SP*: Cowboy up with a pair of fab wedding-day boots!

You know I love a bride who dons wellies on her big day but these days I'm just as smitten with including a Western-inspired nod ... yep, I'm talking about the cowboy boot!

Look at how cute the unexpected footwear can be on both brides and bridemaids below... And I love that the practical boots can allow for some pretty amazing photos that might not be so easy to capture traipsing about in sky-high Louboutins {think prime photo-op spots like sandy beaches, muddy fields, uneven forest trails, etc. - all easy as pie to maneuver in a pair of sturdy boots!}

So if you're anything like me, you adore the cowboy appeal here but you're wanting something with a bit more sophisticated and polished spin to it ... Enter the Dagmar boot by Delman:

I love the clean, unfussy lines of this boot and I think they would look fabulous on either a bride or her sweet bridesmaids ... wouldn't they make a great gift for your bridesmaids? Not only would they would be super cute in your wedding photos, your girls would have a classic shoe staple in their wardrobe that they would definitely be able to wear time and time again. And the best part? The Dagmars are on clearance - down from $450, they are a blatant steal at $126 so grab a pair before they're gone! {Delman kindly sent me a pair to review so I can happily vouch for both their style and comfyness factor - they are lovely!}

{Images: 1: Image by One Love Photo via Elizabeth Anne Designs; 2: Via Love and Lavender via Oncewed; 3: Via Style me Pretty; 4: Dagmar boot by Delman}

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Cake + Pictures: Your guide to finding the perfect photographer ANYWHERE!

As you all know by now, my husband and I are busy gearing up for our move to Europe next month and in between all the packing and endless errands, I found some time to search Cake + Pictures {one of CB's new + lovely sponsors!} to acquaint myself with some European-based photographers.

If you're not familiar with Cake + Pictures, let me tell you ... you should be. Especially if you're still in that stage of searching for a wedding photographer. The site compiles the best and brightest in the business and you can search for photographers by state and/or country so it makes finding that perfect photographer painless!

Let's take a look at two of the lovelies I found ... First, I searched for photographers in France and fell in love with Emily Anderson's work. I wrote to Emily to find out her connection to France and here's what she said: "I lived most of the first 18 years of my life in Paris, and still have a family home there, and so am often back and forth between Paris and the US. I'd love to see my experience there come together with my love for wedding photography, and am thrilled to have the word out. I am available for weddings in all regions of France and I also speak French fluently."

So there you go! Find a lovely French chalet or castle for your wedding and leave the photography to Emily! Don't her photos have such a magical feel to them? {And I love, love, love those stamp-adorned flags on the cupcakes below!}

Next, I did a search for photographers in Germany and I found Iconoclash Photography. Stunningly classic photos ... just beautiful:

So hop over to Cake + Pictures for a visit, if only to gawk at all the divine eye candy! C+P also has a great blog called The Pantry that spotlights beautiful real weddings and engagement shoots ... I ended up losing track of time wading through all the gorgeousness so enjoy and I hope this helps you to find the {local} photographer of your dreams! :o)

{Cake + Pictures is a current CB sponsor}

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Chris + Sarah's stunningly classic D.C. wedding

When Kate shared Chris and Sarah's gorgeous day with me, I was in heaven. Such gorgeous photography paired with the bride's beautifully understated elegance ... could I ask for anything more in a wedding submission?!

Let's take a peek at the couple's fabulous May 8, 2010 wedding at St. Paul's Church and reception at the Carlyle Club in Old Town Alexandria:

So lovely! Congrats, Chris and Sarah!

{All photos by Kate Headley}

Kate Headley Photography is a current CB sponsor.

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Monday Vintage Finds: Blue Ball Jars for your wedding! {+ where to find them!}

I've long been a fan of these cheery little jars ... they make the most perfect vases and look smashing at wedding receptions! {Imagine them filled with armfuls of blooming white peonies} The only trouble is they can be a little hard to find and accumulate if you're looking to buy in mass for your wedding ... but guess what?! One of CB's newest sponsors has you covered!

