GSS Wedding Inspiration Board :: Plum and Navy :: Plum Crazy!

With the Fall months upon us, we’re beginning to dream of darker, rich colors. With that said, we’re absolutely loving combining a dark rich colors of Navy Blue and Plum. This Navy Blue and Plum inspiration board screams class and sophistication! This wedding color palette would be perfect for a Fall or Winter wedding.  We hope this board has inspired you and much as it has us!

Navy Blue and Plum Hair Fascinator:  Peace and Glory Details

Navy Blue and Plum Save the Date:  Zazzle

Navy Blue Suit with Plum Necktie:  AH Fashion

Navy Blue One Shoulder Bridesmaid Dress:  Bary Jay

Navy Blue and Plum Cufflinks:  The Custom Shop Clothiers

Bride in Plum Peep Toe Pumps:  Tying the Knot

Navy Blue and Plum Ring Bearer Pillow:  Image Courtesy of Christine Johnson Photography

Navy Blue and Plum Wedding Cake:  Outstanding Occasions

Plum Bridesmaid Dress with Bouquet:  Petal Pusher       Image Courtesy of Melissa Jill Photography

Plum Bridal Bouquet:  Ariel Yve Designs         Image Courtesy of  Barbara Alessandra Photography

 

 

Pin It

Veronica Sheaffer :: 2011 Fall Collection :: Old‐Fashioned Sweetness Meets Modern Individuality

Last Thursday, we did a post on some DIY Paint Chip Wedding Details that we found over on My Hands Made It.  Well, Veronica Sheaffer, the DIY Queen who is the mastermind behind My Hands Made It is also a luxurious wedding gown designer!!!  Her Fall 2011 collection is absolutely TO DIE FOR!!!   If you love Vintage Romance with a little Modern Edge, then this is the bridal collection for you!  Here’s some information on the collection:

The Fall 2011 collection is an extension of Sheaffer’s timeless aesthetic and married old-fashioned sweetness with modern individuality.  From a ruffled ball gown to a flirty cocktail dress, each look is a study in femininity and refinement.  Only the finest silk fabrics are used and each piece is handmade in Chicago.

Swiss Dot, a highly sought-after fabric by on trend brides, is the cornerstone for this collection of dresses.  Sheaffer uses it in traditional silhouettes, with nipped-in  waistlines and full skirts, as well as ruffled along the neckline of a satin cocktail dress and also as the unexpected base of a column dress, with cascades of silk tulle throughout.

The collection also includes hand-stitched accessories– Veils, headbands and belts — with intricate beading and velvet blossoms.  The pieces are ultra-feminine and highly customizable.  A headband of silk taffeta and asymmetrical bows features a veil of silk tulle– available in two lengths and also detachable.  A belt of the finest silk faille is accentuated by hand-beading and available in a range of colors, suitable for any wedding theme.

Accessories in Veronica Sheaffer’s Fall 2011 collection are currently available online and range from $250 to $500.  Collection gowns range from $1,800-$5,600 and will be available in boutiques in the fall.  Brides may also contact Sheaffer directly for custom orders — accessories start at $300, cocktail dresses start at $1,500 and gown at $2,500 (custom bridal gowns typically range between $3,000 and $5,000).

About Veronica Sheaffer:  Veronica Sheaffer has built a nationwide reputation for classic, feminine gowns and sweet, old-fashioned wedding design.  Beginning as a self-taught designer and dressmaker, her gowns and wedding projects have been featured in numerous blog and publications.  She recently contributed to the book Handmade Weddings, to be published by Penguin Books Australia later this year, and is the author of the popular blog My Hands Made It.  Veronica was previously Creative Director and Designer for Coco Irene, a women’s clothing and accessories line she founded with friend Taryn Parker.  Coco Irene received attention from such respected publications and television shows as Daily Candy, Lucky Magazine, Time Out Chicago, Chicago Fashion, Chicago Social and Good Morning America Now, among many others.

Pin It

GSS Wedding Inspiration Board :: Red & Chocolate Brown :: Rustic Red Barn Chic

Happy Monday, Lovelies!!!  It seems as though the “Weather Gods” have finally heard our pleas!  Temperatures have FINALLY begun to drop (and by drop we mean we’re just happy to be out of the triple digit heat!) and we have even received a little rain!!!   Fall seems to be creeping up on Texas!!!  With that said, check out this Fall inspired, Rustic Red Barn Chic :: Chocolate Brown and Red wedding inspiration board. Although the color palette of Chocolate Brown and Red can be used anytime of the year, we’re putting a Fall spin on it.

