A Sunday kind of Love ... with details about an awesome Hilton giveaway!

First, is that not the coolest beach wedding photo you've ever seen??! You can see more of this Hawaiian wedding here.

And if you're digging the idea of a Hawaiian wedding, you might just love what I have to share next. Hilton is giving away not one, but TWO weddings at the incredibly beautiful Hilton Waikoloa Village resort in Hawaii! The concept, called I Do Times Two is so much fun, revolving around the idea of BFFs (best friends forever) becoming BBFs (best brides forever)! Any bride-to-be with an engaged best girlfriend is invited to tell Hilton about their BBF, and explain why their relationship is so special that they both deserve to be married on or around Valentine's Day 2011 at Hilton Waikoloa Village (Please note that this is not a double wedding – rather, both weddings just need to be on the same trip!)

The prize includes roundtrip airfare to Hawaii, luxury honeymoon suite accomodations and deluxe ocean view guest accomodations as well as an ocean view ceremony. The contest runs through the week of February 22 and you can find all the details here. Best of luck!

{Photo by Chrissy Lambert via Style Me Pretty}

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SP*: Weddings by Tara Guérard

You guys know how much I love Tara Guérard’s style! Just do a search on the blog and you'll see how much her name pops up ... I'm a bit of a fanatic! ;o) Based in Charleston, S.C., her event planning business, Tara Guérard Soirée, creates the most amazing weddings time after time. Tara's first book, Southern Weddings, was the first wedding book I ever purchased and it's still a source of inspiration to this day.

So imagine my excitement when I got an e-mail last week telling me that Tara has a fabulous new book out, Weddings by Tara Guérard. I was sent a copy to review in the mail today and couldn't wait to devour it ... From cover to cover, it's filled with wonderful wedding inspiration. Here's just a glimpse at one of my favorite weddings featured:

Can't wait to head to the bookstore? You can order your copy here for $30. ;o)

*Sponsored Post

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Of note ...

Two awesome things:
-- Amazing stationer and CB Sponsor, Maida Vale, is offering 10% off invitation orders {like the gorgeous suite that includes the RSVP above} made through February 28, 2010. A link to the complete details {+ coupon code} is located here.

-- Second, the Etsy Wedding Team is setting up a special shop that will contribute 100% of the proceeds to the Red Cross's efforts in Haiti. The shop opens today, January 29. You can read more about this here. It's a great way to give while also getting things checked off the wedding planning to-do list.
 
Have a wonderful weekend!

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SP*: Honeymoon {Escape} Week, The Best Things to Bring!

To wrap up Honeymoon {Escape} Week, I thought I'd roundup my top recommendations of "glam-meet-practical" things to bring along on the honeymoon ... Enjoy:

Clockwise, from top left:
Stila 8-Piece "Best of Stila" Ulta-mate Set, $29.99 - This compact set is great for traveling and has got all the essentials covered ... gloss, mascara, tinted moisturizer {with SPF 15 which I love!}, a few great neutral eyeshadows and a convertible color that is makes your cheeks look naturally flushed.

Sapphire Halo Diamond Earrings from Brilliant Earth, $1,150 - Love these earrings to wear both on your wedding day {for that something blue} as well as on your honeymoon and for special events later on. Their classic design will definitely stand the test of time.

Three Strand Hand-knotted Bracelet with Mother-of-Pearl Flower Clasp from Vive Jewelry, $150.00 - I love how versatile this fresh-water pearl bracelet is ... I can totally see it with a cute sundress or with a more glammed-up evening outfit. Great piece to bring along on vacay!

Camilla Belted Waist Pouch from Felix Rey, $290.00 - Yes! It's a fanny pack but have you ever seen such a crazy beautiful version in your life? I looove how the gold lambskin shimmers and it also has a detachable shoulder/messenger strap if you get tired of wearing it around your waist ;o) Gorgeous, practical and versatile! Love it!

Rowallan Emma Jewelry Clutch, $60.99 - If you're like me and love to switch up your jewelry every night, this will be your savior, I promise you. It has pockets and pouches galore - ideaaaaal for stashing chunky necklaces, costume-y rings, earrings and all the bracelets you own! And by storing them in this fab clutch, you won't have to worry about losing track of them.

