natural – Sweet Violet Bride

Blackberry Woods Inspiration {Michelle March Photography}

Naomi — Fri, 11 Jul 2014 15:25:30 +0000

What could be more perfect for inspiration in July than blackberries! We’re in love with the deep berry tones of purple, pink, and red in this styled shoot at Villa Woodbine in Coconut Grove, Florida. Such a wonderful look for summer or early fall! The natural, organic styling of the bouquets, centerpieces, and wedding arch are right out of a woodland fairytale. A deep red lip, chandelier, and crystal headpieces by Lacielle Roselle give it a classy sophistication and leafy wreaths for the chair backs also add such a lush, elegant touch of style. A big thank you to Michelle March Photography for sharing this with us!

Photography: Michelle March Photography / Venue: Villa Woodbine / Planning, Styling, Decor: Unearthed Vintage / Dress: Sasha’s Bridal / Bridal Jewelry: Jacqueline Pinto / Hair Accessories: Lacielle Roselle / Floral: Julia Rohde Designs / Hair & Make-up: Hiara Fernandez / Cakes: Gigi-Mamma Cakes / Calligraphy: MM Ink / Videografie: Michael Burgos Films

Rustic Wedding Bouquet Inspiration: Dried Flowers

Naomi — Thu, 15 May 2014 13:29:41 +0000

The practice of drying flowers for ornamental purposes goes back as far as Ancient Egypt. For a naturally rustic look why not carry a dried flower bouquet on your wedding day? There are many great things about dried flower bouquets – you can make or purchase them ahead of time, they’ll be less expensive, you can keep them long after the wedding as a keepsake, and you don’t have to worry about them wilting on your big day. If you absolutely must have fresh flowers, I understand, but if you’re open to alternatives these beauties I’ve collected below might inspire you. What flowers make for the best dried bouquets? Typically wildflowers are a good bet. Lavender, strawflowers, wheat, caspia, larkspur, daisies etc. Garden roses and hydrangea can also work. Mixing in other natural elements such as dried seed pods or feathers can create even more interesting textures and compositions.

1) Lauryn Byrdy 2) Casa Sugar 3) Afloral 4) Justin DeMutiis Photography 5) Jaye Kogut Photography 6) Lauryn Byrdy 7) Pinterest 8) The Flower Patch 9-11) Pinterest 12) Darling Buds

P.S. If you love dried flowers you’ll love Lady O shoes which incorporate real dried flowers (each pair is unique!) into their pretty floral shoes!

Natural Bridal Beauty Must-Haves: Editor’s Top Picks

Naomi — Wed, 07 May 2014 15:16:41 +0000

As you experiment with your beauty regimen and try out looks for your big day you might wonder if you’re using the best natural beauty products. As a self-professed natural beauty junkie, I personally tested hundreds of them and in our first issue of the magazine I revealed my top picks for makeup, skincare, hair care, and natural perfumes. It also includes a guide to 10 common cosmetic ingredients to avoid (you can see more here). Take a look through our Winter/Spring 2014 issue’s Natural Beauty Guide below, and for more natural beauty advice and full reviews check out my other blog, Sweet Violet Beauty.

10 Natural Beauty Brands I Love Right Now:

Not sure where to start? It’s hard to narrow it down to 10, but if you want to know what some of my favorites are after testing more than 50 brands (at the time of this post) in the last year, this is the list (in no particular order):

100 % Pure
Juice Beauty
jane iredale
Bite Beauty
Alima Pure
Scotch Naturals
Vapour Beauty
Amala Beauty
Lotus Wei
Osmia Organics

The Beauty of Rough Diamonds

Naomi — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 14:26:04 +0000

Rough diamonds radiate a beauty that can only come from nature. When in their pure, natural state, they exude a raw elegance that is quite unlike anything else. You might assume that because a rough diamond hasn’t undergone the process of cutting and polishing that a ring featuring it might be less expensive, but it isn’t necessarily the case. The value of a diamond is still largely determined by its worth in its original form, brilliance and natural clarity being taken into strong consideration. This means there are a range of diamonds for a range of budgets. One of my favorite things about rough diamonds is that when they are incorporated into a piece of jewelry it will truly be a one-of-a-kind piece because no two rough diamonds are ever the same. This of course inspires some truly organic and elemental jewelry designs like a few of my favorites below.

