Indie Wedding Guide

Designer View - Lara of Belfast Beach Jewelry

The Indie Wedding Guide would like to welcome Lara of Belfast Beach Jewelry for today's Designer View. Beth creates a beautiful line of sea glass tiaras and more.

Indie Wedding Guide - How did you get started creating with sea glass?

As a young girl spending summers on an island off the coast of Maine, I used to delight in exploring the shore at low tide in search of washed up treasure: small pieces of frosted, sea-smoothed glass and pottery shards with enticing bits of antique print rather than shells or stones.  I was fascinated by the romance of the story each piece held within, from its origin through the wave-washed journey to arrive years--even centuries--later at my feet.   

 

 

Today I am lucky enough to live where I can see the ocean out my windows, and frequent walks along the rocky beach allow me a chance for meditation and exercise out in the fresh sea air, as well as the opportunity to collect sea glass once again.  Realizing how precious these glass gems--once someone's trash!--have become due to more ecologically responsible methods of recycling and the popularity of plastic, I loved the idea of incorporating them into my jewelry creations, thereby carrying out a small form of recycling myself.  To me, these worn, faded bits of glass are diamonds, emeralds, amber and aquamarine--and red, the rarest color of all, rubies of course : ) and over the last few years I have shared my peaceful beach hunt with my faithful bichon frise dog Sammy, and then my son James as well, first in a frontpack, then a backpack, now finally running and playing around me.

 

 

 

I create bridal tiaras and headbands from carefully chosen sea glass, wrapped with gold or silver wire and embellished with seed pearls and crystals, which I sell both in local boutiques and in my online shop.  These unique, handcrafted headpieces would be equally appropriate at both a barefoot beach wedding and a fancy, formal church event.

Indie Wedding Guide - What does your company offer that the "big box" stores don't?

Unlike the more limited service a bride receives from a big-box wedding retail shop, I am happy to work together with her to create the perfect custom-designed tiara to crown her special day, and provide any color variations to complement her bridesmaids and wedding color scheme.  Every bride and every wedding is beautiful and unique, so why should you settle for a one-size-fits-all, mass-produced headpiece?  I derive much satisfaction from handcrafting one-of-a-kind, gallery-quality but affordable works of art which are both comfortable and elegant, and will be cherished both in the wedding photos and in the years to come.

A Toast to our Sponsor - Cherished Bride

Vintage Indie & Eco-Chic Weddings would like to send a "toast" to our indie sponsor Cherished Bride  . We are thrilled to have this fabulous vintage bridal salon with us this month.

If you haven't had a chance to visit Cherished Bride's 6 Reasons to purchase a vintage wedding gown you can read part one here and part two here.  This series if full of wonderful tips and useful information for those of you who may be reluctant to purchase a vintage gown.

Purchasing a vintage wedding gown like this Cascades of Lace 60's Gown with Matching Jacket doesn't have to be intimidating. Cherished Bride pays very close attention to every detail and the overall soundness of any gown they offer.Their gowns are in fine vintage condition and are given exclusive personal treatment and care

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Wedding Tales - Janet & Paul

How did you meet? – On a multi-day bike ride in Canada. He was the guide and I was a guest.











What did you do to make your wedding "green" or "eco-friendly"? – Used glasses instead of plastic for drinks and used an Organic Catering Company (Organic to Go) to provide food.  Plates and forks were made of sugar cane.










We also held the ceremony outdoors at a National Park with no balloons or paper decorations.  Everything was recycled.
 









What was your favorite wedding detail? – Simplicity! Our wedding was small so we were able to spend the day with those who meant the most to us.


Any vendor recommendations? – Of course Organic Photographs and Organic to Go.





















Anything else, you must share about your special day? It was everything we both hoped and dreamt it would be.

Today's Vintage Wedding Gown - Recycle Reduce Reuse Shop Vintage

Finding the perfect wedding dress can be somewhat of a challenge but what you are looking for may be deep in the roots of vintage style and flair. Go back in time with me as I highlight vintage wedding gowns each week. You never know maybe "the one" you've been looking for will be featured here. Not to mention buying a vintage dress is another way to recycle, reuse and reduce!

This gorgeous Long Vintage Lace dress comes from Salvage Life.

Bust (armpit to armpit): 34"
Waist: 27"
Neck to Waist: 12.5"
Hip: free
Length (neckline to hem): 58"
Sleeve Length: 12"
Fabrication: unknown
Brand: no label
Label Size: none
Approximate Size: small
Condition: excellent vintage

Giveaway Contest sponsored by SpringCart

Welcome to the SpringCart, Runaway Cart giveaway!