 

Rustic Red and Brown Cake Table Decor:  Image Courtesy of Robert Evans Studio

Red Barn Bride and Groom Portrait:  Image Courtesy of Robert Evans Studio

Red and Brown Rustic Barn Wedding Reception:  Max Ultimate Food        Image Courtesy of  Emilie Inc.

Bride in Cowboy Boots:  Image Courtesy of Souder Photography

Red and White Gingham Ring Bearer Pillow:  Image Courtesy of Angela Anderson Photography

Canvas LOVE Banner:  Image Courtesy of Erin Hearts Court

Rustic Red and Brown Bridal Bouquet:  BMJ Events         Image Courtesy of Eclectic Images

Red and Brown Wedding Programs:  Lynn Graham Designs        Image Courtesy of  Modern Wedding Photography

Rustic Red and Brown Wedding Chair Ties:  Celebrations Ltd  Cayman Islands

 

Pin It

GSS’s Things We LOVE :: DIY Paint Chip Wedding Details!

It seems as though we’re all about DIY lately…  And rightfully so!  If you have the time, patience and creativity-  Doing DIY projects can save money and add those sweet personal touches  to your wedding.  We found these brilliant paint chip details over at My Hands Made It.  These were used for a housewarming party, but can definitely be altered to fit a wedding, a shower or any other celebratory gathering for that matter!  Just head down to your local Home Depot, Lowe’s or a paint store like Sherwin Williams and pick up some paint chips to match your wedding color palette.  Then follow along with the tutorials linked below:

DIY Paint Chip Invitations (We think these would make a perfect Save the Date!): Click here for the tutorial on how to make them.

 DIY Paint Chip Hand Fans (Perfect for your wedding programs for a Spring/Summer wedding!):  Click here for the tutorial on how to make them.

 DIY Paint Chip Napkin Holder/Place Card:  Click here for the tutorial on how to make them.

Pin It

GSS Featured Session :: Underwater Trash the Dress Session :: Amy Karp Photography

Happy Hump Day, Lovelies!!! You’re in for a treat today!!!   Today’s fabulous featured session comes from our very own Amy Karp!!!  I’ve been hounding Amy for a while now to let me feature these amazing Day After/Trash the Dress underwater images- And she FINALLY gave in!  YAY! Amy Karp Photography is a Dallas, Texas based wedding photographer. 

One of the sweet subjects from these images, Vanja (the bride in the first four images) has been gracious enough to answer a few questions for us.  Vanja and her hubby were married September 24, 2010.  Take it away, Vanja!  

 What made you want to do an underwater session? I had this beautiful dress just sitting in my closet and I’ve been wanting to do a Trash the Dress for a little while. I mean it would be a total waste to only use a dress once, right? I saw Amy’s post on one of the Facebook discussions online about underwater photography and I offered to be her “model.”

Was it very hard holding your breath and getting the poses down?  In the beginning it was very hard to hold my breath and actually look relaxed under water. Finally I just dealt with the fact that I’ll have water going up my nose and I started to be able to relax and not look like I’m drowning.

Did this ruin your dress or is it okay?  I’m one of those people that takes risks. As I said before, I’ve already used the dress once (its main purpose), so I wasn’t too afraid of what may happen to it. I put the dress in a trash bag after our session, took it home and threw it in the washing machine. I figured, nothing happened to it during the five hour session in the pool, what’s the worse that could happen to it in the washing machine? About 30 minutes later, it came out as good as new. I put it on a hanger to air dry. It looks perfect and it’s ready for its next photo shoot. :)

And most of all, did you at least have fun???  I had a blast. This was the first time that I had met Amy, but I felt really comfortable working with her. Within just a few moments I felt like we have known each other forever. Even though I was almost blind by the end of the day from keeping my eyes open underwater the whole time, I very much enjoyed our session and would do it all over again. No worries, my vision returned back to normal the next day.

Thank you so much, Amy, for finally allowing me to share these amazing  underwater sessions with GSS! Please stop by her website and blog and show her some love! And thank you, Vanja, for taking your time to answer our questions! We wish you and your hubby a lifetime full of love, laughter, and happiness!!! May every day be better than the last!

If you have an engagement, wedding, day after, or anniversary session that you would like featured- Please send it to us at submissions@groomsoldseparately.com. We HEART submissions!

Pin It

GSS Wedding Inspiration Board :: Red, Black & White :: Argyle!

