Search results (tags) for: "bridal party"

Handmade Weddings: Gifts for Maids & Men from Brides Local Magazine

2009-09-29T17:11:00-05:00

Julie Raimondi is the editor-in-chief of Brides New York and Condé Nast’s 15 other regional wedding magazines (known collectively as Brides Local Magazines), which have been featuring Etsy sellers on their pages for years. Julie’s particular Etsy addiction has made her the butt of many office jokes; her magazines are a testament to her passion for original style (and so are the decorative, found-it-on-Etsy contents of her living room!). Julie knows that the options for bridesmaid and groomsman gifts are usually limited (which is probably why money clips and engraved jewelry boxes have been de rigueur for decades). But Etsy sellers create items that consistently fulfill her good-gift criteria by offering quality, originality, and customization opportunities.

The real style-makers are not the marquee names offering "witty" commentary on morning TV or the authors of glossy party-planning books. They are real brides and vendors who have the guts to do things differently. When I created Brides Local Magazines in 2005, I wanted to celebrate these folks, and show our readers creative, alternative ideas and options they won’t see anywhere else. When I was asked to guest curate a selection of bridal party gifts, you can imagine my delight, then hours and hours of guilt-free browsing. There are a million things on Etsy that I would love to give or receive, but I forced myself to approach this task within the context of what brides and grooms are really after: a single, affordable item that appeals to a very broad range of tastes.

Here are some of my favorites:

Bridesmaids

Merit Badge for 'going out on a limb'

Give leemeszaros’s merit badges for things like “being sweet as pie” or for “going out on a limb” — it’s like graduating from bridesmaid scouts. $24.

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Custom UnNaked Family of 5 - Peggie Style

If you have a whole family of helpers, a custom portrait from nakedpeggies would be an exceptional gift. (We love the cake toppers too, natch.) $70.

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cranberry weeds bottle set

Many of annaspots cool bud vases are angled as “romantic” but many could apply to friendship as well. Love the cranberry weeds in particular. $39.

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salmon pink and black peacock 4-tier antique jewelry stand

Jewelry boxes are a classic choice in the bridesmaid gift arena — but these antique jewelry stands are so much more functional and beautiful, thanks to vintage plates and whomadeit. $80.50.

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Poppy note cards - set of 12 personalized

Gorgeous custom stationery never goes out of style. PeonyPaperie’s stock is superb — notecards can be ordered with names and colors to suit every bridesmaid’s preferences. $12.

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Chain Calling Cards

I own, have given these as gifts, and put them in our magazine — the aesthetic (with lots of options) all cross between girly and modern. By avie, $15.

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Double Initial Silver-plated Letterpress Necklace

This letterpress initial necklace is an edgier and more interesting take on the always-popular initial necklace gift for bridesmaids. By EricaWeinerJewelry, $65.

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Leather Poppy Wristlet- Raspberry

A serious handbag would be too specific (and expensive) for a group of friends, but a fun leather poppy wristlet that comes in a variety of colors is exactly right. By tmStudioDesigns, $62.

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2 Side Inscribed Hammered Circle Pendant . Add a quote, poem or names . your choice of chain included

Say something nice and unique on this inscribed pendant. By bddesigns, $49.

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Sea Bubbles, Leather Journal, Notebook Suede

Beautiful journals like this one cover a variety of hobbies and interests so each one feels hand-picked and unique. By Kreativlink, $46.

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custom embroidered frame pouch - personalized with initial

We included oktak’s personalized embroidered pouch in the magazine because it comes in a beautiful array of colors with adorable embroidery. There are tons of non-custom, less expensive options too. $72.

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No. 6 Custom Address STAMP (self inking) Calligraphy in middle (HOLLY style)

Beautifully utilitarian, emililies’ custom hand calligraphy stamp can be created in a variety of calligraphy styles. $37.

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Reading the Stars

I like the idea of giving her the stars with this embroidered wall hanging, and you can customize it. Check out MiniatureRhino’s needlepoint custom heart sample if you’d like to pick up something for yourself. $28.

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Groomsmen

Custom Groomsmen Poster Gift

A customized groomsmen poster can make any rag-tag band of bros look cool. By DropletStudio, $75.

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Elegant Custom Vintage Map Cuff Links

Every friendship has a city — the hometown, the college town, the vacation spot — where you and he ruled. These custom vintage map cufflinks can honor that reign. By sherrytruitt, $50.

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CUSTOM Leather Keychain - Fobs - text on one side

Simple, clean, classic — a custom leather keychain never goes out of style. By leathermadenice, $10.

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Set of 4 Mustache Pint Glasses

It’s hard to imagine a guy who wouldn’t find BreadandBadger’s Mustache Glasses funny. And if he doesn’t, do you want him in the wedding party anyway? $52.

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flask safe ''going places, the guide to travel guides'' (flask included)

Nothing we love more than a very classic groomsman gift re-tooled as a more inventive, slightly subversive, work of art. By pommesfrites, $40.

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Experiment, science and chemistry silkscreened necktie

Even guys employed at jobs with permanent casual dress codes will want one of these silkscreened neckties. They come in a huge array of motifs. By toybreaker, $30.

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Looking for more Handmade Weddings posts? Check out our archive!

