summer wedding dress – Sweet Violet Bride

Sunset Styled Beach Wedding

Naomi — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 16:30:24 +0000

Christina Lilly Photography and Gilded Lily Events worked to create this beautiful sunset wedding on an untouched beach in New Jersey. The shell garland, blue mason jars, & salt water taffy favors are great additions to a seaside theme. I absolutely love the use of blue, green, and frosty white sea glass. There are so many things you could do with sea glass…you could make an entire wedding theme out of it! The bride broke the mold of today’s strapless dress with a gorgeous vintage lace Claire Pettibone and the groom kept it classic in a J.Crew suit complete with anchor socks. They tied it all together with the couple’s adorable pup in a bow tie! It’s hard to reinvent a classic idea but Gilded Lily Events made it fresh again.

Photography: Christina Lilly Photography / Event Designer: Gilded Lily Events / Invitations: Art, Paper, Scissors Design / Dress: Claire Pettibone / Makeup Artist: Artist for Smashbox / Shoes: Yves Saint Laurent / Tuxedo and Men’s Attire: J. Crew

Crochet Wedding Dress Inspiration

Naomi — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 14:41:31 +0000

Crochet is one of those beautiful arts that are perfect for a bohemian or vintage style wedding dress, especially in summer. Because crochet is most often done with cotton, these gowns are comfortable and breathable. This technique can create many romantic patterns, from fine and intricate, to bold and almost knotted looking. One of the things I love about crochet is the ability to create a wide range of styles from glamour garden chic, to beachy boho. Crochet was also a popular technique in making Irish wedding gowns in the 1800’s and you can still find some stunning vintage examples with flowing ivory layers of cotton crochet lace. If you’re handy with a crochet needle and are looking for a carefree style, you might even consider making your own. You can do so for as little as $20! I hope you enjoy some of my favorites for inspiration below.

1) Dreamers and Lovers 2-3) Pinterest 4) Free People 5) Jane Hill 6) Lumirelle 7) Edwardian vintage crochet wedding dress, Brittany Esther Photography 8) Kitsch Bitch (pattern) 9) Only Favorites (pattern) 10-11) Daughters of Simone 12-13) Claire Pettibone

Daughters Of Simone “Ritual Woman” 2014 Collection

Naomi — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 15:13:31 +0000

“Romance and antique lace, blossom trees and billowy sleeves…this is what young love should feel like.” – Daughters Of Simone

We’re kicking off the New Year with a fresh, bohemian, vintage-inspired bridal collection from Daughters Of Simone! Their 2014 collection, “Ritual Woman” is like taking a walk in a meadow of wildflowers, of wild woodland wandering, of sun and wind and lace. I’m in love! Daughters Of Simone is a romantic non-traditional bridal gown company based out of, and made in, San Francisco, California. Their dresses are as unique as the spirited women who wear them and are absolutely perfect for a nature inspired wedding. See more of the collection here.

The name Daughters Of Simone was inspired by the philosopher Simone de Beauvoir. She was a rebel of her time who created a life solely around what she stood for when being your own woman made you a radical. “We’d like to think that our brides are just this way,” says Daughters of Simone. “Uniquely themselves, and unafraid to challenge the status quo to create the life they want. Here, there’s a sense that because of courageous women like Simone, marriage has evolved into a really beautiful thing between two people… Something completely about celebrating love, and spending a lifetime of adventure together. Daughters Of Simone aims to capture this spirit.”

Photos courtesy of Daughters of Simone

Wedding Reception Dresses You’ll Love

Naomi — Tue, 10 Sep 2013 14:58:45 +0000

By no means is a reception dress required, but know that you have options. Most reception dresses are knee length or tea length, though you may opt for a second floor length gown that features a hint of color or perhaps details that you love but just didn’t fit with your ceremony venue. It never crossed my mind to think of purchasing two separate dresses when planning my own wedding – I was focused on budget and assuming it would be too costly, put it out of my mind. I danced the night away in my chapel length gown and it was a great night, but the bustle didn’t want to keep fastened and it was also hot. Looking back on it, wearing a shorter dress would have been easier to move in during the reception, plus who doesn’t love showing off their shoes? Short dresses are often much less expensive anyway (i.e. less than $500), so if it works with your budget here are a few designs we think you’ll love.

