We’re All About the Details!

Linda has been hoping to do a bohemian themed styled shoot for several years and this one came together just like what she dreamed of, with a gorgeous couple that is actually engaged and getting married in February. The dress is a Madison James dress. A lace-covered dress that has a long beautiful train. The theme inspired the fall color theme of pinks, oranges, reds, greens, and gold.

The Florals

Lehrer’s Flowers provided colorful florals of oranges, yellows, and pinks: a flower crown (perfect with the theme and colors), a boutonniere, a gorgeous bridal bouquet, and centerpiece.

Reception Essentials

Hadley Designs designed the invitation suite, matching fans, name cards, and framed table number. Merry Expressions provided an alternate table number of an actual gold table number on a stick to stand above the place setting.

The Bundt Cakes

The Bundt Shoppe had a beautiful display of a variety of bundt cakes: White chocolate raspberry, orange creamsicle, strawberry, and chocolate on gold display dishes with “jewels” of glass hanging below. Very elegant touch and delicious, too! Pam wanted the cakes to reflect the colorful theme of the shoot. They look perfect displayed on either the gorgeous table linens of Event Rents or in the wishing well.

Little Details!

One of our favorite parts of the shoot was all of the smaller details the planner, Corinna, of Amber Creek Weddings and Events provided. Small succulents, signs, and macrame pieces. She even hand-crocheted some of them herself!

The Stonebrook Manor

Stonebrook Manor also has a “Lovegate” where the bridal couple can hang a lock with their initials. It is one of the most beautiful venues close to Denver with stunning gardens full of flowers, a marble gazebo, and waterfalls. A wedding pavilion and pergola are also perfect places for the ceremony. The venue also can cater any event with their own personal chefs. The venue has two large ballrooms with chandeliers.

Take this Advice

If you are designing a bohemian theme for your wedding, add a variety of beautiful flowers and incorporate lots of lace and little accents like succulents into your wedding design. ~Linda Murri/Photographer

About the Photographer
Linda Murri Photography is an award-winning wedding and event photographer with a classic, romantic style. I enjoy doing weddings and engagement sessions and capturing the love each couple has for each other and the special moments and details from their wedding day. I’m based in Denver and will travel to do weddings. Please call 303-882-4412 or leave a message through my website.

Vendors

Photographer: Linda Murri Photography
Table Numbers: Merry Expressions
Florals: Lehrer’s Flowers
Wedding Gown: Madison James Dress
Reception: Stonebrook Manor
Cakes: The Bundt Shoppe
Table Linen: Event Rents
Wedding Planner: Amber Creek Weddings and Events
Bridal Dress Shop: The Bridal Collection
Invitations: Hadley Custom Designs
Hair Stylist: Say I Do Formal Hair
Make-up: Angelica Glo Beauty

Although jewelers across developed nations have taken great strides to offer greener options, it’s still wise to inform yourself on the nuances of an eco-friendly ring.

Eleven wishes diamond wedding rings

The History

It’s no secret that diamond mining is dirty business.  It’s destructive to the environment and has a long history of appalling human rights violations due to awful working conditions including the use of child labor. In addition, Rebels in countries such as Liberia, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Sierra Leone are known to sell “Blood or Conflict Diamonds” to fund their wars.

Back in 2003 the United Nations Resolution established The Kimberly Process Certification to prohibit conflict diamonds from entering the market. The resolution was well intended but unfortunately, fell short because it failed to address human rights violations, instead focusing solely on mining and distribution of conflict diamonds.  Certificates covered batches of rough diamonds instead of individual stones and there was no tracking system in place. The bad guys found loopholes and according to Global Witness, “diamonds mined in West Africa are regularly smuggled and given Kimberley Process certificates by countries other than their country of origin.”While The Kimberly Process may have been a good start, it has huge flaws and we need to do more.

Engagement ring incorporating an antique diamond and cultured seed pearls

Tracking and Tracing

A practical solution is the tracking and tracing model used by Canadian diamond mines located in the NW territories. Each diamond is laser-inscribed with a unique tracking number that customers can verify showing the stone’s journey from mine to market.

The Jeweltree Foundation was created to promote free trade for small artisanal miners and mining cooperatives to help them get stones to market. Audited certification sets standards that aim to improve the lives and environment of the workers.  Foundation criteria apply to human rights, environmental standards and transparency accountability. Jeweltree diamonds mined in Namibia are also cut and polished there.  Stones are laser inscribed with a unique tracking number and are shipped with a certification card for online tracking.

