Showing posts with label Guest Post. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Guest Post. Show all posts

Friday, October 7, 2011

[Guest Post] - Being a Plus Size Bridesmaid

Hello readers!  Today I haver for you Shafonne with Pretty Pear Bride.  Her blog is all about bridal inspiration for the plus size bride and she has a really great article for you today!  Enjoy :)

You’ve been asked by your best friend in the whole world to be a bridesmaid and your sooo excited. Until you realize that you’re the only curvy bridesmaid in the bridal party. 

What do you do?

First off don’t panic, because you have the most important job, you have now become “The Educator”. Most people don’t think about incorporating styles that complement different body types, in general and especially when thinking about bridesmaid’s dresses.  So this is where you, a beautiful, proud plus size woman have to use your smarts and help educate the bride, on the best styles that make all her bridesmaids feel wonderful.

First things first, you want to guide your friend in becoming more aware of styles that will enhance all body shapes and sizes. I am a plus size woman and always dreaded being asked to be in weddings.  Being a curvy woman pretty much all my life, all my friends knew me as such but it is a different situation when your body type plays a part in what everyone else is wearing.   Here are a few suggestions to ensure that everyone in the bridal party feel comfortable in what is picked for them to wear.

Two-piece or combination dresses come in handy when dealing with different body types because people can get a style and fit that works best for them.  Another great alternative is the wrap dress because it can be styled and wrapped all different ways so it complements all different body shapes and sizes.  A-line dresses are always a plus because they look good on any body type.



There are so many different types and styles of dresses.  You want to help the bride choose a dress that is going to complement each bridesmaid.  A dress that looks good on one may not always look good on another.  Once you take into consideration all the different body types then you will able to aid in the decision of a dress that all the bridesmaids will LOVE.  Now, go forth and educate!!

Thursday, October 6, 2011

[Guest Post] - A Mayan Wedding Ceremony

My name is Ilse Diamant. I am an expert in weddings in Cancun & Riviera Maya. As many of you may know the place where I come from is rich in Mayan culture. And being involved directly in weddings makes me an expert in traditions and their culture.
The original Maya ceremony lasts approximately 30 minutes. The music of the ceremony its composed by songs, flute, sonaja, drums and sea shells. The ceremony starts when the Shaman or Mayan priest (woman or man) prays asking to the Great God Hunab Ku and to the directions of the Universe, all the Blessings for this union:
Kich Belem yu´ um Hunab kúK´ame in kama ta´an, ku yan yetel in mu ´ukKa tak tu dzuin bakelKi ka ´atik tech, santo Lakin ka u tza to´on payalchiTi le ka pizano´obá…
The Mayan Wedding is a Wonderful ceremony, directed in the original Mayan language, by the Mayan Shaman Directing their prayers to the four cardinal points, with the bracelets and crown of flowers, offering the smoke of the copal, the Mexican corn grains and beans
and sharing the bride & groom the sacred drink of balche… the petals of flowers are mixed, white representing the woman and the yellows representing the man, symbolizing the union of their lives and their love they receive the blessings for the union of the pair and to finalize an offering of petals is given.







This is an alternative ceremony that can be held to celebrate the year 2012 as the YEAR OF THE MAYAS around the world. You can also have a Mayan purification days prior to wedding where the shaman will cleanse your body with natural incense helping bride and groom prepare for their wedding day. This ceremony can be done at the jungle in a place called Temazcal which is an ancient vapor house like an igloo made with clay.

Its really nice to get to know different cultures and one as ancient as the Mayas, is a real privilege to maintain their customs and keep doing their ancient ceremonies.


Photos from Michelle & Silvano's Archive

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

[Guest Post] - Get Inspired

hello something old & something new readers! my name is greta and i am the owner of northwoods wedding company. i'm an event planner in wisconsin and also provide wedding products for bride's to be! my blog is all about sharing real wisconsin and midwest weddings and engagements and tips and tricks for brides. my favorite thing to create and share for my readers are inspiration boards with color schemes to inspire creative minds to dream up their big day.

inspiration for a wedding theme can come from anywhere. sometimes brides will find that establishing a theme and color scheme is the hardest decision to make in their wedding planning process. i encourage my clients to bring me pictures of things they enjoy and things that they believe are beautiful, as well as pictures of weddings that they admire, so we can piece together what colors will represent them on their wedding day.