1) Sarah Perlis Jewelry 2-3) Todd Reed 4) Ravit Schwartz 5) Alexis Russell 6) Kamofie 7) Point No Point Studio 8-10) Diamond in the Rough 11) Mystical Charm 12) Doron Merav

Edible Flowers for Your Wedding

Naomi — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 16:17:34 +0000

Using edible flowers in your wedding desserts, drinks, salads and even main dishes adds a unique element to your celebration. They add color, elegance, a bit of whimsy, and also have an interesting range of tastes. Search for what is in season in your area – your local farmers’ market is a great source for finding out what is available and they’ll often have much more variety than the grocery store. Always ask vendors how their flowers are grown (you don’t want to eat flowers that have been sprayed with pesticides!). You can also order edible flowers (fresh or crystallized, which are great for using atop desserts) from several sites online (Gourmet Sweet Botanicals, Marx Foods, Food Innovations).

Herb flowers are some of my favorites because they’re very aromatic and are just as amazing with meat dishes as they are with desserts and cocktails. Plus they just have that wonderful rustic, just-picked-from-the-garden style about them. These would include basil blossoms, lavender flowers, savory blossoms, mint blossoms, rosemary flowers, fennel flowers to name a few. Try freezing mint blossoms and leaves into your ice cubes for delicious and refreshing drinks on a summer day.

Other edible flowers include (this is just a partial list): Arugula, Carnations, Calendula, Hibiscus (makes a delicious tea), Hollyhocks, Jasmine, Daisies, Lilacs, Marigolds, Lemon Verbena, Nasturtiums, Chrysanthemums, Chicory, Day Lilies, Lavender, Squash blossoms, Violets and Pansies.

Learn how to make lilac sugar on page 105 in issue 1 of our magazine.

1) Shop Terrain 2) The Taste Revelation 3) Martha Stewart Living 4) Weddingomania 5) Recipe Register 6) Good Housekeeping 7) The Alkaline Sisters 8) Weddingomania 9) Frank Weinart 10) New Dress 2014 11) Little Blue Dish (potted shrimp & viola appetizers) 12-13) Pinterest 14) Sprinkle Bakes (pansy pops) 15) Call Me Cupcake 16) Honestly Yum (bellini popsicles with edible flowers)

Wedding Color Palette: Peach

Naomi — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 15:11:12 +0000

Inspired by the delectable fruits themselves, a peach wedding palette makes a sweet statement. A bit more subtle than pure pink, peachy shades can range from the lightest blush seen in a conch shell, to the pink golden honey hues seen in the flesh of the actual fruits. One of my favorite things about peach is that it makes a lovely palette on its own, but also pairs perfectly with silver, gold, and even copper because of the pink undertones. To make it look more vibrant pair it with its complimentary color, (opposite on the color wheel) a shade of periwinkle. Peach is also a beautiful color for a nature-inspired wedding because it has such a soft natural glow about it. See more color palettes here.

Peach Floral Crown: Anastasiya Belik Photography / Peach Wedding Stationery Suite: The Nimbus Factory / Cake: Lisa Vorce / Peach gown: Ashley Kelemen Photography / Peach Centerpiece: Pinterest / Bouquet: Anastasiya Belik Photography / Peach Slice Cake: Tumblr / Peach Diamond Ring: Sundari Gems / Peach Bridesmaid Dresses: Donna Morgan

Farm Fresh Wedding Inspiration Shoot {Cluney Photo}

Naomi — Tue, 01 Oct 2013 13:00:41 +0000

I am absolutely in love with this farm fresh inspired photo shoot. Some of Montana’s best wedding vendor’s gathered at the Moon-Randolph Homestead and collaborated to create the beautiful images you see before you. I now realize I did not appreciate veggies for probably the first half of my life, but as my palette changed, so did my perspective, and the garden has become one of my favorite muses. This shoot is no exception and goes to prove that there is beauty to be had in bunches – of kale and carrots, beets and beans. For a couple in search of natural elements that embrace the organic farm life, this is it. The historical barn structure made for a perfect backdrop to the tablescape (on a renaissance door turned table), complete with seed packets and a calligraphed menu napkin at each setting. Thank you Cluney Photo for sharing such lovely inspiration!