Wouldn't you or someone that you know love to receive a beautifully packaged gift? Well, the
exclusive SpringCart Runaway Cart © is the perfect gift.


What is the Runaway Cart ©?

The Runaway Cart © is a Springcart exclusive. The Runaway Cart is a beautiful packaged gift box
full of luxurious goodies. The Runaway Cart makes a great gift for birthdays, bridal showers,
Mother's Day, Valentines Day or just because.

  

What's in the Runaway Cart?

The theme of June's edition of the Runaway Cart © is Summer Seduction. Each Runaway Cart
is packaged in a unique wooden cigar box. Each box contains a beautiful piece of jewelry (valued at $20 or more and exclusive to the Runaway Cart), a beautifully scented candle from Springcart's new line of home fragrances and other lush goodies. Each Runaway Cart comes perfectly packaged and ready for gift giving. Every Runaway Cart also comes with a welcome note explaining the theme of the of the current months selection.

To enter the giveaway/contest: You'll need to check out the sponsor's website SpringCart , (not the sites listed on your left and right)  Find something you Dig from their site and post a comment with their URL of the item you dig in the body of your comment.

The RULES:
You must be 18 or older to enter (void where prohibited)

You may enter once or a dozen times, but each entry must have one URL from one of the sponsor's sites from an item that you dig copied and pasted into the body of your comment. (The URL Space with your name is for your website or blog if you have one)

You have until FRIDAY MAY 9th  until 11:59pmEST to enter.

MONDAY MAY 12th one winner will be randomly chosen and contacted via email,so check those boxes for the winner announcements and this month's newsletter!

Thank you for visiting the Indie Wedding Guide!
Gabreial - Vintage Indie
Emily - Eco-Chic Weddings

Today's Vintage Wedding Gown - Recycle Reduce Reuse Shop Vintage

Finding the perfect wedding dress can be somewhat of a challenge but what you are looking for may be deep in the roots of vintage style and flair. Go back in time with me as I highlight vintage wedding gowns each week. You never know maybe "the one" you've been looking for will be featured here. Not to mention buying a vintage dress is another way to recycle, reuse and reduce!

Today's Vintage Wedding Gown comes from Thomasina and you won't believe the price! This is their 1970's Long Cream Hippie  Peasant Wedding Dress. 
It's in great condition and is made of 65% polyester and 35% cotton. Would fit an XS or Small best.

Measurements (when lying flat):
bust: 15 inches
Waist: 12 inches
Hips: 19 inches
Length: 50 inches
Sleeve Length: 19 inches
Shoulders: 13 inches

Designer View - Reggieana

The Indie Wedding Guide would like to welcome Beth of Reggieana for today's Designer View. Beth creates a beautiful line of "Elegant & Affordable Ring Pillows"















What does it mean to you to be an independent designer?

I worked as a chemist for 8 years before becoming a stay-at-home mom.  While the majority of the world may think chemists are dorky, secluded, high-tech nerds, the best chemists are the most creative.  After becoming a mom, not only did I miss "me time", but I also missed having a creative outlet.  That's when I bought a brand new sewing machine and started designing pillows.  Hundreds of pillows later, I still enjoy the excitement and challenge of creating a new design for a new customer.









What kinds of items and service do you offer that the larger companies don't?

I feel that the ring pillow often becomes an overlooked detail in the wedding planning process.  After spending so much time and money on the other more important wedding details, brides may be tempted to walk into a large retail shop and pick out a white frilly pillow and say "well, this one's good enough".  But it doesn't have to be!  I love creating custom pillows in both classic and modern styles.  I've made pillows in just about every color combination and size.  I've even had requests for ring pillows for dogs and teddy bears!  My personal attention to the unique desires of each customer can't be beat by large retailers.

Thanks again Beth for sharing why it's important to you for customers to shop outside "big box retailers" and choose independet designers like yourself.

A Toast To Our Sponsor - Little Flower Designs

Vintage Indie & Eco-Chic Weddings would like to send a "toast" to our indie sponsor Little Flower Designs . We are thrilled to have a fabulous ceramics and pottery indie company with us.

Linda Johnson creates the loveliest dinnerware and she'll do it for you for your special day. Under the banner Little Flower Designs (on her website), Linda's new dinnerware collection is a mix and match assortment of handmade goodness.

  








If you'd like something special and unique for you and your honey, Linda is happy to customize designs to suit your table setting needs. And if you want to spread a little love to your guest's, her Table Lovelies are a must.

