Ceremony Reading Inspiration: Louis de Bernieres

My fiance and I have been stuggling to choose and agree upon readings for our ceremony.  Our predicament led me wonder how common of an issue this is between engaged couples.  Our main problem is that he is a Christian, and wants a Bible reading, while I do not adhere to any particular religion, and find that many Bible readings do not really align with my values.  Thus, we decided to compromise.  One of our readings will be a standard Bible chapter of his choice, and another one will be my choice.  As a lover of great literature, I want a novel excerpt that really speaks to us a couple.  So far, I'm strongly leaning towards this excerpt from Captain Corelli’s Mandolin by Louis de Bernieres:

“Love is a temporary madness; it erupts like volcanoes and then subsides. And when it subsides you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of eternal passion. That is just being in love, which any fool can do. Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident. Those that truly love have roots that grow towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossoms have fallen from their branches, they find that they are one tree and not two.”  
  
This may be short, but I think it's really sweet and I love its realistic take on love.  But I need feedback on this! What do you think of this reading?  Does anyone have other readings that you used in your wedding or have heard at other weddings that you might post as suggestions? Thanks :)

The Cape Cod Bracelet

Today is such a gloomy, dreary day in Chicago that I was not feeling much wedding inspiration.  That is, until I happened to glance down at my wrist and noticed my Cape Cod bracelet.  I suddenly realized that I cannot have a blog about weddings on Cape Cod without including a post about this part of the area's culture!

If you are not familiar with Cape Cod, it is highly unlikely that you would recognize the fact that nearly all women there wear the same bracelet.  The Cape Cod Screwball bracelet was first designed by Eden Hand Arts in Dennis, Massachusetts.  Legend has it that the creator failed to get a patent on this great piece of jewelry, and now the Cape Cod bracelet has become so popular that there are tons of knockoffs at local jewelry stores.  The style of the Cape Cod bracelet has also been transformed into lots of other accessories, including rings, necklaces, earrings, and anklets.  The original bracelet was two-toned, with sterling silver and a 14k gold ball in the center.  They are now also available in all sterling or all gold.  I highly recommend that anyone having a New England (or beyond!) wedding incoporate these lovely accessories.  They are so timeless and classic that they would make great wedding gifts for bridesmaids and mothers.  Even more important is the fact that these are custom sized, so get them for the flower girls as well!

Bridesmaid's Dress Inspiration

It can be so challenging to find high quality, pretty dresses for your bridesmaids in your wedding colors that are also affordable.  Whether you are kind enough to pay for them or your ladies are buying the dresses themselves, bridesmaids' dresses can be a major part of a wedding budget.  Of course, JCrew and Ann Taylor are two reliable sources for fabulous attire, but most of their dresses average at least $200 a piece.  In this economy, being sensitive to the financial situation of your bridal party is a must.  That's why I just had to share this great versatile dress from Miss Brache with all you brides who have not yet outfitted your bridal party.  At only $98, this dress is not only gorgeous but budget beautiful too.  For a fun vintage vibe, have your bridesmaids channel the 1950's by wearing it with a belt and petticoat (also available for purchase), as seen in the top picture.  Or wear it plain for a more classic or formal event (bottom picture).  Even better, the dress can be created in a variety of colors to compliment your color palette, and is also custom sized, so your girls will not even have to pay for alterations! I only wish I had found this sooner so my girls could wear it!

Locket Love

I've been on a locket kick lately, so I thought I'd share my newest accessory obsession with everyone out there.  Not only do I love the versatility with these, as they look great on the weekend to dress up boyfriend jeans and a t-shirt and to compliment skinny jeans and heels for date night, but I also adore their vintage vibe.  These would also be great as bridesmaids gifts for those of you going for a vintage glam or DIY wedding theme!  All of these lockets can be found on Etsy and my advice is to choose one (or more) that suit your style. The first two are great for girly girls, as they combine flowers, pears, and/or beads for a really feminine touch.  If you prefer a more delicate, simple style, opt for the third locket, on a classic lariat chain.  Lastly, adding charms to lockets is a great way to detail personal interests or remember special parts of your past, such as a pet horse :-)

Vendors listed from top to bottom: Cosmic Girl,  Mia Beads, Whimsical Treasures, and Talula.

Vendor I Heart: Julie the Fish Designs

It can be really challenging to find gifts for your bridesmaids, especially if you have a diverse group of girls with different personal tastes.  One vendor that is sure to be a hit among all your bridesmaids, however, is Julie the Fish Designs.  I found her Etsy shop and adored her custom jewelry.  I had silver necklaces custom made for my bridesmaids with their names engraved on them, and chose pearl accents to match my wedding theme (she can do any birth stone as well).  She also offers a variety of bracelets, necklaces, and key chains for any special occasion.  She was a great designer to work with and I know my bridesmaids will love their necklaces!  At only $22 per necklace, I highly recommend you hightail it on over to her shop. 

Transportation On A Budget

I have another question to pose for all you past and present brides.  If on a budget, what is the best transportation to have for the bride and groom?  I love these alternatives to the traditional limo, and if the middle image does not convince you of the sheer awesome potential of a winter wedding, I don't know what could.  But, I don't think that they are necessarily less expensive.  I've thought of just going in our own vehicle, but I'm worried about the size of my dress and veil, and think that something with more room might be necessary.  Plus, getting in your dad's Subaru at the end of the ceremony does not make for the most elegant getaway, nor photo ops.  Transportation is necessary for us though, as our reception site is in a different town from our church.  So, does anyone know of any ways to have great wedding transportation, without breaking the bank?

Vendor I Heart: Emma Gordon London

I have a fantastic find today for all you ladies out there.  Of course, I found this vendor on Etsy.  But before you commit me to rehab for my Etsy addiction, you have to check out Emma Gordon London's fabulous collection of accessories.  Her handmade handbags are to die for, and would be a fun, chic compliment to your wedding dress.  If I didn't already have my wedding handbag, I would be ordering one of hers, stat.  And unless you want your bridesmaids drooling all over yours, I recommend ordering some for them too in your wedding colors (yes, she even makes custom bags *swoon*).  Plus, her matching headbands just scream Upper West Side chic (hello Gossip Girl).  Seriously, what are you waiting for?