Rowallan Alistair Passport Wallet, $35.99 - Besides adding a huge dose of chic appeal to those long airport lines, this leather passport wallet also has great little pockets to store cards and traveler's checks.

Hope you enjoyed Honeymoon Week ... Next week it's back to regularly scheduled programming on CB. ;o) Happy Friday!

*Sponsored Post
{In order to comply with newly revised FTC Regulations, a Stila 8-piece set, a Rowallan Jewelry Clutch and a Rowallan Alistair Passport Wallet were sent to me as samples to review for inclusion in posting - see reviews above}

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Honeymoon {Escape} Week, Tips with Dawn Del Russo

I'm so excited to welcome Dawn Del Russo to CB today! Dawn is an accomplished Stylist and owner of online boutique Bella Dawn and author of style book, 101 Glam Girl Ways to an Ultra Chic Lifestyle, and today she'll be sharing a few tips from her book on traveling light without compensating style - Perfect for our Honeymoon {Escape} Week, no? Let's get right to it and hear some of those tips ... It's all yours, Dawn:

Use a carry on bag that doubles as a beach bag. Designers like Juicy Couture and Tory Burch make great ones.

Wear a cute pair of flip flops with gold detail on the plane that work for a day at the beach and a casual evening out. For a dressier night, nude color pumps are super trendy and work with almost any outfit.

Look for Jersey Knits, they are perfect light weight for vacation and do not wrinkle. 

Flaunt Big Bold Sunglasses, for the late nights out or the early morning rush. They quickly hide flaws and look ultra glam.

Add a dust of shimmer to the inner corners of your eyes and top of your cheek bones to brighten your whole face.

Wear a beach hat with a wide brim ... it is perfect to keep the sun out and looks fabulously mysterious.

 
Accessorize adding bold jewelry like big bangles and necklaces to a simple outfit for an easy upgrade, and on the beach add a crystallized clip to your hair for a little glitz and glamour.


Great advice, Dawn! Thanks so much for stopping by!

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Honeymoon {Escape} Week, The French Countryside

If you're going for romance, I don't think you can really top a lazy week in the French Countryside. I know Paris is often a top pick for honeymoon destinations but there is such a more undiscovered and magical feel to the more rural parts of France that you just don't find in the City of Light.

I love the idea of waking up late and enjoying an insanely divine French breakfast in bed with your love ... then traipsing around the grounds of your rented château and maybe enjoying a simple picnic comprised of local wines, baguettes and cheeses. Mostly, I love the idea of focusing more on your love than making sure you've seen all the sights ... sounds très romantic to me.

Stay Tuned: Tomorrow I will welcome a guest who will be sharing some great tips all geared towards a fab and stress-free honeymoon. See you then!

{Images: 1+2: Via here; 3: Via here;}

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Honeymoon {Escape} Week, Coast to Coast Trail across England

I recently found out about the Coast to Coast Walk across Northern England {from my Dad who is considering the trek} and I think it could be such a fun summer honeymoon. The trail runs 190 miles from St. Bees on the Irish Sea to Robin Hood's Bay on the North Sea cutting through gorgeous pastures, quaint towns and even a bit of rough terrain including some rocky mountain trails. The trail was originally devised by walker/writer Alfred Wainwright.

The best part is that every night you have the option of staying in a hotel in a different village along the trail. You can even arrange to have your luggage transferred to each accomodation! And if you get tired one day, you can hop on the bus with your luggage and just explore the next town for the day. Sounds good to me.

With our impending move to Germany, maybe we'll have to catch a short flight over to England to explore the trail!

What do you think? Would you be up to a 190 mile trek for your honeymoon?

{Images via Dirk Huijssoon's Flickr Set}

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Honeymoon {Escape} Week, Safari Style

As I said yesterday, I've been thinking warm thoughts and I'm hoping you are, too! Even though we have yet to spy a single snow flurry, the temperature has been dipping pretty low for South Mississippi and I'm more than ready for spring to arrive ... So I thought it would be fun to take some virtual field trips this week to a few potential locales for honeymoons! Without further ado, let's don our safari hats, hop in the dusty old Land Rover and explore the first locale ...

I've been dying to go on a safari for so long now and I think it would be such a fabulous way to spend a honeymoon ... such a great shared experience filled with adventure and excitement. And if you're not into the whole rustic camping thing, I've found the perfect place ... The Makanyane Safari Lodge! It's completely luxurious yet you'll still get up close and personal with the wildlife! Best of both worlds.

