Wedding Blog - it’s a bride’s life - real brides blogging ’til “I do!”

means “Happily Ever After” in French.

beautiful brass- plated iron heart from Sundance.

Many Navy and Marine Corp brides opt to wear bright white on their wedding day instead of ivory. My skin tone looks better with an ivory dress, but I did not want my gown to look too off-white next to Steven’s bright white choker uniform. So I consulted the many Navy brides that I know through Facebook. Here are some gorgeous pictures that convinced me that bright white is the way to go!

Erica and Grant with Natalie Franke Photography

Melanie and Nick with i Kandi Photography

Jenny and Matt with Steve Z Photography

Thanks to all my USNA brides who generously let me use their photos!

I must admit, I was really excited when my florist suggested a kissing ball / pomander with peacock feathers for my flower girl.  There are so many amazing ways feathers can be used for this alternative bouquet for the little ones.

Peacock ~ Turquoise ~ White

However, I’m really loving the idea of having our flower girl walk down the aisle with a sign announcing my entrance.  I especially appreciate the idea of a two-sided sign that can be used after we say our “I-Do’s”.

Single Ribbon ~ Long ~ Double Ribbon

I don’t think I can go wrong with either!  Which one is your favorite?

Instead of a traditional wedding cake, we are having a dessert bar.  After tossing around dessert ideas and searching Wedding Wire ratings, I found Market Salamander.  A gourmet market, cafe’ and caterer, not only are the located close to The Blackthorne Inn, but they have been great to work with.  Pastry chef,  Jason Reeves, is extremely talented… just check out a few of his cakes:

A beautiful wedding cake and fun Virginia Tech groom’s cake.  He also recently won the Lego Cakes Food Network Challenge!

After exchanging emails with Jason, he helped us create the perfect dessert bar including: mini Irish cream cupcakes, mini fruit tarts, dark chocolate truffles and mini tiramisu cups. Can’t wait to enjoy our delicious desserts!

OKAY, so it’s still winter – but it FEELS like spring, and I for one relish this feeling because it makes me that much closer to our big day. *squee* So, what is brought to mind when spring is in the air? (Don’t you dare say cleaning, seriously, don’t harsh my mellow with a terrifying reality of my living room….) Flowers of course! Now I’m not really a huge flower fan, but I believe everyone can appreciate them for their beauty and natural inspiration, especially for a special occasions. Being seriously in need of some background info on the what’s-what of flower arrangements, I of course turned to the almighty “Google” and found this gem from the dummies series. Super helpful AND now I know some terms to help me at the florist appointment.