Planning a wedding is like going to a candy store. There are so many different flavors to choose from! And just like in that confectioner’s dreamland, narrowing down exactly what you want can get overwhelming. Hence, bridal breakdowns. Like planning a wedding, a bride needs inspiration, as well a steady hand {ok, maybe like ten!} to help guide the way.

And in honor of our Wedding Week we chose our favorite wedding blogs that will do just that. There are a gazillion options out there these days, but this list is perfect for the modern-minded bride to gather unique finds that’ll ensure her dream wedding becomes a reality!

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The stylish bride always wants the best there is and this blog keeps that in mind. Wedding Sparrow is one of the blogosphere’s only all film, fine art wedding blogs and it’s a gem. This UK wedding site offers the most ethereal bridal shoots, vividly imaginative photographs, and a truly unique aesthetic that no soon-to-be-bride should miss.

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The Lane is a helpful directory for brides-to-be, but its blog The Lane: Backstage is an amazing source for wedding inspiration. Going behind the scenes of wedding shoots, editorials, and Bridal Fashion week, the blog offers a different view into the bridal industry. With strong images and insightful content, The Lane Backstage serves as a resource for anyone that wants to learn more about the bridal industry. Break away from the idea of the typical wedding and discover a new perspective- you just might fall in love. Shh, don’t tell the groom!

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It might sound like a yummy dessert blog, but 100 Layer Cake is all about the celebration of love {hey, which for some might be through the stomach!}. 100 Layer Cake is a popular bridal go-to and rightfully so. They share some of the most envy-inducing weddings with captivating locations, TDF dresses, and cakes fancier than the car in your driveway. You could easily spend hours scrolling through this blog and who is to judge? Like Marie Antoinette said, let them eat cake!

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If we wanted to talk wedding pictures {and we do!}, Jose Villa is one of the best wedding photographers, ever {we might be a little biased—he did shoot Erin’s wedding after all}. Villa’s blog showcases his creativity and ability to capture beautiful slivers of memories that will last a lifetime. Just like your wedding day, time will fly {trust us!} as you ponder through his dreamy images. Talk about wedding photography envy!

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Nowadays brides are resourceful and focused on working out every little detail. From the latest released wedding suites to new cake topper ideas and tabletop DIY’s, Snippet & Ink informs and inspires with every post. Not only does Snippet & Ink share real wedding pictures on the daily, but they also create faux weddings that showcase a bit more of a dramatic setting that can really get your creative juices flowing! We’re also obsessed with their mood boards {good ones are hard to find these days!}. This blog is proof positive there is no wrong way to celebrate a wedding!

Hopeless romantics, take these blogs and enjoy them. And while you’re at it, there are so many more out there to be enjoyed!

What are some of your favorite wedding blogs? We’d love to know! – Victor

Ok, let’s be real for a minute. After scouring the web in search of modern wedding trends to share, there really weren’t many. The majority of weddings seemed like…the majority of weddings. They all began to look very similar- rustic settings, farm tables flanked by ghost chairs with the chalkboard signs and calligraphy leading guests to their seats. And while don’t get us wrong, we love a good ghost chair, we’re kind of…over them.

So we dug a little deeper and in spite of the larger part of the wedding landscape being the same, we did find some standout statements that we L-O-V-E! For example, can you even believe this wedding dress?? But we’re just getting warmed up…

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The Venue: It’s no secret we love a good loft and the idea of living out your big day in an uber modern space adorned with natural light and bright white walls is exactly what we had in mind. After snoozing through a hundred barn weddings, a loft feels clean and “downtown,” but still inviting and totally on trend.

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The Invites: Wedding invitations don’t have to come complete with four different types of paper inserts, glitter confetti and a hologram of the couple. Keeping the invitation suite simple with a whole lot of understated and chic details. We’re loving the gold lines and the minimally embellished feel of this monogram thank you card!

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The Food: Does it ever cross your mind that it’s possible that every wedding you’ve attended could be catered by the same company? They certainly tend to taste that way. Over and over again we see the same chicken option, the same salmon option, blah, blah. We love the idea of mixing up the menu and going more big-city coastal. Mussels? Check! Flatbread hors d’oeuvres? Gladly!

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The Flowers: You can’t really go wrong with a classic white bouquet, but if you’re in the mood to try something new, attempt DIY’ing your wedding day flowers {well, let’s be clear – ask someone to do this for if you’re the bride!}. Apparently it is all the rage though! From paper flowers bigger than your head to paper bouquets and single stem centerpieces, it certainly is a cheaper option to consider!

7 modern wedding trends on apartment 34

The Cake: This cake is probably one of the most gorgeous we’ve ever seen. It’s a true work of art, nay, a masterpiece. The gold leaf flecked on the top tiers and the brushstroke-like imperfection of the bottom tiers is pure magic. Cake toppers?! What are those to a cake like this?…A thing of the past!

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The Makeup: A smoky eye is an obvious makeup choice for brides. It’s usually more glamorous than an everyday face and makes a girl feel sexy. But we’d argue the trend to go super natural on the face is just as seductive. This barely-there makeup is per-fection and feels so new, don’t ya think?

7 modern wedding trends on apartment 34

The Dress: While some might argue to go for classic shapes, we say they clearly haven’t seen this dress! Watching a bride break the mold of safe silhouettes in favor of a dramatic, bold and daring dress inspires us to never play it safe. This dress is so SJP and we can’t get enough of it.

