The white wedding gown will always be a classic choice, but Spring 2013 Bridal Market saw some daring departures from this tradition. From accents of black to subtle pastels to fire-engine red (yes, RED), many designers produced gorgeous fashions for the technicolor bride, particularly Vera Wang with her collection of fiery wedding dresses.

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All of the following slideshow links are from MarthaStewartWeddings.com:

Black and White Wedding Dresses

Pink Wedding Dresses

Blue Wedding Dresses

Red Wedding Dresses

I know, we’ve been down this road before: I write often, I disappear, I apologize for my absence and vow to never do it again, and the cycle starts over.

It’s not that I don’t LOVE blogging about weddings. I adore it-but, there simply aren’t enough hours in the day, especially when the semester is in full swing.

But, it’s summer now, which means longer periods of daylight and more time to keep updating this blog. I’ve missed y’all so much and I can’t wait to get going again.

So, let’s start out with Bridal Market coverage, shall we?

It has been approximately 5 months since I’ve went all natural, i.e., grew out my relaxer. Working with my natural texture has been great so far, with only minor challenges. However,a major challenge for natural-haired brides is finding hairstyles for their big day. Thankfully, Offbeat Bride has contributed to the solution by writing a post featuring natural-haired brides rocking gorgeous wedding hairstyles. Thanks Ariel!

How chic! Click here to read the full post on Offbeat Bride.

Recently I purchased a piece from this Etsy seller and, I must say, their pieces would make the perfect bridesmaid’s gift. With delicate necklaces, earring, and rings featuring non-traditional stones, JewelParadise’s well-made, affordable accessories would make any woman smile. I’m especially impressed with the more whimsical necklaces featuring camera and calla lily charms. Check them out!

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Click here to shop JewelParadise on Etsy.

Now that the temperatures are dipping, I would imagine that many brides would want warmth and coverage, which strapless dresses simply cannot offer. Thankfully, with a return to retro modesty and a current obsession with Bella Swan, sleeves are returning to bridal wear in a big way. Below: a slideshow of some favorites for inspiration. What do you think?

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I know, you’re probably tired of seeing these posts, about how I “had to take a break.”

To be honest, I had every intention of blogging regularly from August…

Then, my friend died…

Then, I got sick…

Then several other life events, both good and bad, that have kept me from blogging.

Now that everything has been resolved and the holidays have arrived, I now have the time, energy and motivation to get the ball rolling on what I like to do best: blogging about weddings.

No more games this time, folks. I’m back for good!

Jewelry is and always will be the icing on the cake of a bride’s ensemble. To make sure your bling is extra sweet, head over to Amamika & Shinji. This Tokyo-based  Etsy shop and private atelier sells artfully crafted sterling silver pieces inspired by whimsical motifs such as dragonflies, clovers and sakura, in addition to more simplistic designs. The prices may be a bit indulgent (from $40 to a whopping $940), but the pieces are well worth the cost.

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Click here to shop Amamika and Shinji on Etsy.

 

Or, you could go to AtelierShinji.com for a wider selection.

 

Any bride (or woman, for that matter) would tell you that they have imagined their dream wedding dress at least once. Now, on Brides.com, you can test-drive that dress to see if it can be a reality.

The new Wedding Makeover tool on Brides.com has an extensive library of wedding gowns that you (or a virtual model that shares your shape) can “try on” before you head out in search of your dream gown. You can also get a head start in dressing your bridesmaids for the big day.

No makeover is complete without a little hair and makeup-and, the Brides.com Wedding Makeover delivers with a plethora of hairstyles and makeup shades you can test out. Then, print out your complete look and hit the stores (or salons).

Whether you’re mapping out your wedding day look, or simply looking to have a little wedding fun, the Brides.com Wedding Makeover tool is a surefire way to make sure that, on this day, you look absolutely fabulous.

Here's my bride! Click here to create yours.

 

So, one of my good friends just got engaged and she has put me in charge of her paper materials.

She and her fiancé have a lovely hobby of raising pet fish and a love for all things nautical. She specifically requested that I use the angelfish as a motif for their announcements because they are monogamus (fun fact!).

Take a look at the result below!

I just sent her the proof and she couldn’t be more pleased!

I may just put this up for sale in my Zazzle store. What do you think?