Not every step of a gem’s journey is immediately transparent to the consumer or to the jeweler, even with thoughtful investigation. A socially conscious jeweler committed to improving the environment should be able to help you find gems that are truly conflict free and should be just as interested as you in uncovering the path a stone takes. Diamonds certified with mine to market tracking are a little more costly than stones with only Kimberly Process status because of the added administrative costs to ensure your stone truly is conflict free.

Bucolic setting ring – round bezel set diamond on branch band with narrower twig wedding ring

Vintage and Pre-owned Diamonds

Going vintage is a beautiful way to minimize the environmental impact of your ring.  What’s more, vintage pieces often come with their own romantic back-story.  A Diamond is considered vintage if it is over 50 years old and many of the older stones, cut and polished way before laser cutting are magnificent for their characteristic asymmetry compared to today’s precise standards.

There are a few ways to go vintage:

• Wear an entirely vintage ring. Be sure to seek out an antique store specializing in vintage and estate jewelry.
• Use a vintage setting with a new, conflict-free stone.
• Use a vintage stone and create a new setting for it, preferably with recycled metal. A professional appraiser can help you identify the value of the stone.

A pre-owned or recycled diamond has been previously used in a piece of jewelry, removed, re-polished and properly graded. It may be laser inscribed and in some cases, trackable to the previous owner. With pre-owned stones, the environmental and social tab has already been paid -your purchase leaves almost no footprint.

Rose cut pear shaped white diamond on delicate sprig band

Alternatives to White Diamonds

There are some notable diamond alternatives and they can be broken down into two categories. Synthetic lab grown diamonds, such as Moissanite, have the same chemical composition, crystal structure, optical, and physical properties of diamonds found in nature. For a fraction of the environmental impact, synthetic, also called cultured or lab grown stones, are gem replacements. They’re more affordable than their naturally occurring counterparts.

Diamond Simulants simulate the look of a diamond but are chemically different from diamonds. They may be artificial, natural, or in some cases a combination thereof.  White sapphire, quartz, glass and cubic zirconia are examples of simulants.

Twig and Branch Wedding Bands in 18K recycled Rose Gold

Colored Gemstones

Colored gems often come from smaller mines, many scattered throughout developing nations. Mine working conditions can be far from ideal. To guarantee that your colored gemstone is free of social ill, look to incorporate fair trade gemstones.  Fair trade means fair and safe working conditions for miners including appropriate pay and no child labor.  Mine communities should benefit through improved infrastructure and the building of schools and hospitals. The land and water supply should be protected.  Lastly, fair trade should ensure product integrity by being legal, transparent and ideally, fair trade gems should have accompanying certificates, which is not always the case presently.

Fair Trade Garnet ring with cultured pearls, art deco style with organic details

Precious Metals

Modern gold mining creates obscene amounts of toxic waste and pollutants. Finding a jeweler who works with recycled metals should be a no brainer. The beauty of recycled metal is that once it’s melted down and refined, it’s new again.  This process saves significant damage to the environment and there is no compromise in quality.

Eco-conscious jewelers and sources for eco-responsible raw materials to the jewelers are increasing in number.  With a little creativity, together you can craft a beautiful jewelry that will reflect your values and bring you joy for years to come.

This guest post was written for Sweet Violet Bride by Barbara Polinsky of Barbara Michelle Jacobs Jewelry (Violet Vendor) and Mary Hood.

Now throughout the month of December, you are invited to share items from your wedding wishlists with them for a chance to make them all your own. BHLDN followers can either post their coveted items on Instagram using #BHLDNwishes and @BHLDN or share them on a group Pinterest board for a chance to win. Participants must email community@bhldn.com to be invited to the joint board.

To keep with the spontaneous nature of the giveaway, BHLDN will choose four lucky winners at random, private messaging each bride-to-be directly on Instagram or sending her a personal email to share the exciting news. She will then be gifted the wishlist item of her choice on 12/20/15. You can win everything from a gown to a reception dress or even a hairpiece… anything your heart desires!

You can find the perfect dress, the perfect hairstyle, and the perfect lipstick, but when you slip into a pair of shoes that completes your look you might just experience that euphoric sensation of feeling ready. If you dream about beautiful shoes like we do, you are going to love this post today.  Emmy London, a luxury shoe and accessory brand, offers bespoke craftsmanship and quintessential British style. These feminine and elegant designs are the glass slippers of modern fairytales.  I’m excited to share a few of my favorite designs and the following chat we had with Creative Director Emmy Scarterfield.

