Trend Watch: Woodland Weddings

For brides with upcoming weddings to plan, there are many beautiful wedding trends this year. One of my favorites is the woodland wedding. Combining rustic elements and natural elegance is at the heart of this event. Long veils, garlands, touches of fairy dust, intimate settings, family style food service - these are all ways of rethinking the traditional wedding experience.

Here are some ideas from Etsy to get you starting planning your perfect woodland event!

'Woodland Wedding' 

Lace trimmed bridal veil wit... Foxandharedesi... $135	olive green chocolate brown ... ShyMyrtle $1	Edible Sugar Ferns & Fiddle ... andiespecialty... $250	Rustic Save the Date Card, T... starboardpress $2.9
Burlap Table Runner 12"... AntoArts $9.5	5 Wildflower Seed Bombs factsandfigure... $5	SMALL Great Oak Design, The ... bleudetoi $60	Handmade Engagement Diamond ... ChincharMalone... $777
Grey Colors Cotton Ball Wedd... thailights $11.5	Birds Nest Cake Toppers for ... FairyfolkWeddi... $40	Cufflinks, Soldered Pewter -... dabbledesigns $24	50 Burlap chair sash - Rusti... MadeInBurlap $170
Fern Green Stud Earrings, Br... RewElliott $17	Rustic Boutonniere, Woodland... hazelfaire $14	twig nest and moss ring bear... whichgoose $28	Natural Twig Bark Pencils 7 ... Zadati $2.5

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R.E. Style Feature : Sija Felt

Sigita of Sija Felt knew that capelets and boleros were chic long before the bridal industry decided they were trendy. Her hand felted pieces whisper quiet elegance and sophistication while maintaining a distinctly modern appeal. A financial specialist by trade, her natural creativity and her flair for fashion are perfectly put to use as an artisan of blissfully charming bridal-wear.

Photo Credits: Sija Felt

Color Palette : Garden Party

The weather is golden and garden weddings abound!  Late summer is the perfect time for a classically elegant event at a chic outdoor venue. Add a touch of vintage flair and and you have an affair that would make Jay Gatsby green with envy.



Photo Credits: Erin Hearts Court Photography, Tanja Lippert Photography, Mi Belle Photography, Maine Seasons Events, Scott Stater Photography, Mark Brooke Photograpy
Flowers: Dandelion Ranch

Jaime + Nathan : Rustic Engagement Session

Photo Credits : L. A. Photography

Take a gorgeous setting, add two beautiful people, throw in a talented photographer, and you have the perfect recipe for an amazing engagement shoot. Shot in Mt. Olive, Alabama, the rustic setting was perfect for Jaime, who grew up on a horse farm, and Nathan, a lifelong outdoors-man. "We wanted something very natural and organic, outside, and simple" said Jaime. 

R.E. Style Feature : Bead Flora

Photo Credits : Bead Flora & Jewels

I've known Fen of Bead Flora & Jewels for nearly as long as I've been an Etsy artisan. Her beautiful hand beaded floral creations are truly something special. Fine craftsmanship and elegant design are hallmarks of her exquisite work. Her designs were also included in the 2012 MTV Movie Awards celebrity gift lounge via The Artisan Group. Read on for more of my fantastic interview with Fen.

Melissa + Paul : Kenwood Depot Wedding

Photo Credits: Maria Villano Photography

R.E. Style Feature : Olivia Nelson

Photo Credits: Olivia Nelson

Today's R.E. Style features luxury bridal accessory shop, Olivia Nelson. From feathery fascinators to jeweled headbands and lace gloves to chic birdcage veils, owner Jaclyn Nelson artfully crafts each of her heirloom quality creations with an attention to detail that is immediately evident. I simply love the undeniable vintage-chic appeal of her classically feminine designs.

In the Details : Fabric Bouquets

The bridal bouquet is just as important to the bridal ensemble as the accessories, the shoes, the hair, and the gown itself. My own bouquet was gorgeous. It was full, it was delicately hued, it was complete eye candy... and it was dead after a week. Had I known about fabric flower bouquets at the time, I'm pretty sure I would have invested in a bouquet that would have stayed beautiful for years to come.

Fabric Flower Bouquet with Pearls and Rhinestones by Cultivar

Color Palette : Sand & Sea

Sand, surf and sky... is there a more beautiful setting for a spring or summer wedding? Today's color palette reflects the soft tranquility of the beach, played out in gentle hues of driftwood gray and muted coral, accented by crisp white and classic beige. Romantic. Intimate. Relaxed. This is one of my favorite color combinations - so much so that I used it at my own beach wedding!




Photo Credits : David Fittin, Alexandra Meseke Photography, Millie Holloman, Christina Szczupak Photography, Jen and Travis Photography

Christi + Adam : Elegant Texas Wedding

With a classic color scheme and elegant vintage touches, Christi and Adam's wedding was truly a class act event. Held at scenic Elmwood Gardens in Palestine, Texas, the picture perfect location was just the right backdrop for the couple's sophisticated event. Details such as Christi's gorgeous brooch bouquet, the classic red rose centerpieces, and their chic ribbon wrapped cake combined with the charming location to create a romantic atmosphere that was beautifully captured by photographer, Brandi Burkett.

