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Wednesday nesting: Holiday style

I vow that someday my home will look this fabulous with freshly cut swags of greenery accenting the staircase and mistletoe hanging from just one of the many chandeliers ... hah! Isn't the gray somehow calming against the heavenly glitz and glam of all the crystals and ornaments? Like a breath of fresh air, I love it. Merry Christmas eve's eve! May you feel as festive as the feelings these photos evoke! Cheers!

{photos via Veranda magazine}
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Matt and Blair's West Village engagement shoot

I always enjoy checking in on Missy's blog and this time, I was in for a big treat with a cherry on top! Matt and Blair's West Village shoot is just phenomenal ... The photos make me want to grab J and jump on my old Schwinn to enjoy the crisp winter air ...



Check out more on Missy's blog here. And may you all have an engagement shoot as fun as this one looks. :o)
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Mylien + Nick's California Autumn wedding



Mylien and Nick wanted their wedding to embody the colors of fall and they couldn't have done a better job! The rusty oranges and reds look so dreamy mixed in with the softer cream accents. Love it! To see more from their lovely wedding, check out the slideshow here.

And now for a little insight on the day from the bride herself ...

Personal touches ... :
Both Nick and I made so many things for our wedding ... Branch centerpieces, hanging lighted columns, and [a] fall leaf chandelier. Both Nick and I made all the decor decisions to bring the room together. Also, our main color was orange and "Orange" is one of the many nicknames I have for Nick.

Favorite moment ... : The vows. I couldn't wait to share my journal entry with him and finally commit our lives to one another.

Advice to fellow brides ... : Don't procrastinate and plan ahead, RELAX, let it go and enjoy the actual wedding day, and lastly, make decisions in advance! I had a hard time making decisions and sticking to them which led to the worst case of procrastination with everything flooding in on the last few days.

Vendors ... :
Ceremony: St. John Vianney Church in San Jose, CA

Reception: Villa Ragusa in Campbell, CA (Alison was amazing!)
Coordinator: Adrienne Lee Tickled Events
Cake: Goldilocks
Lighting: Got Lights!
Photography: Alfred & Emma Salom (absolutely wonderful to work with and amazing pictures!)
Day Of Wedding Coordinator: Tickled Events, Adrienne Lee (she was awesome!)
Ice Sculpture: Ice Illusions
Make-up: Aimi Duong (better than I ever imagined!!!)
Hair: Alicia, Rootz Salon in Los Gatos (OMG, the best up-do hair style ever! My hair is hard to work with and she made it phenomenal.)
Wedding Dress: Jin Wang (True Couture Wedding dresses; she personally works with every client and is super sweet. Hands down the best wedding dress I've ever seen... and it happened to be mine!)

Thanks to Mylien + Nick {and Alfred Salom photography} for sharing this beautiful day!
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Vintage Finds: Typewriters

The thing I love most about vintage typewriters has to be, hands down, that satisfying ding of the return bell ... The sound alone conjurs up so many great images from the past ... busy, chattering newsrooms before deadline, an oak-paneled college library filled with co-eds and coffee ... or my favorite, a sweetheart carefully typing out a secret love letter to his beautiful bride-to-be.

What's not to love, right? That's why I get so excited to see more and more couples including these gorgeous relics of the past in their weddings either as guestbook stations or just as fabulous decor. Let's take a look at some examples ...



I just love the fun interaction that follows when guests get to crowd around a guestbook/typewriter station and leave words of wisdom and love for the couple. The sentiments they leave on paper make for an inspiring and beautiful piece of art to frame and hang in the newlywed's nest! Loving the idea as much as I am? Here's the sweet gem I have for sale:

About the typewriter:
This is a gorgeous Tiffany blue-colored Smith Corona portable typewriter from the 1960s - really the laptop of its day! It is a Cougar model and comes with its original hard carrying cover/case and has a cute handle that makes transporting a cinch.

This deliciously retro typewriter is in excellent vintage condition and has no chips or cracks. The only visible wear is found on the outside of the carrying case - there are a few minor dings and scratches along the exterior and base feet but overall, it is in superb condition. All keys are working and the return bell lets out the most delightful ring. It measures approximately 12" wide x 12" deep x 4" high.

Note: The typewriter ribbon has dried out a little bit, so it will need to be replaced with a universal ribbon before using.

Price: $248.00 + shipping SOLD
If you're interested in the typewriter and would like to request a shipping quote, just message me your zip code at theclassicbride@gmail.com! First come, first serve.

While this typewriter has sold, I have a few others for sale! Check out my inventory of vintage typewriters over in my shop, CBV!


If you're interested in any of the books, message me at theclassicbride@gmail.com for pricing and shipping information.

Finally, I just absolutely adoooooore the Tiffany blue shade of my typewriter and couldn't resist placing it in this Tiffany Blue wedding board I created awhile ago:

Doesn't it just look like it belongs? Love it! It would be perrrrrrrrfect if you're throwing a Tiffany blue wedding. ;o)

{Images: 1-4: taken from a Flights of Fancy board; 5-6: Style Me Pretty; 7-11: Style Me Pretty; 12-17: taken by me; 18-22 from a past board I created}
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Vintage Finds: Retro cameras {+ for sale!)