1-4) BHLDN (twila halter, clara, agata swing, Rafaela) 5) Retro Vintage Weddings, Samantha Maide Photography 6) Grace Loves Lace 7) Claire La Faye 8) Sarah Seven 2014 9) Alexan Events blog 10) Kelsey Genna 11-12) Nordstrom 13) Marchesa spring 2014

Elizabeth Fillmore Fall 2013: Winged Beauty Collection

Naomi — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 13:00:48 +0000

Overgrown ponds and streams swarming with butterflies, dragonflies and endless flora…this is what inspired Elizabeth Fillmore’s Fall 2013 collection called “Winged Beauty.” The sheer coverage and fluttering motifs have us instantly falling for these beauties. The designer says she was inspired to create a collection of “diaphanous” floating visions. “I was overwhelmed by the beauty and mystery of the lush country life and energy growing from the untouched ponds of my parent’s country home,” says Fillmore. The embroideries, beadings and lace are all original designs that create a feeling of poetic illusion for brides wishing for an ethereal, graceful look. Pin your favorite!

See more at www.elizabethfillmorebridal.com

Grace Loves Lace: Unearthed Collection

Naomi — Tue, 02 Jul 2013 15:19:23 +0000

Whenever a new collection by Grace Loves Lace lands in my inbox I get very excited – their collections always inspire and fill me with wonder. Their new collection, titled ‘unearthed’ is no exception and might actually be my favorite yet. Their style is a mix of relaxed flowy layers, and beautifully fitted lace details that altogether give the look of a bohemian princess. Their new hair accessories and veils offer a fresh alternative to traditional bridal style. This collection evokes natural beauty and a carefree attitude that is absolutely perfect for a nature inspired bride. Thanks, Trent Mitchell for capturing these gowns in such a gorgeous way!

Dresses + Accessories: Grace Loves Lace / Photographer: Trent Mitchell / Hair + Makeup: Ash Penfold / Stylist: Megan Ziems

Styled Shoot: Antoinette Meets Austen {Sarah Gawler Photography}

Naomi — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 14:41:38 +0000

Two of my favorite historic ladies are depicted in this beautiful styled shoot by Savoir Weddings and Sarah Gawler Photography. We love these garden-chic details, from the flowy Sally Lacock dresses and blooming umbrella to the wildflower bouquets and hanging teacups brimming with flowers. These images are personally some of my all-time favorites of Sarah’s work, and I cannot express enough how much I love the way in which the models have evoked a sense of Antoinette and Austen’s character and wild beauty. This is more than just another styled wedding shoot, it is wedding art. Happy weekend!

Photography: Sarah Gawler Photography / Shoot Curator: Savoir Weddings / Dresses: Sally Lacock / Flowers: Pollen Nation / Hair & Makeup: Elbie van Eeden / Hair Accessories: Flo & Percy / Blonde Model: Beth Colquhoun / Auburn Model: Evie McManus / Styling: Emma Lahaye /Masks & Bookmarks: Cutture / Cake: Restoration Cake

BHLDN Fall 2013 Collection

Naomi — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 19:25:56 +0000

Ready for some eye candy!? BHLDN’s Fall 2013 collection was just revealed yesterday and this afternoon I have a little preview for you. There are so many gorgeous gowns, accessories, and even décor available in their new collection and below are a few of my favorites. We also love that these gowns are affordable – and I’m talking in the $400 to $2,800 range! Your nuptials need not cost a fortune and with these pieces you won’t be sacrificing style either. Which one do you love?

The look just below is my personal favorite and rings in under a grand. Gown: $600. Headpiece: $300.

