As do many of us who began our mini-adult lives with nothing to our name but our grandma’s chipped fiestaware and much-loved box-sets of Sex and the City (I even have Seasons 1-3 on VHS, what-what!), I am firm in my belief that its the accessories that make the clothes that then make “the look.”
And once I had “the dress” in my hot little hands, the hunt for wedding day accessories that invoked an elegant, vintage vibe (bonus points if I could wear them again) was on like Donkey Kong!
My very first piece of ornamentation actually found me before I even found my dress! I had purchased this silk floral and feather headpiece during the “First Dress Debacle,” and I remained absolutely obsessed with it even after realizing that my initial gown choice was not right for me. For the life of me I cannot remember who designed this piece, but I purchased it at Warren Barron in Dallas. This piece was so much fun to wear – I loved how it moved and how it made me feel like a “bride” even after the veil came off!
Next up came the shoes… oh the shoes! I knew I wanted punchy, colorful shoes to add that like pop of fun as I walked and danced. Initially, I had a lot of trouble finding exactly what I was looking for and actually purchased ivory satin shoes with the idea that I would dye them a deep pink color and maybe add a shoe clip for some pizazz. Then I found these beauties – absolutely perfect in every way – at J. Crew. I also ordered raspberry colored platform flip-flops to change into, but these were so comfy that I wore them all night! And I’ve worn them several times since the wedding – I love these shoes!
Then came the jewelry – I already knew that I would wear my diamond and sapphire ring (a 21st birthday gift from my parents) on my right hand as my “Something Blue,” as well as a very delicate diamond cross that is a family heirloom. So I definitely didn’t want to overdo it (a la Miss “Do I Look Too Much Like Material Girl Madonna?” Heidi Montag on her wedding day). Somehow, I actually got away with breaking my own jewelry rule (pick up to 3 of the 4 – rings, bracelet, necklace, earrings – but never all four) and ended up purchasing a bracelet and earrings off of Etsy. My bracelet was fashioned out of five vintage broaches – I’m crazy about it and received tons of compliments – people could not believe I only paid $25 dollars (!!!!) for it!
bracelet (and photo) by Miss Joan’s Hobby
I considered a variety of drop earrings but in the end, decided that something more understated would help keep my look from crossing the line from fun to gaudy. I found the perfect match to my bracelet from seller Bridal Emunique – I literally could not believe how perfectly they went together!
photo credit: Bridal Emunique
Some pictures of all the pieces working together, along with a peek at my makeup (I kept it very natural, only adding some false eyelashes and deep pink lipstick to make it more “special” than my everyday face):
Last but not least for the traditional bridal look was my clutch purse (also from Etsy) by Red Ruby Rose… probably not a 100% necessary purchase but it was just so pretty! Plus I purchased cotton-fabric varieties of these clutches for my bridesmaids as part of their gifts so I figured I needed one to round out the bunch! {bridesmaid clutches by La Vita Lola – each with a different outside fabric and either marigold or raspberry silk lining} And, as with all of my bridal accessories save for the headpiece, I’ve used this clutch several times since the wedding!
photo from author’s personal collection
Now for maybe my favorite detail of our wedding… My parents have been married for 33 years and are two of my best friends. Their marriage really is such a model for us and I wanted to do something unique to honor them. My parents were married in the 70s in a very hippie-chic ceremony in my grandparents’ backyard. My mom wore a simple column dress (polyester, no doubt!) accented with lace at the neck, bust, hemline, and shoulders. The dress was also worn by one of my aunts, who also married in Mama J and Daddy Jim’s backyard. Since our venue mandates that all events end by 10:45, we planned to tell all our guests that the party would continue at the Driskill Hotel’s (where we were staying the night) fabulous bar once the reception ended. Instead of lugging my gown back home the next day, or purchasing yet another outfit to wear to the after-party, I decided to have my mom’s dress altered into a short, swingy mini-dress! I am so happy I did this – not only did the dress turn out so adorable (and comfy!), but it was extremely special for me to wear my mom’s dress in part of our celebration. I hope to wear it every year on our anniversary as well!
For the big exit and after-party, I kept on my yellow shoes but switched out my headpiece for yellow, black, and white feathered headband by Feather Brain (can you tell I’m an Etsy Addict?) – I really loved the result!
Tomorrow I tackle… Food & Beverage, as well as the Wedding Party Look-Book!
*unless otherwise stated, all photos by SMS Photography