myecochicwedding.com » Cake

Repurposing Heirloom Jewelry

Juliana B. Williams — Mon, 10 May 2010 13:00:23 +0000

We received this question from Gaylene A. in Houston on how to incorporate ornate heirloom jewelry into her modern wedding.

Q: Hello, firstly I want to let you know how much I enjoy reading your blog. The ideas you give are not only practical but extremely beautiful. And your inspiration boards are pure eye candy, LOVE THEM! LOVE THEM! LOVE THEM!

Anyway, my question is how can I incorporate vintage heirloom jewelry into my very modern, clean lined and simple wedding. A few years ago I inherited some very ornate necklaces, earrings and brooches from my grandmother’s estate. I really would love to be able to wear at least one of the pieces but they are just too large and fussy and seem to overpower my simple clean lined dress.

Do you have any ideas on how I can incorporate one or two pieces into my wedding day without actually wearing them?

A: Hi Gaylene,

This is a great question. We hear from many brides facing the same dilemma — They want to incorporate a treasured heirloom into their contemporary wedding scheme but are worried the piece will look too forced and out of place.

You want to make sure the beloved piece, especially a piece that belonged to a loved one who has passed on, receives a special place and purpose on your special day.

Two great ways to repurpose vintage jewelry is by using them as decoration on a wedding cake or in a bouquet.

(First photo)This photo from Consumed by Cake’s (flickr.com) shows how you can integrate a somewhat ornate vintage brooch into a very simple contemporary wedding cake. I think the look is simply stunning and visually interesting.

(Second Photo)I love the bouquet in this photo by Mary Dougherty Photography. It appears the bouquet was designed around the brooch taking its queues from the colors in the piece itself.

(Third Photo)This pretty little bouquet was handmade by Etsy artisan Hair Bow Wonderworld.

Tree Pedestal Cake Stand

Juliana B. Williams — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:00:48 +0000

If you haven’t had a chance to check out Laurie Cinotto’s blog, www.lalalaurie.com, I highly recommend you do so.

This amazingly talented artist creates some of the most unique, memorable and stunning wedding DIY accessories I’ve ever come across and generously shares the instructions with all her readers.

One great example is this easy to make Tree Pedestal Cake Stand. See instructional photos below.

Coral & Mint Wedding

ecochic — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:38:18 +0000

Mango Calla Lillies are a perfect choice for a simple yet elegant bouquet. Shades of Coral and Mint rice paper lanterns are available from one of our favorite suppliers Luna Bazaar. This beautiful playful Aurora bridesmaid dress will complement almost any figure. Handmade by econica on Etsy, this lovely dress is made of light and silky sustainable bamboo in a vibrant shade of coral. Coral & Mint wedding cake and wedding party photos courtesy of Anna Kuperberg Photography. Save the date card from Sweet Note Designs on Etsy.

Orange & Brown Fall Wedding

ecochic — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 13:15:40 +0000

Create simple yet stunning centerpieces with silk sunflowers and leaves, dried fruit, moss and candles. These adorable natural acorn clusters from Plum Party would look fantastic fastened to rolled napkins. Want bridesmaid bouquets that can be reused as home decor? Check out these vibrant orange and brown kissing balls from Balsa Circle made with vibrant silk orange roses and a brown satin ribbon handle. Create drama in your reception hall by hanging rich brown satin/silk drapery panels on walls/windows and swags on tables. These whimsical mini husk pumpkins are perfect for decorating your ceremony/reception venue or use them as place card holders. When designing your invitations remember to incorporate white space. Heavy use of brown on a solid orange background can in some cases be overpowering and hard to read. We absolutely love Chrissy Wai-Chings’s designs. This stunning gown made of layered silk organza can be found on her site for only $359. Your main man and his groomsmen will look dapper sporting rich mahogany brown tuxedos. These silk maple leafs from Candles and Such can be personalized with your names and wedding date. Attach a small self-adhesive magnet (found at most craft stores) to the back of each leaf to create a unique reusable save-the-date card. Friends and family can use these magnets on their refrigerators for years to come and will always be reminded of your special day. Want to give a wedding favor that everyone can use? How about these maple leaf cork coasters with “Fall in Love” tags from Candles and Such. Coasters come in sets of 4.