 
Let's explore, shall we?:

What do you think? Ready to go?

Tune in tomorrow for another excursion!

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A Sunday kind of Love ... [+ Honeymoon Week coming up!]

A little overdue from the holidays but I am so head over heels in love with this exquisite cherub bowl I had to share it anyway ... Although he looks quite handsome toting around vintage ornaments {which would look great as decor for a winter wedding, no?}, I think he'd look equally dashing with some lush white peonies tumbling out and over the bowl ... wouldn't that make for the most unique and ethereal wedding centerpiece?! Love!

***Also, a heads up for the coming week ... It's going to be Honeymoon Week here on CB! I don't know about you but I'm in need of a little escape from the cold and am more than ready for a jaunt to some warmer locales ... so make sure your bag's packed and your passport is up to date ... See you bright and early tomorrow!

{Image found via Everyday Beauty}

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Antique Store Wedding!

Tell me this is not the coolest ... and most creative/ingenious venue idea for a wedding! This couple decided to get hitched in an antique shop ... isn't that such a fun and wonderful idea? I really hope this sparks a trend ... just think about it - you'd be surrounded by fabulous decor and props! So many possibilities!

{ps. If you love the globe shot above [and how could you not?!], check out the stellar vintage one I have for sale at CB Vintage! Just message me for a shipping quote if you're interested.}

If you were to follow this idea, what shop would you think about exchanging vows in? How would you decorate?

{Image by Olivia Leigh via Ruffled blog}

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Vintage camera love ...

I'm seeing vintage cameras being used more and more in engagement and wedding photos and I'm just loving it! I think it's especially sweet if you and your love have a combined passion for photography.

If you're looking for your own vintage camera, check out the three awesome ones I have for sale. I even have one exactly like the one featured above! I included a sneak peek right below but click here for full details on all the cameras I have available. :o)

{Images: 1: By Elizabeth Messina; 2: Images by Nicole Ladonne; 3: Images by me}

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Designer Crush: Elie Saab

I've been crushing on Elie Saab's sweet frocks since the summer of 2008 when I spied the amazing gown Marcia Cross wore to the Emmys ... I love the freshness, the femininity and the details that do what frosting does to a cake ... Loving the four above from Elie's Fall 2009 Couture line for a bride and the two below from Elie's Spring 2009 Couture line for something to slip into later on the wedding night or maybe for a formal rehearsal dinner. I also think the lavender ensemble would be tres chic for a mother of the bride.

Which is your favorite?

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Wednesday Nesting: Paris is calling ...

Totally digging the loungy/glam vibe of gown designer Elie Saab's Paris apartment. I think the mix of modern lines and frilly finishings would translate quite well to a modern-meets-vintage-style wedding.

Tune into tomorrow to see some of my favorite gowns from Elie's collections.

{Images via Destination Inspiration via Architectural Digest Magazine}

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Vintage wedding at The MacCallum House Inn

Remember when I featured this incredible house and I couldn't stop going on and on about what an incredible venue it was ... how it not only boasts fab views of the Pacific Ocean and is situated in Mendocino Village {an enclave brimming with charm} ... but the grounds also create that hard-to-acheive, cozy-at-home feel for a divine destination wedding.

Well, just this week I happened to stumble upon a most beautiful wedding over on love notes at that very venue, The MacCallum House Inn, photographed by Suzy Q of Q Weddings.

Before we take a look and start to pour over every delicious detail, I just *have* to point out the typewriter the couple used for their guestbook in the photo right below. It's gorge, right?! Well, if you're loving it, today is your lucky day because I have the exact same model for sale! Just check out this post for all the details. ;o)

Okay, let's enjoy ...

Love all the thoughtful touches ... What's your favorite detail from this sweet wedding?

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Temperley London's 2010 Bridal Collection

I'm sure you all know about the ingenious Temperley London line ... their wonderful ready-to-wear and accessory lines are consistently stunning season after season ... but what you may not know is that TL also has a beautiful bridal collection designed with the same delicious and ethereal aesthetic.

The 2010 Bridal Collection is the first “Made to Order” collection, allowing brides to place an order at the end of each month. And my favorite part is that the collection is largely inspired by screen sirens from the 40s and 50s ranging from the always classic Grace Kelly to more decadent old-Hollywood styles.