Happy Monday, Lovelies!!!  We love how classy and sophisticated a classic Black and White wedding can be.  But why not add just a small pop of Red and maybe even throw in a little Argyle theme?  That would make your Black and White color palette so fun and little sassy!  LOVE LOVE LOVE this board!  If you have a theme or color combination you’d like to see featured on Groom Sold Separately, send it to us at tamra@groomsoldseparately.com!

 

Groomsmen in Red, Black & White Argyle Socks:  Santa Barbara Wedding Chic

Red, Black & White Wedding Reception Decor:   Merveille Flowers & Events         Image Courtesy of Jake Holt Photography

Black Bridesmaid Dress:  Alfred Sung via Dessy

Red, Black & White Argyle Monogram Plate:  Sassy Alice

Argyle Black Brut Champagne:  Argyle Winery

Red, Black & White Argyle Bachlor Party Invitation:  Two Hearts Wedding Shoppe

Red Satin Peep Toe Pumps:  Christian Louboutin

Red, Black & White Argyle Wedding Cake:  The Happy Cake

Red, Black & White Bouquets:  Courtenay Lambert Florals           Image Courtesy of Brandy J Photography

Red, Black & White Argyle Cufflinks:  iCufflinks

Pin It

Let’s get CRAFTY :: DIY Yarn Wrapped Wedding Monograms!

 

Monograms are extrememly popular at weddings nowadays and we love seeing the different variations and uses of them.  When we stumbled upon (literally- thank you StumbleUpon!) this DIY Yarn Wrapped Wedding Monogram goodness from Wedding Photographer, Sarah Ortega- We fell in love.  Seriously, how adorable are these?!  And if you scroll down Sarah’s site, you’ll see an array of DIY goodies on the right hand side.  Wow, she’s crafty- and we’re envious! :)   So, check out her DIY Yarn Wrapped Wedding Monogram tutorial from her website below!

“I am a big fan of yarn wrapped… everything! You can give ordinary objects a cool and aesthetic look simply by wrapping them in yarn and best of all this technique is inexpensive and easy to do.
I also love monogram letters so how could I not help but combine the two?
I had already made a monogram letter for our daughter so for this project I used the initials of my husband and I. Here are some tips if you want to make your own.

All you will need is a paper mache or wooden letter, yarn, scissors and a glue gun. (I just used a few dabs of hot glue here and there to secure the yarn especially at the ends).

 

With the “A” I began by wrapping the yarn through the opening to cover the inside.

 

Then I wrapped the yarn horizontally across the letter and finished it off by wrapping it vertically.

 

The “S” I actually found a little more difficult because of the curves and it just required some extra patience…

 

 I wrapped the ends first so that they were covered.

 

Then I proceeded to wrap the yarn around the shape of the “S” until it was all covered.

 

 I think they look great on the dresser in our bedroom, the texture and pop of color is just lovely.

 

They also look pretty cool on the cabinet in our living room.
fyi…
- All of the items on the dresser and cabinet are thrift store finds!
- I used this tutorial to make those colorful scrap paper branches.
- What’s that up top? Oh those are just some paper lanterns, tissue paper pom poms and coffee filter pom poms that I made and put up for Talia’s first birthday bash. Why are they still up 6 months later? Because I like them :) They feel festive and party-ish and make me happy when I walk by them.

 

Here are some close up shots of the letters…

 

 

 I am liking these a lot…”

Pin It

Tying the Knot :: A Clever Save the Date Idea

We’re constantly on the look out for some unique and awesome Save the Dates.  We mean, it’s nice to go with the customary Save the Date postcards or magnets… But why not break the mold and have fun with them?  Previously we have shown you some handkerchief save the dates, an inflatable balloon save the date, scratch off save the dates AND even an underwater save the date!  We say the more creative, the better!  So when we found these brilliant “Tying the Knot” (literally!) save the dates made by Spanish Graphic Artists, Cristina Moralejo- We just had to share them with you! 

Translation:

KNOT:
LOOP THAT IS FASTENED AND LOCKED SO IT IS DIFFICULT TO RELEASE, AND THE MORE ITS ENDS ARE PULLED APART THE MORE IT TIES TOGETHER. 

 

Pin It

GSS Featured Wedding :: Akata & Avaneesh’s Lavish Indian Wedding :: Sassani Photography :: Part 2

Happy Hump Day, Lovelies!!! Today’s featured wedding comes from Ben Sassani of Sassani Photography. He is a Houston, Texas based wedding photographer. Ben has been so accommodating to GSS on this feature. Thank you! We also want to give a shout out to the AH-Mazing Amber Strickler of Zasey Photography for second shooting on this gorgeous wedding! This wedding is so awesome and so full of details that we decided to break this feature up into two posts. Last week, we covered all of the pre-ceremony images. (Click here to see Part 1!) Today, we’ll cover all of the ceremony and the reception images.