Blue & Silver

ecochic — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:05:53 +0000

This beautiful blue cake can be found on the Rebecca Thuss site. These gorgeous gowns are part of the Olivia Luca collection. Tired of the traditional diamond engagement ring? Make a bold and elegant statement with this stunning sapphire and 18K white gold ring from Brilliant Earth. Add some sparkle to your decor with these ice blue rice paper and glass votive/tealight candle holders and rice paper lanterns from Luna Bazaar. Looking for some WOW factor? Check out this amazing “Lovey Dovey” crystal wedding tree from Cristalier.com. Add a punch of color with vibrant chair bows. We can’t get enough of these gorgeous Mohop ribbon and wood sandals.

Gold & Red

ecochic — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 13:45:58 +0000

Create a romantic atmosphere by hanging beautiful bamboo & rice paper lanterns from Japanese Wedding Favors. Looking for an elegant and affordable centerpiece idea? How about a vase filled with branches and decorated with miniature red Chinese lanterns from Japanese Wedding Favors. At only $9.95 for a set of 12, rich elegance is within reach. We absolutely love this red tablesetting created by Rebecca Thuss. Straight off the runway to the alter — This stunning gown by Rene Geneva is made of hemp silk. Looking for a timeless, elegant accessory for yourself and bridesmaids? How about this breathtaking fresh water pearl bracelet from The Rainforest Site. A portion of all sales is donated to the preservation of Rainforest habitats. Ladies in Red… your bridesmaids will look absolutely vibrant in this gorgeous 100% organic cotton dress from BTC Elements. Cake or work of art? Another artist creation by LPK’s Culinary Groove.

Brown & Cream

ecochic — Mon, 05 May 2008 13:00:06 +0000

Cake by Diane’s Designer Cakes. Another simply stunning wedding dress with brown sash by Olivia Luca. Beautiful unscented candle in natural coconut holder from Plum Party. Scrumptious White Chocolate Mousse Tulip from Bleeding Heart Organic Bakery. Elegant eco-friendly invitations from Jayda. This gorgeous Stewart + Brown Kimono dress from Vickerey features a form flattering empire waist that flows into an a-line flare making it an idea fit for most bridesmaids. At only $128 this 100% organic cotton dress is a steal. Add some rustic elegance to your table setting with this natural hand-made branch candlestick from Plum Party. This soothing tablescape was designed by Rebecca Thuss.

Orange & Teal

ecochic — Thu, 01 May 2008 13:00:48 +0000

A cheerful bouquet of orange tulips are perfect for an early spring wedding. Orange, pink & yellow bouquets look wonderful against a teal dress. Make your own tissue paper pom poms using Martha Stewart’s easy to follow instructions. At only $104, this teal hemp & organic cotton sun dress is the perfect bridesmaids dress; sophisticated enough for your wedding and stylish enough to wear after the wedding. An organic apricot or peach serves double duty as a wedding favor and place card. Spoil your guests with orange & peach colored festive drinks such as a Spicy Citri-Politan or a Tropical Peach martini. This stunning teal cake by Kate Sullivan adds a romantic vintage feel with its intricate lace piping.

Pink & Brown

ecochic — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 13:00:49 +0000

Fabulously feminine brown & pink bridesmaid dresses and pink & white bridal gown from the Olivia Luca collection. By using soft pastel pinks & whites against deep chocolate brown, Cynthia Martyne Events has created a soft romantic yet sophisticated backdrop. Another decadent organic cake from LPK’s Culinary Groove. Want a simple inexpensive bridesmaid dress that can be incorporated into you everday summer wear? Check out Patagonia’s romantic Eshie dress. At only $50 you gotta’ love it. Delight your guests with these yummy organic Art Bite chocolate favors from Organic Bouquet. Add a little pink sparkle to your reception with refreshing non-alcoholic spritzers such a Sparkling Cranberry Spritzer or Raspberry Lemonade Spritzer. Cocktail photo from Cynthia Martyne Events.