Indie Wedding Guide

A Toast to our Sponsor - Dew on a Petal at Home

Vintage Indie & Eco-Chic Weddings would like to send a "toast" to our indie sponsor Dew on A Petal at Home . We are thrilled to have this fabulous indie company with us this month.

 

Dew on a Petal At Home provides beautiful handmade soy candles especially for your wedding.  After working with paraffin wax for many years, owner Marty  Vanslette stopped making candles for a time because paraffin was difficult to work with.  When she began reading about soy wax, she took her molds and supplies out of storage and decided to give it another try.  She was totally amazed with the creamy texture and superior properties of the soy wax so she began making a variety of candles as gifts before setting up shop on the internet.  Almost immediately, Marty began to receive requests to provide candles for weddings because she offered to customized orders and provided bulk pricing.  Brides have mainly requested unscented pillars, votives and tea lights, some with custom dyes to match the color scheme.

Who doesn’t love candles, especially at a wedding?   They have deep spiritual symbolism as the guiding light for two people beginning a new life together.  They testify to the solemn vows spoken during the ceremony and bring ambiance to the celebration..  We feel their presence from the subtle glow that gives the room a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Marty hand-pours each candle and has tested each candle extensively to ensure that they burn property.    Her candles are completely vegan, are long-lasting and burn clean. Soy is a completely renewable resource, so when the candle is gone, the container can be washed with hot soapy water and re-used.    In addition, she has a unique buy-back program and will repurchase unused wax to recycle into new candles.  What better way to make your wedding even more eco-friendly and guilt-free?

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. Lara 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