Hello little Owls! I have some very bittersweet news for y'all. The Elegant Owl will no longer exist after this post. Because of a new direction we're taking with SH Weddings, we decided to lump our wedding planning company and blog all under one name. That new name is Get Hitched Weddings.
But fear not! Just because the blog is getting a new name doesn't mean that it's disappearing completely. We've migrated all our posts over to the new blog, and will continue to update over there. We would love for you to join us!
We know we've taken a back seat when it comes to updating the blog. We didn't mean for that to happen, but with these exciting changed under way, we really want to dedicate all our time to creating a perfect brand that we were proud to stand by, which was pretty time-consuming. We love The Elegant Owl, but Get Hitched Weddings suits our brand much better, and we're thrilled to be almost complete with all these changes. Regular blog posts will be back as early as next week. Yay!
The new blog is up and running. If you're a fan of The Owl on Facebook or Twitter, we'd like to inform you that all Get Hitched blog posts will be updated on our new Facebook and Twitter pages. Please come play with us over there! Our Facebook page for our new wedding planning brand and blog will be all in one convenient location. Woo hoo! All links you will need are down below.
The Get Hitched Blog
Get Hitched Weddings on Facebook
Get Hitched Weddings on Twitter
You guys have no idea how much we appreciate your support! That's why we'll be so excited to see your friendly faces on our new sites and fan pages. We would also like to thank you for your patience. We're so excited to get back on track and sharing amazing wedding finds and inspiration with you all.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Hugs,
Sam
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Sunday, April 10, 2011
I 'Heart' Hearts
I never used to be big on heart-inspired, well ... anything. But this week, I had a consultation with a new SH Weddings client and this cake (which I've bookmarked as inspiration for myself, too!) was in her inspiration file:
Max Wanger's wedding cake. Photo by Whitney and Jesse of Our Labor Of Love Photography
This cake just makes me happy, and I think it has everything to do with the simple and subtle little heart. As long as you keep it just that - simple and subtle that is - a heart-themed wedding is just absolutely adorable.
Here are some ideas to get you goin'.
Photo courtesy of Savvy Soirees. Vivienne Westwood makes a pair of shoes like these, but you could easily DIY your own shoe clips with some red patent leather and earring backs.
How cute is this little heart ring on the left? And on the right? Heck, I heart them both, which are from Asos. Asos offers free shipping both ways without any minimum purchase.
Heart necklace from CreationsByJuliann on Etsy.
Heart bouquet charms by braggingbags on Etsy. How cute would these be for each of your bridesmaids? I smell a photo op.
Heart table numbers, also by braggingbags on Etsy. Fill those mason jars with wildflowers, and you have a simple and sweet centerpiece that will make a pretty big statement.
Heart garland by thepathlesstraveled on Etsy.
Heart thank you sign by yourethatgirldesigns on Etsy.
Illustrated heart save-the-date cards by LunaPaperie on Etsy.
Heart invitation design by ShannaMicheleDesigns
Heart bouts for the groom! Left courtesy of Love and Lavender; Right courtesy of Straight From The Garden
Max Wanger's wedding cake. Photo by Whitney and Jesse of Our Labor Of Love Photography
This cake just makes me happy, and I think it has everything to do with the simple and subtle little heart. As long as you keep it just that - simple and subtle that is - a heart-themed wedding is just absolutely adorable.
Here are some ideas to get you goin'.
Photo courtesy of Savvy Soirees. Vivienne Westwood makes a pair of shoes like these, but you could easily DIY your own shoe clips with some red patent leather and earring backs.
How cute is this little heart ring on the left? And on the right? Heck, I heart them both, which are from Asos. Asos offers free shipping both ways without any minimum purchase.
Heart necklace from CreationsByJuliann on Etsy.
Heart bouquet charms by braggingbags on Etsy. How cute would these be for each of your bridesmaids? I smell a photo op.
Heart table numbers, also by braggingbags on Etsy. Fill those mason jars with wildflowers, and you have a simple and sweet centerpiece that will make a pretty big statement.
Heart garland by thepathlesstraveled on Etsy.
Heart thank you sign by yourethatgirldesigns on Etsy.
Illustrated heart save-the-date cards by LunaPaperie on Etsy.
Heart invitation design by ShannaMicheleDesigns
Heart bouts for the groom! Left courtesy of Love and Lavender; Right courtesy of Straight From The Garden
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Spring Inspiration From Martha Stewart Weddings
Hello little owls! This past weekend I was so inspired by the Spring 2011 Martha Stewart Weddings magazine, that I had to share some favorites with you. For another sneaky peeky, check out my video review of this as well by clicking here.