Lisa e-mailed me awhile back telling me how she has hundreds of the beautiful blue ball jars on her farm and how she needed a little help spreading the word to brides looking to purchase them for their weddings ... so if you're in need of the pretties for your upcoming day, send Lisa an e-mail at blueballjars@aol.com for pricing details and let her know you heard about her on Classic Bride! :o) Cheers!

{Images: 1: By me; 2: Via Bailiwick Designs}

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A Sunday kind of Love, No. 43

Happy Sunday!

{Image via Deliciously Organized}

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SP*: Sweet invites

 

Have you seen some of the new wedding invitations on DB's site? I'm really enjoying the clean, classic lines of the Signature Invitation shown on top and the whimsical feel of the Dragonfly Beauty invite on bottom - wouldn't that be a lovely first feel to give guests for a Southern farmhouse fete? To carry the theme out, you could have firefly-catching jars as favors for the children. ;o)

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Lusting for Paris ...

See you soon, beautiful! ;o)

{Image via Sparle & Hay}

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Classic Finds: Can Can on FoF

Click over to Flights of Fancy for my guest post on dressing up your getaway with a classic standby!

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Only a few days left in the 50% off sale - don't forget!!

Hi lovelies!

Just wanted to share a friendly reminder that my shop, CB Vintage, will be closing on June 30 due to our move next month to Germany. Everything is 50% off the marked prices till then so if you're needing some vintage milk glass, books, trophies, jewelry, cameras, etc., for your wedding or styled shoot, now is the time to scoop them up!

{And anything for sale on the Classic Bride blog is also 50% off, unless otherwise noted, so dig around for those treasures!}

Hope to hear from you soon! xox.

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SP*: Want to include your pet in your wedding?

I love, love, love when couples decide to include their pet in their big day {and it helps if they're as cute as the ones above - can you get over those two King Cavaliers?!?}

Whether you simply have your pup on hand during the ceremony ... maybe your groom or a special attendant walks him/her down the aisle or you have your pup stand in as the ringbearer ... or you take your beloved pet on your honeymoon with you, I find it such an incredibly sweet sentiment to include them just as you would your family and friends.

A simple collar made of flowers, pearls or just a pretty ribbon makes a lovely and festive statement without being too over-the-top. 

If we could have figured out a way to train our fluffy Norwegian Forest cat, Sammy, to walk down the aisle on a grosgrain leash, we would have included him in a heartbeat ... Alas, he's much too shy for such interaction. ;o)

But we have been busy making arrangements to take our special little kitty with us to Europe and I thought I'd share with you the lovely little carrier we found to keep him comfy and happy during his transport - it would work equally well for transporting your pet to your wedding venue or taking him/her along on your honeymoon! CSN Stores sent me this cute Sherpa carrier to review {shown below} and we've already begun getting Sammy used to it. It's soft and cozy and he loves hopping in it to catnap! My husband doesn't love that it's pink for our little boy but I think Sammy has enough flair to pull it off well. Ha. ;o)

Okay, I can't go on and on about our little love and not share a photo so here he is in all his fluffy glory {enjoying a treat a few years ago!}:

Imageboard Credits:

Row 1: King Cavaliers by Peter Frank Edwards via Charleston Weddings Magazine; Audrey Hepburn with pup found here

Row 2: Pug pup via Faye and Greer; Image via This is Glamorous

Row 3: Melanie Acevedo photo via Under a Paper Moon; Cover of Tara Guerard's Southern Weddings

Row 4: Image by Melanie Mauer - see more from the wedding here

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Simple, southern inspiration shoot {+ props for sale!}

I'm actually planning on sharing this shoot in its entirety with you in August but I wanted to hop in today and share a sneak peek as I'm willing to offer up the pretty props for sale before we move {in 4 short weeks now!} to Europe! So if you see anything that you like {camera, books, milkglass, trophy, even the chair!}, just message me at theclassicbride@gmail.com for pricing and shipping info. I can provide more photos of the pieces, as well.

{All images by me}

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Sock hop

Totally loving these socks today! Just perfect for the morning of the wedding while everyone's getting ready together ...

