This is not the newest idea but I still love using magnets as Save the Dates! In fact we just ordered our Save the Dates from MagnetStreet.com. I particularly love the style we chose because it’s fun to showcase a few photos from all the years we’ve been together as well as provide something slightly useful as opposed to a piece of paper. Magnetstreet’s design tools were very easy to use and their customer service support has been great, especially considering that I had special requests for their designers. I can’t wait to see them in person when they hit my doorstep in a week or so!

This particular design is offered for $1.49 a piece when you order 100 pieces. Price varies if you want more or less. I also snagged a coupon code after some Googling and got an additional 10% off. Major win.

What do you think??

Dear Vera Wang,

You speak to my bridal soul. Every time I’m doubting I have the “bride gene,” I take a glance at your gowns and I’m immediately daydreaming of walking down the aisle. Currently I’m enamored with this beauty-

The striking black sash, the layers of luxurious fabric, and the playful textures make my jaw drop. There isn’t a whole lot more to say other than I love you Vera. You are a visionary genius.

And if anyone owns this gown and wants to sell me their used one… just let me know.

Which designer’s creations speak to your soul like Vera speaks to mine??

***UPDATE*** This dress is called “Eliza” from the Fall 2010 collection. It retails for $9,000-10,000.

***UPDATE 2*** Did you hear that sound??? I’m pretty sure that was god laughing at me.

Show me a girl who doesn’t love shoes and I’ll show you a liar. There’s just something about a new pair of heels that make you walk taller (metaphorically and literally), with more confidence, and maybe even a hint of sass. I love shoes and I’ve been come to be known amongst my friends as a bit of a shoe whore even. All brands from Payless to Manolo are in my closet and I love each and every pair.

So when it comes to the shoes I wear for my wedding- they’ve gotta be something special. And I’m not worried about comfort. You’re talking to the girl who wore high heeled boots on walking tours of London and ballet flats hiking up muddy trails in Napa the day I got engaged. And I’m convinced that all these years of self inflicted feet torture has only been in preparation for my wedding shoes. I’m prepared to endure for a pair of 5 inch beauties. I’ve been on a major shoe hunt for about a year. Yes, an entire year I have scoured shoe sites for the perfect foot adornment. I want black to go with the rest of my accessories and also so I can wear them again. White bridal shoes are rarely able to be worn after your day and colorful wedding shoes are a new trend, not to mention incredible practical for potential use later on. Here are a few of my favorites-

Badgley Mischka “Carlton” found at Nordstrom.

Tony Bianco “Grettel” Sadly only distributed in Australia and New Zealand.

Christian Loubouin “Declic Glitter Pumps” found at Saks.

Martinez Valero “Ozzie” found at Zappos. I believe these are a Louboutin look-a-like for a budget savvy bride with style.

Stuart Weitzman “Larosa” found on StuartWeitzman.com. These are my personal favorites and current front-runner for my wedding day. They would go perfectly with my belt!!

If you’re a fellow shoe whore who shares a passion for all that is tall let me know what you think! And please post a link to your favorite shoe if you’ve got it! I’d love some opinions and always open to other options and suggestions. You can never have too many.

And because of my post title- if you haven’t seen this YouTube video… watch it! Let’s get some shoes. Betch.

I saw this post on Ispiredbythis.com and was instantly captivated by Joel Serrato Films. His stunning videography is shot on Super 8 film which- though I have no idea what it actually is- seriously makes a difference in the final product. He captures the true meaning of your celebration- the whole point to everyone gathering on that day- the love. The love in the air is actually visible within the films.

I can’t embed his videos because they are too large for my little site, but go to his website and view them. Or go the post on InspiredByThis.com. You won’t regret it! Now if only he lived in Buffalo, NY!

If you’re planning your wedding and haven’t heard of Etsy- go there now. You can find anything you need and customize it to your desire with experienced designers. Invitations, jewelry, garters, pillows, gifts, articles of clothing, truly anything can be found and designed specifically for you. I found a few items that I want to share.

I found my headpiece on Etsy for a fabulous $45 through Brendasbridalveils. And just recently I purchased my sash/belt for my dress from EmiciBridal. The designer is Marie and she makes gorgeous sashes, pillows, and headpieces and is happy to customize anything you need. Her belt that I found was beautiful as is but I wanted it a little longer and sewn on top of a black ribbon so it won’t snag my dress. She’s making the alterations and my belt should be here in a couple weeks. I can’t wait to see it! The original belt is $125 and with my customizations I’m paying $200. Totally worth it considering other belts in bridal salons are easily twice this much and not as well made. This is the belt without my requested customizations-

Another one of my favorite Etsy vendors is Cathy5591. She makes some beautiful, delicate necklaces including this original beauty that gracefully decorates the brides back. And these pieces are a total steal $45-$60.

And check out these gorgeous bolero jackets from Tiana Che. Perfect for a bride who wants a little extra style or warmth. And no matter what color you choose, you can wear these long after the wedding is over as an awesome statement piece with a cute pair of jeans and some heels. HUGE plus. They are priced around $200.

These earrings ($119) are also a love of mine. They don’t necessarily go with the rest of my accessories otherwise, I’d buy them myself. But Lizardi Bridal makes really beautiful vintage looking jewelry and will customize any of her pieces to be perfect for you.

As I mentioned, these items are all at great prices and significantly less than what you’d pay at a bridal salon. Do some shopping around before you commit to your jewelry. These are pieces that you’ll want to keep around and even potentially pass down to family members or friends getting married. Work with a designer whose style you love and see if they can help you create those special pieces just for you or your bridesmaids. Enjoy!