Photography + Stationery: Cluney Photo / Event Coordinator: Habitat Events / Dress: Ruche / Jewelry: One Eleven / Hair Accessories: Lacielle Roselle / Floral Designer: Habitat Floral Studio / Cake: Mai Fink / Event Designer: Brooke Ashleman / Make-up: Alchemy Mineral Blends / Hair Styling: Sugar Tree Hair Salon / Location: Moon-Randolph Homestead

One Shoulder Wonders: Wedding Gowns with Asymmetrical Beauty

Naomi — Mon, 30 Sep 2013 14:32:50 +0000

As in nature, sometimes the most beautiful things are made so by asymmetry. These gorgeous gowns are, I think, especially eye-catching because of their single asymmetrical shoulder. For the bride who wants to be just a little bit different yet still wants to keep all the other aspects of a traditional gown, this look can be perfect. An asymmetrical neckline is also often very flattering to ones face, since our faces are rarely ever perfectly symmetrical. This look is also provides function, if you love a mostly strapless look but are worried about fit and want a little more security. Below are some of my favorite one shoulder gowns which range from a simple strap, to sculptural floral, to sheer lace, or a wide band of gathered organza. Which is your favorite?

1) Noviamor 2) Johanna Johnson 3) Marchesa 4) Vera Wang 5-6) BHLDN 7) Galina Signature for David’s Bridal 8) Ines DiSanto 9) Anne Barge 10) Monique Lhuillier 11) Noviamor 12) Ulla-Maija Couture, Magnolia Pair Photography via Snippet & Ink 13) Tanis Katie Photography 14) Tara Keely Bridal

Wedding Inspiration Board #13: Love Birds

Elicia — Tue, 27 Aug 2013 14:00:58 +0000

Finding the perfect wedding theme can be both difficult and rewarding. I was inspired to create this inspiration board after meeting a woman who owned a dozen Doves that she released at weddings. Traditionally, Doves are symbols of love and peace…and it doesn’t stop there. Lovebird’s exhibit strong, monogamous pair bonding and spend hours of time enjoying each others company. The romance behind this sentiment has been translated into nuptial celebrations as an adaptable and trendy theme. Try adding various size bird cages as table centerpieces or card holders and have your guests throw birdseed instead of rice!

Cake Toppers: Illuminate my Event / Couple: Amy Majors Photography / Birdcage with flowers: Confetti Day Dreams / Cupcakes: Pinterest / Bouquet: BeautySpot on Etsy / Dove: Katie Lamb Photography / Birdhouse favors: Ruffled Blog / Earrings: Autumn and Grace Bridal on Etsy / Invitations: Designs in Paper / Rings: Joe Elario Photography / Cake: Pinterest

Wedding Inspiration Board #10: Rustic Vineyard

Elicia — Thu, 08 Aug 2013 13:28:13 +0000

I have a confession; I can’t speak for the rest of our team, but I’m not a huge fan of wine. It’s something I’m learning to enjoy with age. What I do love is the rustic, romantic feel of vineyard nuptials. I was inspired to create this wedding theme because I think vineyards are extremely universal. Even in little Vermont, we have some amazing wineries that would be the perfect backdrop for anyone to say “I Do.” From fresh flowers picked on the vineyard for your bouquet to cork inspired save the dates and place settings, there’s something beautiful for everyone.

Bridal Party: Blue Photo Wedding Photography / Outdoor Table Setting: Pretty Chic Blog / Bouquet: Jocelyn Filley / Rings: Mat and Ash Photography / Save the Dates: CorkCountryCottage on Etsy / Twine bouquet cover: Rochelle Wilhelms Photography / Boutineers: Jessica Watson Photography / Cork placecard: Sweet Love Gifts / Cakes: 2+ Hue Designs / Wine bottle table setting: Wiens Family Cellars / Bridesmaids: Our Labor of Love Photography