Vintage Indie & Eco-Chic Weddings would like to send a "toast" to our indie sponsor Little Flower Designs . We are thrilled to have a fabulous ceramics and pottery indie company with us.

Linda Johnson creates the loveliest dinnerware and she'll do it for you for your special day. Under the banner Little Flower Designs (on her website), Linda's new dinnerware collection is a mix and match assortment of handmade goodness.

  








If you'd like something special and unique for you and your honey, Linda is happy to customize designs to suit your table setting needs. And if you want to spread a little love to your guest's, her Table Lovelies are a must.

Mindful Eco-Chic Wedding Ideas by Emily Anderson

To have a mindful wedding you don't need to make major sacrifices.  A slight change in your approach can make a world of difference.  First, think about why you want certain things at your wedding.  Is it because it's what you think should happen?  Or is it because you are listening to all of the messages being directed at you by the wedding industry.  It is important to realize that the wedding industry has gotten significantly bigger in the last 20 years.  Consumers spend the most money in the shortest amount of time from engagement to marriage, making large purchases such as homes, and cars.   

The idea of simplifying your wedding is antithetical to what all of the bridal magazines are telling you to do.  But this is the first step toward creating an eco-chic wedding.

What's good for us is often good for the environment.  And so, when we decide to simplify our wedding plans, what happens?  Less to do, less stress, it becomes easier, we become happier, and our impact on the environment is reduced.  One example is whether or not to send a save the date card.  I say skip the save-the-date and send an email instead. In this digital age, you can find many talented graphic designers who will literally create a "custom identity" for you and your wedding. Sunali of Unruly Things is one of my favorites; she does beautiful work and can design everything for you from your evite, to your printed invitations.

                                     

- Emily Anderson, Eco-Chic Weddings

Wedding Tales - A fairytale DIY & Budget Friendly Wedding

The Indie Wedding Guide would like to welcome our sponsor and "newly married" Alissa (Lewis) now Harvey to the Indie Wedding Guide for May. Alissa shares with us her fabulous DIY and budget friendly wedding.

It’s true! You CAN have an intimate AND elegant wedding that will not break your bank, harm the earth or turn you into a compulsive wedding diva that will make your fiancée start thinking twice about marrying you! This newlywed did it—so can you!

 

After getting engaged in late October, I immediately got to planning the invitations I would make for our April 6^th wedding. Being my own client was quite challenging and I’ll admit that several times I was "thiiiis" close to bagging the whole thing and sending out e-vites to my 38 guests. But a savvy indie business owner takes every opportunity she can for (shameless) self-promotion. Once I got rolling I really was enjoying the process and decided to take hand-made a bit further and spread it into other areas of the wedding, including the ceremony. Doing this allowed us to plan a beautiful wedding night in under 6 months for less than $3,000—for real!

 

Enlisting the creative brains of my friends and family was a huge help. I had the stationery elements covered, but there was more to it than that! 

 

It’d be a cold day in hell when I’d spend a week’s paycheck (or more!) on a dress I’d wear for a few hours and then, never again. I tried on a ton of wedding gowns that were just “ok”…believe it or not, the “one” was a bridesmaid’s dress! It came in multiple colors, so having it made in ivory was no problem. They even custom cut the back of the dress to accommodate covering my giant bra! And are you ready for the price tag—sit down…$236. True story.

 

We wanted our wedding to feel more like a dinner party amongst friends, so we were very selective with our guest list. More important than any décor items, was our ceremony. I walked down to the aisle to Annie Lenox’s version of “Waiting in Vain”—one song out of our five-hour IPOD music mix that played all night. Because of the intimate nature of what we were about to do—profess our love and hearts in front of our nearest and dearest—it needed to make an impact. Instead of selecting passages out of a book, Darryl and I stayed up late the night before the wedding and wrote our own version of what we’d promise to each other throughout our lives together. Then, we exchanged rings that we had custom made by a local jewelry artisan. Later, our guests described the experience of witnessing that moment as touching and very intense.

 

With such a small amount of guests, we only needed four large round tables for dinner. When a florist quoted me $800 to put centerpieces on the table I nearly died! After all, at the end of the night the flowers would be gone…along with our $800! So instead, I chose to have just a bouquet made along with some corsages and boutonnières for our parents. My mom, who is an avid gardener with a knack for everything she touches, picked up some bulk flowers at our local grocery. She used vintage vases that she had already, and added some local greenery from her own garden to make a few gorgeous arrangements for less than $20 each! On each table, I placed candelabras that I picked up at Home Goods on clearance—candlelight is perfect for an evening wedding! The entire room was decorated for under $250!

