Maybe it’s because I rediscovered a few of my favorite clutches, and also because I’ve been watching too many episodes of Say Yes to the Dress, but lately, I have weddings on my mind. Ryan and I have been married for ten and a half years now, and our recent trip was sort of a second honeymoon. So maybe that’s why, too.
And then I saw this gorgeous video of a local wedding photo shoot and its accompanying article discussing the changes in wedding planning due to social media. You can also see the pictures here. And I can’t help but feel a wee bit jealous of all the beautiful accessories and lovely little details brides are using now.
When I got married, in the dark ages, I found my dress the old-fashioned way, in a magazine, and by sheer chance, the designer actually had a website! I was able to hunt down a bridal store in Austin that carried the dress, but as these things usually go (at least on television), my “dream dress” wasn’t really what I had envisioned in my head, and I found something entirely different, but just as beautiful.
(The Save the Date card for my wedding, 100 years ago.)
And the big thing back then was the “Save the Date” card, which I had to have, and which we sent before the invitation, along with hotel information, to our guests. Brides also handed out disposable cameras (remember those?) and tiny bottles of bubbles to blow. Things have changed so much since then, and I sometimes daydream about getting married again. To the same man, of course, but maybe with a different dress (handpicked by Randy). Oh, and a fascinator, too! And I would definitely serve Torchy’s Tacos and Ryan’s homebrewed beer.
I finally checked out BHLDN, the wedding site run by Anthropologie, and immediately fell in love! I’m not planning a wedding, but I found a few decorations that will work with my style (I’m going Steampunk, remember?), and I’ll show those to you soon.
It’s fun perusing these wedding details, and best of all, since I’m not a bride, it’s entirely stress-free!
(A few of my clutches.)
When I was packing for my trip recently, I rediscovered my small collection of clutches. Once upon a time, I carried these pretty little bags to weddings and events at night. Now that I’m a mom, I lug around a much larger purse, filled with diapers and snacks, and I rarely get out after dark.
But that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy my little handbag collection, so I put a few of my favorites on the chest near my bed, for my enjoyment all day long. The tiny blue coin purse is from my trip to England with my sisters, the pink bag in back was bought just because, and the bow clutch is from my sister’s wedding. I also added the vintage purse I picked up in Salt Lake City, and now I have a small vignette that reminds me of happy occasions whenever I see it.
I know I’ll get to use these bags again one day, but until then, I’m letting them shine a little. Just for fun.
Do you collect anything special?
Last month, I wrote about wanting to spice things up a little decor-wise, and I showed you my top choices for new curtains. I’m happy to announce that I took the plunge and bought my favorite set, the Ironwork Flocked Window Panels from West Elm. A gift card and a sale made the purchase possible, and since I just got back from Alt, these curtains don’t seem like such a big leap any longer. I’m thrilled with the way they look, and my eyes have a lovely new view while I’m doing the dishes. What do you think?
(My new curtains!)
I actually love the hodge-podge of colors going on here, and it makes the family room (where we spend most of our time) feel so cozy. And you’ll notice that Thomas the Train is getting a good beating from inside, poor thing, as James and Rhys attempt to drive him to the North Pole.
Just another morning at our house, with a little update that makes me smile.