{Image by Kate Headley via Ritzy Bee}

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Last call to submit your photos ...

I only have a few remaining spots left to share YOUR beautiful engagement and/or wedding photos next month so get those submissions in QUICK!!! {See full details on submitting here}

Photographers + wedding vendors are also welcome to submit favorite photos! Just please make sure you have permission from the couple featured and/or photographer.

Can't wait to see your pretty pictures! Deadline to submit is June 30, 2010 {so hurry!}

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Monday Vintage Finds: Card catalog planter!

Loving this old library catalog used as a planter to hold fresh lavender! Wouldn't that decor be lovely for a wedding in the Provence?

{Images found on The Knot blog}

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Julie and Nathan's San Fran soiree, p.2

Welcome back to part two! Let's get right to it and enjoy some more eye candy ...

Seriously, how cute are they?! Love the tandem! Now let's hear from Julie again ...

What was your favorite part of the wedding day?
My favorite part was departing the ceremony with our 23 bridesmaids and groomsmen, looking forward to the detailed party I just spent 6 months planning. It was such a relief that we were married, driving through the streets of San Francisco with our closest friends on the trolley. The wedding party was so excited that we all started singing songs at the top of our lungs.

Advice to fellow brides?
The best advice I received was from a friend of mine-- she advised Nathan and I to pick our top 3-5 priorities and devote most of our energy on those. With the both of us being in full time jobs, it was impossible to do everything. But, also hiring a wedding planner was the best thing we could have done! She gave us the space to be creative and make this our dream wedding, andt then she held all the details and execution.

Thanks so much to Julie and Nathan for sharing your lovely day and to Nancy for sending everything over - weren't the florals just breathtaking? Gorgeous work, Nancy! And a warm thank you to Gertrude & Mabel Photography for providing the fabulous photos!

{Photography by Judy Parker and Heidi Zumbrun of Gertrude & Mabel}
{Event by http://www.paulaleduc.com/; Venue: SF Ferry Building (http://www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com/)}

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Julie and Nathan's San Fran soiree, p.1

When Nancy {of Nancy Liu Chin Designs} told me about the exquisite details involved with this San Francisco wedding, I was excited. And when I saw the photos, I was speechless. 

Complete and utter perfection but in such a humble and understated way ... It's no wonder BRIDES magazine is featuring the lovely event in their June 2010 issue. Let's take a look at some of the gorgeous details and make sure you stop back in tomorrow for Part 2!

Gahh, I am in love with those tables! Let's hear a little bit from the bride, Julie:

Tell us about your wedding style ...
Elegant and eclectic, vintage-chic; as a friend of mine put it, "vintage ethereal with a tandem twist"; San Francisco as a landmark. We wanted local, sustainable foods with a family style-dinner to encourage talking among the long tables of guests, and planned the meal according to our favorite foods and flavors. Our focus was community-we wanted guests to meet each other and also get to know us better through the personalized details of our wedding.

So lovely! Stop by tomorrow for a more in-depth look at this fab wedding as well as Julie's favorite part of her day and her advise to fellow brides! See you then ... 
 
{Photography by Judy Parker and Heidi Zumbrun of Gertrude & Mabel}
{Event by http://www.paulaleduc.com/ Venue: SF Ferry Building (www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com)}

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Classic Finds: Glam picnics on FoF

Click on over to Flights of Fancy to see my guest post all about having a fancy picnic wedding! ;o)

ps. If you like the pink quilt on the right, message me for details! It's mine and I'm willing to sell.

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Rare Vintage Daisy brooch for sale!

I just found this pretty daisy pin ... I've never seen another like it before and I think it would be just perfect for pinning on the wrapped stems of a simple bridal bouquet ... or adorning a bridal clutch or sash!

Sweet vintage daisy brooch
This adorable brooch is vintage and is marked on the back with "Weiss". It is in superb condition and isn't missing any of the rhinestones. Clasp works perfectly.
Price: $225.00 + FREE shipping
If you're interested in purchasing the pin, just message me at theclassicbride@gmail.com

{This piece is not subject to any ongoing sales - price is firm}

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Quick reminder: Sale is still on!

pssst ...