 

As a stationery designer, I have heaps and heaps of scrap paper cuttings from every job I complete, but I can never bear to throw them away. Good thing—I was able to use the scraps to print my own menus and place cards for each guest. My new husband is a huge Lord of the Rings fan, so as a nod to him, the menus featured a quote about food by J.R.R. Tolkien—little details like this require very little effort, but go a long way! I combined the place cards with the favors by wrapping up a set of 6 blank note cards that I’d made with each guest’s name. (Remember what I said about the shameless self-promotion?)

 

My best friend and maid of honor is also a pastry chef, and she made us a beautiful, petite wedding cake which we topped with a custom-illustrated bride and groom created from a photograph I’d sent to MissAvocado on Etsy. A friend from my college days shot photos for us all day long—we’ll then use the prints to create our own album.

 

Here’s the thing about weddings—they’re over before you know it! Knowing this I couldn’t justify spending excessively. We set a budget that we were comfortable with and we were easily able to maintain it by doing it ourselves! Best of all, we really felt like we were a “part” of our own wedding! It’s easier and a lot more manageable than you may think!

Thanks Alissa for sharing your special day with us. Be sure to visit Alissa's website Mew Paper Arts!

Outdoor Wedding Series - All in a Nest

If you are planning an outdoor wedding, maybe it's time to think outside the box. That's what today's company does. They take you outdoors and create beautiful accessories that are truly unique. That's what I love most about independent companies, they dare to be different.

Mosey Handmade is a company formed around the ideas of reconstructed, recycled and re-loved.

If you are planning a garden wedding Mosey Handmade makes an adorable line of "nest accessories" These nesting birds in yellows would be a perfect adornment as a cake topper.

These Groom Boutonnières are so whimsical, I love that they are created with vintage millinery supplies, real acorns and acorn tops, wool roving and real moss.

Head over to Mosey for these delightful accessories "all in a nest".

- Gabreial Wyatt, Vintage Indie

Today's Vintage Wedding Gown - Recycle Reduce Reuse Shop Vintage

Finding the perfect wedding dress can be somewhat of a challenge but what you are looking for may be deep in the roots of vintage style and flair. Go back in time with me as I highlight vintage wedding gowns each week. You never know maybe "the one" you've been looking for will be featured here. Not to mention buying a vintage dress is another way to recycle, reuse and reduce!

Today's vintage wedding gown comes from one of my favorite vintage shops Enigmavintage. It's a 1960's Dreamy White Satin and organza dress.
Shoulders: 16"(the width of the ruffle)
Bust: 16"
Waist: 12"
Hips: 16"
Length: 38"

Have an Indie Wedding Guide story? Share them with us!

- Gabreial, Vintage Indie

KT Jean Designs - Indie Alternative Wedding Dress

It is possible to find a dress that's not mass produced that has an even bigger "wow" factor. Today's Indie Alternative pick is from the ever so talented Katie Jean Walker of KT Jean Designs.

I fell in love with the chic designs and luscious layers of fabrics used to create this stunning custom spaghetti strap wedding dress. The price 900.00 for this exact dress, (other fabrics, variations may reflect price).

Looking to go with a classic black and white theme? This Black Vintage Slip Dress would coordinate beautifully for your bridesmaids with the above dress and can be custom sized.

I spoke a little further with Katie Jean about her business and what it means to her to be an independent designer.

Being an independent designer means first of all, I get to be home with my little boy Caden. He is so fun and I am happy I get to be with him so much. It also means that I get to be creative, do what I love, and make my own rules! ( Well, I work with brides a lot so it is really their rules I go by ;-), but I have a say in what I create and I get to put my style into everything I make. That is so cool to me! I am getting paid to do my hobby and other people actually like what I make, so I think I found my niche!

What kinds of items and service do you offer that the larger companies don't?

The service that I think I offer is my time. I spend a lot of time with each person talking about details to get exactly what they want. We discuss styles, fabrics, lengths, colors, and the list just goes on! Each of these dresses is completely one-of-a-kind because I make it to each persons preferences. As well as me spending a lot of time with people to make their piece perfect, I save them a lot of time and money in the long run. Since I create each piece using their measurements, there should be no need for serious alterations. I know that many large companies fit everyone into their sizes, but I don't have sizes, I make your dress "you sized". I have been wanting to expand my collection, but I am so busy with custom orders of the dresses I already feature! New stuff will be coming soon though!


Here are a couple of other things about me: I try to use vintage and recycled fabrics as much as possible, The first wedding dress I made was in January and since then I have had close to 50 orders.

