This week’s featured bride is from BravoBride’s hometown, Seattle, WA. Kristen and her handsome groom were married this past August on a beautiful, clear and sunny day (we don’t get a lot of those out here in the Northwest!). Take a look at their amazing wedding captured by Laurel McConnell Photography and if you fall in love with Kristen’s Pronovias dress it’s for sale too.


Where and when was your wedding held?
This summer on August 13, 2011 at Golden Gardens Park and Bathhouse in Seattle, Washington.


What was your favorite memory from your big day?
Marrying my best friend in front of our friends and family.


Why did you decide to sell your wedding dress?
I went way over budget on my wedding dress but nothing else looked right after I found it so the agreement was I could go over budget but I had to sell it. It’s a beautiful dress so hopefully someone else can enjoy it as much as I did.


Do you have any other advice for future brides?
I have the same advice everyone gave me. Enjoy the day as it goes too fast and remember, it’s your wedding. A lot of people will give you their input and some may not like the decisions you make, but ultimately, it’s your day and you should do what works for you (and the groom).

——♥——
Kristen’s Wedding Vendors
Wedding planner: Very Important Events
Photography: Laurel McConnell Photography
Flowers: Bella Rugosa Flowers / Caterer: City Catering Company
Hair and makeup: Salon Maison / Music: Wave Link Music
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Still trying to figure out your something blue? Whether it’s your earrings, decor or even your cake topper it’s easy to incorporate just a hint of it, in so many ways.

1. Blue wedding shoes 2. Blue table decor 3. Blue lights
4. Blue crystal cake topper 5. Blue earrings 6. Blue favor box
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Although my wedding is 206 days away (who’s counting?) conversations of my bachelorette party have already begun. Jack has a good idea of what he wants to do, but I am literally clueless on what to even consider! I know it’s up to the bridesmaids to plan and conquer, but they have generously allowed me to have some input in the decision process (unlike my friend who was completely shocked when a male stripper showed up on the day of her bachelorette party… Hmm perhaps I shouldn’t have a say…). We were throwing ideas around and I thought this would be a great post for this week! Perhaps some of you are in the same dilemma I am and need some inspiration, or maybe you had a great B. party and want to share the idea! Whatever the case, enjoy five of the ideas that my friends and I came up with and feel free to share in the comment section down below!
Option 1. Risk it all!
Although I am not a big gambler, I am a fan of a delicious dinner and an entertaining show. We are going to look up the show calendars of some nearby casinos and see if there is anything good coming up. We would get a nice room, go to the show, lose some money and, most importantly, have a great time in each others company.
Option 2. Thunder From Down Under
This idea spawned from idea #1 as TDU usually tours casinos. If you have never heard of The Thunder From Down Under you will thank me for this post. Think of Chip n’ Dale Dancers but add more muscle and an Aussie accent! I have never been but apparently it’s a bachelorette must!
Option 3. The Great Outdoors
Now, this idea is usually suggested for the bachelor party, but who says girls can’t rough it out? Gather up your bridesmaids and best of friends and hightail it out of the city for a relaxing girls weekend at a friends cabin. Don’t have a cabin? You can rent one! No cabins in sight? Rent a hotel suite and split the cost with all who join in. Getting there is half the fun, so if you have to drive a bit enjoy every second and take detours! This is by far my favorite idea so far.
Option 4. Candid Cameras
I know this sounds corny but I would love to do a photo shoot with all my best friends (after all, unless you’re a celeb, photographers never follow you around)! Perhaps this could happen while we have a spa day or get our make up done as we prepare to head out for a night on the town. After all, its precious moments with our friends and family we want to treasure forever right?
Option 5. Dance Party
Now I’m not the most coordinated person in the world, so when my maid of honor suggested Pole Dancing Lessons for my bachelorette party, I somewhat cringed at the thought of me attempting to be sexy. But after thinking about how fun (not to mention hilarious) it would be, I have warmed up to the idea. Plus, it is pretty affordable to go to the lesson or have someone come to you house.
Again, this is only stage one in the planning process of my bachelorette party. There is a lot of inspiration on the Internet and I am already interviewing all of my wife- friends to see what they did, and don’t forget that I would love to hear your ideas!
Who knows, I could end up using it in a future post. Be sure to check out these other great posts about bachelorette (and bachelor) party ideas.
http://www.bravobride.com/blog/want-a-different-bachelorette-party-idea/
http://groomsadvice.com/2011/02/11/5-unique-bachelor-party-ideas/
http://offbeatbride.com/2010/04/bachelorette-party-ideas
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We blogged about Laura Jayne Bridal gorgeous couture bridal accessories a few weeks ago and when they told us about their sample sale, we had to share it! At their new Etsy site, Atelier Laura Jayne, you’ll find all their sample accessories, original prototypes and one-of-a-kind designs. What’s most exciting is that in addition to their already reduced prices they are offering an additional 15% off to BravoBride users until February 15th, 2012. Just add code BRAVO when checking out from their Etsy store. Feast your eyes below on just a small selection of their sample sale!