Wedding Invites and Favors Guide | Weddings Category | Wedding Attire Guide

Etsy Finds: My American Gothic Wedding

2009-07-07T12:00:00-05:00

What do you get when an Etsy addict and an independent artist fall in love? A very unique wedding. I spend all day, every day on Etsy (since I'm an editor of Etsy's blog, The Storque), and my husband Mickey is a cartoonist and designer, so between the two of us, equipped with our crew of crafty friends and family members, we strove to incorporate as many handmade and vintage details as possible.

This post came about because our wedding photographer was submitting his portfolio to blogs and magazines, and much to my surprise, Martha Stewart Wedding's editors chose to feature our wedding online — see their post here. This is all very convenient, since Etsy is doing a wedding contest with Martha Stewart this summer. Most of all, I'm excited because I get to talk up all the creative Etsy sellers with whom we worked and share some insider tips with you. Our wedding was the best day of my life, and I owe so much of that to Etsy sellers.

Clothing

Check out the Wedding Attire Guide for more finds.

Rubypearl Children's Party Dress

My niece Sabina Edwina le Bon Bon Bertozzi was our fabulous flowergirl. She said her dress was "the prettiest dress ever!" By rubypearl, $88. I think so too, but there are so many darling options for flowergirl dresses to explore.

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The cuteness of a colorful tutu, such as this one by tutusbliss, would also elicit "awwws" at your ceremony ($59). Find more tutus.
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Walborg Beaded Clutch

Stash some lipstick, double-stick garment tape, and a couple Advil in a tiny, vintage beaded purse. Trust me on this one. From jodiboutique, $28.

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Checkered rusty freestyle bow tie

It took a bit for me to convince Mickey that we didn't have enough time for him to design and custom print his own fabric and then learn how to make his own bow ties. You can't do everything! There are plenty of handmade and vintage bow ties on Etsy. By xoelle, $36.

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Reversible Party Dress-custom sized

I couldn't decide which color I wanted the bridesmaids' dresses to be, so this reversible design did the trick. And it really did feel like a magic trick when the bridesmaids flipped from the ceremony's yellow cotton to the reception's navy satin — in my parents' barn of all places. By missbrache, $148.

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Cupcake Vintage 1950s Petticoat

The detachable petticoats enhanced the 1950s style of the dresses and gave them that extra poof and versatility. Missbrache made ours, and you can find lots of handmade and vintage ones on Etsy. By LolitaVintage, $59.95.

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Pink Strapless Satin Party Dress Size Large

Here's another beautiful bridesmaid option. It was important for me to pick dresses that our sisters could wear again to all sorts of parties. By erinleighheart, $69. Look for more choices in formal dresses.

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MinnaK, the Brooklyn designer I worked with on my custom dress, is capable of making you look like a movie star. This Valencia dress, one of her unique designs, is $1,200. I also worked with an elderly Ukrainian woman who embroidered the train, a nod to Mickey's heritage. If you're getting a custom dress made, try working in some vintage lace for texture and detail.

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Search the Wedding Category for more wedding dress styles, and try searching for "white dress" in handmade and vintage too.

3 Piece Custom Tuxedo Suit for Your Pet

Hugo, my sister's beloved dog, was our ringbearer. Furkidfever made his custom suit from my sketches, and Hugo looked very dapper trotting down the aisle with the rings tied to a ribbon on his back ($64.99). Etsy has some jaw-droppingly cute pet clothes. Also check out this necktie by dogties, $8.

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Jewelry & Accessories

Paper Goods

Check out the Wedding Invites and Favors Guide for more.

folk LOVE (yellow and green)

I love the folk style of these cards by dutchdoor ($4). These could work as thank you notes — you will be writing many! Often letterpress artists, including dutchdoor, do custom invitations if you ask. You could probably even do a package with invitations and thank you cards. Find more letterpress thank you cards.

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The Seaside Fan Program

Since we expected a hot August day in New England, we decided to have our programs double as fans. Mickey designed the circular fans with Ukrainian inspired, psychedelic patterns. I cut them out and glued them onto tongue depressors. Here's a similar idea by mybluetulipdesign, $3.50.

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Custom Letterpress Wedding Invitations

I like wedding invites that express the personality of the couple. This one is great — old-timey and a little cheeky. By drenculture, $950. Find more custom letterpress invitations.

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Comic-inspired Save-the-Date

As a cartoonist, Mickey gave our invitations his all. We didn't get a chance to send out a paper save-the-date. This one by baumbirdy, $2.50, has that playful, comic book feel.

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Vintage Postcard Wedding Invitation

If you're working with an artist to make a custom design, ask them for examples of their fonts. I love the vintage feel of this design. By goldenrectanglepress, $7.

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Decor

Check out the Wedding Decor Guide for more.

Cobweb Buttons in Mini Bucket

Our flowers were from our friend Els' garden and a local farm. I had been considering potted plants or succulents, such as these by thesporeattic, $10, as centerpieces. I remember harassing our guests at the end of the night to take the cut flowers home and not let them go to waste — maybe potted plants would have been more apt to find a home.