I had so much fun writing up the Classic Finds posts this season at Flights of Fancy that I've decided to put a spin on things and make "Vintage Finds" a Monday series on CB! I'll be spotlighting fun vintage {and sometimes modern} finds to incorporate in weddings but make sure you don't miss the last installment of Classic Finds this Friday - I'll be chatting about vintage globes! But for now, here's to the first installment of Vintage Finds.

I love, love, looooove incorporating vintage items in a wedding and one of my all-time favorites has to be vintage cameras. They embody such a nostalgic charm and are so much fun to use in wedding and engagement photos ... whether the groom is pretending to photograph his lovely bride or if someone is simply holding the sweet technology of yesteryear. Or they even look darling just sitting about as decor, both at a wedding and at home!

If you love this idea and are looking for a vintage camera of your own, keep reading. I have several for sale! Details below. 

One couple collected different styles of vintage cameras and created a do-it-yourself photobooth for guests. Adorable!

Hooked on the idea? Check out the selection of vintage cameras I have for sale in my wedding boutique! 

{Images, from top: 1+2: Tec Pateja; 3: Elizabeth Messina; 4: via The Bride's Cafe; 5-8: via Flights of Fancy; 9-12 taken by me}
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Real Wedding: Phuong + Gregory

You might recognize the beaaaaautiful bride as Mrs. Perfume from Weddingbee or from her highly addictive wedding blog, Macarons and Marie: My Modern Vintage Wedding. Regardless, I got hooked long ago following along as she planned a most decadent affair, absolutely fit for a queen, and by queen I am, of course, referring to the always très-chic Marie Antoinette. ;o) Scroll down for more eye candy and some fabulous insight from the bride herself ...


Tell us about your wedding style ... :All we knew in the beginning was that we were having a garden wedding at a historic mountain resort, The Homestead. The trend or fashion when I started wedding planning was "vintage." I interpreted this as 1930s, somewhere between old Hollywood and Gatsby. Gauzy, delicate, soft, and time-worn was the look combination I was going for. It worked very well with the setting. I blended in a bit of crisp 50s retro with my getaway dress (which my mom made from a vintage pattern).
Personal touches ... :
My mother made my veil out of two different types of vintage lace: Chantilly along the sides and a more substantial beaded Alençon at the bottom. She also sewed the bridesmaids dresses. I couldn't find the color I was looking for in ready-to-wear dresses, so my mom came to the rescue. I made macarons for the favors. The jewelry I wore was antique and vintage. Gregory's mom is an antiques dealer and has a garage full of amazing pieces. She gave me the vintage 1930s Art Deco earrings (the antique locket and clip I found on eBay). She also loaned us a bunch of old sterling ice buckets, water pitchers, and candlesticks for the centerpieces on our reception tables.

Favorite moment ... :
The stand-out moment of the wedding was when our officiant mistakenly read the marriage twice. So we kissed twice and are doubly married!
Advice to fellow brides ... :
It's easy to feel overwhelmed. Be present in the moment; find a minute or two to drink in the day. You will miss it otherwise.


And now, for all the nitty, gritty details:

Venue: The Homestead, Hot Springs, Virginia; set in the Allegheny mountains, it's a picturesque location. We had been going there on weekends for some time, and decided it would be the perfect location. I guess now we've solidified it as our special getaway place. In terms of wedding location, it was most convenient. Everything was right there in one spot so we didn't have to worry about transportation, lodging, etc. Also, the onsite coordinator made it so easy to plan.

Florist: Mountain Laurel Creations; a tiny start-up business. They were so accomodating and incredibly reasonable in their pricing. Last minute, I changed my bouquet to Amnesia roses, which were hard to source. They came through.
Dress: Vera Wang; it was a sample from www.yourdreamdress.com; the amazing thing is that the only alteration needed was a little hemming.
Invitations and paper goods: Lindsey Ryan. She's incredible and did a great job combining my idea of vintage, Parisian flea market, Ladurée, garden, Chinoiserie/indochine into a fantastic paper suite.

Etc.: I was obsessed with Ladurée macarons. Unfortunately they don't ship to the U.S. I was also keen on making something by hand that I could give to guests. So I made macarons for our favors. For those who know the difficulties of making macarons, I found a fool proof recipe!
Thanks so much for sharing an intimate sneak peek of your wedding with us, Phuong! And congratulations to both of you - all the best wishes for a long and loving marriage! xox.
And make sure to check out Phuong's gorgeous Etsy shop, Little White Dress, filled with oh-so-chic handmade dresses and accessories for weddings & parties! I especially love the sweet heirloom ring pillow! Timeless.
{All photos by Tim and Jamie Jackson}
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Wednesday Nesting, For the Well Dressed Home

I love coming across interesting home decor shops and that's just what I found when I clicked onto The Well Dressed Home several months ago. The site is brimming with beautiful things to fill your home - some are elegant, some are fun and silly, and some would be just perfect for a wedding.

