toxins are in the glasses I sink on a nightly basis is actually pretty terrifying. Gala has been a committed convert to The Clean Program for a while, and although for a long time, I balked at her healthy lifestyle (“yeah, yeah, you look great but I could never do that…”) over the past few months I started to think about it a bit more seriously. I have been feeling a little more self-conscious about my appearance as well as feeling sluggish, tired and totally overworked of late, so I decided to hell with it and to finally give it a go. Being a detox virgin I was really pleased to find out about their new Clean Refresh program, a seven day detox designed to boost energy and give those that might have fallen off the heath wagon a much needed jolt in the right direction. They advise that this isn’t a full-on cleanse (they have a 21-day program if that’s more of what you’re after) but for someone who’s never so much as tried to cut out chips, I decided that a gentle week long introduction would be the best way to start. Baby steps and all that. So how does it work? Well, you have a nutritional shake for breakfast, supplements that you take throughout the day and a refresh ‘boost’ drink which you take after lunch. In terms of food, you have to eliminate wheat, dairy, gluten, caffeine, alcohol and processed sugar – which sounds very daunting. However once you get into it it’s really a lot easier than you think it’s going to be. Luckily, the Refresh program comes with handy manual full of tips, tricks, bucket-loads of information and recipes to try. There’s even an online forum with over 45,000 members and ‘wellness coaches’ on hand if you need any help or encouragement along the way. Their website is also chock-full of recipe ideas if you’re lacking inspiration. Surprisingly, I found the food part quite easy. I bought myself a smoothie maker and instead of my usual coffee, eggs and toast I was starting my morning with a shake made with rice milk and frozen raspberries and blueberries. For lunch I was having a giant mixed salad with some protein (prawns, chicken or eggs) and for dinner, meat with veg and either brown rice, couscous or quinoa on the side. The manual also has some great dressing ideas which were, pleasingly, mostly made from things I already had in my cupboards and added some much needed variety to the dishes. If I was doing it for longer than seven days I might have got a little bored and would definitely have had to expand my repertoire, but for such a short period of time it was perfectly doable. Pretty easy in fact. For me, the hardest habit to crack was my coffee in the morning and lashings of wine in the evenin

I love a beautiful range of bridal accessories and this stunning collection – the first ever from Sunshine Coast based designer Shut The Front Door is unique, modern and so stylishly chic. Teaming up with Karen Buckle,  Elizabeth De Varga & La Bella Brides, the team created a gorgeous styled shoot to show off the brand new collection “Flights Of Fantasy”. From daring feather hairpieces, to antique gold bridal caps and embellishments like Swarovski crystals, pearls and the finest of seed beading. Each piece is handcrafted  and inspired by designer Heidi’s love of all things eclectic.  Shut The Front Door can also work with you to create a custom piece to suit your own personal style. Bridal Accessories: Shut The Front Door Bridal Accessories / Photographer: Karen Buckle / Gowns: Elizabeth De Varga / Hair & Makeup Artist: La Bella Brides / Shoes: Tony Bianco / Model: Rebecca MartinBridal Accessories: Shut The Front Door Bridal Accessories / Photographer: Karen Buckle / Gowns: Elizabeth De Varga / Hair & Makeup Artist: La Bella Brides / Shoes: Tony Bianco / Model: Rebecca Martin Want More? Check Out These Posts: Kristi Bonnici Bridal Accessories 2013 Bowerbird Collection Bridal Accessories From Tessa Kim Corrine Smith Design Couture Bridal Accessories

With the many thousands of photos that were generously shared with us for our 2013 Best of the Best Engagement Photo Contest, and only 50 spaces to fill, there are so many that we love and think deserve Honorable Mention. These hilarious engagement photos made us grin, giggle and laugh out loud - we hope they make your day! engagement photo by Jacklyn Greenberg of JAGstudios engagement photo by Anthony+Rina Chan of Infused Studios engagement photo by Marcel Siegle of Marcel & Meher Photography engagement photo by Kristin Cheatwood of Cheatwood Photography engagement photo by Jason Tran of Jason Q. Tran Photography engagement photo by Lisa Boggs of Lisa Boggs Photography engagement photo by Spencer Combs engagement photo by Ray Soemarsono of Apertura engagement photo by Ryan Brenizer of Ryan Brenizer Photography engagement photo by Pat Furey engagement photo by Samo Rovan of Samo Rovan Photography engagement photo by Sherry Buck of David & Sherry Photography engagement photo by Steven Young of STAK Photography For more Honorable Mention photos, check out the post on Photobug today!

