Thursday, May 19, 2011

Southern Wedding Belles

It is definitely wedding season as engagement announcements, save-the-date cards and invitations seem to arrive in the mail almost weekly. Whether you are planning your big day, the honeymoon, thinking of popping the question or just trying to figure out what to wear to your co-workers nuptials here is a little ceremonial inspiration. 



Willodeen and Harold Bowers
The fist step to sealing the deal is the ring. Your grandmother was probably one of the most stylish ladies you've ever met and she was probably married to your granddad for 50 years or more. Her ring (if your older sister didn't get it) is absolutely priceless and would be the perfect way to begin your marriage. If your sister did get it, there are "estate" sections in many jewelry boutiques that carry beautiful, vintage rings. 




  It's always fun to look back and see how others created "the happiest day of their life." These famous couples with Arkansas ties — Bill and Hillary married in 1975, and Johnny and June in 1968 —both went simple, yet elegant. June chose a baby blue knee-length lace dress and Hillary, who had to compete with Bill's pinstripe suit, chose a loose-fitting, floor-length gown with a beautiful high collar. 




 If you're having trouble finding the dress of your dreams for the big day, why not consider hiring a local designer? Little Rock designer Erin Lorenzen created the beautiful gown above. 




 Find these two vintage-inspired wedding dresses and more by Kansas City designer Erin Coleman on her Etsy page, Peppermint Pretty.




If you are going to have a southern wedding, you have to incorporate southern flowers. I love this intoxicating bouquet of honeysuckle vine and roses from Country Living Magazine.

 

 Location is everything for setting the mood of the ceremony. Arkansas has tons of stunning locations for both indoor and outdoor weddings. Marlsgate Plantation in Scott, Ark., is beautiful and only about 10 minutes outside of Little Rock. 



 After Kate and Prince William's royal wedding, hats and Fascinators are all-the-rage. These by Little Rock designer Amber Nichole luckily aren't quite as show-stopping as Beatrice and Eugenie's but I still love them. Find them online at her Etsy store .