The Well Dressed Home was kind enough to send me two of their fabulous boxwood wreaths featured above and while I currently have the beauties adorning our front and back entrance doors for the holidays, I think they would add such a refined touch to a wedding by gracing the double doors of a church or side doors to a garden ... remember this beautiful getaway idea using a boxwood wreath? All you'd really need is some white satin or velvet ribbon to tie and secure the wreath and presto! ... gorgeous + simple wedding decor!

Here's a few other items that I've been admiring from the shop:

This whitewash artichoke candle is the definition of classic. Would be stunning used as centerpieces on a long table for a modern, stream-lined reception.

Soaps almost too pretty to use - wouldn't they be a special touch in the bathroom for a seaside wedding?
The Well Dressed Home also has a vintage collection which I can't help but love, love, love! How cool is this art-deco styled box?! I think it would make such a unique gift for a special bridesmaid!

Enjoy shopping!

This post is sponsored by The Well Dressed Home. 
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Feathers + Brooches = Love

Wow! I'm really liking some of the styles from ban.do's new Black Label collection. Check them out here. Wouldn't they be fun for a rehearsal dinner? What do you think?
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My wedding dress, bolero + veil for SALE! *SOLD*

It's true! I have decided to sell my beautiful and beloved wedding dress, bolero and veil. While it was a tough choice, I have to admit it seems a waste for such a gorgeous frock to hang in my closet and receive no love while another bride could be enjoying it on her big day!

So, if you're interested, I've created some boards below that showcase almost all angles of the ensemble, as well as detail shots. Peruse at your leisure and if you still find yourself interested or with questions, shoot me an e-mail. Serious inquiries only, please!


ABOUT
The dress is a strapless, tea-length style and is made of ivory Alençon lace {a lace with a floral design on a sheer net background}. The lace is hand-beaded with pearls, clear glass beads and clear sequins. The dress has a natural waist with a satin belt and the skirt is lined with 8 layers of tulle. It is a true size 4 and the style is no longer available in bridal salons. *SOLD*

The bolero jacket is a custom-made piece. It was constructed by a hired seamstress and features a scalloped neck and three-quarter length sleeves. It was lovingly and heavily hand-beaded by my very talented mother who spent over 2,500 hours hand-beading pearls, glass beads and sequins in extremely intricate patterns to achieve the couture look that we couldn't find in the southeast. The beading on the bolero is beyond stunning in person and matches the dress to a tee. A truly exquisite piece. There are also clear clasps {making them invisible} on both the bolero and the dress to secure the bolero in place. They worked perfectly on my wedding day. *SOLD*

The blusher veil is simple and lovely. It is made of a single layer of ivory tulle and has a hair comb to ensure that it stays in place. *SOLD*

All pieces are in pristine condition with no spots, stains or evidence of wear.


PRESS

My bridal attire has been featured in both prestigious magazines and popular blogs and I have received so many wonderful compliments about my oh-so-classic look since the big day. Here are a few sweet highlights:
  • InStyle Weddings loved the look and said I had "incredible bridal style."
    To see the full feature, click here.
  • My wedding graced the pages of the uber-stylish Australian magazine, Wedding Style Guide this past spring. Here is an excerpt regarding my wedding day attire from the 4-page spread:
    "The bride was a true classic beauty, every detail carefully planned. Her lace bolero jacket was tailored for Sarah and lovingly hand-beaded by her mother."To see the full feature, click here.
  • My wedding and attire is also featured in the current Irish wedding glossy, B Magazine, in a 5-page spread. Click here to see the full feature.
If you'd like to see more photos of the ensemble, visit my Facebook photo gallery here.
And if you'd like more information/images/pricing, e-mail me at theclassicbride@gmail.com and I'll be happy to oblige.

{All images by Look Photography}
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Real Wedding: Modern Glam meets Backyard Chic

When I saw a sneak peek of Mike and Kristen's wedding on Look Photography's {fabulous} blog, I immediately e-mailed Vicki to find out more and to get an insider's look at the beautiful, very outside-the-box-style wedding. Once I saw the photos, I knew I had to share ... so scroll down for more eye candy and a short interview with the lovely bride ...

CB: Describe your wedding style in 5 words or less:
Kristen: Classic. Informal. Personal. Spectacular, Spectacular.

CB: Tell me what made you decide to have an intimate, backyard wedding.
K: We wanted a location that was personal to us – where we would always be reminded of the day and the love of not only our friends and family – but for each other. We bought the house knowing we wanted to be married at home – it exceeded our expectations and while we thought it might bring additional stress to planning – it was surprisingly peaceful and exciting.

CB: What is your favorite memory of the day?
K: Standing together at dark watching the sky lanterns take off and our guests illuminated by the the candle light, light on the bars, and light of the lanterns. It was as if time stood still for that moment.

CB: Favorite detail?
K: We loved having our friends play our wedding music. We loved seeing each other for the first time in our own back yard. We loved having the event feel like many different moments and that it kept changing with different sounds, light, food, and signature drinks. It was spectacular.

I love how cozy the backyard setting was and the incredibly glamorous vibe it took on after the sun went down:
Thanks for sharing a little bit of your big day with us, Kristen and Mike, and best wishes for a wonderful future together!

{All images by Look Photography}

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