Photo Credits: Brandi Burckett Photography

Color Palette : Coffee and Cream

Who doesn't love the perfect pairing of coffee and cream? Understated, classic, warm, inviting -That's the inspiration for today's color palette. Accenting the complementary espresso and ivory hues are subtle notes of pale pink, warm yellow, and quiet greens... an unassuming color combination that is elegant, yet welcoming.



Photo Credits : Caroline Tran, Lisa Lefkowitz, Lauren Ross Photography, Elisabeth Millay Photography, Erin Wallis Photography, Jessica Claire

R.E. Style Feature : Zoey Catherine Accessories

With the traditional veil no longer a must wear accessory, fascinators, hair jewelry, feathered finery, and billowing blooms are all popular options for the modern bride. Today's R.E. Style Feature, Zoey Catherine Accessories, features many beautiful options for the bride looking for that special and unique accent piece. "I knew creating art and wearable art was my calling" she told me, and her passion for artistic beauty is evident in her stunning creations. From classic and elegant to edgy and funky, her shop is full of options for every bride's taste. 

Photo Credits : Zoey Catherine Accessories

In the Details : Wish Tree Tags

Wish trees have become a popular alternative to the traditional guest book. This charming Dutch custom has given rise to all sorts of wish tree and tag designs. Traditional wish trees consist of a beautiful tree branch placed next to the bride and groom's table at the reception. Guests write their special wish for the happy couple on paper leaves attached to pieces of colorful ribbon, which the bride and groom can then hang on the tree.

Wish Tree Tags by Pieper's Timeless Memories

Color Palette : Carnival of Color

Today's color palette is a lively carnival of color featuring some of this spring's trendiest hues. From tangerine orange and poppy red to sweet lilac and cool cockatoo blue, this eye-catching medley of color and texture will ensure your big day makes a big impact.




Photo Credits: Red Ribbon Studio, Michael Segal Photography, Diana Lupu Photography, Miranda Laine Photography, Jessamyn Harris Photography, Jen Lauren Grant

Dawn + James : Eco-Friendly Wedding

Today's real wedding features Dawn and James' eco-friendly event at the Four Rivers Environmental Center, located just outside of Chicago in the McKinley Woods Forest Preserve. As the bride told me, "By planning a 'green' wedding, we hope that our eco-friendly elements lessen the environmental footprint of our special day and truly make a difference." 


Their story is a classic opposites attract tale. Dawn is from the city, James is from the country. She's and interior designer, he's a farmer & lumberjack. It was important to them for their wedding to reflect both of their personalities and to maintain an elegant feel while incorporating natural elements. The result was an intimate, sophisticated event that perfectly represented the blending of two unique individuals. 

Photo credits : Elizabeth Greve Photography

R.E. Style Feature : Cedar Wood Rustics

With so many brides looking to capture the easy, laid back mood of a rustic-chic wedding, today's R.E. Style feature is sure to be busy this wedding season. After creating much of the decor for their own wedding, creative husband and wife duo, Kayla and Gary Sloan, founded Cedar Wood Rustics. Their Etsy based shop is filled with everything a bride might need to accent and accessorize her themed wedding. 

Photo Credits: Cedar Wood Rustics

In the Details : Confetti Cones

When planning your wedding, it's the attention to detail that can take your event from memorable to unforgettable. Today's detail of note is confetti cones, also known as toss cones or petal cones. Fill them with bird seed, flowers, or confetti for your reception exit - or use them to hold sweet treats at your dessert display or as pretty favor cones. These simple little containers can really have a big impact when grouped together and elegantly showcased.

Petal Cones, Image Credit : Ashton Jean-Pierre Photography

Color Palette : Lemon Meringue

When I think spring I think lemon - as in fresh and citrusy, crisp and refreshing, light and delicious - like lemonade or lemon meringue pie. Today's color inspiration is all of those things and more - fresh, romantic, and full of vintage charm - perfectly made for spring and summer weddings. Sit back and take a bite of this scrumptious color palette!



Photo Credits: Verve Photo Co, Christian Oth Studio, Erich McVey Photography, Megan Reeves Photography, Braedon Photography, Nancy Neil Photography

Trend Watch : Peonies

Romantic, lush, delicate and elegant - all traits that are quickly making this beautiful bloom the fleur de jour for brides and wedding planners alike. Peonies have traditionally embodied romance and prosperity and are regarded as omens of good fortune and a happy marriage. Amazingly versatile, they look at home in rustic and formal settings alike. 

Peonies mixed with roses and sweet peas.
Flowers by : Peony and Plum, Photo Credits: Picotte Weddings

R.E. Style Feature : Sofisticata

I have long adored the handiwork of today's R.E. Style feature, Hirjalda Mobley of Sofisticata. Very popular among Etsy shoppers and shop owners alike, she specializes in handmade fascinators, hair pieces, hair pins, and more. But today, I'd like to focus on her gorgeous shoe clips. Shoe clips are gaining in popularity and are a wonderful way to insert your personality into your bridal ensemble. Classic or funky, understated or over the top - Hirjalda's shop has something for every bride. 

Photos Courtesy of Sofisticata