What a beautiful statement piece this would be with a wedding dress! The oval Swarovski crystal stones set off this beautiful choker style necklace, finished with delicate strands of clear linked Swarovski crystal and pear drop crystal beads.

This double strand vintage style floral and foliage bracelet is created with linked crystals, freshwater pearls and closes with a large rectangle clasp.

A touch of opulence with an air of whimsy! This tiara features rich glass-based pearls in cream and champagne tones with clear, champagne and Aurora Borealis (slightly irridescent) crystals. The flexible tiara band is wrapped in luxurious organza ribbon for extra comfort.

Elegant and slightly retro, these earrings feature vintage finish silver filigrees hand-set with Swarovski crystal stones and finished with pretty freshwater pearl drops.

This beautiful Lane hairband has a hand embroidered motif on a crystal wrapped comb. It features a demi birdcage veil in ivory that partially covers the face.

Or if you prefer a birdcage veil with a hair fascinator, this one may be perfect! The delicate petals of Russian bird cage net are accented with a cluster of vintage-style Swarovski crystal settings and a flourish of ostrich feathers.

This vintage inspired Victorian look pendant necklace is made of hand-set Swarovski crystal stones, clear crystal and freshwater pearls.

The Crystanthe sash features 5 vintage inspired silver plated settings with crystal insets, linked together and sewn to a luxurious dark ivory sash. Simply gorgeous!

For all the unconventional brides out there, this for you! The Lizette is a floral motif comb with hand wired silk loops and a plume of ostrich feathers. It is accented with jet black swarovski crystal detailing and slips into the hair with a metal comb.

Speaking of hair combs, this pair of Catalin combs has a slight Spanish feel. They’re made of silver-plated filigree and hand-set with Swarovski crystal stones.

The last piece I wanted to show you are these stunning vintage inspired chandelier earrings. The crystal drops hang from a vintage-finish silver-plated filigree fan hand-set with delicate Swarovski crystal stones, attached to the studded post with strands of crystal and pearl.
To view more of their amazing sample collection, visit their Etsy store and don’t forgot to enter code BRAVO for an additional 15% off!
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We’ve all seen plaid shirts, skirts, pants, hats and more. But have you seen a plaid wedding? It can be done and we’ve collected an assortment of plaid accessories for your big day. Our favorite has to be the plaid wedding dress (more about that below). Now go get your plaid on and enjoy!

Start off your plaid theme with these lovely cloud and plaid letterpess invitations from Print and Promise.

Use this plaid bunting by coco sailore to decorate your wedding reception. Hang this fabulous banner and let the festivities begin!

Even your wedding bands can be plaid! Ball and Chain Jewelry make this sterling silver ring and it’s just $90.

What are you going to carry your plaid wedding band down the aisle on? Well, on this plaid ring bearer pillow of course! Lillian’s Garden makes these fun and unique accessories.

We can’t forget the grooms! Nicole’s Threads creates these sweet plaid cuff links and they’d make great groomsmen gifts too.
Speaking of groomsmen gifts, we love this plaid and mustache flask from Whimsy & Ink. It’s slim enough to fit in your bag or pocket but it’s too cute to hide away!

Maybe your dog, or second child as we like to call ours, is your ring bearer or a wedding guest. Never fear, Silly Buddy makes bow tie dog collars that will get him dressed for the event.

Love is in the details after all so don’t forget to include a little plaid in your wedding bouquet. This paper flower bouquet from Flowers From the Garden has just a touch to complete your look.

If you want to be more discreet about your love for plaid, you could always hide it under your dress. These plaid wedding garters are by the Stylish Bride and they come as a set, one to keep and one to toss.

These shoes from The Belle and the Beau are too pretty to just wear on your wedding day. They also have a great selection of other plaid accessories for your wedding party.


Finally, we saved this gorgeous plaid wedding dress for last. The images are by Ciara Richardson, take a look at the rest of the amazing photo shoot here. Who would have ever thought plaid and tulle could look so beautiful together.
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