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Vintage Armour lard Tin

Oh, man! I wish I'd found these vintage pure lard tins when I was planning the wedding. Imagine this filled with flowers — that would get your guests in the mood to laugh and joke with their table-mates. From moxiesisters, $19.99.

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Handmade Vintage Soumak Tapestry Rug

As a surprise, my parents bought the rug that we were standing on during the ceremony. It has a "tree of life" design — such a nice symbolic gift that we'll have for the rest of our lives. I've heard of folks doing similar things with custom quilts and wall hangings, which can be used in the home after the big day. From MountainsideTreasure, $750.

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As you can see, our taste is a mix of traditional, classic looks with over-the-top details. We wanted our wedding to be ecstatic — full of life, color, humor — but we didn't want it to end up looking like a circus. What do you think? Comment on the blog.

Choose Three Silkscreened Votives

I knew I wanted a little ambiance on the tables, so I designed a Ukrainian inspired pattern and printed little vellum sleeves for our votives. If I could do it over again, I'd get these votives by maryink, $27. Candlelight came in handy, since the dj's equipment kept blowing the power in the tent!

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Handpainted Wooden
Wedding Reception Table Numbers

If there's one thing my husband knows better than anything else, it's typography. He designed our little yellow and black table numbers. I like these wooden ones by Funkifolkart, $8.

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Wood Type Letterpress Monogram Coasters

These monogram coasters could also work as table letters. (Why does it have to be numbers anyway?) By marquandeditions, $10.

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25 Custom 2.25 Inch Pinback Buttons

My crafty sister-in-law Kim and my coworkers surprised me with a crafting night at Etsy Labs. We made tons of buttons together. You can design your own or have an Etsy seller make them for you. By Buttonhead, $17.75.

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Fantasy Wife Cake Topper

We ended up not coughing up the dough for the cake. But we did have an awesome cake topper by melabo, $40.

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Vintage Photo Album

We put our photos in a vintage photo album. This would also make an excellent guestbook for inscriptions. From LonesomeBrown, $10. Find more vintage photo albums.

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Vintage Souvenir Hanky Niagara Falls

One last tip: vinage hankies for all! From linensandthings, $12.

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Looking for more Etsy Finds? Try these links:

Wedding Category | Wedding Gift Ideas | Wedding Sellers' Picks | Handmade Weddings

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Etsy Finds: Nice Day for a White Wedding

2009-06-25T12:00:00-05:00

Pulling off an outdoor event doesn't have to be a daunting task if you put on your DIY thinking cap! Each of the finds below would make a welcome addition to any outdoor celebration (a wedding, perhaps?) and will leave your guests amazed at how you pulled the whole thing together. Whether you consider your taste traditional or eclectic, Etsy's got you covered for planning an unforgettable event with a DIY twist.

Attire

An outdoor wedding lends the opportunity to show a little extra skin, accessorize with organic details, and bask in translucent lace as the sun's natural rays help keep you in the spotlight. For more inspiration in creatively pulling off your perfect wedding look, browse our Wedding Attire Guide.

irene - a rosy hair comb

By thehoneycomb, $25.

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Custom Bridal Gown

By ktjean, $1,500.

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Helene wedding dress

By Leanimal , $1,325.

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Le Katerina Capelet

By toccata, $130.

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Jewelry

When it comes to accessorizing, an outdoor affair provides the perfect opportunity to experiment with statement jewelry. I suggest going for bolder designs with organic floral details and sparkling elements that will glisten in the sun, offering the perfect complement to the hues of your skin throughout the day and into the night.

a ride past the roses lace necklace

By whiteowl, $25.

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Silver Love Knot Bracelet

By jacarandadesigns, $85.

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Marigold Necklace - Offset

By corrieberrypie, $25.

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Hydrangea Blossom Cluster Earrings

By PatrickIrlaJewelry, $145.

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Lighting

Candlelight adds a particular touch of magic to any atmosphere and it's the best type of lighting to help your guests look their best. Set a romantic mood with handmade tea lights, candles, paper lanterns, and vintage glass jars (a personal favorite).

Hand Carved Candle Holder

By sumiko, $36.

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2 Tealight cups

By barbdunshee, $24.

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votives, set of two

By gleenashop, $50.

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Pretty Papercut Lanterns

By Hannahnunn, $180.

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Flowers

Incorporate flowering details from the rehearsal dinner to the bouquet, from the boutonnieres to the table scape. As an environmentally friendly approach, buy handmade keepsakes that will last long after the wedding and supply you with memories (and decorating supplies) for years to come.

CLAYCRAFT in Green Bamboo Vase

By dkdesignshawaii, $165.

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Made To Order Bouquets, Large

By petaltothemetal, $65.

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Enameled Orchid Pin Boutonniere

By bullfinchbarbury, $85.

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BLUE PEONY, hair FASCINATOR

By MeadowbelleMarket, $29.

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Decor

Vintage glass, customizable decor, handmade table accents and paper detailing make it easier than ever to execute an affair that is both personal and memorable. Your family and friends are sure to be inspired by your creativity. Find more decor ideas for your wedding or garden party in our Wedding Decor Guide and Summer Soiree Guide.

Seafoam Dishes (set of 5)

By PickalaPoopa, $14.