Be sure to catch KT Jean Designs at her newly launched website kt jean:: Couture Design

The Non-Essentials with Guest Author Anne Chertoff From "I Will to I Do"

The Indie Wedding Guide would like to welcome our guest author Anne Chertoff From " I will to I do".  She writes a fabulous column on iVillage full of fabulous tips from planning to etiquette and everything in between. We hope you enjoy her latest tips on The Non-Essentials of your wedding, things you can really live witout - a bathroom hospitality basket, seat covers, SUV/Hummer Limos etc.  

The dress, cake and flowers are some of the signature elements of a wedding, but there are a lot of details that while they're nice to have, they aren't necessary. And since they are not essential pieces, you can save yourself a lot of money by deciding not to have these elements early on. Here are some if the items I'm talking about:

 

Hospitality basket for the restrooms. You do not need to supply your guests with toiletries in the bathroom. Check with the location manager to make sure that there is a first-aid kit incase someone needs a band-aid. Your guests will come with their hair done, so they won't need a brush or hairspray, and in reality the items you put in a hospitality basket will more than likely end up being a favor your guests take home, than something they'll actually use during your wedding.

 Chair covers. Unless the chairs you are using, or renting, are really awful – broken, bent, etc… - you don't need to rent chair covers for them. No one will leave your wedding saying, "That was a lovely wedding, but I think they should have covered those chairs." I promise.

 

   Over the top transportation. You can arrive at your wedding in whatever type of vehicle you like, but there is no rule that says you must show up in a limo. You can order a town car or just arrive in your own car (like I did). If you want to arrive or leave in a limo, a classic black or white stretch is fine. Larger limos (Hummers) are not only bad for the environment, they cost a lot of money, and can be difficult to get in and out of in a wedding dress.

 

 Save-the-date cards. Originally sent to notify guests of destination wedding details, today, save-the-date cards are sent for weddings held anywhere. But you don't need to send save-the-date cards at all. But if you do send them, only mail cards to people you are definitely planning on inviting to the wedding. Remember that whoever receives a save-the-date card also receives a wedding invitation.

{All contributed content/photos in this feature © Anne Chertoff From I Will to I Do Please do not copy or redistribute without permission}.

 

 

Designer View - Kristin of Sweeter Than Me Bridal

Recently I spoke with indie  jewelry designer Kristin Friesen of Sweeter Than Me Bridal to discuss  what it means to her to be an  independent business and designer.

What does it mean to you to be an independent jewelry designer?

To me, being an indie designer of any kind means self sufficiency. Sharing my work with others is a secondary (and equally wonderful) perk of making jewelry. For me, I love the fact that I can make virtually anything I see. If I see a necklace on a girl on the street and I want it, I go home and make one. I love being able to look in my closet and design the perfect pair of earrings to go with any given outfit. Jewelry is a luxury that many people cannot usually afford, myself included, and I love the fact that I can make a little something special for myself at a fraction of the cost. Another thing that is really special for me is seeing my pieces in real life. For example, I was at my in-law's house a week or so ago and I saw my mother-in-law wearing a pair of earrings I gave her. It means so much to me seeing people really use and appreciate the things I design, it makes me so happy. This is why I create.
                                 

What kinds of jewelry and service do you offer that the larger companies don't?

Well, the real difference between buying handmade and buying commercially produced items is the level of personal service you receive. There is a lot of competition in the world of handmade jewelry and I do my best to set myself apart, but the thing that sets me apart the most is my consistent excellent customer service. I really pride myself on my level of customer service, I am always 100% committed to the satisfaction of my customers and I think customer relationships are extremely important. (And I haven't had a single unhappy customer so far!)
                                       
    Another big difference is this ability to customize. Large companies offer certain styles and if you don't like them, well then tough. If you don't like my styles, well then we work together to create something you do like. I am always up for doing custom work because I know how hard it can be to find that thing that's "just right". This is especially true for brides. You have that very specific necklace in your mind but you just can't seem to find it anywhere! It can be overwhelming trying to shop for jewelry and intimidating to ask a seller directly for help. Keep in mind that indie designers are real people just like you, who would love to help solve your problem. I am always so honored when women ask me to design their jewelry, and I truly enjoy helping them to create their perfect piece.

All of the pieces at Sweeter Than Me Bridal can be customized and tailored to fit the needs of any bride. Many pieces are shown in white/pearl/silver as an example but can be made in gold, ivory, or any other color to match chosen wedding colors for brides or bridesmaids.

- Gabreial Wyatt, Vintage Indie