Let's take a peek at a few of the amazing bridal gowns from the 2010 collection:

So, so, so gorgeous! I love the tremendous variety of styles yet a cohesiveness to the collection still remains. Love!

And a bit of a visual backstory about the gorgeous bridal collection:

After designing her own wedding dress from vintage lace in 2002, Alice Temperley was inspired to start designing bridal gowns for her TL line. And eight years later, the TL bridal collection is a delightful mixture of sophistication and free spiritedness. Here's a picture of Alice ... wasn't she a gorgeous bride?:

*Sponsored Post

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A Sunday kind of Love ...

This Sunday I am loving these HEELS! They look so empowering yet comfy, too! {And no, unfortunately, I don't know who makes them} Also love the red. The shot reminds me of this classic one of Jackie:

Happy Sunday!

{Images: 1: The Sartorialist via Destination Inspiration; 2: Photo by Ron Galella via here}

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DIY Sunburst Photobooth!

I just saw this cheery holiday home decor idea over on Three Men and a Lady and I started thinking how neat these sheet-music/automotive-convex-mirror Sunbursts would look as backdrop decor in a DIY photobooth at a wedding reception! I think they'd be perfect for any season as they could easily pass for snowflakes or suns!

Check out the full project/tutorial at Viva Full House. Have fun!

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Vintage Finds: Tennis, anyone? [+ 3 racquets for sale!]

Long, long ago, I took private tennis lessons with a good friend and it was such a fun {and, might I add, absolutely hilarious!} time ... I think the introduction I had to the sport is what makes me hold a bit of a soft spot for it to this day.

It really is such a lovely sport ... you don't have to be very good to enjoy it, you can still look adorable because Lacoste and Ralph Lauren understand that's important ... and ... you get to enjoy drinks with your partner afterwards! Could anything be better?

With that said, I can't imagine a more fun theme to play up at a wedding than tennis - especially if the sport means something special to you and your love ... Maybe you and your fiance met through tennis ... played in college ... or you still hit the courts regularly together? Regardless, let's check out some of the awesome preppy shots you could get with such a theme {and with amazing vintage wooden racquets!}:

Aren't they the cutest?!? How fun would it be to take your engagement shoot to the court? The racquets also look great propped up as decor and I've seen one vintage wedding where all the groomsmen held up tennis racquets in an arch formation outside the church doors for the bride and groom to walk through - so adorable! I've also seen some brides attach childhood photos to the racquet strings with tiny clothespins and use them as decor around the guestbook and surrounding tables - love that idea!

And I love, love, love this vintage tennis inspiration below ... his cable pullover is so timeless. Wouldn't it be fun to dress vintage for a day and do your e-shoot, retro tennis-style?!

If you love the idea of including a touch of tennis in your engagement photos or in your wedding, check out the three racquets I have have for sale below as well as the pint-sized Doubles trophy:

Above: A Set of 2 Vintage Wooden Tennis Racquets - Complete with their wooden braces

This set is in great vintage condition! The first is a Wilson and it is marked "Wilson" "Personal" and also says "Jack Kramer" with an illustration. The second is a Spalding and it is marked "Interclub ... For Championship Play." It also has a fantastic retro illustration of a gentlemen serving. Both racquets have leather handles that are in great condition and both could definitely still be used to play as all the strings are in tact and in great shape. Both also come with their original wooden braces, as seen in the photos. These racquets would also look great hanging on the wall for home decor!

Price: $99.00 for both racquets + shipping ... or $55.00 each + shipping

If you'd like to purchase one or both racquets, just send me a note at theclassicbride@gmail.com with your zipcode and I will get you a shipping quote. All final payments are accepted via PayPal.

Above: Retro Spalding Tennis Racquet
This vintage Spalding racquet is marked "World Contender" "Power-Ply Construction" and has a leather handle in great shape. Terrific red and black accents. The strings are taut and you should be able to play with this racquet. Would also look great hanging on the wall as decor!
Price: $45.00 + shipping
If you'd like to purchase this racquet, just send me a note at theclassicbride@gmail.com with your zipcode and I will get you a shipping quote. All final payments are accepted via PayPal.