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Butterfly Place Cards - set of 100

By TimelessPaper, $90.

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HAPPILY EVER AFTER SIGN

By thebackporchshoppe, $38.95.

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3 vintage Ball canning jars

From aimeesarmoire, $23.50.

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Favors

The ingenuity of a handmade wedding can often best be enhanced by the little things. Wow your guests with unique and meaningful party favors by using environmentally friendly materials like plantable paper, bird seed, or recycled organic grass. Find more resourceful wedding favors in our Wedding Invites and Favors Guide.

10 CUSTOM eggs in a nest.

By raedunn, $140.

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Monogram BirdSeed Favors

By 2birdsinlove, $29.95.

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Earthbloom Flower Pot Favors

By naturefavors, $145.

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10 Plantable Tulip Favors Tags

By GreetingsthatGrow, $7.50.

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Looking for more Etsy Finds? Try these links:

Gift Guides | More Handmade Weddings Posts | Weddings Category

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From Seedling to Sachet: Growing Your Own Wedding

2009-06-09T16:32:00-05:00

My husband, Alexander, is a librarian and musician. We met at a show that a mutual friend threw for my birthday and had invited his band, Ponies in the Surf, to play. I remember calling my dad that night and saying, "I met the boy I'm going to marry!" Little did he know then he'd be planting the seedlings that would furnish our entire wedding menu.

I am a crafter of recycled woolens at mosey, but I also have a small line of wedding goodies (cake toppers, boutonnieres, simple dresses), so when it came time to start planning my wedding, I knew I would be obsessing over the tiny details. I have been crafting full time for a few years, and I really wanted to make my wedding a handmade event. Almost everything was handmade, handpicked, handsewn and handcrafted. We rounded up a number of friends who were artists and bakers, farmers and gardeners to help make this our perfect day.

Lucky for me, my mom, a.k.a. thecrystalpansy, is a pretty crafty lady herself. She was there with me the whole way — making and baking and putting the finishing touches on everything. We knew every artisan involved, but our cake decorations were Wendy Kromer's "Magical Marzipan Forest Cake Kit & Birds," our big splurge! Our inspiration was drawn from our location: the rocky eastern coastline, the mossy green woods, and the apples growing in the nearby orchard. We really wanted to make everything as local as possible. Alex works summers on a nearby sustainable farm where most of our produce was picked by friends and all of our lovely flowers grew.

Since our wedding took place close to the fall equinox, traditionally the harvest time, we were very inspired by the the natural color palette of fall. Rosy apple reds and Japanese lantern oranges, bittersweet yellows and ruddy root vegetables. Our flowers were picked the morning of the wedding by the ladies in my family. Ranunculus, larkspur, yarrow, eucalyptus, straw flower, snap dragons, Chinese lanterns, and zinnias. We had a wonderful time getting out there in the misty morning and collecting the finds for the day. It was a great time to relax a bit and literally smell the flowers before the big day really started.

Alex and I got married under a very simple Huppah (Jewish wedding canopy) that was fashioned by our friend, Jared. I stitched up the canopy from duponi silk, and my mom decorated it with bittersweet and crab apples from our yard.

We switched up the cocktail hour for "apple hour," where all the treats served were apple inspired. Apple cider, apple tartlettes, and candied apples were served. We had reception at the local restaurant and art gallery, Chase's Daily, where our invitation invited guests to a "feast of locally grown and hand-harvested goodies." The menu used all local produce and cheeses with handmade breads and seasonal salads. We had three types of tiny savory pies all made in my kitchen. Root vegetable, Blackbird pie, and my favorite, The Boleta Tart with wild mushrooms hand-gathered by the groom's family. We also put together an heirloom tomato salad with over 30 pounds of farm tomatoes! Guests were invited to share their handmade favorites and to bring pies, tarts, cakes and the like to add to the bounty.

Our place cards were apples picked from a local orchard with calligraphy leaves. We wanted our tables to really bring home the woodland theme and decorated them with moss, Chinese lanterns, acorns and tiny pumpkins. The favors were knitted sachets of rose hips grown in my parents garden.

I decided to make my own veil using simple tulle, and I added a pearl rosette from my great grandma's wedding dress (something old and blue). My grandmother's pearls were something borrowed, and my dress was something new. Alexander wore a natural linen suit, and all the groomsmen wore orange ties. The flower girls' dresses were simple white cotton embellished with satin and grosgrain ribbon. They each wore crowns of vine and vintage millinery of toadstools and crab apples from my shop. My mom made my crown from bittersweet vine and rosemary from my own tiny backyard garden.

Our rings were one of my favorite details. Fashioned from rose gold with a look similar to tree bark, I just loved how they tied everything together.

We were lucky to have our fantastic photographer Karen, who used both digital and vintage analog cameras. She made sure our day translated so lovingly to print!

At the end of it, all it was so wonderful to sit back and see what the hands of everyone we know and love had crafted for us...and to appreciate what our own hands made too!

