Goddess of the Sea Collection and Birthday Countdown

It’s Friday AND my birthday weekend (it’s tomorrow!) so doesn’t that call for some extra celebrating boys and girls?! It will definitely be a relaxing, do-nothing kind of 31st birthday and I’m so excited to be spending it with just my two favorite boys (the hubs and our fur ball). Wait, rewind. Did I say 31? As in 10 years past my 21st birthday? Eeeeek! To go back and remember how different that birthday was. Haha! Junior year of college and partying it up with my besties. Man, those were the days. But honestly, I love where I am 10 years later and couldn’t be happier how I’ll be celebrating it this year.

But before I head off and dive into some cake, I leave you with a gorgeous sea goddess photo shoot from the ever-so-talented Michelle March. It’s so perfectly styled and the colors are amazing!

I’m so glad Michelle shared the deets behind the shoot! Whenever Jacqueline Pinto and I get together magic happens. We share a passion for art, history, fashion and {clearly} Greek mythology. In this incredible collaboration, we were inspired by Amphitrite, Goddess of the Sea {wife of Poseidon}. In the story of Theseus, she gives him a golden crown for finding the ring which was thrown in the sea by King Minos to prove that he was truly Poseidon’s son. The dress, jewelry and crown were designed by Jacqueline Pinto. With the wonderful and innovative help of Christina Vidal (hair/makeup), we transformed the gorgeous Brigitta into everything Amphitrite embodies at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.

p.s. I’m sooo in love with that necklace!!

p.p.s. This shoot has me wanting to be by the sea so if Florida’s weather Saturday treats as good as it has been the last few days, maybe we’ll take a spontaneous little road trip to St. Augustine for some good eats and seagull watching. =)

Join me back here on Monday when I’m sharing my 35 things to do before 35 list. One year down, 4 years to go!

Happy weekend Brides and Friends!
Mel

Enchanted Lake Fall Wedding Inspiration

Okay soooo Treasury Lists on Etsy might be the thing of the past, bust since I’m new to it I’m kinda excited about my first creation!

Thought I’d share it with you beauties on this fabulous Tuesday. This dreamy lake fall wedding collection makes me think of the leaves changing color, the crisp, fresh air of the new season and ever so slight chill it brings- all reasons to cuddle up with the one you love and celebrate happiness.

Check it out over on Etsy and let me know what you think!

Fabric Flower Bridal Sashes by Make Believe’n

Wow- how quickly time flies! Already one month has past since our loveliest wedding day in Cabo. Although it doesn’t feel much “different” than before (since we did live together for the past two years), we definitely have enjoyed our time as “newlyweds.”

We were definitely worker bees before we left since I not only have a full time job but we own our own business. It’s soooo easy to get into “work mode” and work very, very late into the night…especially when your business is a 24/7 operation. It’s tough to shut off.  But after returning from our wedding (and getting a little reminder of what’s important in life at a recent church service)…we decided we CAN control how often we work. Sure, our business can and will keep us busy and there will be days that will require “overtime” in the evening hours, BUT we know there are many things that can wait! So with my new relaxed attitude I have officially become a bum. Haha- just kidding. I just feel that way since I’m so used to going, going, going!

And well I guess I was still on “go” mode when we drove up to Atlanta this past weekend for a fun night out with fellow TWIPs members. I had a great time getting to know some fantastic ladies in the group while doing a little business networking over a fabulous dinner at JCT Kitchen. (P.S. Naomi, I’m still thinking of their Chicken and Dumplings. OMG- so yummy!)

One lovely lady who came out last Saturday night and whom I’ve actually had the pleasure of having dinner with back in April, was Krissy from Make Believe’N. She is one talented chica and I just love her attitude on life! I only got a “sneak peek” through some pictures of her wedding bridal sash designs back in April so I was super excited when she paired one of her latest with a summer dress and wore it to dinner! And wow, this chick is busting out with some serious fabric flower power now!

If you haven’t seen her collection- you’re in for a treat…

And her craftiness doesn’t stop with sashes. She can pretty much custom make any fabric flower accessory (in your wedding colors!) that you can imagine from bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages, belts, hair fascinators, and centerpieces.

If you want to create a statement on your big day with something fun, unique, and personalized, Krissy’s handcrafted fabric wedding flower designs are a perfect place to start! Something I love about alternative wedding bouquets, bouts, corsages and such is that these are keepsakes that will last forever. My sister had my mom make a brooch bouquet and it’s something she displays on her mantel. I love that!

We have some great things up our sleeves with TWIPs and I can’t wait to work with Krissy more in the future. Remember to visit her Esty shop for more flowery goodness!

So and tell me, was there something alternative or big and bold you incorporated into your day? I want to know!

Handmade Wedding Gowns by Simply Bridal

If you told me I could have my wedding gown handmade for a very affordable price, I would have said you were crazy and that it was impossible! So now are you ready for it?

It is in fact now made possible by the skillful and crafty seamstress extraordinaires behind the online wedding dress shop, Simply Bridal! For all body types and shapes, style and fabric preferences, Simply Bridal can stitch up your dream dress in no time.

Here are just a few samples from their store…

I think this is one of my top favorites…Gorgeous!

And even better- they are offering Oceanside Bride readers, 15% off by using coupon code SAVEBRIDAL15 at checkout. So already affordable prices + a 15% off? Um yes please and thank you!