SVB: How did you start Emmy London? What drew you to fashion design and shoes in particular?

EL: I have always been fascinated by shoes, one of my earliest memories is from when I was around 2 years old – putting building blocks in my socks to create high heels. I loved the clippy-cloppy noise they made. When I was bought new shoes as a child which wasn’t that often being one of four, I loved and savoured the smell of the leather. I remember putting them under my pillow the night I got them! I feel very blessed because right from the outset I’ve always known what I wanted to do so it was more about how I was going to achieve that. My degree was in footwear design, product development and business studies. When I graduated I moved to Milan and worked as a shoe and accessories designer for some of the biggest fashion houses in the world. I returned home at 28 just at a point in my life when I was drawn to setting up my own line as well as some of my friends getting engaged. I spotted a gap in the market for beautiful, delicate, super special wedding shoes that encompassed the same attention to detail as the dress. Emmy London was born!

SVB: The details in your designs are exquisite. Can you tell us a bit about the beautiful materials you incorporate into your designs?

EL: All the shoes are made using the very best suedes and leather from Italy, each pair is hand stitched, hand lasted and hand finished using experienced craftsman with skills handed down from generation to generation. The details are hand embroidered using cut glass, real mother of pearl shell, Swarovski crystals, pearls and glass beads. Each pair is a real labour of love and finished with a Swarovski crystal.

SVB: Where do you draw inspiration for your designs?

EL: Never from shoes! Or very rarely. To achieve the timeless silhouettes I have collected vintage shoes over the years to create a basis for our last (the mould shape that depicts the shape of the shoe) developments. Most of the detailing comes from an array of beautiful objects….insects, jewelry, architecture, repetition of tiling, I have a shoe based on an old umbrella and my most recent collection for 2016, the Cancello Collection is based on the intricate geometric shapes celebrated in Italian gates.

SVB: What excites you when designing for brides?

EL: To know that the shoes are an integral part of such a special day, the shoes she’ll be stepping down the aisle in and they will be treasured forever.

SVB: Do you have any tips for brides who typically don’t wear heels but want to for their big day?

EL: If heels aren’t part of a bride’s everyday wardrobe it’s key to encourage her to select a style that has a balance of height and support, for example, a shoe with an ankle strap or tea bar will provide enough support to the foot to maintain it in the correct position, feel supported and secure throughout the day.

SVB: Do you think it’s better to shop for the shoes or the dress first?

EL: Definitely the dress first as the dress sets the tone for the whole day and I think is a pivotal moment for the bride to actually visualize herself on her big day.

SVB: What are a few of your favorite designs (including accessories) for an outdoor event, let’s say… an enchanted garden wedding?

EL: A halo is a must, a delicate beaded belt, real flowers, layers of silk, delicate heels with a kitten heel.

SVB: Tell us a little about your bespoke service…
EL: Our bespoke service allows the bride to create her dream shoes, by selecting from our shapes, heel heights, colors and details. So for example a bride can opt for the Francesca style typically with a 9.5cm heel but can have the shoes made specifically for her on a lower heel in a different color. The service takes around 8-10 weeks and on average costs an extra 250$. This service is only available in our London boutique by appointment.

Here are a few more of our favorite styles! We love heels in shades of mint, turquoise, and lapis for your “something blue!” Find a stockist near you, or shop online.

*FTC sponsored post

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FTC: This post contains affiliate links.

Curious about Anjolee’s process, I had a custom ring made so that I could check out the quality and experience for you guys. I wanted something for my right hand, and as you know I love purple. So had them make their Eight Prongs Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring in a sterling silver replica with an amethyst stone instead of a diamond. I got a size 6.5 and it was true to size, beautifully made and came in a lovely wooden box which actually lights up when you open it! Proposal in the dark anyone!? I’m really enjoying my ring, and can happily recommend their designs.

If you’re looking for a bridal set ring, you can rest assured that you’ll be getting a top quality diamond. Anjolee guarantees that all diamonds carried and sold from its inventory are natural, authentic, and genuine. Anjolee also conforms to the Kimberly act of 2003, so their diamonds are conflict free. On their site you’ll find engagement rings with side stones, wedding and anniversary rings, diamond eternity rings, solitaire engagement rings, 3-stone engagement rings, and matching diamond bridal sets ranging from around $500 to $5,000. Their designs are classy and timeless. Here are a few more of my favorites.

Anjolee has been a fine jewelry manufacturer since 1977 and is based in San Diego, California. They are committed to keeping the environment clean and are proud of their innovative and eco-friendly manufacturing facility. They offer free shipping and a 30-day return policy.