Further Resources:

For more gorgeous photos of mosey's wedding, check out the posts on oncewed.
Indie Wedding Guide
Brooklyn Bride
Eco-Chic weddings
Wendy Kromer
Brownmouse Photo

Last year, mosey made a custom wedding dress, and shared the story with The Storque! Pop over to the article here. If you want to share photos of your handmade or vintage wedding, link us up in our flickr pool. For more wedding posts and handpicked items, check out these links:

Handmade Weddings Posts | Weddings Category

Sponsored Items by Wedding Sellers | Weddings and Celebrations Gift Guide

Etsy Finds: Always a Bridesmaid

2009-05-13T12:17:00-05:00

The role of the bridesmaid is such a special honor; however, being part of a wedding can be costly, and oftentimes the components of a bridesmaid outfit are hard to restyle for additional occasions.

Etsy makes it easy to pull off perfect bridesmaid style on a budget, no matter the occasion. Below you will find four distinct bridesmaid looks — romantic, traditional, casual, and fashion forward — that include a dress, clutch, and shoes for less than $300. Best of all, you can restyle the elements of each look to fit your day-to-day wardrobe. Find more wedding fashion in Etsy's Weddings Category and Weddings Gift Guide.

Classically Romantic: Pull off this entire look for $268.

Mayflower dress

By sarahseven, $195.

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Vintage White Clutch

From SusanHazelRich, $8.

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1960s vintage BUCKLE heels 8

From allencompanyinc, $65.

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Timeless Traditional: Pull off this entire look for $184.

PLEATED NECKLINE dress

By Lirola, $110.

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The Classic Black Clutch - Dupioni Silk

By viabella, $54.

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50s Black velvet vintage bow pumps, size 6

From ShesFancy, $20.

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Casual and Flirty: Pull off this entire look for $112.98.

Oh So Cute Tuxedo Dress

By Parsimony, $61.

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COCOA BROWN HOUNDSTOOTH CLUTCH

By JULIEWILSONDESIGNS, $15.99.

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VINTAGE 1980's Pumps

From mysweetiepiepie, $35.99.

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Fashion Forward: Pull off this entire look for $278.

Sailor Dress

By lizarietz, $190.

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Flower Power - Cosmetic Case/ Zip Pouch

By DesignsbyDanna, $12.

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Yellow and Olive Spectator Shoes

From jessjamesjake, $76.

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Looking for more Wedding Finds? Try these links:

Weddings Category | Wedding Showcase

Handmade Weddings Series | Weddings and Celebrations Gift Ideas

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Handmade Weddings: Vintage-Inspired Place Settings with Poppytalk

2009-05-08T10:15:00-05:00

Welcome back to Jan of Poppytalk! We're happy to have her for another installment in the Handmade Weddings series. She's full of good ideas — using vintage postcards as your RSVPs, for instance! Today, she brings us her picks for vintage and retro handmade items to create that lovely old-timey look with your wedding decor.

I recently came across the beautiful work of illustrator Cynthia Warren*, who creates the most authentic vintage-style paper goods. From wedding invitations to party favours, I was instantly smitten and inspired to dream up a vintage-themed wedding article. The marriage of her calligraphy, illustrations and typography create a sense of romance and draw one into another era and time. Ideas of banners or pennants floating about, with table favours such as candy and cake boxes, lace, vintage silverware — you get the idea. And so I set off to find pieces here that would compliment the idea of a vintage-inspired wedding setting.

(*Noteworthy - I found Cynthia Warren via a Canadian blog, Cafe Cartolina)

Ornamental large frames- brights

First stop is the shop of Ormolu who creates these very special ornamental frames. You could use these as frames for the photo booth strips of your guests, or as shown here, banner-style. By ormolu, $5.

Calligraphy Samples

Laura Cooper of LHCalligraphy makes hand drawn custom wedding invitations, menus, maps, placecards and even compasses. Her work is impeccable, and she also offers couture letterpress as well as digital offset designs. By LHCalligraphy, $10.

Vintage Sterling Teaspoon 1898 Glasgow British marked -Ester-

There's nothing more beautiful than a sterling silver table setting. Granted, people don't usually own a place setting for 100, but if it's a small wedding, obviously renting is an alternative. If you're having your wedding in a hotel, silverware usually comes with the banquet. But if you're doing things on a budge,t we found some really reasonable pieces here at Etsy just by searching silverware in the Vintage Category. Look at this beautiful Vintage Sterling Teaspoon circa 1898! One could easily outfit at least the bridal party table with these (and then they become part of your collection afterward). By oldthings, $10.

100 Custom Stamped Initial Wedding Favor Bags

There are so many ideas one can do with wedding favors, like candy bags like these from susanschrock, personalized with an initial. By susanschrock, $35.

Cameo box -set of 4

Wrap some special chocolates or cake in these cameo boxes from thesecretG. By thesecretG, $3.40.

Right On Escutcheon Gift Tags

Or tag some goodies up. By KisforCalligraphy, $5.50.

EMMA TABLE NUMBER

For easy yet romantic ideas for decor, we're looking at these beautiful Table Number Cards which embellishedbytiffany also makes in other font styles and colors. By embellishedbytiffany, $3.

Paris Burlap Banner

And we love the idea of bunting banners draped criss-cross along the ceiling or swooped along the side of a fence or from tree to tree if the wedding is outdoors. funkyshique is offering up some sweet burlap ones. By funkyshique, $12.

