Duchess. Men's Suits with Style.

At times you may feel like you man just doesn't have any style. He's wearing the same pair of jeans that he worn for the past 5 days, he turns his t-shirt inside out to get one more day out if it and we don't even want to ask about the boxers! So, the wedding day is the perfect opportunity to turn a grape into wine. A tuxedo may seem like the obvious choice but he looks more like James Bond than a groom. Who do you turn to for help? I have the perfect solution, Duchess Clothier.

Here's a quick description of what they do in their own words:

"Duchess Clothier creates custom suits and shirts based on historical styles with the belief that gentlemen and ladies of style
should have the opportunity to affordably dress in find tailored garments that fit properly. All of our creations are made-to-measure and completely customizable in your choices of fabrics and styles. We are owned and operated in Portland, Oregon and believe that the style trailblazers of today should look to the dress of the past-whether that of Victorian gentlemen, a smooth rat packer, a hot mod face, a country crooner...it's all beautiful and encouraged!"

I think the pictures speak for themselves. And just think, once he has his own hand made suit, he'll have to wear it again to take you out for a fabulous dinner and cocktails.

Come see Duchess' suits on live models at The Art of Wedding Event this January. I can't wait!

Emily-Jane Sparkles.

I think I mentioned before, that finding wedding day jewelry that is unique and beautiful can sometimes be hard. Joining the Art of Weddings event is the lovely ladies of Emily-Jane Jewelry. They create one of kind pieces that compliment your wedding gown. Their service is great, they truly care about their clients which was easy for me to see at their holiday party.

The best part is that you can wear your earrings, necklace or bracelet again! Now, you gotta love that. Here is a sampling of some of their work, check out their website so you can eww and ahh in the privacy of your home. Images by Jasmine Photography.

Super cute pins.

So, I'm avoiding work at the moment and starting shopping on the Etsy Website. You could spend hours here looking at all the super cute handmade crafts. I found these pins by the UK designer Paperfish and thought, how sweet would these be attached to your place cards at a reception! And they'd double as the wedding favor.




Then I saw the bigger hearts, which would make a really cute ring pillow or instead of a boring old basket have the flower girl hold a set of 3 at different lengths while walking down the aisle.



And of course the cute little pins that say bride and groom on them. How fun would it be to pin them on the inside of his suit and under wedding gown! Her prices are affordable, check out more of her work by searching for Paperfish once on the site.

27 Dresses.

I saw the preview for this movie and totally laughed!  If you haven't heard of it already, it's with Katherine Heigl who was so funny in Knocked Up! They are playing off the "always a bridesmaid, never a bride" theme, I think it could be really funny and tons of us can relate! 
This has ladies nite written all over it. So, get dressed up,  head out for cocktails, and then see the movie!  (cocktails will ease the pain if it's a bomb.)

Check out the trailer...

27 Dresses. The Movie

A touch of "Green". Part 2.

Below are the final 5 ideas from Kylee at Oregon's Premier Bride on how to host an enviromentally-friendly wedding.

6. Use flowers from your ceremony and bridal party to decorate the reception.

Instead of creating additional flower arrangements for the reception, ask your attendants to strategically place their bouquets for the reception. Your bouquet can be used to decorate the head table or cake table. 

7. Select wedding apparel that is made of sustainable fabrics or reuse a lovingly worn dress. 

You can choose a wedding gown made of silk or hemp or even a blend of the two. Making Memories Brides Against Breast Cancer holds bridal gown sales across the country. You will find gently used or donated new gowns for sale at great prices. Check out their link for more info: www.makingmemories.com. Don't forget to donate your gown after your wedding day!

8. Avoid serving farmed salmon.

Farmed salmon are often given vaccines, pesticides, and antibiotics. Thing the pretty pink color of farmed salmon is attractive-this is a result of synthetic pigment given to them. If you plan to serve salmon, choose wild for the health of your guests and the enviroment.

9. Celebrate you marriage with an eco-friendly honeymoon.

Many hotels have decided to go "green". You can find a list of these hotels at www.greenhotels.com.  You many also be interested in a newer practice known as ecotourism. The international Ecotourism Society is a great resource to find travel agents, tour operators, and lodging committed to "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and sustains the well-being of the local people."

10. Consider a ceremony and reception site that are outdoors or one that maximizes natural light. 

Ask the facility about the alternative lighting options for your celebration. You can also opt to use candles instead of electricity for more mood lighting.

Well, that's it for now!  Pick one of the ten ideas to add a dash of "green" to your big day!

Wedding Graffiti

I first discovered this website about 6 months ago. I fell in love with it immediately and have been wanting to share it with others...just kept forgetting to do so! Wonderful Graffiti for Weddings is so cool, I can barely stand it! It is thin pieces of vinyl that look "printed" when applied to a smooth surface. It applies and removes quickly without damaging the surface.

They have created classic and elegant ideas for you to use throughout your event. From decorating your get-a-way car to the dance floor. I also love how they take something as simple as a monogram and created so many options for you to use it. Why not add it to coasters for the cocktail hour? Or how about invites on large lollipops? Fun!



You can also create your own. Check out a view pics from their website and then let you imagination go wild!

Add a touch of "Green" to your wedding day.

Hosting a environmentally conscience wedding can seem overwhelming to add to your already long to-do list. Never fear, Kylee of  the Oregon Premier Bride has composed a list of 10 ideas for you! Here are the first 5 for you to look over, the rest will be online next week. 

You don't have to do all of them, instead find the one that fits your day best and then feel even more fabulous that you're doing your part to save the environment!  

1. Choose an organic caterer. 

Look for a catering company that uses locally grown organic food. This reduces the carbon emissions from transporting the food and cuts down on harmful pesticides. What to do with leftover food?  Donate it to a local shelter or food bank.

2. Use recycled paper for your invitations. 

There are many options available for your invitations including recycled, tree-free, and natural papers. You may also opt for soy-based ink that is biodegradable. Reduce the use of paper by utilizing the Internet for Save-The-Date cards, RSVP's, and a wedding website that has driving directions, lodging information and weekend events listed.

3. Give guests a sapling for a wedding favor.

Often guests have no idea what to do with the wedding favors given to them. Saplings are the perfect way for your guests to honor you and Mother Earth. The National Arbor Day Foundation will provide saplings  with a custom message fro you. 

www.arborday.org/shopping/gifttrees/wedding.cfn

4. Have gifts donated in your honor to your favorite environmental group.

Many foundations or non-profit organizations now have a registry program. Instead of a toaster or salad bowl, your guests can contribute to the foundation of your choice. A great resource is www.justgive.org.  If you still want to receive gifts (who doesn't!) then sign up at www.IDoFoundation.org first and then register with one of their foundation partners. A percentage of the gift purchases will be given to that foundation. 

5. Pick a florist who uses organic flowers.

Support local growers by choosing a florist that uses organic, local blooms. This helps reduce damage caused by transportation emissions and chemically processed flowers. 

Ok, that the first half of the list!  I love the idea of #4, where you can still get gifts but have a portion of their cost donated!  Brilliant idea...