Rustic Romance

We were thrilled to style a photo shoot at the Evergreen Museum in Baltimore, Maryland.  The venue is gorgeous and our photographer, Stacey Vaeth, was such an artist with these gorgeous shots.  

With home-spun weddings becoming all the rage, draw inspiration from our mismatched china, burlap menus, soft color palette and natural textures.

Photo Shoot Credits:
Venue: Evergreen Museum
Photo: Stacey Vaeth
Hair/Makeup: Belle Soeur Styles
Floral: Fine Florals by Linda
Accessories/Brooch Bouquet: Faye Daniel Designs

Bridesmaids Dress: Tiger Lily- Bel Air

Paper Props: Say Cheese Paper Props
Photo Shoot Styling/Gowns/Tuxes: K&B Bridals and Event Planning

The Modern Trousseau

"Trousseau" comes from the french word for "bundle."  Traditionally, it referred to all of the bride's possessions that she would bring to the marriage, from her clothes to china to her dowry.  In early America, frontier women translated this tradition into a "hope chest."  But, today, the "trousseau" refers to something a little more fun.  Hint: it requires shopping!

The Modern Trousseau=The Honeymoon Wardrobe

Today, newlyweds have international travel at their disposal.  So, it's natural to "have" to shop to fit the fashions and climate of the country you're visiting.  OK, well maybe you don't "have" to, but it sure is a great excuse!  We've put together a little go-to manual to refer to when shopping for your trousseau.

Travel:  The Scarf

It's the handiest travel accessory!  Choose an oversized style that can double as a light blanket on the plane or a wrap to cover your shoulders when visiting those medieval churches!

Marc by Marc Jacobs Scarf- $178

Paris in November: The Cape

This is fall's hottest trend.  Like the trench, it has a classic appeal, but offers a little bit of European flair.

Tahari "Belle" Capelet- $148

The Carribean: The Bikini

A majority of couples choose white sandy beaches for honeymooning.  The bikini is a must-have for resort wear.  Choose a bright, fun color for a tropical treat.

Victoria's Secret Biofit 5-way Push Up Bandeau Top w/ bottom $84

The Cruise: The Maxi Dress

If you've ever been on a cruise, you know it can get a bit windy.  But, with tropical temperatures, you'll need a piece that can provide you a casually fun evening dress without the risk of a hot mini+wind incident.  Our solution=the maxi.

Phoebe Couture- $330

African Safari: The Cargo Pant

If you're an active couple, nothing could be more exotic than a safari honeymoon!  If you're a fabulous explorer, start your trousseau with these pants from the Gap.

Gap Knit Inset Skinny Cargo Pants- $44.99

No Matter the Destination:

A Hot Little Number

Rare Beaded Embellished Necklace Dress- $76.84

The Versatile Flat

Tory Burch Leopard Eddie Ballet Flat- $198

The Cardigan

Anthropologie Just a Dash Cardi- $68

The Perfect Cross-Body Bag

Kate Spade Cobble Hill Ellen- $225

Seeing Red

It's going to be 2012's hottest color.  It's been seen all over the runways and now it's made it's return to the bridal scene.

Let me be honest.  If you would have talked to me six months ago about a red wedding, I would've had a flashback to every 80's wedding, complete with red roses and red taffeta bridesmaids gowns with puffy sleeves.  I feel scarred by that era and have since tried to run as far away from it as possible.  I literally had to have a 30 minute intervention with my Color Theory professor addressing my fear of red.  He did not understand my color associations.

(NOTE TO ANYONE WHO GOT MARRIED IN THE 80'S AND HAD A RED WEDDING:

If I would've been a planner in the 80's, I'm sure I would've been on the "let's throw a red wedding" boat too!  The good news- now you can say you did red before everyone in 2012 did it!)

With that said, we all know color trends go in cycles.  Well, guess who's back?!  RED.  And I have to say, it has been re-invented and it's better than ever!  It's bold and glamourous and far from the red roses you pick up at the grocery store.

Check out our inspiration board!

Photo Credits (clockwise from top left): Red Lounge,  Red Lips, Red Stationery, Red Bouquet,  Red Velvet Cake, Red Shoes with Rosette Accent, Red Bridesmaids Gown by Elie Saab, Red Centerpieces




How to keep your red wedding modern:


1) Stay away from one shade in your bouquets.  Mix bold shades of red with purples and pinks.  The last thing you want to do is have a standard "just picked these roses up from the supermarket" look.  And for love of all things red, I beg you to avoid combining the new baby's breath trend with red.  Your guests WILL think you had Joe from the local Acme put together your floral scheme.  JUST SAY NO.

2)  Choose lighter fabrics.  Red is so bold. Weighing it down with heavy fabrics like taffeta or satin just makes the color look heavy and old fashioned.  If you want to do a great raw silk bridesmaids gown, go with a light shade of grey.  Do everything in your power to keep the color from going "heavy." This means: don't pair it with too much black, don't put your attendants in red satin or taffeta and don't put red on both your table linens and centerpieces.

3)  Choose glamourous accents.  I'm not talking about blinging out your dress.  Simplicity in bridal gowns is modern, clean, and a great way to keep red looking sleek.  But, choose crystal accents in your food presentation and your reception decor.  Mirrored surfaces make anything look modern.  Glass and lucite surfaces keep the color light.  And, who doesn't love feathers?!

4)  PLEASE do not put a red sash on your dress.  Go with black or just say no to color in your dress.  Red is such a daring color.  Putting it right on your wedding dress is just too much.

5)  No red lighting.  Seriously, it will scare your guests.




So, moral of the story- red is tricky, but, if done right, it can be just what you need to "wow" your guests!