Vintage girls, cotton and lace bunting

Or ColetteC has some extra special ones with vintage lace! By ColetteC, $24.

Linen and Lace

I didn't realize Etsy Vintage has all these awesome linens and things! I found this beautiful vintage tablecloth, which would be awesome for the cake table. Or find a few and drape them along the head table. From thevintagethread, $75.

CLAYCRAFT by DECO - Ivory Peony Cake Flowers (set of 3 flowers)
And to top things off, these clay flowered cakes are amazing (and a great keepsake). By dkdesignshawaii, $140.

Have fun exploring Etsy Vintage and try searching for handmade wedding items with vintage elements. Your guests will be transported!

Check Poppytalk's previous wedding post here. Looking for more wedding content? Try these links:

Handmade Weddings | Weddings Category | Weddings Showcase | Curated Items for your Wedding

Etsy Finds: Say I Do to Handmade

2009-05-07T12:17:00-05:00

Getting married or know someone who is starting to plan? I tied the knot last year and wanted as many handmade details as possible. All of the Etsy sellers I worked with were eager to take part in making my wedding special, and I felt so lucky to have them involved in the big day. Here are some of my top wedding Finds (and sellers to work with!).

Black Diamond and 14kt Gold Ring

First things first: get the ring. If you aren't traditional, you'll find amazing options on Etsy. Why not go with a black diamond? By stamp, $235.

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CUSTOM Wedding Cake Topper

I picked the hair color and accessories for my wedding topper, and it looked just like us! By thesmallobject, $135.

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White and Green Elegance

Clay flowers are a wedding memento you can keep forever. By debashri, $150.

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BLISS headpiece white silk dupioni, vintage rhinestones bridal head piece

When I received my custom made headpiece by houseoftelsa I burst into tears. There's something so special about these! $65.

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Boarding Pass Invitation (Download, Print and Send)

Having a destination wedding? These "Save The Date" boarding passes are for you! By WeddingPanacheNY, $35.

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Small Starfish ornaments wedding favors -- dozen

Wedding by the beach? These favors would be a great souvenir for your guests! By naturalhome, $28.

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Custom printed silk bridal hankie - Hearts

Trust me, you're going to cry. Be prepared! By ArtfulBeginnings, $19.

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Chocolate Dipped Strawberries - vegan soap

I sent my out-of-town guests home with custom soaps from LoveLeeSoaps. I also love these strawberries by DirtyAssSoaps, $15.

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Rounded Square Wedding Band

Don't forget your husband's band. Chances are he wants something EXACTLY like this. By ninadinoff, $100.

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Dream- wall art, hanging banner

I had a custom made glittery banner like this above the head table. It was a dream! By InMyBlueRoom, $15.

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Looking for more Wedding Finds? Try these links:

Weddings Category | Handmade Weddings Series | Weddings and Celebrations Gift Ideas

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Handmade Weddings: Affordable Favors, Different Flavors

2009-04-29T10:19:00-05:00

A unique wedding is in the details, isn't it? Many brides are rolling up their sleeves, getting crafty and saving some money. Don't get me wrong, there are tons of how-tos for your DIY wedding, but let's face it ladies: you can't always do everything!

Here are some fresh ideas for adding that special handmade touch — let the talented artists of Etsy help you out! I've arranged these by theme so we can see some different styles and flavors — whichever suits your fancy.

Green Day: Eco and Natural Themed Weddings

This baby kiwi purselet is totally handsewn. Tuck in a handwritten thank you note to your bridesmaids, and have these waiting for them at their hotel rooms. By gSakura, $33.50.

These stemless wine glasses are all handpainted by the artist. Give your guests a favor that they can use again and again after they toast the new couple. These have a fresh look and definitely go with the green theme. By marywibis, $45.

It's fun to sprinkle some items on the tables: It invites conversation and gives fidgety children (and adult guests) something to play with. These natural wood handcrafted magnets would make great mementos for your country-chic wedding. By wookwoodworking, $12.

Artful Blossom: Spring-like Origami Theme

beautiful day - personalized washi

Give your guests "take out" with these personalized fortune cookies in a take-out box. This memorable favor may get some gossip going (which guest is going to meet their future spouse at the wedding, hmmm?). By maoiliosa, $20.

Pretty Chic - votive holders set of 3

These votive holders are simply lovely and would add a subtle glow to an evening wedding. By PinkBlossomBoutique, $14.

Let your guests take part in your blossoming romance. Sprinkle the table tops with these cherry blossom rubber stamp and ink pads. Your white paper table clothes will be blooming in no time and guests can take these home. Who wants to pay $600 for table linens, anyway? By Corrabelle, $7.

White on White: Fresh, Clean and Sugary

The classic party favor: food! Who doesn't like a tasty white collection-themed cookie waiting for them at the hotel room? By cakeboxcookies, $39.95.

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Make sure your guests come to the wedding relaxed and smelling sweet with these bath bombs. You get 50 for $32.50! By PamperMePlease.

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You could put the bath bombs in this sweet natural cotton pouch with handstamped text. Tuck in your thank you note and a sprig of lavender. By palomasnest, $7.

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Elegance: A Classic Affair

Give your favor gift wrapping a touch of class. These favor tags come in a ten pack for $15. By embellishedbytiffany.