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Are there any trends you’ve seen of late that are new and exciting to you? And are you the least bit tired of seeing the “same” rustic wedding like we are?? We’d love to know any new trends you’re loving.

image 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9 via Style Me Pretty photography by Ashley Kelemen // image 3, 6, 8 via Once Wed 

This week we are kicking off everything wedding! We have to admit, it’s a topic we don’t foray into much anymore {shame on us!}, but since one of our team members’ {now!} fiancé put a ring on it, we can’t stop the whole, “ok, let’s talk wedding” conversation.

Inspired by what ought to be one of the most beautiful days of one’s life, this week we’ve gathered all our favorite modern wedding trends for you. Think gorgeous gowns that will make you stray from your budget faster than you can say “i do” and creative ideas to get your wedding bells ringing. So without further ado, we’re kicking things off with something fabulously blue! {rhyming totally intentional!}

 

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We all know the saying. Something old, something new, something borrowed…. Traditionally these good luck tokens are only obvious to the bride and those in her party, but we love the idea of the modern bride being a little more adventurous in her indigo-inspired selection. From powder blue pumps to a statement-making royal blue necklace, these bold pops of blue would bring life and spunk to your big day!

We not only have our sights on the wedding ceremony itself, but also the much anticipated honeymoon! Be daring and beautiful in a sexy blue number like this Stella McCartney lingerie set {that’s on sale!}. Or start the marriage off on the right foot with these comfortable slip on sneakers– perfect for exploring the Hawaiian islands or streets of Rome!

While we certainly don’t want to see the something blue tradition die, we’re super into the idea of modern interpretations. Do you have any super creative something blue ideas? Pretty please share. We’d love to know!

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GET YOUR SHOP ON:
> Ombre Bib Necklace
> Fendi Leather Pumps
> Blue Motif Dreki Clutch
> Big Dial Navy + Rose Gold Watch
> Spektre Sunglasses
> Estee Lauder Insatiable Ivory Lipstick 
> Stella McCartney Bra + Briefs
> Blue Distilled Sneakers

multimedia image 1 by Bianca Sotelo images via Luli Sanchez + Style.com  // 2 via Elle Decoration // 3 via Vogue Italia // 4 via Anna Badur // 5 via Vogue Thailand

It’s been a good while since we discussed weddings around here, but the season is about to arrive in full force. With a strong docket of summer weddings on our itinerary, I’ve certainly got weddings on the brain. Or more importantly, what am I going to wear to them?! I find myself inspecting my closet’s contents and finding very few contenders.

weddingoutfitSure, I still have those dresses stuffed way in the back that made appearances at weddings past, but I’m so tired of donning a dress that really does not relate to how I’d ever dress in real life. Strapless, prints, bright colors. They feel more like costumes that actual pieces in my wardrobe. But I say, no more!

This go-round, I’m on the hunt for a statement making style that I’ll actually want to strut in my everyday life. I think the Spring 2013 Collection by fledgling line Co might do the trick.

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While black might not be the typical wedding wear color, I’m loving the elevated style and eye catching silhouettes of each of these dresses. They’re anything but your plain old LBD. They feel special – like they’d rise to the occasion at hand, but I’d actually want to wear them again. And again. And again and again.

What do you think? Are you in favor of a fashion-forward approach to being a wedding guest?

 

image by shannen norman for 100 layer cake

It’s rather hard to believe, but today marks my third wedding anniversary!

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It all feels like only yesterday that I was sharing the whole wedding planning adventure with all of you. As I look at the photos I’m immediately transported back to that secluded Mexican beach where we exchanged our vows. And yet, it simultaneously feels like I’ve been married forever.

I have to confess, I was never one of those girls who imagined herself married. I didn’t play make-believe with a Barbie and Ken. I didn’t have my perfect wedding dress in my head or looming must-be-married by this age deadlines. It all just happened rather out of the blue. I met someone who enthralled me and challenged me all at the same time. And it’s been quite the adventure ever since. I suspect the biggest one I’ll take in my life.

I just read this article about how to flirt with your husband, which is always a good thing to remember to do. I’m certainly no marriage expert, but there are a few things I’ve learned these first three years and so I thought I’d share them with you!

Never stop dating. It’s amazing the difference this makes in a relationship. Making the time and the effort to go out on actual date nights with your significant other staves off routine, sparks new conversations and reminds you of why you liked each other in first place! This can be as simple as a weekly date night, but you can mix it up too! Go for a hike, take a drive to see some beautiful scenery or try a new activity together.

The little things do count. Probably the most. Helping one another out. Dividing chores. Giving each other undivided attention for 2 minutes before you leave and when you get home each day. Those little moments add up and up and up. Don’t underestimate them.

Grand gestures count too. Everyone loves a big surprise. Send flowers for no reason. Cook an extravagant dinner. Send a flirty text and then follow through on it. Those big moments aren’t soon forgotten.

Be honest, to a point beyond your comfort level. No one is going to stand up for you in your marriage except for you. Speaking up about what you want and need sounds like the simplest of ideas and is probably the hardest thing to do. I know it is for me!

Say yes everyday. You don’t get asked “will you marry me” once in your life. You should be asked and be doing the asking every single day. Being in a marriage – an active, healthy, all-in type of marriage is a proactive decision that takes diligent maintenance. If you want your car to run smoothly you take care of it right? Your marriage is no different. If you tune it up regularly, it will remain a well-oiled machine that will see you over any bump in the road.

I for one have loved the first three years of being married. I can’t wait to see what we learn over the next three and 30 {gulp!}.

PS: You can look back on our Mexican destination wedding here, here and on Style Me Pretty right here.

our wedding photography by jose villa, quote via here