Wedding Trend Alert - Braids & Buns

Time for some much needed beauty inspiration! It's the New Year and with it brings new trends for 2013 weddings influenced by all parts of pop culture including fashion, music, and movies.  A trend that we have seen sweeping the wedding community are effortlessly chic braids and buns.  So easy to pull off and equally as gorgeous, it's no wonder brides this year are leaning towards this no fuss wedding day hairstyle.  Whether styled in a loose fishtail braid or piled high on you head in a chic bun, there are hundreds of different ways to style this wedding trend.  Here we've captured some of our favorite wedding day braids and buns.  To see even more dazzling coifs, visit us on Pinterest.

Credits (top to bottom): Side Part Braided Updo, Hi Bun with Halo Braid, Chic Sock Bun, Braided Headband with Chignon, Braid with Ribbon, Braided Headband, Fishtail Braid with Flowers, Braided Updo with Flowers, French Twist with Braids and Flower, Long Fishtail Braid, Hi Bun with Halo Braid

 

Fun Food Truck Catering for Your Wedding Celebration

A new year brings new trends in weddings, and one of the most talked about trends for 2013 is the use of food trucks in place of or as a compliment to traditional catering options.  Food trucks can be found on busy city streets, and are growing increasingly popular at weddings.  Not only is it fun to have a food truck at your event, it is convenient and unique.  They are a great alternative to conventional cuisine, given that most specialize in a certain type of food.  The diversity of food offered on these trucks is nothing short of incredible.  Some food trucks will allow you to customize your own menu and even name the items being served to your guests.

Food truck catering is definitely an option to consider when planning your wedding or next big event.  There are so many ways to use a food truck to compliment your wedding.  You can treat your guests to a full meal, or even just a few appetizers during cocktail hour as they wait for the newlyweds to arrive at the reception.   Another idea is waiting to surprise your guests with an end of the night snack.  What could be better than a food truck pulling up to surprise your guests once they start to get tired or hungry after a long evening of dancing and having a good time?  It would be quite the conversation starter, and a perfect way to end a wonderful night.

We have gathered some photos of beautiful weddings that have incorporated a food truck for your enjoyment.  We hope you enjoy these sweet shots!

Image Credits:  Bride and Groom Kissing, Curbside Gourmet Mint-Colored Food Truck, Farm to Street Truck and Group Photo, Bride and Groom Order a Snack, Dressed Up Hamburger and French Fries, Ice Cream Truck, Bride and Groom Ice Cream Photo, Bride and Groom Posing by Food Truck, Carpe Donut Food Truck with Bride and Groom, Texas Tacos Truck and Menu, Just Married Couple, Bride and Groom Picnic Food Truck Wedding

Garden Green and Violet - A Wedding Color Story

Pantone has recently released their color forecast for Spring 2013.  Among their picks, African violet is at the forefront said to be an intriguing color that can be paired with many unexpected combinations.  A pale, refreshing color that is soft without being over feminine, violet is perfectly fitting for Spring weddings.  Both soothing and inviting, choose violet and any of its pale purple counterparts for a palette that will create a relaxing yet fresh Spring feel.  To create the perfect Spring palette, pair this soft purple with a palette of vibrant green and soft dusty miller for an absolutely breathtaking garden wedding that complements the time of the year.

Credits: Pantone forecast, Table centerpiece, boutonniere, ivy and bouquet, Programs, Bride, Gingham favor, table setting, and plates, Lace napkins, Japanese garden

First Look Moments to Melt Your Heart

Nothing melts our hearts quite like an emotional first look moment between a bride and groom, as they see each other for the first time on their wedding day.  We have collected some beautiful photos to share with you that capture that moment of overwhelming bliss.  

More couples today are opting to see each other before their ceremony, whether it is because they want more time for photographs, or because they simply want to spend some time enjoying each others' company before the festivities begin.  

Another growing trend is where the bride and groom will speak to each other or pray together before the ceremony, but will not see each other until the ceremony.  This is quite often done with the couple standing back-to-back, or on opposite sides of a wall or door.  

We hope you enjoy these adorable first look moments!

Image Credits:  About to See Each Other for the First Time, Bride and Groom Ecstatic, Groom Wiping Away Tears, Bride Wiping Groom's Tears, Embrace, Bride and Father, Groom Covering His Face, Groom Shouting, Bride Covering Groom's Eyes, Opposite Sides of the Door, Holding Hands, Opposite Sides of the Wall 

Gifts for the Bride and Groom

Finding gifts for the bride and groom doesn't have to be complicated.  Whether you're buying for the wedding day or just to say congrats, there are 3 simple ways to a sure fire gift that the newlyweds will love.

While selecting off the couple's registry is always a good choice, it can sometimes be a bit impersonal.  Everyone wants to give the happy couple a gift that is going to be special and meaningful.  Not just a gift off their registry but a personal gift.  A custom gift.  One that says 'Hey, I was really thinking of you.  I didn't want to just give you cash.  I wanted to give you something you would remember.'  To find that perfect gift, choose from one of three options.   For the home, For a photo, or For the hobbyists.  It's really that simple.

#1) For the home

You can never go wrong with a good housewarming gift.  This is possibly the easiest gift giving idea and will guarantee a heartfelt thank you every time.  Nearly every newlywed will have a new homestead to furnish after the big day.  With a custom housewarming gift, you can't go wrong.  And luckily there are hundreds of great gift ideas to choose from.  Monogrammed table linens, like the one shown left, will leave sense of luxury with the happy couple and are a memento they can pull out on special occasions to dress up the dinner table.  Other linens like monogrammed bath towels, sheet sets, and pillowcases are also great housewarming gifts.  Don't forget the kitchen.  Engraved glassware and wine gifts are traditional gifts for the bride and groom that have not lost their appeal.  Personalized wine glasses are great for the wine loves while monogrammed mason jars are a unique gift idea that will be unexpected but cherished.

#2) For a photo 

Capture the bride and groom's special day with gifts that will showcase their wedding photos.  Think engraved picture frames, collage frames, personalized photo albums, and photo coasters. For a unique twist on traditional picture frames, give the happy couple and nice bottle of wine tied with an engraved Christmas tree ornament they can use during their first Christmas together as man and wife.

#3) For the hobbyists

If your newlyweds are a couple that share a love for certain hobbies and activities, then play up on their interests.  Give them a gift that will mean the most to them by basing your gift idea on their shared hobby.  Do they love the outdoors?  Choose a gift like hiking gear, camping gear, skiing gear, or water sporting items.  Do the newlyweds love the travel?  Then they will love custom gifts like personalized luggage tags and leather passport holders.  For an extra special gift idea, monogrammed leather luggage sets are a gift idea that the bride and groom are unlikely to splurge on themselves and will be a gift they will cherish for years and years.

What are you getting the happy couple?  We realize that this is by no means a complete list of every gift idea there is.  We would love to hear from you.  Leave a comment and let us know what you're getting the bride and groom?  Is it one of these ideas or something completely different?