I love dual purpose items for weddings. They cut down on waste and excess stuff-you-have-to-worry-about. These elegant name card votives act as table cards, table lighting for a bit of ambiance, and the guests can bring them home as souvenirs. Clever. By MadeForYouJustByMe, $3.

I know you're so sophisticated with your elegant wedding, but throw in a cootie catcher, please! Show your guests that you're a couple that knows how to laugh while looking marvelous. By katskrafts, $1.75.

Cute and Crafty: DIY Aesthetic

These birdies are adorable! Use these custom wedding stickers to seal the deal when you wrap up your favors. By MAUpromos, $22.

This seller will make you custom brooches with your choice of word or name. You can do the bride and groom's names or get ambitious and do each guest's name. Name tag art! By PaperFish, $13.

Last but not least, check out this itty bitty bouquet of roses pincushion. Save money and waste by ditching the cut flowers. Your crafty friends with love this favor, and maybe, if you're lucky, they'll even use this pincushion while making your wedding gift! By ValsArtStudio, $22.

Looking for more wedding content? Try these links:

Handmade Weddings | Weddings Category | Weddings Showcase | Curated Items for your Wedding

Trends: The Cream Colored Dress

2009-02-25T17:00:00-05:00

After watching this year's Oscar ceremony, it quickly became apparent that creamy off-white is the hot new color trend for dresses and gowns. Who needs bright white when a neutral hue complements any skin tone? It's timeless and oh so glamorous.

These Etsy favorites of mine will have you red carpet ready. (...Or perhaps the wedding aisle? Ooh la la!) This collection of cocktail dresses and more formal gowns are wallet friendly and fashion forward. Be prepared to ooh and ah!

Ruffle Dress

By lizarietz, $260.

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The Doily Dress --made to order--

By ArmoursansAnguish, $260.

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a peaceful afternoon dress

By sarahseven, $515.

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racer back manta dress

By zelaya, $150.

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W E D D I N G - Custom Bridal Gown

By ktjean, $1500.

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wedding dress (made to order) raw silk

By Kcoline, $1000.

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White Brocade Vintage Dress

From lindenlaneclothing, $29.99.

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Opera Society Tiered Corded Lace Dress with Vintage Pearl Collar Made to Order

By hollystalder, $340.

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Gray sparrow dress - special order your size

By Makool, $675.

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White Gold dress

By janeanemarie, $95.

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View More Fashion Posts | View More Trends Posts

View More Party Posts | Redefine Your Style Gift Guide

If you're on the hunt for a unique wedding or bridesmaid's dress,
check out the Handmade Weddings series too!

How-Tuesday: Favor Bags with Brooklyn Bride

2009-02-24T13:41:00-05:00

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While a drawstring favor bag is a simple project, the idea behind it is big: fabric is an excellent way to add a personal touch to your special event! Whether you're planning a wedding, birthday party, or baby shower, think fabric for a unique — and inexpensive! — splash of color. The wrapping becomes part of the gift: a reusable bag is an eco-friendly alternative to wrapping paper. Your guests would never chuck your cute handmade bag into the trash, right?

Vane Broussard of Brooklyn Bride Blog (and bklynpillow right here on Etsy) joins us to share this design she developed while planning her own wedding. Her frustration at the lack of modern and affordable wedding decor options led her to become very creative — and got her started blogging! She's been going full speed ever since.

Drawstring Favor Bag

Materials You'll Need:

Fabric
Ribbon
Sewing machine with thread to complement fabric
Scissors or rotary cutter
Pins
Safety pin
Iron and ironing board
Embroidery thread, needle and hoop
Pencil or fabric marker
Ruler

Making a Favor Bag:

Measure and cut a piece of fabric that is 15" x 6 1/2". (You can really make this any size, I just like them petite.)
With the wrong side of the fabric facing up, at each of the shorter sides, fold and iron the fabric a 1/2", then again by 1". These sizes can be adjusted depending on the width of your ribbon.
Sew along the very bottom of that inch to make a pocket or channel for the ribbon on both ends.
Plan where you'd like to place an embroidered design. (Remember, you'll be losing at least a 1/4" on either side of the bag for seam allowance.)
Use a pencil or fabric marker to lightly sketch your design on the fabric; with an embroidery needle and four strands of floss, follow the path with a backstitch. (Keep stitches small so that the curves of any letters don't look choppy.) If you want to get fancy, you can try other stitches, like French knots!
Bring right sides of the fabric together and pin the sides, leaving the top of the bag open.
Sew using a 1/4" seam allowance along the sides, stopping once you reach the channels for the ribbon.
Turn the bag right-side out. To thread the ribbon for the drawstring, use a safety pin to catch one side of the ribbon to help you feed it through the channel created. Tie the ends together and trim the excess to finish.

Start with some fun favor bags, then try your hand at wrapped vases and a ring pillow... The possibilities are endless! What handmade touches did you add to your wedding? Tell us in the comments below!

