Throwback Thursday: The Renaissance Style Wedding

Today I could not help but feel inspired by Shakespeare. I already posted one blog article earlier that managed to incorporate a wedding-esque version of Hamlet’s speech (“to sit or not to sit” is indeed a question) but I just was not ready to be finished with this guy! Being an actress in my freetime, I have a special place in my heart for Shakespeare. I may not always entirely understand what he is saying, but I do enjoy saying it. That’s what matters. There is no question there. So, continuing with my Shakespeare-kick, I decided to look into wedding trends that would represent a (Thursday) throwback to his era. What I discovered fit my love of Shakespeare well: the trend of his time reimagined for today’s wedding is aptly described as “Renaissance.” How might I describe the Renaissance style? Luxurious, epic, and majestic. With gowns featuring brocade fabric elements, enchanting v-necklines, corset-style bodices, and dual-layered dress-skirting, I could not help but experience a rebirth of my love for all things Renaissance, Shakespeare, and wedding-oriented. The jewelry is intricate and softly ornate, standing as a reflection of the high-gothic art that once hailed across Europe during this time period. Color choices in bouquets, centerpieces, and overall design elements are deep, lush, and earthy, connoting power, strength, and solidarity. Above all, what strikes me as most significant about the influence of this time period on wedding fashion is the fascination with details, artistry, and a true enduring love of beauty. The Renaissance represented a time-period when the European world opened it’s cultural eye to new possibilities and ideas. The art of this time period reflected this new enlightened way of seeing the world. It is no surprise then that within its echo in today’s wedding styles, we see an enthusiastic love for fine art exalted through the celebration of love that is a marriage.

Planning & Inspiration

Wedding Etiquette: Seating Your Guests

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To sit, or not to sit, that is the question. Well, ok maybe Shakespeare isn’t necessary for pondering the significance of who to seat where at your wedding reception. Then again, there are probably some heavier-esque things to consider. Firstly, be aware of any issues of physical ability. If grandma is in a wheelchair, be sure to seat her near an entrance/exit for easy access in case of fire, or in case of something more mundane, like needing to use the restroom. Also consider theproximity of her location to meal and beverage if you are doing a buffet-style reception. Even if she is not making her plate up herself, someone else will be no doubt assisting her, and so the distance to travel should be considered. Now remember, other family will also want to sit near her, like mom, and maybe even yourself, so you’ll have to consider her seat in relationship to other people, as well as her needs.

Weddings

Romantic Wedding at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Palm House

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June 8th, 2014 at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. The marriage of Tracy and Michael. Photography by Emma McDonald Weddings. Floral Design by Bride & Blossom.

When Tracy first approached us with her floral design request, we were more than delighted to be able to work with her. She picked out a beautiful array of flowers that suited her unique style, as well as fun and festive summertime wedding colors. Her look also connected to a very vintage feel, which went perfectly with the ceremony and reception venue at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, as pictured above. Tracy’s bouquets and centerpieces featured a wide-variety of flowers, including peonies, garden roses, spray roses, orchids, succulents, and dusty millers. Her bouquets were lush, vibrant, and made a marvelous complement to her the style of her wedding dress, as well as the look of her bridesmaids, and one adorable flower girl.

Planning & Inspiration

Spotting the Perfect Wedding Invitation

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I have this wonderful morning ritual. It only recently became a ritual, and it began by accident. Still, the importance of it I cannot shake. When I first wake up, before I am even thinking about my cup of coffee, or better yet, that crisp shower and fresh towel, I go downstairs. I sit on the living room couch, gaze out the window and wait usually no longer than 30 seconds before my adorable dog, Peaches, joins me.

Now, there is something truly special about Peaches to me. Before I had Peaches, I was rather afraid of dogs. As anyone who knows anything about dogs can tell you, the worst thing about being afraid of dogs is that that makes them more likely to do the things that make you afraid of them to begin with. Being ancestors of wolves, dogs smell fear as part of their way of understanding who belongs in whatever position in the pack hierarchy: there is always a dominant, or alpha male-female pair, and then subordinates, in the pack. They come to depend on everyone upholding their roles, especially those in the alpha position. When they smell fear, they attribute it to a lack of pack-stability, and attack that which is afraid to establish some kind of dominance and to let them know who is charge. Read More

Planning & Inspiration

Pretty in (Grown-Up) Pink

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Pink is not just for little girls. I am sure you already knew that, but it bears repeating! As Aerosmith says, “pink is the color of passion… and today, it just goes with the fashion.” So what about incorporating pink into your wedding? Concerned it will be too trite?

With the focus on the vintage-look, pink has really made a comeback as true sophisticated color that can be perfect for weddings.

Now what if you wanted to do a more traditional and fancy wedding? Or, what if you wanted to incorporate brighter or richer hues of pink than those that are the main-stay of the vintage look? There are ways to do this without succumbing to the days of Molly Ringwald (unless you would want that look), or with your flower girls and bridesmaids looking they are wearing the same outfits designed for a preschool tea-party (unless you would want that look as well- no judgements here). Read More

Planning & Inspiration

Bride Advice: What To Do About the Unwanted (But Necessary) Guests

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Most of us, if not all of us, can think of at least one unwanted guest we’ve consistently had to invite to all of our major family and milestone celebrations. Maybe it is the nosy aunt, the quintessential creepy uncle, the grandparent who states any and all opinions no matter how unfavorable to the audience. Perhaps it your soon-to-be-in-laws, an enormous weight if they are coming to your wedding and expect to be warmly welcomed.

What to do with these unwanted guests? You do not want them to mess up your special day in any way, including your mood. You deserve to really enjoy this day, right? But, you also do not want to be rude and give people the cold shoulder, especially the people you may be seeing every year after that for family events and who may have a powerful influence over your spouse, and even the children you may have. Read More