By Alyssa for Brilliant Earth 

It’s All About Vintage

One of the hottest trends this year is making what’s old, new again. Brilliant Earth offers a stunning array of one-of-a-kind antique rings in their vintage ring collection, which are all restored by hand to their original beauty. These sustainable and stylish rings are one-of-a-kind original pieces, which means the lucky recipient could be the only one with this stunning Dorothea Ring under the tree this Christmas.

Bold Styles 

Showing distinctive style and commitment to social and environmental responsibility is easy this holiday season with Brilliant Earth’s ethical origin colored gemstones collection. Pieces with brilliant colors and flawless cuts, like these Silver Fire Citrine™ and Diamond Earrings are a versatile gift option that look great with skinny jeans, or a little black dress!

Socially Conscious Classics

Brilliant Earth offers a wide range of classic pieces that every woman will want in her collection. From brilliant blue Sapphire Stud Earrings to this sparkling Silver Amethyst Twist Pendant, there are countless options she’ll cherish and wear time and time again. In styles ranging from classic to glamorous, our top ten gifts are sure to capture her heart. She’ll look good and feel great knowing that her jewelry was crafted to meet the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility. 

Brilliant Earth, the leader in beyond conflict free diamonds, fair trade gemstones and 100% recycled gold and platinum fine jewelry gives back by donating five percent of profits to African communities that have been harmed by the diamond industry – making it a gift that truly keeps on giving. Please let me know if you have any questions, or need additional information.

These wooden toppers made in your likeness are handmade of sustainably harvested fast growing poplar wood. Each one is custom painted using U.S. made, non-toxic water-based paints according to the artist. The finishing coat consists of a homemade bee’s wax and organic jojoba oil finish.

Simply send your photo to the artist and watch your image, that of your sweetheart (and your furry sweethearts if you have any) transferred onto wood.

We love it!

Get your custom Wedding Crossword or Word Search Puzzles for the low price of $1.75* each when you select from their regular stock sizes (5.5″ x 8.5″ or 6″ x 6″).

These unique and fun puzzles will be a wonderful addition to your reception tablesettings. A perfect conversation starter for guests as they collaborate to figure out the answers and see how much they know about the bride and groom. These puzzles are a great way to keep guests entertained at the reception as they await the arrival of the wedding party.

Don’t forget to tell them you are an Ecopolitan reader.

* Regular stock sizes only. One time $75 design fee.

info@blowflowerdesigns.com

The inspiration for this board came from a stunning photo I saw in the online portfolio of Emplume, designers  of modern couture feather bouquets and fine wedding accessories. Both the bouquet and boutonniere can be purchased at Emplume. Gray, Pink & White Rice Paper lanterns from Luna Bazaar. Dark Pewter invitation set from Blow Flower Designs. This figure flattering, scoop neck Two of Hearts Zena Dress is from Not Just Pretty. Elegant cake from Erica O’Brien Cake Design.

Her number one goal was to achieve a comfortable, relaxed and enjoyable environment for all her guests and wedding party members without compromising elegance and sophistication. Her plans were coming along beautifully except for two pint sized problems — her two ring bearers. Her adorable, high spirited nephews absolutely refused to wear suits.

As she described to me the traumatic events of the fitting appointment the day prior and the extreme workout she and her sister got trying to get the boys into the suits I was struck with an idea. Why not let them wear something they will love and will want to wear again and again after the wedding? A costume.

You can imagine the look on her face when I mentioned allowing her ring bearers to wear costumes to her elegant wedding. But she quickly warmed to the idea when I explained what I had in mind.

My idea was to let the boys dress up in security guard or police officer costumes and have RING SECURITY embroidered on the shirts — she loved it and so did the boys. A few days after the wedding she called to let me know what a huge hit it was. Though hers was an elegant wedding, the costumes added just the right hit of fun and whimsy. She described to me the excited reactions from her guests as the boys walked down the aisle. It became one of the highlights of the day. But best of all, getting the boys into their wedding gear was a breeze. Also, these fun costumes have been getting a lot of wear after the wedding.

Whether for way-finding or simple greetings and messages, vintage signs add that much needed personalized finishing touch to any event.

All to often under utilized and overlooked, wedding signs truly warm and welcome your guests.

Visit antique and thrift stores or garage sales and online auctions to find vintage picture frames and mirror frames that can be freshened up with a coat of paint. Get creative with how and where you use them:

• At the entrance to your ceremony and reception venues
• To mark designated areas such as Candy or Dessert Buffets
• Use large full length frames to create chalk boards that your guests can write fun messages on
• Place smaller frames with special messages on washroom counters next to hand towels and hand lotions or anywhere you want to surprise your guests with a special little note.

Get creative and have fun coming up with ways to use vintage frames. Remember, you can always use the frames in your home or office after your wedding.

Check out this fabulous dual use chalkboard mirror being offer by Etsy artisan Revived Vintage.

Each gingerbread cookie is custom engraved with your names and wedding date in your choice of milk or dark chocolate. Cookies measure 2.5″ x 3.5″ and are individually sealed. 

What a unique and tasty favor for a late December wedding. Your guests are sure to love these and will not soon forget them.

Available through Blow Flower Designs, cookies start at $2.10 (U.S.) per cookie and $2.50 (Canadian) per cookie.

13 lucky couples will be selected to celebrate their wedding or renew their vows in one of the world’s most romantic landmarks. One lucky couple will receive the Grand Prize of a ceremony on the 86th floor Observatory and a Sandals Resorts honeymoon.

Submit your story before October 25, 2010 to be eligible.

Winners will be selected based on the originality and creativity of their submissions, as well as their connections to the world’s most famous building. Winners of the wedding ceremonies will be announced on November 1, 2010.

 Enter now: http://www.theknot.com/empirestatebuilding

These handmade bridal bouquets, created with vintage enamal and rhinestone flower brooches, are truly one-of-a-kind pieces as unique as the special bride carrying them.

To complement the beautiful flower brooches, vintage rhinestone jewels in coordinated colours along with feathers, ribbons and buttons are used to complete the look.

Linda’s unique designs made of vintage and antique flatware would make wonderful bridesmaid gifts. The spoon and sterling silver bead bracelet would look exquisite worn on your wedding day.

Bracelet: $26
Set of 5 rings: $63 for the set (Excellent bulk buy for bridesmaid gifts)