If you're feeling crafty, check out the Stamping Metal Tutorial on Tuesday, February 24th at 3PM EST in the Virtual Labs. Catch more Etsy how-to videos and more wedding posts right here:

How Tuesday Videos | Handmade Wedding Series | Fabric Supplies Tagged "Organic"

Handmade Weddings: Thoughtful Gifts for Your Wedding Party with ruralabandon

2008-04-09T16:18:00-05:00

And now a word of advice from the woman that so often has to hold her tongue — the bridesmaid! ruralabandon tells the Handmade Wedding Series the Dos and Don'ts of another wedding tradition: thank you gifts for your bridesmaids.

Brides have enough to think about when planning a wedding. Seriously, although I'm ashamed to admit it, I’ve seen that show Bridezillas! Not everyone has the funds to hire a wedding planner, and those who do still seem to agonize over every little aspect. So take some advice from a seasoned bridesmaid about one detail: the bridemaids’ gifts. Here are some simple Do’s and Don’ts to help any bride pick the perfect gifts:

Thank them in style with these beautiful letterpress tags by FullCirclePress.

DON’T give gifts that only work when matching the dress – think about this one. Is it really a gift when you are buying something to match a dress the person is likely to never wear again? This type of gift says "I don’t trust you to wear appropriate accessories with the dress I picked out."

DO give gifts that match the person – think about each individual and buy accordingly. Is there a memory you share? An inside joke? Buy something that will really touch their heart or make them chuckle.

Make her smile and remember all those trips to the ladies room together with this Ladies Room Necklace by rotorcaps.

DON’T give manicures and pedicures before the big day – they can take care of that. (And don’t worry, they won’t come to the wedding with florescent yellow nail polish.) Although according to a recent Storque article, neon IS making a comeback.

DO give personalized bath and body gifts – think of the person’s favorite scents, colors and personality, and buy accordingly. For example, if the person is into natural products, why not give them a gift basket with organic bath and body items?

This Aloha Gift Set by soapboxhawaii is perfect for the bridesmaid that longs for sand between her toes.

DON’T buy a t-shirt, tank top, or sweat suit with BRIDESMAID written across it. Britney did this, and we all saw how that turned out!

DO buy something they can use long after the wedding – whether it be a nice pair of earrings or a special purse, make sure it is something they will use and cherish.

Think about sending a special message with a practical gift. Check out this pocket mirror by dcdesigns.

DON’T buy each person the same gift – this screams sale at Big Lots! You chose your attendants because they share a special place in your life, so personalize things a bit. This doesn’t mean monogramming a key chain either.

This bridesmaid prayer candle by gagavida will let your bridesmaids know that the dresses could have been way worse!

When it comes to gift giving one thing always rings true: the best gifts have a personal touch. The good thing about buying handmade is the intrinsic value of a personal touch. You can even use Alchemy to do custom, personalized orders. So, 'SHOP ON!' Brides and Bridezillas…a gift from Etsy will probably make them forget all about that horrible dress you made them wear.

Wishing all the lovely brides a beautiful wedding day and a wonderful life filled with love and joy! Oh…and one more thing…I am sure your bridesmaids' dresses are smashing.

Wedding Gift Guide | Wedding Category | Wedding Showcase | Handmade Wedding Series

Handmade Weddings Party Duel: Arctic Luxury

2008-04-03T16:13:00-05:00

Which wedding is better — an affordable and casual affair in the sticks or an Arctic diva fantasy where money is no object? You decide! Vote in the comments below!

I'm not one of those girls that grew up mythologizing every aspect of my wedding. In fact, I hadn't even really thought about it until just recently! However, once the idea came to me, I knew it was a winner. Thus, my fantasy wedding came into my mind: a winter affair (I hate sweating!) in a paradise of crisp weather, Sweden. This wedding has no discernible price tag: I'm pulling out all the stops! Just try and stop me, mom!

The wedding would take place at the Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi, 200 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle in Sweden.

This unique hotel (and church!) is constructed completely of ice — a modern igloo, if you will. Tres chic! And completely worth the price.

It's luxurious and pretty darn cold, so I'll need a dress with some longer sleeves. This 40's style dress by joanshum is just my style.

...Plus a fur coat by mailonfurs to keep me warm. Also, I'm a bit of a bling lover, so maybe no conventional ring: just a huge bangle by rcjewelers. (I'll be wearing gloves, so this will fit over them quite nicely.)

Some sexy mukluks by will keep my feet toasty.

My man will wear only the finest in shirts. White, of course — also, a fur coat.

Only the best cufflinks for my honey!

We will also buy a polar bear to act as our "ring bear." He'll carry the bling down the aisle in style. (Inquire at your nearest polar bear dealer for prices.) Also, a narwhal bringing the ring on its tusk could also be a creative addition. (Thanks, BornPaz!)

Post-ceremony, we'll grab our venison and many bottles of champagne and adjourn to watch the Northern Lights. We'll also bring buckets of diamonds to throw on the ground so we can make snow angels. So romantic and epic! Also, Sigur Ros or Bjork will be playing, because they're trippy and from a cold climate.

When the night finally comes to an end and we adjourn to the hotel, our suite awaits. Not bad, eh?

Which wedding would you rather attend? Leave it in the comments! Luxury or on the cheap? It lies in your hands!

Wedding Gift Guide | Wedding Category | Wedding Showcase | Handmade Wedding Series