(All photos courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings)
I'm dying for this gorgeous color palette for Spring, Summer and Fall. Who says bridesmaids can't wear shades of ivory?
A great DIY birdcage veil tutorial.
Confetti programs are such a great way to have a beautiful recession back down the aisle without too much coordination!
How cute is this vintage-inspired place setting pattern from Lenox?
I'm smitten with this adorable backyard wedding.
Get your fringe on with this fun and creative themed wedding!
For more information, visit Martha Stewart Weddings for all kinds of inspiration overload!
(All photos courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings)
I'm dying for this gorgeous color palette for Spring, Summer and Fall. Who says bridesmaids can't wear shades of ivory?
A great DIY birdcage veil tutorial.
Confetti programs are such a great way to have a beautiful recession back down the aisle without too much coordination!
How cute is this vintage-inspired place setting pattern from Lenox?
I'm smitten with this adorable backyard wedding.
Get your fringe on with this fun and creative themed wedding!
For more information, visit Martha Stewart Weddings for all kinds of inspiration overload!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Etsy Spotlight: Nature-Inspired Jewelry From Lana0Crystal
Hi everyone! Long time, no talk, right? Well I'm back today with an Etsy spotlight that I'm thrilled about. I've been following Lana0Crystal for over a year now, and I'm such a huge fan of her work. It's so hard for me to not make a purchase every time I visit her Etsy shop! In fact, I only have one piece from her, believe it or not, and it's one of my favorite necklaces I own (to see what it is, click here for the Lana0Crystal video feature!). I love, love, love nature-inspired jewelry, and Lana's pieces are just that with a vintage twist. I'm in heaven. Using mostly metals, stones, crystals and pearls, Lana's jewelry is such a great bridesmaid gift idea, especially for a vintage-inspired wedding.
It was incredibly difficult to pick only a few items to showcase for you today, but I did narrow it down some! Take a looksie. Please note that all photos are courtesy of Lana0Crystal.
I'm truly obsessed with the bird nest necklaces - I want them all! And at such fair prices, I just might have to make a purchase very soon :)
Thank you, Lana, for making such amazing, unique and adorable jewelry! Please be sure to visit her Esty shop for her full collection.
It was incredibly difficult to pick only a few items to showcase for you today, but I did narrow it down some! Take a looksie. Please note that all photos are courtesy of Lana0Crystal.
I'm truly obsessed with the bird nest necklaces - I want them all! And at such fair prices, I just might have to make a purchase very soon :)
Thank you, Lana, for making such amazing, unique and adorable jewelry! Please be sure to visit her Esty shop for her full collection.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
I'm just sayin'! Wedding Dresses From Mod Cloth
Singing the Blooms Dress, Mod Cloth
In general, I think Mod Cloth dresses are always a bit too short, but if this were longer, or hit the knee, how cute would a bride be in this? Love!
Also, what about these two, also from Mod Cloth?
Swan Cloud Dresses in blue and pink
How cute would they be with these accessories?
Bouquet from OnceWed; shoes from BHLDN; hair clip from Oh My Deer
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
My Review of the Anthropologie BHLDN Wedding Collection
Hello everyone! I'm pretty sure every single wedding blog out there reviewed the new bridal collection from Anthropologie, BHLDN. The collection took me a while to really look at and I felt like to form an honest opinion, I needed to take the day and let it soak in.
And it has!
My verdict? It's a definite hit, with a few misses.
Overall, I'm in love. The textures alone in the gowns and dresses are stunning. I love that they played with that. The vintage details that have been added to the dresses truly give the "out-of-grandma's-attic" feel, albeit, for a hefty price. Yes, these gowns are GORGEOUS, but as with anything from Anthropologie, very expensive. I think that might be the collection's biggest downfall. I, of course, didn't expect this collection to be super affordable, but I also wasn't expecting the price tags currently attached to the dresses and accessories. Two of the weddings gowns offered are $600, a few at $1,000 and the rest can go up to $4,000, which isn't bad. However, the bridesmaids/special occasion gowns start at $200, most average $350, and some go up to over $1,000. Unless you're having a platinum wedding, I don't think the majority of these dresses are affordable for most bridesmaids, sadly. I also wasn't fond of the bubble-hemmed dresses, which seemed outdated (and not in a classy vintage way!) The accessories, I thought, were priced most outrageously, unfortunately. I found the jewelry pieces, especially, to be way, way overpriced, even for Anthropologie. A lot of the jewelry pieces seemed very simple and not quite as unique considering the price tag. I feel like the brand really took advantage of the "bridal" association with these pieces and really jacked up the prices. However, some of the cover-ups and shoes I thought were decently priced and well worth the cost.