as i stated, inspiration can be found anywhere: a flower, a sunset, a dress... even your favorite sports team. believe that? well, check this out. tonight, the milwaukee brewers became the nl champions, so i have decided to share with you an inspiration board based on the brewers colors: navy and gold. i want to walk you through the theme and color scheme creation process.

first, establish how you want your wedding to "feel". is it going to be casual? black tie? somewhere in between? in this example, because of the "sports team" theme, i wanted this wedding to be casual, yet still have the elegance every wedding deserves.

next, establish your theme. first, take into account which season your wedding is in. what is going to tie your wedding together-- an element from the season your wedding is taking place in? your favorite flower? will it be fall leaves? dragonflies? snowflakes? daisies? in this case, the brewers is the theme. it can be tied into  the favors, maybe some of the music and decor.

finally, if your theme doesn't dictate your colors, define your wedding colors. in this case, the theme does dictate that the colors are navy and gold. an awesome technique is to go to a paint supply store and get some paint chips off all different colors that speak to you. then begin placing them together in groups of three. mix and match them and begin eliminating colors that don't work. try to end up with no more than four colors. more than four could create confusion in your theme and make your wedding look disorganized.

here is the casual elegant wedding in navy and gold that i have created for you!




after you are finished with all of that, start specifically looking up wedding elements in your colors and theme. the wedding planning process becomes so much easier instantly!

hope you enjoyed! i love meeting and collaborating with brides, wedding vendors and wedding lovers! feel free to stop by [my website] or send me a [tweet]!


Tuesday, October 4, 2011

[Guest Post] - Affordable Black Tie Looks

Two phrases that seem to naturally go hand-in-hand – “black tie wedding” and “Kiss My Tulle”. Um. Maybe not…

But that doesn’t mean that I don’t believe that a wedding guest cannot find affordable, stylish, and sexy outfit for that fancy-schmancy black tie wedding they’re invited to. So, I made it my mission to pull together two different affordable black tie ensembles (both completely suitable for a fall wedding) for the awesome readers of Something Old, Something New. Enjoy it, y’all.

Here’s Look #1:

*1. J Crew Zadie Dress in Silk Chiffon. *2. ASOS Scala Patent Court Shoe. *3. Shop Design Spark Layered Turquoise Necklace. *4. Charlize Teardrop Earrings. *5. ASOS Nude Feather Clutch.

Here’s Look #2:


*1. Lulu’s Global DJ Gold Sequin Dress. *2. ASOS Passion Peep Toe Court Shoe. *3. Stella & Dot Adrienne Chain Earrings. *4. TopShop Cut Out Rose Bracelet. *5. J Crew Glitteratti Clutch.

So, dying yet? I know that I’ve got a couple of purchases in my near future… how about you? What would you wear to black tie wedding? Do you have a special item that you like to trot out for fall weddings? Tell Something Old, Something New and Kiss My Tulle all about it!

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

[Guest Post] - Victoria’s Marvelous Melbourne

Today we have a wonderful {Guest Post} for you from one of my very best friends, Bethany (check out her blog too - Falling Down Under - it's a great read).  She up and moved to Melbourne (as in Australia - the other side of the world) earlier this summer.  After being there for almost two months, she is loving it and is here to tell us all about it and some great wedding venues she's come across...

Victoria is the state of Australia where the city of Melbourne is located and where I have been living for the past 6 weeks. In that short time, I have fallen in love with the city and have grown a bit soft-hearted for the romantic couples wandering the city streets: her in her beautiful full white gown and he in his fabulous tuxedo.

Melbourne is a city that has every type of terrain and outdoor wonder you could possibly want as the backdrop from your wedding day. You could choose the downtown city wedding at the Hotel Windsor. Picture Bride Wars at the Plaza Hotel, but in the Central Business District (the CBD – as the Australians call their downtown squares) in Southern Australia. Glamorous and chic with the big city lights as your get-away view.



 
You could also choose the beach destination wedding that is only 20 minutes from the CBD. St. Kilda beach is beautiful, quaint and right near the heart of the city, but feels a million miles away. There are numerous restaurants, hotel, galleries that look right over the water, perfect for a reception that can take your guests’ breath away.



I think though, that my favorite venue for a wedding, or even just your wedding photos has become the Royal Exhibition Building in north central Melbourne. The Exhibition Building and surrounding Carlton Gardens were built in 1880 for Melbourne’s first international exhibition to publicize the achievements of the wealthy colony of Victoria. The building today is still used for exhibitions including the Taste of Melbourne and seasonal bridal shows.
 