The finest French Chantilly lace and luxurious Duchess satins, unique hand embroidery, lustrous freshwater pearls and sparkling Swarovski crystals embellish a collection of soft balletic accessories from delicate headdresses to waist cinching belts, opulent bracelets and pretty shoe clips.

Handmade silk blossom flowers are embellished with Swarovski crystals and cascade over shoes, silk belts, bracelets and hairpins.  Mother of pearl flower and gleaming seed pearls are hand embroidered onto Chantilly lace sourced from the finest Parisian couture lace makers.

A multitude of industry awards from the most reputable publications are representative of the caliber of Freya Rose’s timeless designs and her ever-growing popularity amongst press and world-renowned stores including Browns Bride, Alice Temperley and Philippa Lepley.

I can personally say that the craftsmanship and beauty of Freya Rose designs are of the highest quality. The pair I own are by far my favorite in my shoe collection and something I will treasure forever. If you are looking for heirloom quality, this is it.

See the full collection here.

Photos courtesy of Freya Rose

What is a Stylist?
Every Stylist is a business owner! It’s a fun, fabulous career where you can earn 25-35% commission on all sales, plus the opportunity to shop at 50% off and to earn free accessories! A Stylist hosts Trunk Shows – a fun, no pressure, interactive style session or guests can also shop in an online boutique! All a Stylist has to do is build a network of connections, there is no limit or minimums to earnings, they work at their own pace. This can be a great part-time or full-time career and also flexible work for mothers.

September Special Details:
What You Get: $450 in free accessories, when you sign up to be a Stylist
Valid: Now through 9/30/14

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.**

Wedding Paper Divas
What: Enjoy 25% Off Sitewide Plus Free Standard Shipping! Use code: LABORFS25
When: 8/27/14 – 9/2/14

Luna Bazaar
What: Labor Day Sale: 5% off Autumn Colors & Décor Enter code AUTUMN5 at checkout.
When: 8/29/14 – 9/2/14

LuLu*s
What: Get $15 off a purchase of $100 or more at LuLu*s Labor Day Sale! Use Code: 15OFF100
When: 8/29/14 – 8/31/14

Stella & Dot
What: End of Summer Sale – Take an extra 25% off all sale items!
When: 8/26/14 – 9/2/14

Violette & Iris
What: Get 10% off jewelry and bridal hair accessories! Use code VIOLET10
When: 8/29/14 – 9/2/14
Where: Use code in any of the three Etsy shops! Flower Crowns, Jewelry, or Lockets

They have so many gorgeous choices for your wedding day also (ones that don’t break the bank I might add) and I’m so excited to share with you a few of my favorite earrings, necklaces, and rings that they offer (it was hard to narrow it down!). You can check out their full wedding shop here. Get ready to sparkle!

Wedding-Worthy Earrings: 1) Crystal Stud Set $38  2) Micro Pearl Studs $24  3) Chrysanthemum Drops $36  4) Faceted Chandelier Drops $72  5) Beaded Betty Drops $36

A few things to love about BaubleBar

• Free shipping & easy returns
• New arrivals each week!
• Earn reward points by shopping or inviting friends
• On-trend styles as well as classics
• Personalized pieces available
• Shop BaubleBar in person at Anthropologie or Nordstrom
• Their stylists are ready to help you pick the right bridal baubles for you

Bridal & Bridal Party Necklaces: 1) The Heartbreaker Bib $46  2) Micro Pavé Valley Pendant $30  3) Vintage Garland Strand $44  4) Crystal Elsa Bib $44  5) Crystal Cabochon Collar $36

Accent Rings: 1) Crystal Mason Ring $28  2) Pavé Chevron Ring Set $28  3) Willow Stacking Septuplet $28 

Let’s be honest, it’s easy to get in a style rut, especially when you work from home. One of the things I love most about BaubleBar jewelry is that so many of their pieces make such a quick difference in an outfit. You can dress up an otherwise boring white t-shirt and just as easily layer a jacket over it if you have a meeting for a fun office-casual look. The sparkly Crystal Christine Ring (bottom right) is super fun for jazzing up any time, whether you’re wearing jeans, or a cocktail dress. And the pixie studs, which I bought in purple (below left) are such a cute little accessory for day or night also. These types of styles work equally well with a bridesmaid dress and she’ll be able to use the jewelry many times after the event!

Get 15% off your first purchase at BaubleBar simply by entering your email. No code required.

This post is sponsored by BaubleBar, Inc. / This post contains affiliate links.