Overall, a stunningly beautiful collection that I adore. I really do. I hope that over time, they continue to develop this collection to include more styles at accessible price points for the average bride and her bridesmaids.
So, without further ado, here are my favorites from the collection!
Can anyone guess my favorite piece from the collection? No? Well, here it is:
Gah! It's simply amazing. I'm smitten with this dress. I would love to wear this with amazing shoes and bright red lips.
A close second is this dress:
I think I've managed to pick out two of the more expensive pieces from this collection. I adore this one as well, and ditto with the bright red lip :)
So there you have it! My review of the new Anthropologie BHLDN collection. Be sure to visit the website for the full line (I only posted my favorites).
And it has!
My verdict? It's a definite hit, with a few misses.
Overall, I'm in love. The textures alone in the gowns and dresses are stunning. I love that they played with that. The vintage details that have been added to the dresses truly give the "out-of-grandma's-attic" feel, albeit, for a hefty price. Yes, these gowns are GORGEOUS, but as with anything from Anthropologie, very expensive. I think that might be the collection's biggest downfall. I, of course, didn't expect this collection to be super affordable, but I also wasn't expecting the price tags currently attached to the dresses and accessories. Two of the weddings gowns offered are $600, a few at $1,000 and the rest can go up to $4,000, which isn't bad. However, the bridesmaids/special occasion gowns start at $200, most average $350, and some go up to over $1,000. Unless you're having a platinum wedding, I don't think the majority of these dresses are affordable for most bridesmaids, sadly. I also wasn't fond of the bubble-hemmed dresses, which seemed outdated (and not in a classy vintage way!) The accessories, I thought, were priced most outrageously, unfortunately. I found the jewelry pieces, especially, to be way, way overpriced, even for Anthropologie. A lot of the jewelry pieces seemed very simple and not quite as unique considering the price tag. I feel like the brand really took advantage of the "bridal" association with these pieces and really jacked up the prices. However, some of the cover-ups and shoes I thought were decently priced and well worth the cost.
Overall, a stunningly beautiful collection that I adore. I really do. I hope that over time, they continue to develop this collection to include more styles at accessible price points for the average bride and her bridesmaids.
So, without further ado, here are my favorites from the collection!
Can anyone guess my favorite piece from the collection? No? Well, here it is:
Gah! It's simply amazing. I'm smitten with this dress. I would love to wear this with amazing shoes and bright red lips.
A close second is this dress:
I think I've managed to pick out two of the more expensive pieces from this collection. I adore this one as well, and ditto with the bright red lip :)
So there you have it! My review of the new Anthropologie BHLDN collection. Be sure to visit the website for the full line (I only posted my favorites).
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Updates, happenings and feelings
Hola, everyone! We've been back from Mexico fora little over a week, just in time for the awesome blizzard we had in Chicago here a few days ago. How fun!
I just wanted to update you all on some thing we've been doing here at The Owl and at SH Weddings. In January, we started a YouTube channel as a more interactive way to reach out to our readers and audience. We've had a BLAST creating these videos for you, and we hope that you find them useful. Rather than inspiration, the channel is more devoted to wedding planning and coordination topics, so we want to hear what you have to say. Do you have anything you want us to talk about? Leave us a comment and let us know! We'll be happy to make a video and address it. Seriously.
Secondly, I'm sure you've noticed we haven't been updating The Owl as regularly as we had planned. And since I was bitten by the feelings bug this morning, I'm going to be honest with you all. It's a LOT more work than I anticipated. I still adore this blog and will keep updating and discovering new photographers to share with you, but I've come to the conclusion that I will probably not be able to add new posts every day. My new goal is three posts per week of real weddings and fashion inspiration. Y'all, it's REALLY tough putting a single blog entry together that's loaded with beautiful photos! It really is quite the process, and I didn't realize that when I started. I'm ashamed to be admitting this, honestly. Please keep in mind that many of the popular wedding blogs out there - namely, Style Me Pretty - is the editor's only job. Because my main priority will always be my clients at SH Weddings, I really need to devote the majority of my time to that.
And as I've recently found, creating YouTube videos is actually a less time-consuming process (I swear!), and I feel it's also something that many other wedding professionals aren't utilizing, so right now, I'm really enjoying that a lot.