Not only is the outside of the building beautiful with 19th century architecture, the surrounding gardens are well-kept dashes of colorful mazes, an escape for wedding guests, couples and a fragrant area for pictures or a quaint outdoor wedding.

The interior of the building is even more grand and immaculate than the exterior. With a grand hall and long isle way for the largest and grandest of ceremonies.

There is something magical about this city and whatever it is has swept me away too. Not in terms of boys sweeping me off my feet, that hasn’t happened yet, but in terms of the people, the atmosphere, the rush of life you feel when walking down the busy streets of the CBD, the peaceful sandy plane of St. Kilda or the colorful walkways of the Carlton Gardens. A destination in itself, add a wonderful finance and a few of your closest friends and family and you could have the most Marvelous Melbourne wedding getaway.



Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Guest Post - Up and Coming Bridal Designer: Faith Thornburg

Recently my friend Emily was telling me about her friend, Faith Thornburg, who is an up and coming bridal designer.  She shared some of Faith's designs with me and let me tell you guys, they're awesome!   And here's where I let Em take over...

The beautiful designer herself - Faith Thornburg

“Well I guess I've always been 'destined' to be a bridal designer. I've been fascinated with wedding fashions since I was little (think Jennifer Lopez in the Wedding Planner when she's a little girl playing 'wedding' with her Barbie dolls - that was me!), so it was no surprise when I decided to make it a career.”

Faith Thornburg had big aspirations at a very young age - she knew she wanted to one day design the gowns that would help define one of the most exciting days of a woman’s life – her wedding day. She has done just that.

After finishing high school Faith applied to one school, The Savannah School of Art and Design – she got in – and starting in the fall of 2007 – she had her eye on one degree: Fashion Design. While at SCAD, she started working at a bridal store in Savannah, where as she described, she played “dress up” with “brides to be” all day long in beautiful Vera Wang, Carolina Herrera, Priscilla of Boston and Oscar de la Rent (just to name a few). The following summer she interned at Anne Barge and Badgley Mischka Bride in Atlanta, GA. Upon returning to Savannah, she started her senior collection.

Each year, SCAD works with top designers in the SCAD Style Lab. Seniors are encouraged to submit their collection vision and then a few are selected to work one-on-one with a designer. This past year’s designers were Christian Cota and Chris Benz and they were so impressed with Faith’s vision, she was selected to work with Christian Cota – an opportunity which she describes as a dream come true! Cota would visit Savannah throughout the year, assisting Faith in the whole “collection process” – she explains that it was at that point in her career that she was truly shaped into a designer. Along with that incredible opportunity, Faith’s work was also chosen (in a select group of senior designs) to “walk the runway” in a show choreographed by Miss J. Alexander from America's Next Top Model.  After the show she was personally showered with praise and implausible advice from Andre Leon Talley, Miss J and Manolo Blahnik – some of the industry’s leading men!


Faith thought all of her dreams had come true until she was told that her collection had been chosen by Elle Magazine to be showcased at New York’s Fashion Week this September as well as have a special feature in the magazine's October and December issues! (keep your eyes peeled for her)


Faith is now working on a few gowns for brides that will be worn this fall and will be moving to Atlanta, GA in three weeks to get her career “up and running” – she is well on her way!

Check out her website to get to see all of her collection! 

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Semi-Guest Post (from the other half of SOSN) - Personalized Wedding Signs

It dawned on me the other week that our blog has been up and running for over 9 months now and I had yet to write a post.  Ok, actually it was really my sister pointing that out to me and asking if I would write a guest post.  I guess it’s only fair since I am the other half of Something Old, Something New. But let me be clear – I am not a writer, I have never blogged before (although I have enjoyed checking out many of our followers’ blogs!). Now that I’ve set your expectations at the right level, enjoy!

This fall will be the 5 year anniversary of my wedding. In 2006, I married my best friend, had a blast at our wedding and then decided I wanted to do it over, and over, and over again. The result? Something Old, Something New. While working with many brides over the last few years, I absolutely love helping them put together the details that will make up their perfect day. 

