31 Days, 31 Questions about Weddings...Help Me Please! Day 2: The Bridesmaid Dresses

Day 2 Question:

How long before my wedding date should we order the bridesmaid dresses?

Photo found on Pinterest via Elizabeth Anne Designs

You would think I'd know the answer to this one since I've been in a total of 9 weddings, 3 of which I had the joy of serving as the Maid of Honor. Sadly, though, all of those memories flew right out of my head, and now I don't know when to start!

Introducing Our 3rd Annual 31 Days Blog Series!

Well folks, 2013 is coming to a close. There were ups, there were downs, but for me there was one pretty significant highlight:

I GOT ENGAGED!

Not only did I get engaged, though, I got engaged to my high school sweetheart.

Yup, that's us. Fall 1994, I was 13 (a freshman) and he was 17 (a senior), and this was my first/our first real date. We dated for about 4 years until I went to college, then we parted ways (romantically speaking, that is). We remained friends, and over the years we would go out from time to time. We always kept in touch, but it never seemed to be the right time for us.

Fast forward to summer 2013. I had been in a relationship for about 8 years that had ended in December of 2011 and Erik had just become single again after about a year and a half. So, there we were, both single at the same time for the first time since the late '90s. 

Well, as they say, the rest is history. We were engaged on November 30, and now we are joyously beginning to make plans for our wedding in the spring of 2015!

That's where you come in: I need help! 

We are both wedding newbies (yes, that still happens these days) and we want to have a dream wedding. Unique, fun, memorable..and affordable. Over the next 31 days, I will be asking you to weigh in on everything from dress options to cake choices.

Please be gentle: it's my first time!

31 Days, 31 Reasons to be Thankful: Day 8: Brainstorms

I am writing this post after a 2+ hour brainstorming session, and I am flush with excitement. Looking at my calendar for the year, planning out what exciting things are coming up...it's a thrilling rush, and it sparks my creativity like nothing else.

The word "brainstorm" itself is kind of exciting. It evokes images of cracking lightning, thunderous clouds rolling over the folds and crevices of our dura mater (see...graduate school DID pay off!), and sparkling clearings of brilliant ideas. Thoughts that have never been thunk. Strokes of genius.

I happen to be in the very fortunate position of being a acquainted with MANY people who are creative, interesting, and intelligent, which has led me to experience some truly inspirational brainstorming sessions.

To be able to trust another with your ideas, to combine them into one and watch it grow exponentially: this is the joy of a great brainstorm.

"It is easier to tone down a wild idea than to think up a new one."- Alex Osborn

Flea Marketing!

Here we are, another week gone by, another Sunday to cherish. Again, I find myself preparing for a day of creating, beginning with my weekly trip to the local flea market.

Most Sundays I happily peruse the aisles of the flea market, peeking through piles of junk and pulling out what I would call treasure.

It's something I have come to crave: The Thrill of The Hunt. Many of us feel it; it's a primal lure that calls to us like a siren, begging that we come with our dollar bills and sift through the seas of castoffs and rescuing the beautiful and the brave.

I have a special love for these kinds of things; the old, the unwanted, the items destined for landfill. It is these things I seek out so that I can bring them home, clean them, re-work them, and turn them into new works of art that will once again be loved. These bits of broken history are, by my hand, given a new lease on life.

Those earrings, the ones that hardly anyone wears, are rescued.

Broken necklaces and brooches, once cast aside, are again brought into the limelight.

So friends, there it is. Another week gone by, another haul of treasures, another group of misfits to be cared for and loved again!

I'd love to hear your stories and see your treasured finds!

Weddings!

Summer is the season of love, and bel monili is a friend to the brides! This summer, I had the distinct honor of creating goodies for 5 beautiful brides and their respective bridal parties. This is truly a favorite for me; I LOVE the idea that one of my creations will have a place in someone's family history.

A bridal sash, custom created with satin ribbon, lace from a vintage bridal gown, and antique rhinestones and pearls

As you know, bel monili items are created using vintage materials, meaning that these beautiful bridal pieces are created using materials rich in history. Perhaps it was a brooch from the mother of a bride in the 1920s, the earrings of a blushing bride in the 1950s, or the necklace of a bridesmaid in any of these magical times.

Custom collage style necklaces featuring antique rhinestone components

bel monili bridal can make your dreams come true. I hand-craft items that are uniquely designed for each bride's specific needs, meaning that each special day is truly one of a kind right down to the last detail.

bel monili signature vintage component cluster bracelets, designed to compliment a wedding's theme colors

Gifts for bridesmaids will be cherished (and actually worn!) for years to come, giving the recipient of the special piece a reminder of that special day, and her friendship with the bride. Custom designs for the bride offer a unique compliment to her gorgeous gown, and each piece lives on as an heirloom quality work of art.

signature collage style necklace featuring antique rhinestone pieces

Brides, bridesmaids, mothers, sisters, aunts, grandmothers...take notice and get your thinking caps on. bel monili will work with you to custom design the bridal accessories and gifts that will add the perfect touch of sentiment to your special day.