Just a quick reminder! My 'Under the Radar' sale is still going strong! That means everything in my CB Vintage shop is 50% off the marked prices ... you just have to mention the 'Under the Radar' sale in your e-mail to me when ordering. The shop is closing on June 30 due to my move so get your orders in soon!

Here are a few other things included in the sale that aren't on CB Vintage:

Above: Classically-styled Smith Corona manual typewriter
All the amazing props from my picnic shoot
Vintage, versatile + exquisite dress {perfect for honeymoon attire!}

And don't miss ...
The amazing collection of milkglass - perfect for pretty centerpieces!
Adorable Vintage cake toppers
Lots of pretty antique silver for photo shoots
Gorgeous trophies to use as vases
... and Fun retro cameras for e-shoots!

If you're interested in anything, just send me a note with your zip code to theclassicbride@gmail.com and I'll get you a shipping quote! Happy shopping!!

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Wednesday Nesting: Farmhouse chic inspiration shoot

Somehow, this little shoot I did got buried and I forgot to share! Better late than never, no? {And, I know - it's very similar to yesterday's shoot as it was my 'indoor-preliminary-draft' version. haha. But I thought you might still enjoy it!} I thought this decor would be just lovely if used in a picnic-themed engagement shoot. My favorite part is everything used as a prop could be saved and re-used again and again for future picnics and outings as a married couple! Almost like a fun investment!

I'm imagining a meadow of soft grass surrounded by towering pines and pretty wildflowers ...

As always, if there's anything featured in the shoot you'd like to inquire about, just message me at theclassicbride@gmail.com! I'd be happy to get a price and shipping quote for you.

{All images by me}

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CB's Southern-inspired photoshoot!

I shared a little sneak peek a few weeks ago from my southern photoshoot in the 'Sip and it's finally time to share the rest of the shoot with you! First, a little backstory on the shoot: 

I fell under the lifelong spell of Southern charm as a child growing up in Charleston and will always hold a special place in my heart for sweet tea on hot days and porch swings beneath ancient oak trees - It's just my kind of place. Since our days along the Mississippi Coast are numbered as we near closer and closer to our move to Europe, I thought it would be lovely to pay homage to a few of the things I love the most {and will dearly miss!} about the area and share them with you through a wedding-inspired photoshoot ...

I knew I wanted to stage the shoot beneath a sprawling live oak and we just so happened to have the perfect one right next to our home ... My mom and I collected fresh magnolia blooms from wild magnolia trees and placed them in the vintage milk glass containers ... I went about hanging some vintage handkerchiefs in between the tree limbs while my mom hung the gorgeous vintage mirror/menu board in the tree.

I loved watching the handkerchiefs blow in the breeze - so peaceful and relaxing. Next, we snagged some moss from the tree and placed a bed of it in the vintage strainer, complete with some magnolia buds.

... And after I snapped away all afternoon with my camera, we both enjoyed a tall glass of extra-sweet tea and some of the most delicious blackberries that we found nestled in the little meadow. Happy day.

As always, if you see any vintage items you're interested in {clock, books, milkglass, strainer, hankies}, just message me at theclassicbride@gmail.com for pricing and shipping info.

And enormous thanks to Quatre Coeur for sending the pretty fabric bouquet and to Modern Romance for sending the lovely petite birdcage veil included in the shoot. Watch for those two items to be featured in a special European shoot after I'm settled over there! ;o)

{All images by me}

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Shabby-Chic 'Love' sign FOR SALE!

This darling hand-made fabric 'Love' sign is so extremely versatile ... whether strung above an open vintage suitcase to act as a guestbook station ... or strung through ribbon and held on either side by the bride and groom for sweet photo ops ... or used in engagement sessions as a fun prop ... it adds a healthy dose of charm to any occasion! The sign measures approximately 13" in length and 10" in height. It is in great vintage condition but does have three small black marks on the top-back part of the heart-shaped 'O.'

Price: $49.00 + shipping
If you're interested in the sign or would like to see more photos, just message me at theclassicbride@gmail.com with your zip code and I will get you a shipping quote.