Akata and Avaneesh were married at The Hilton Post Oak in Houston, Texas on May 28, 2011. Akata and Avanessh were kind enough to answer a few questions for us:

What sold you on your wedding venue? We needed a place that could fit 600 people, a nice location, and guest accomodations. We found it at the Hilton Post Oak in Houston, TX!

What was your favorite part of your big day?

Akata: At the end of the reception, when I finally danced with Avaneesh, as my husband, to a song that describes everything he is to me. “The Truth” by India.Arie.

Avaneesh: Akata’s wedding entrance. In traditional Indian wedding custom, the groom is shielded (by way of holding a drape in front of him) from watching the bride’s entrance to the mandap where he is waiting. This is done so that everyone except the groom can watch her graceful entrance while he sits in anticipation (yes, it’s very mean). So while this was happening, my sister (who was holding the drape) was giving me a play-by-play so that I could have some idea of what was going on. Then all of a sudden my sister gasps and says “she’s crying, it’s so cute!” and then starts crying herself. Then I hear of a chorus of guests break out into sniffles as they join Akata in her tears of joy. I almost started crying as I was overwhelmed with joy myself…but luckily I was able to hold it back and saved myself from being laughed at by my groomsmen! I understood where Akata was coming from at that moment as I too had been waiting more than two years from the day I fell in love with her for this very day and it was finally here.

What song did you dance to for your first dance? Our first dance was to “Lucky” by Jason Mraz & Colbie Calliat

How did you choose your wedding color palette? Many traditional Indian weddings have gold, white and maroon or red as wedding colors so that was the easy part. For our reception, I wanted colors that represented Avaneesh and I. I love the color plum pink! I had always imagined that plum pink and snow white would somehow be incorporated into my reception colors. When Avaneesh and I went to India to do our wedding shopping, we both found the perfect reception outfits–mine was a dark plum pink and his was a royal blue. So, our color palette included different hues of pink and blue with snow white and silver accents to give an icy white look. (I wanted us to look like a prince and princess celebrating our wedding in a winter wonderland :) )

Do you have any advice for bride and grooms that are in the planning process? Plan ahead!  Regardless of how much time you have (or don’t have), it’s important to move quickly on the decisions you have made and make a timely, sound decisions on those you haven’t.  In a city the size of Houston, there are hundreds (possibly thousands) of weddings year-round, so if you have a particular venue, photographer, make-up artist, etc. in-mind, then book them quickly because if you wait too long, you’re most likely going to be searching for the next-best option.  Also, most vendors require non-refundable deposits, so make sure you are completely sold on the vendor before signing any contract or paying any deposit because that money is not coming back.  I feel that some couples make decisions too quickly without having done the proper research and end up regretting it.  Some even take the loss (which can be in the thousands) and sign with another vendor they liked better.  Take your time in making decisions but make sure they are YOUR decisions.  It is okay to include family members and/or friends in the process but keep in mind that this is your wedding and you make the decisions!  Also, be as organized as possible.  We used Google applications (email, calendar, documents) to stay organized and to collaborate with our family members who were helping us.  If you have a large family, use them :)   Assign roles and responsibilities early on so everyone knows what’s expected of them on the Big Day.

Vendors:

Venue: Hilton Post Oak in Houston, TX

Dress: Bawree in Santacruz, Mumbai, India

Cake: We opted out of a cake and used that money to make our wedding even more special to us.

Floral: I ordered them from Sam’s Club and my sisters and cousins made my and my bridesmaids bouquets.

Linens: Mandap Creations for ALL of our decorations

Catering: Bombay Brasserie

DJ/Band: DJ Yogi Goyal

Videographer: A&A Video

Invitations/Wedding Stationery: I bought them from a small invitation shop in Mumbai. I cannot remember the name!

Event Planner: Avaneesh and I were the only planners for our wedding. He was amazing throughout the process!

Thank you so much, Ben, for sharing this amazing wedding with us! Please stop by his website and blog and show him some love! And thank you, Akata & Avaneesh, for taking your time to answer our questions! We wish you both a lifetime full of love, laughter, and happiness!!! May every day be better than the last!

If you have an engagement, wedding, day after, or anniversary session that you would like featured- Please send it to us at submissions@groomsoldseparately.com. We HEART submissions!

Pin It