All photos courtesy of BHLDN

Tennessee Rustic Woodland Wedding {Ulmer Studios}

Naomi — Wed, 22 May 2013 15:36:36 +0000

Zack and Dani exchanged vows at the beautiful Five Star Retreat in Tennessee. The rustic woodland setting and many handmade details were a perfect reflection of who Zack and Dani are as a couple (read their outdoorsy engagement story below!). The mismatched floral bridesmaid dresses are like a field of wildflowers, and Dani’s BHLDN “Cascading Goddess” dress – well the name says it all! Gorgeous. And these two show that you don’t have to buy everything for your wedding – a little creative thriftiness can go a long way. They borrowed or found secondhand tablecloths, centerpieces, and ceremony seating.

Before the Ring (from the bride):
Zack and I met because one of my dearest high school friends, whom I lost touch with after high school, became one of Zack’s dearest friends in college. At the Avett Brothers concert at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville in October 2010, I ran into this old high school friend, Nate, and we rekindled a friendship. Spending time with Nate meant spending time around his friends, one of which was Zack. Zack and I both felt a connection immediately, though neither of us revealed our feelings. It wasn’t until the three of us, Nate, Zack and I, took a road trip to Asheville, North Carolina that December to see the Avett Brothers once again. During our first day there, flirtations between Zack and I became a bit more conspicuous until that evening, just before the concert, in front of Scully’s on West Walnut Street in the falling snow, we confessed our unusually strong feelings for one another. That night during the concert, Zack turned to me, asked me to close my eyes, and we had our first kiss. We haven’t been able to be apart since.

The Proposal:
Zack planned a weekend trip for us to Asheville in March of 2012. This being the first time we would return there since that fateful trip that began our romance, I had a feeling he might be planning more than just a trip. Our first night we saw The Givers and Dr. Dog perform at the Orange Peel, which was a phenomenal show that set the tone of the weekend quite perfectly. The next morning we drove up the Blue Ridge Parkway to do some hiking. Zack chose a trail called Craggy Pinnacle, which was a beautiful, winding trail shrouded in the bare twining branches of rhododendron that eventually led us to the topmost point of the mountain. We were the only two people up there, with a panoramic view of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. After reveling in the view for a while, Zack nervously approached me and took my hand, telling me all the reasons that he knew we were made to be together. He got down on one knee and, with the wind whipping around us, gave me his great-grandmother’s diamond ring and asked me to be his wife. Overjoyed, I gave him a quick “yes,” he put the ring on my finger, and we stood on that mountain, trembling, crying, laughing and holding each other for the rest of the morning.

Photography: Ulmer Studios / Venue: Five Star Retreat / Bride’s Dress: BHLDN “Cascading Goddess” Gown / Bridesmaid Dresses: Anthropologie, ModCloth, Francesca’s, Kohl’s, Dillard’s, Forever 21 / Fabric Garlands: The Hip Rose / Reception Tent, Tables, Chairs: Liberty Party Rental / Tablecloths: borrowed and thrifted sheets / Lavender Soap Favors: Lime Hollow Naturals / Catering: Friends of Bride and Groom / Flowers: bought from Import Flowers and Sam’s Club and arranged by friends of bride / Boutonnieres: DIY by bride and friends / Centerpieces: borrowed and collected pieces / Afghans for ceremony seating: borrowed and thrifted / Invitations + Programs: Groom (Zack Green Studio)

Claire Pettibone Decoupage Collection

Naomi — Thu, 09 May 2013 13:41:08 +0000

Decoupage (from the French word for cut) is the old art of assembling and layering paper cutouts for decorating wooden boxes, chests, ceramics, and decorative objects. In Claire Pettibone’s latest collection she’s layered Chantilly and guipure, silk and vintage laces, flowers and delicate hand beaded details. By combining these textures and treatments she has created an heirloom collection of wedding gowns that I’ve absolutely fallen in love with. I think my favorites are Primrose and Gladys…but it is so hard to choose. Which one would you love to get married in?

Dresses (top to bottom): Primrose, Wren, Charlotte, Delaney, Estelle, Gladys, Florentine, Abigail, Antoinette

Photography: Anton Oparin courtesy of Claire Pettibone