One idea (had I thought about this 5 years ago, I would have definitely incorporated this into my wedding) is personalized signs and letter cutouts. Earlier this year, I came across Go Jump in a Lake on Etsy. I absolutely love the rustic nature of their signs and even better, they are local vendors working in North Georgia!  My sister has talked about when she gets married one day, it would probably be at lake where our parents live – how perfect would some of these signs be for an outdoor wedding at the lake??



I especially love these and the idea of incorporating tea light candles with the signs. A great way to create a nice atmosphere as the sun begins to set at an outdoor cocktail hour or reception.



Or, if you have a lot of guests coming from out of town, this DIY sign is perfect (featured previously on our blog).  This sign is so fun and your guests will love being welcomed this way.

If your ceremony and reception are at the same location but spread out a bit, you can do a sign like this one below.  Not only is this a fun detail to add to your wedding decor but it will also help direct guests to the right place.

If a large wooden sign isn’t your thing, how about Mr. & Mrs. Signs, to hang on a wall in the reception, on the Bride and Groom’s chair, or really anywhere? 



Or at a minimum, signs and letters are a great way to create some fun, unique pictures on your wedding day. Here is a favorite photo of mine from one of my friends’ wedding a couple of years ago. If only I had a picture like this from my wedding day!


I’m sure I could find many, many more examples to share but hopefully you get the point. Overall, I think a personalized sign is a great to add a unique touch to any wedding. It could even make a great wedding gift for a close friend or family member!

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Guest Post on The Favour Shoppe

Check out our guest post over on The Favour Shoppe's blog today.



We offer some tips for planning your wedding and making it your own.
So excited to be featured!

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

[Guest Post] - Wedding Day Shoes

Sometimes we all need a little break and today was a day I needed a blogging break.  But don't worry I still have something fun for you all to read! Thanks to Megan for this wonderful {Guest Post}!

After seeing Monday’s blog with those BEAUTIFUL Louboutins, I started thinking about the shoes brides wear on their big day.  As I have been a bridesmaid in multiple weddings, I always find that the shoes underneath the dress truly reflect the individual.  It made me think, what would I wear?

Two types of shoes came to mind:
First, if you know me, I hardly wear heels and when I do, I complain 99% of the time.  Due to my aversion to heels, I have become a flats aficionado.  I LOVE the Lanvin ballet flats.  Beautiful, simple, comfortable, and something that I could wear multiple times.  These flats come in multiple colors, so you can pick the one that fits you and your wedding theme! 

Another flat I love is the Repetto flats.  Repetto is a French ballet shoe company that also designs and sells “chaussures femme”.  Another example of how a flat can be elegant and timeless.

My second choice type of shoes is, wait for it…. cowboy boots.  As a native Texan, cowboy boots have become a staple shoe in my shoe collection.  My favorite boot brand is Lucchese.   To me, the cowboy boot would symbolize my personality – lighthearted, fun, whimsical, and truly Texan.  And not to mention, they’re extremely comfortable!



What shoes would you or did you wear on your wedding day?

Friday, February 11, 2011

Guest Post - Whimsical China

As a single young lady, I try not to think too much about my wedding, flowers, dress, and shoes as I don’t want to jinx anything. BUT, at the age of 25 and without a boyfriend, I am 100% decided on my china pattern. 
A good friend once mentioned that the super fashionable in New York City don’t register for just a single china pattern, but instead they select various antique and new patterns with different colors and shapes.  From this thought, an idea blossomed and thus began my china registry without my wedding date or (some might say the most important part) a fiancé.  
As I like to describe my style as whimsical, light, and full of color, I love the idea of having a mismatching (yet matching in their own way) china collection.  The idea of creating a dinner party with beautiful patterns splaying various colors and shapes align not only to my style but also to my personality. 
SO how do you create your whimsical mismatched china collection?  It depends on how far you want to go with it. 
You can still go with the more traditional route and piece together a brand.  Kate Spade china patterns tend to blend well together and are for sale at Macys making registering easy.  

As for my china, I would love to register at Replacements.com.  Replacements.com is an online store specializing in new and old china, silver, and crystal.  A typical client for Replacements consists of our mom or grandmothers replacing a broken plate or cup, but clients are also able to buy complete sets.
For my patterns today, I went with gold as my base and incorporated purple and turquoise.  The bottom two pieces are “louder” than the others where as the top two pieces are more subtle allowing for a “quieter” dining experience.  Using the four patterns together therefore would create a balance amongst the patterns and colors making this collection, truly me. 


What would be your mixed china pattern?