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A Sunday kind of Love, No. 42

What do you think about a black and white polka dot fête? I'm kinda liking it ... and I'm totally loving the idea of having zebras prancing about on the lawn to go along with the color theme {which I know is a bit over the top but how can you not love zebras?}

Happy Sunday!

{Image via Vogue Italia Sept 09 by Tim Walker found on The Cinderella Project}

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Shoe shot, NOLA-style

I've always loved the idea of shoe shots. And I loved the one our wedding photographers captured {above} so much that a friend did a painting of it and we have it hanging in our home. It was taken right before our ceremony so we were bubbling with excitement ... everytime I look at it, I smile and remember.

A few weeks ago, J&I went over to New Orleans and I packed up our wedding shoes and tossed them in the trunk ... Everytime we visit NOLA, I marvel at the gorgeous antique water meters along the sidewalk. The moon and shooting stars stole my heart on our first visit and I've long thought how fun it would be to stage a mini-shoe-shoot ... and since we only have about a month and a half left before we depart for Europe, I figured it's now or never ... so we popped on our fancy shoes and I snapped away ...

{1: By Look Photography; rest by me; Beautiful fabric bouquet by Quatre Coeur}

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Classic Finds: Pink! on FoF

Love pink? Click over to Flights of Fancy for my full post today on orchestrating a wedding saturated in the lovely hue.

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Conley + Adam's Southern {abandoned!} plantation e-shoot

When Conley e-mailed me photos from her engagement shoot at the incredible Nolan House in Bostwick, Ga., I could barely contain my excitement over the magical spot the chose to shoot and I couldn't wait to share it all with you! Conley told me the Nolan House is "an 1880s-era plantation that's {sadly} been vacant since the 1970s but anyone can go in the house at any time, which lends itself for great backgrounds for pictures!" Conley's fiance' proposed to her by his vintage Cadillac so they made sure to include that beauty in their photos and Adam is a touring musician so they also made sure to include his bass guitar for added fun. Let's take a look:

Doesn't the house remind you just a little bit of the house Noah restored in The Notebook? Gahh, I love it!! And the cadillac is too cool! Love, love, love it all.

Thanks for sharing your gorgeous photos with us, Conley and Adam! Can't wait to see your wedding! ;o)

The details:
Location: The Nolan House (Bostwick, GA)
Photographers: Twin Hearts Photography (Athens, GA)
Stylist: Haley Conyers of Flaunt (Athens, GA)

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SP*: Divine B&B getaways ...

Are you familiar with BedandBreakfast.com? Oh, I wish I had been two years ago when we were searching for a B&B for our honey{mini}moon! Don't worry - we found the perfect little place ... but had I known about this site, it definitely would have made the process faster, easier and more fun! :o)

What I love about the site is that it takes the work out of the search ... All you need to do is enter your destination {Paris ... Santorini ... Cape Cod ... it's all there!} and a fabulous selection of B&B's will pop up! You can check out photos and reviews of the B&B and you can even book your stay directly on the site.

I had a little fun and did some searches for a few of my favorite American vacation spots ... How charming are these darlings? Wouldn't they be lovely to rent out for your wedding {your families, attendants and close friends could stay in the house with you for an intimate wedding!}  ... or they could be a sweet honeymoon escape for you and your love ...

Image Credits:
Row 1: Canterbury Cottage, Bar Harbor, ME ; Historic 86 Church Street B&B, Charleston, SC
Row 2: Rose Hill Plantation, Bluffton, SC

Another perk about the site? They offer gift cards so you could easily request these as part of your registry ... they make such a wonderful wedding gift and who wouldn't want a free night's stay at the location of their choice? ;o) Beats a blender any day, no?

Image Credits:
Row 1: The Tucker Inn, Provincetown, MA
Row 2: Somerset House Inn, Provincetown, MA
Row 3: Inn at Cook Street, Provincetown, MA

Have fun searching for your perfect getaway! And if you enter BBWEDDING10 as your promo code upon checkout, you will receive 10% off a gift card of $100 or more. :o)

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