SOMETHING OLD: To signify the bride’s connection with her family and the past, and continuity with her newly formed family.

SOMETHING NEW: A representation of optimism for the newlyweds, a gift to remind them to approach their new life together with hope.

SOMETHING BORROWED: A demonstration of community living. Typically borrowed from a happily married woman, this trinket symbolizes the importance of relying on friends and family.

SOMETHING BLUE: Denotes a healthy union overflowing with faithfulness and loyalty.

& A SILVER SIXPENCE IN HER SHOE: Brings good fortune and financial prosperity to the marriage.

Want to see how it all came together?! CLICK HERE to view the behind the scenes video created by the amazingly talented Anne Oppenhuizen of Inspiration Video.

Special thanks to all the people who put this amazing article and cover together! Photography: Kelly Sweet, Styling: LKN Studio, Makeup: Allison Bower, Hair: Rebecca Gohl, Gowns: Recollections, Models: Kisti Boatright, Jacalyn Wood, Desserts: Sweet Cakes Design, Antiques: Lost & Found, Century Antiques, Flowers: Modern Day Floral.

1.) Bracelet from House of Harlow, 1960 14KT gold, crystal with black leather accent. 2.) There’s nothing dreary about this gray wedding gown by Vera Wang, 2011 Fall Collection. 3.) Jimmy Choo black lizard nail pumps. 4.) Numinous trails cuff from Anthropologie. 4.) Modern foil stamped wedding invites from Oh So Beautiful Paper. 5.) Candy is dandy but liquor is quicker. Give guests something to smile about with Jack Daniels and coke slushies, via Sweet Peach Blog.

1.) Get romantic with this Vera Wang gown from the Fall 2011 collection.

2.) Pair with whimsical flowers like green hydrangea and Bells of Ireland. From Real Simple floral arrangements.

3.) Pair an organic flowing gown with a delicate agate stone necklace and lots of gold rings, from Urban Outfitters.

Not sure what to wear for your engagement session? Follow these guidelines to becoming camera ready:

1.) Keep it simple. Avoid busy clothing with distracting patterns. If your shirt could talk, it should be whispering. Steer clear of bold stripes, logos or ruffles that can add unwanted bulk. Dark colors are most flattering, but black can wash out a pale complexion. Opt for navy blue instead.

2.) Be yourself. Don’t reinvent yourself for the photo shoot. The photos should reflect your personal style. Wear something in which you feel comfortable and confident.

3.) Makeup is a must. At a minimum, consider a concealer or light powder to even out your skin tone; you’ll be happy with the result.  Add in a touch of mascara to lengthen your lashes.

4.) Compliment each other. Remember fourth grade, when you and your best girl friend wore matching outfits? This is not fourth grade.  Pick a color scheme that both your wardrobes can accommodate.  Coordinate your outfits together but leave the matching fanny packs at home.

5.) Mix it up. Changing accessories during the shoot adds variety.  Try subtle wardrobe changes like adding a scarf or switching out your necklace or shoes to add some character. Remember to keep it simple.

Now, a story:

‘Make a perimeter!’ That’s not a phrase that comes to mind often in my every day life. Actually it’s never come to mind, except during our fall/winter cover photo shoot. The setting: a large open room on the third floor of an almost abandoned industrial building; open space on one side of the room, countered by an army of antique furniture piled high on the other side.  There were end tables stacked on top of each other, an array of chairs to suit the likes of everyone from Martha Stewart to Judy Jetson, and a chilling lamp with a ceramic clown growing out of it’s base. (Conjuring up childhood memories of watching Stephen King’s, It.)  You can only imagine what it must look like when seven unsuspecting people are forced to corral an unwilling rooster out from under a heap of furniture. (My only regret is that the videographer put down his camera to help us, so that the hysterical event wasn’t recorded in its full glory.) As we formed a perimeter around the dusty heap of forgotten furnishings, it was apparent, the rooster was content to play hide-and-seek with us. There I was, secretly wishing the little guy wouldn’t come within an arm’s length of me. I had absolutely no intention of picking him up, grabbing him, or doing anything to end his crazy antics.  Don’t judge me, I was terrified.  In the end, someone else was brave enough to tackle him, only a few tail feathers were plucked in the process.  All in a day’s work!

A special thanks to all the talented people who worked so hard on our fall/winter cover! LOCATION: Lost and Found Antiques. JEWELRY: BlackLamb.  GOWNS: September’s Bride.  MALE ATTIRE: A.K.Rikk’s. MODELS: Laura Naughton, Abby Strange, Bretton Himes. HAIR ACCESSORIES: Pixel and Hank. HAIR: Jeri Pego. MAKE UP: Erin Knapp France. FLORALS: Modern Day Floral.

Find us at participating Meijer, Schulers Books & Music, Barnes & Noble, and Book World Stores across Michigan. Or attend one of the shows in our bridal show directory and receive a complimentary copy! 

Where: Indian Run Golf Club

6359 East RS Ave,  Scotts, MI

When: Saturday, April 30th

4:00 PM- 8:00 PM

Cost: $5 per person

Get a gift bag when you pre-register!  For more info. check out their Facebook Page.

Find Your Perfect Photographer!

Credits: Images:Kelly Sweet Photography. Hair: Rebecca Gohl. Make up: Riese Lauriat, Models: Laura Naughton Czumaj-Bront and Erika Jo Heuker. Bra designers: Todd Emeott, Ann Rosinski, and Sarah Pupel.

Find Your Perfect Photographer!