In the meantime, over the next year (grand scale, people!), The Elegant Owl might be changing names to correlate more with SH Weddings. I'm not yet sure what that means, but let me explain. When I started this blog, I didn't know if I would be starting a business right away. My main goal was to dabble into wedding blogging first, and take it from there. But shortly after I built this page, SH Weddings was born, and I never really had time to redesign them both to go together, which is what I would ultimately prefer. This blog will always remain edited and run by us, but the name may change in the future. To what extent, we shall see! That's pretty far into the future, though.
So there you have it! This was a bit longer of a ramble than I was anticipating, but I would rather keep you all in the loop than in the dark. I hope you don't hate me and you continue to be inspired by what we post. We do really try to find inspiration that's easily accessible to the average bride, but that is also very, truly unique. We don't aim to ever be a Style Me Pretty - we just aim to stay true to ourselves :)
We love you all, and we are always thanking you for your continued support. We truly are.
Hugs,
Us Little Owls
I just wanted to update you all on some thing we've been doing here at The Owl and at SH Weddings. In January, we started a YouTube channel as a more interactive way to reach out to our readers and audience. We've had a BLAST creating these videos for you, and we hope that you find them useful. Rather than inspiration, the channel is more devoted to wedding planning and coordination topics, so we want to hear what you have to say. Do you have anything you want us to talk about? Leave us a comment and let us know! We'll be happy to make a video and address it. Seriously.
Secondly, I'm sure you've noticed we haven't been updating The Owl as regularly as we had planned. And since I was bitten by the feelings bug this morning, I'm going to be honest with you all. It's a LOT more work than I anticipated. I still adore this blog and will keep updating and discovering new photographers to share with you, but I've come to the conclusion that I will probably not be able to add new posts every day. My new goal is three posts per week of real weddings and fashion inspiration. Y'all, it's REALLY tough putting a single blog entry together that's loaded with beautiful photos! It really is quite the process, and I didn't realize that when I started. I'm ashamed to be admitting this, honestly. Please keep in mind that many of the popular wedding blogs out there - namely, Style Me Pretty - is the editor's only job. Because my main priority will always be my clients at SH Weddings, I really need to devote the majority of my time to that.
And as I've recently found, creating YouTube videos is actually a less time-consuming process (I swear!), and I feel it's also something that many other wedding professionals aren't utilizing, so right now, I'm really enjoying that a lot.
In the meantime, over the next year (grand scale, people!), The Elegant Owl might be changing names to correlate more with SH Weddings. I'm not yet sure what that means, but let me explain. When I started this blog, I didn't know if I would be starting a business right away. My main goal was to dabble into wedding blogging first, and take it from there. But shortly after I built this page, SH Weddings was born, and I never really had time to redesign them both to go together, which is what I would ultimately prefer. This blog will always remain edited and run by us, but the name may change in the future. To what extent, we shall see! That's pretty far into the future, though.
So there you have it! This was a bit longer of a ramble than I was anticipating, but I would rather keep you all in the loop than in the dark. I hope you don't hate me and you continue to be inspired by what we post. We do really try to find inspiration that's easily accessible to the average bride, but that is also very, truly unique. We don't aim to ever be a Style Me Pretty - we just aim to stay true to ourselves :)
We love you all, and we are always thanking you for your continued support. We truly are.
Hugs,
Us Little Owls
Friday, January 21, 2011
On Vacation!
Hello, everyone! We'll be taking a vacation from January 22-28. Around this time tomorrow, we'll be in sunny Cozumel, Mexico :) We'll see you when we get back! Gracias!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Real Florida E-Session: Tiffany and Mike
Hello, hello, everyone! I was absolutely smitten when I saw these photos waiting for me in my inbox. Photographed by the very talented Florida-based Jordan Weiland, I love how natural, calm, but very stylish these photos are. I'm so partial to sessions that incorporate fruits (Ah! Florida oranges! How appropriate!) just because it automatically gives a very ethereal and organic quality to the photos, which I absolutely love. Tiffany and Rick are such an adorable couple, and I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I do!
Session styled by Mary Galletta
Thank you so much to Jordan Weiland for sharing these photos with us today! Everyone, please be sure to stop by her beautiful blog for more lovely inspiration. Let's hope Jordan won't be a stranger to The Owl! Tiffany and Mike, I simply adored these photos, and I'm wishing you lots of happy memories together as you plan your wedding.
Session styled by Mary Galletta
Thank you so much to Jordan Weiland for sharing these photos with us today! Everyone, please be sure to stop by her beautiful blog for more lovely inspiration. Let's hope Jordan won't be a stranger to The Owl! Tiffany and Mike, I simply adored these photos, and I'm wishing you lots of happy memories together as you plan your wedding.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