Renee & Leigh Renee and Leigh chose only a handful of guests for their inner city Melbourne wedding, Non traditional was a must and their relaxed approach to the day led to a quintessential Melbourne wedding at a Melbourne icon. Meeting at a friend’s birthday party, they say their story is nothing too exciting. I disagree- any story that ends in  marriage is one worth telling! The stunning, chic photographs today are by Oli Sansom. Renee chose a silver Rachel Gilbert dress as her wedding gown. “I felt very glamorous wearing a non traditional wedding dress that tied in with the cocktail party style celebration afterwards.” Renee and Leigh chose Collins Quarter for their wedding venue. Renee remarking, “The venue is not a typical wedding venue however the staff were very accommodating to host our event and provided incredible service.” For her walk down the aisle, Renee chose “A cover of Elvis’ “Can’t help Falling in Love” by Mree Covers.” “We had an intimate ceremony of 20 guests (parents and bridal party/partners) followed by a cocktail style party. The ceremony consisted of our loved ones forming a circle and we stood in the middle where exchanged vows. Intimate and low key – very special. Our rings were passed around the circle to warm/bless and then handed over to us. There were a lot of smiles and laughs during the ceremony, it was very relaxed and special.” Victoria Whitelaw created the floral arrangements and decor, Renee explaining, “I ordered some floral prints which I put in the venue’s existing wooden frames. The colours in the prints tied in with the birch tree floral feature that was created for us by our florist.” Of their photographer, Renee remarks “My barista, who was also his (he was working in the same building) recommended him. We caught up and his photo’s were amazing and truly unique and on the day he didn’t trip up any guests or get drunk .” Renee describes the wedding as, “An elegant setting that united our loved ones in a relaxed party atmosphere. Very non traditional and it paid off!” Photographer: Oli Sansom / Bride’s Dress: Rachel Gilbert / Groom’s Attire: Briggins Suits / Venue: Collins Quarter / Flowers & Decor: Victoria Whitelaw / Flowergirl Dress: Tutu Du MondePhotographer: Oli Sansom / Bride’s Dress: Rachel Gilbert / Groom’s Attire: Briggins Suits / Venue: Collins Quarter / Flowers & Decor: Victoria Whitelaw / Flowergirl Dress: Tutu Du Monde Want More? Check Out These Posts: Stephanie and Anthony’s Traditional Melbourne Wedding Sophisticated Melbourne Wedding Venue – Sketch Sally and Felix’s Intimate Melbourne Wedding

Last week was very exciting for me. Not only did I take part in my very first photo shoot, but I got to tour the amazing Martha Stewart ...

Wonderful! Each and every one of the photos shows pure love and happiness :) Love it! Love from Poland. Dorota sabo-design-art.blogspot.com

Photo: Michelle Gardella "Aaron asked me out in the most romantic way possible," Christina pretends to brag, then deadpans, "via text message." Yet despite a less-than-script-worthy start, the Connecticut couple took off and two years later, Aaron proposed. Surrounded by friends and family at a surprise birthday party for the soon-to-be bride, Aaron dropped to one knee and presented Christina with a square-cut diamond ring. "Aaron and I had the tightest embrace ever," Christina recalls, until an excited Aaron attempted to slip the ring on her finger and instead accidentally tossed the diamond onto an outdoor patio, complete with cracks. "After a few seconds of panic, one of my girlfriends found the ring and I was finally able to wear it as an officially engaged woman," Christina laughs. Photo: Michelle Gardella Working with wedding planner Ambiance Luxe Wedding Designs, Christina and Aaron crafted a quirky September affair held in rustic Deep River. With vibrant turquoise accents offsetting an otherwise neutral palette, the couple's wedding took on an atmosphere that Christina describes as "light, fun and lively." Photo: Michelle Gardella Christina spotted her Melissa Sweet gown online—and was crushed when she discovered the dress had been discontinued. Yet, by what the bride describes as a "stroke of luck," she uncovered the sweet sheath at a sample sale and snatched it up. "Once I put it on, it was love. We purchased it on the spot," Christina says. "It's so true when they say that it's just a feeling. When you know, you know." Photo: Michelle Gardella Christina adored the gown's silk organza overlay, accented with delicate polka dots and tied with a matching sash. "I loved how it was so simple, yet had these amazing and fun details that made it so romantic," she says. Plus, "it hugged my curves in all the right places, but was comfortable at the same time. Comfort is key." Photo: Michelle Gardella A champagne-colored faux floral hairpiece by Mignonne Handmade softened Christina's half-up-half-down hairstyle. Photo: Michelle Gardella Kendra Scott's chunky turquoise necklace accentuated Christina's collarbone. "I tend to gravitate towards a statement piece here and there, so decided to go with a couple of accessories to make my overall look pop," Christina explains. Photo: Michelle Gardella Aaron and his groomsmen donned slim-fit ties by Forage Haberdashery, which crafted the neckpieces from limited-edition blue and orange fabric. Photo: Michelle Gardella Bridesmaids selected from two knee-length Ivy & Aster dresses in hues of rosemary and grey. "I loved the fun and flirty feel of these dresses," the bride says. Photo: Michelle Gardella Florists wrapped bright orange ranunculus, white anemones, succulents and a few sprigs of leafy green filler with white lace to create Christina's bouquet. "Just For You Floral Design Studio translated our vision into exactly what we were looking for," the bride gushes. Photo: Michelle Gardella Dusty miller, wide green leaves and Billy Bobs were mixed with berries and small bright flowers for the groom and groomsmen's boutonnieres. "We loved how non-traditional these were and how each one was different from the next," Christina says. Photo: Michelle Gardella Boutonnieres were pinned to the lapels of light gray suits, which the men picked out at : Macy's. Photo: Michelle Gardella Christina and Aaron exchanged vows on the grounds of Mount Saint John, a high school for at-risk boys set on 80 acres of rustic Connecticut real estate. "It had a wonderful vintage feeling," Christina says of the space, "with the actual school serving as a backdrop during the ceremony." > Photo: M