Above: Petite-sized 'Doubles' Loving Cup Trophy
This adorable miniature trophy measures 4" tall and we believe it is made of pewter. The inscription reads: "Doubles" and it has the tiniest laurel wreath circling the top edge of the cup. There is also lovely detailing on the lower half and around the base. It would be incredibly cute with a cluster of trophies and could even hold a single flower. I also think it could make a darling gift for a groom {or bride} who has a passion for tennis and I love that the inscription "Doubles" could also insinuate the new married "team" - so sweet! It stands atop a tiny original black plastic base which is removable and is marked on the bottom with "Meriden B. Co. International Co."
Price: $58.00 + shipping SOLD
If you'd like to purchase the little trophy, just send me a note at theclassicbride@gmail.com with your zipcode and I will get you a shipping quote. All final payments are accepted via PayPal.

Hope you enjoyed Vintage Finds week and check back every Monday at CB for more great retro finds! Or if you can't wait, peruse the wares at CB Vintage -- just click the ad on the right-hand side of the blog to start shopping! ;o)

{Images: 1-3: Via Weekend Host; 4: Martha Stewart; 5: Via Slip Slip Knit; 6-10: By me}

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Vintage Finds: Traveling trend + suitcases, p. 3

Welcome back to the final Part Three of today's mini-series!

While I thoroughly enjoy the more traditional vintage-styled suitcases, there's something about the smaller varieties that I just loooove. Maybe it's because you just don't see them anymore and so they become a special rarity. In any case, I love seeing them in stacks, used as a side table or just as fun props!

Love them? Check out the sweet one I have for sale below ...

Above: Vintage Striped Travel Case

I've had this pretty case for a long time and it's always reminded me of a treasure chest ... a little vessel you could place your most prized possessions and know they are safe. I think this case would be too cute for words if used in an engagement shoot! The lock still works well even though the key went missing long ago ... you just slide the keyhole over and it pops open. It also has the most charming leather handle I've ever seen. The inside has a bit of spotting as you can see but is still in great vintage condition.

Price: $89.00 + shipping

If you'd like to purchase the travel case, just send me a note at theclassicbride@gmail.com with your zipcode and I will get a shipping quote for you. All final payments are accepted via PayPal.

I hope you enjoyed today's travel posts and I hope you come back tomorrow for more vintage inspiration! :o)

{Images: 1: Via Country Living; 2: Via Getty Images; 3 + 4: By me}

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Vintage Finds: Traveling trend + suitcases, p. 2

Welcome back to Part Two! So glad you made it. ;o)

Awhile ago, I spotted one of the cutest engagement shoots over on {Grey} likes Weddings and I just knew I'd have to share a few of the photos with you!

The couple brought along a few vintage suitcases for their shoot and I just love how photographer Jenny Liu captured the couple using the suitcases as props - so creative, clever and absolutely adorable:

Isn't that one of the cutest things you've ever seen?!? If you think so, get more excited because I have two vintage suitcases for sale that you could totally use in a similar manner:

First up ...
Above: Classic Sky Blue Sears "feather lite" Suitcase
The streamlined look of this vintage suitcase is so definitively retro, I just love it! It's in great shape and opens and closes just like new. It just has one tiny stain on the interior and a bit of rusting on one of the metal base feet. Keys for locks are not included. Would be fabulous as a prop or used as honeymoon luggage!
Price: $65.00 + shipping {or buy the set - check out the black one below - for $99.00 + shipping}
If you'd like to purchase the suitcase, just send me a note at theclassicbride@gmail.com with your zipcode and I will get you a shipping quote. All final payments are accepted via PayPal.

Next up ...
Above: Classic Black, Business-like Suitcase

What I love most about this vintage suitcase is the irresistable and always-classic houndstooth pattern found on the interior! I'd love to see the suitcase opened and used at a wedding to hold a guestbook - the houndstooth is just too gorgeous to hide! The suitcase is in great vintage condition and opens and closes without any problems. It has a few scratches on the outside and the keys are not available but it is in otherwise good condition. Would be fabulous as a prop or used as honeymoon luggage!

Price: $65.00 + shipping {or buy the set - check out the blue one above - for $99.00 + shipping}

If you'd like to purchase the suitcase, just send me a note at theclassicbride@gmail.com with your zipcode and I will get you a shipping quote. All final payments are accepted via PayPal.

Check back this afternoon for Part 3 + a third vintage travel accessory for sale!

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