In case you missed my first (and I thought only!) entry in the hair drama journal, click here for some background. Long story short: Mr. B made it clear to me that he does not want my hair fully up, even though I love having an updo. I then bought a dress that led me to believe my hair needs to be up. I thought I could get away with it. Flash forward to a few days ago: I was messing around with my hair, putting it up in crazy styles, and asking Mr. B what he would do if I walked down the aisle like that. At one point he very seriously said he knew I would not “do that to him” and that he knew I would have my hair “showing in some way.” Cue panic. What?! Why did I think he would be OK with my hair being up?! Well, now I am back to the drawing board and I need some help. My original compromise style inspiration was this: Image via Style Me Pretty / Photography by Chris Bailey Photography / Event design by Keely Thorne Events I do not plan on showing my dress but I will tell you this—it has a very pretty keyhole back, similar to this: Image via Fox Gown I cannot have my hair covering that beautiful back, can I? But apparently I cannot wear it up. So what am I supposed to do? Well, the idea hit me—what about a curly side ponytail? Let’s look at some inspiration: Image via Style Bistro Image via Celebrity Hairstyles Image via Total Beauty Or I could just have it all technically “down” but curled and to the side like this: Image via Kook Hair Image via Gal Meets Glam / Photo by Silvana di Franco What do you guys think? Can I still wear a veil if my hair is down-ish like these? Is there some compromise I am missing? Am I going to be completely annoyed with my hair all day and worry about it frizzing, un-curling, getting in my way, and just generally being a pain in my side? (That last one was rhetorical. I know the answer.)

Nicole is selling a vintage-inspired Mon Cheri wedding gown. She is asking $500 for the size-six gown. Have a wedding item for sale? Post it with pictures in the Weddingbee Classifieds, and you might see it featured on the blog! Other great items for sale: Maggie Sottero Karena Royale, size 6, asking $750 Bubble candle holders, asking $40 per set 8 74″x14″ burlap runners, asking $40 5 yellow fedoras, asking $12

Wondering how this awesome geometric cube table runner was made in the shoot featured on the blog earlier today? Well, look no further, because Sarah Park was kind enough to share the whole project with us. Now you too can create a fun 3-D table runner that will have your guests talking for days! For this project, you will need:  -pegboard (6′x1′ to fit a 6′ table) -bamboo skewers (cut different lengths to create height) -DIY geometric cubes (DIY instruction here) -foam board -scissors -hot glue gun Instructions: Step 1: Glue foam board to the back of pegboard Step 2: Punch a hole with the skewer and place the tip into the geometric cube Step 3: Hot glue the hole where you want to place the skewer Step 4: Place the geometric cubes randomly onto the pegboard varying in heights to create a geometric cube centerpiece Such a cool idea for any crafty bride looking to do something a bit different! © Ruffled®, 2013. | Permalink | No comment | Posted under: DIY Projects Tags: DIY, geometric, Lauren Fair Photography, Sarah Park Events, table runner The post DIY Geometric Table Runner appeared first on Ruffled®.