Vancouver wedding magazine filled with vintage inspiration for the modern bride | A focus on weddings, marriage advice, DIY projects, home decor, wedding planning and all that comes after.
A couple’s honeymoon should be a time for relaxation and reconnecting after months of wedding planning. It’s a vacation that is well-deserved after all your hard work planning. It’s a time to get back to being yourselves and settle into your new marriage.
The possibilites are endless when choosing your destination. Why not stick with a vintage theme and make it a classic retreat to remember with one of these five fantastic vintage honeymoon destinations:
1. Travel down Route 66.
What could be more fun than starting off your marriage with a classic honeymoon road trip? Beginning in Chicago and ending in Los Angeles, this historical highway is filled with iconic saloons, motels and kitschy pit stops. The route is dotted with authentic old fashioned cafes and inns reminiscent of days gone by – a vintage lover’s dream vacation.
The highway was paved in 1938. It provides scenic path across the nation, with stops at The Grand Canyon, The Mississippi River, Arizona’s Painted Desert and Petrified Forest National Park, The Mojave Desert, and Santa Monica Pier. You’re getting a little bit of everything: history, scenery, sun, sand and surf all in one trip! Some portions of the road have now become a national historical highway. Here are ten places that are not to miss along the route.
Grab a bottle of wine, sit down with your sweetie and map out your All-American adventure!
2. The South of France
A honeymoon on the French Riviera is the epitome of old-fashioned glamour. On the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, Nice has a charming old town, a gorgeous beach (if you can get past the lack of sand and find a way to get cozy on the rocks) a beautiful promenade that you can bike or rollerblade around and some of the best wine and cuisine in the world. Test your taste buds on escargot, or visit a local vineyard. All the glitz and glamour of Monaco is just a short drive away, where you can try your luck at the Monte Carlo Casino.
There’s also the charming seaside town of Villefranche-sur-Mer with its brightly coloured, shuttered houses, the sophisticated playgrounds of St Tropez and the celebrity playground of Cannes – a truly luxurious trip.
3. Venice, Italy
Whether it’s approaching the city by boat, exploring the narrow streets, or soaking up the scene from the sun-drenched Piazza San Marco, Venice is a simple yet glorious place to unwind and indulge in some of the world’s best food, wine, scenery and culture – the perfect spot for foodies, wine lovers, and culture seekers. The city has the world’s most artistic masterpieces per square kilometre.
Spend an afternoon on a gondola floating down a canal with a bottle of Chianti in hand. Get lost in the hundreds of winding back alleys throughout the city, stopping for some fresh tiramisu and espresso at one of the little street cafes you stumble upon. Don’t forget to visit one of the many markets filled with treasures created by local artisans – lace makers, glass blowers and authentic leather goods.
4. A castle or a cottage built for two
How about a classic English honeymoon? The UK is filled with romantic getaways from glamorous castles in the Scottish Highlands to quaint thatched-roof cottages in the Cotswalds.
Cottages make the perfect love nests. Outside and in, they ooze character and often have exposed beams, stone or slate floors, wood-burning stoves and other fabulous features. Expect well-tended gardens and welcoming, flower-filled terraces. Check out Skye Cottages for some truly traditional structures, or Under The Thatch, a company that buys unique properties and restores them to their former glory, whether that means a secluded thatched property, an old railway carriage or a gypsy caravan that needed converting.
Everyone wants to be treated like royalty on their honeymoon, and what better way than by staying in a castle? Or how about a castle’s watchtower? Nestled alongside the River Taw in Northern Devon, surrounded by beaches with country charm in abundance, The Watchtower provides a quintessentially English honeymoon - genuine hideaway for two. The tower has panoramic views across the water, with a country pub just around the corner.
5. Niagara Falls
For a truly retro honeymoon, there is no substitute for Niagara Falls. Honeymooners have been making their way there for over 200 years, and since 1949 they have handed out just under a million “Honeymoon Certificates” signed by the mayor that proves you spent your “official” honeymoon in Niagara Falls. You can even spend your vacation in two different countries by simply crossing the American-Canadian border over the Falls.
The Maid of the Mist takes visitors right to the base of the waterfall; what’s more romantic than kissing under crashing, plunging, thundering water?
So there you have it, folks! A few of our heart’s desire when it comes to packing a suitcase or two. We hope this will inspire you to make your own honeymoon just as exciting, and we’d love to hear about it too!
Choosing your wedding party and deciding what they are responsible for is one of the first wedding decisions that you make after your engagement. For many couples choosing their bridal party is a simple task. Some just chose their immediate family. But if you have a large family or large family and circle of friends, it can be a daunting task.
Couples usually have eight to twelve attendants, but this will vary depending on the size and style of your wedding. According to Emily Post, there is no required number of attendants. You can include as many or as few people as you wish. Even a big formal wedding with one or two attendants on each side is perfectly acceptable. It’s also unnecessary to have an equal number of bridesmaids and groomsmen: one groomsman can easily escort two bridesmaids during the recessional, or bridesmaids can walk alone or in pairs. You can have two maids of honour, a maid and matron of honour, or two best men.
Just remember that the more bridesmaids you have, the more complicated it gets. The more girls you have deciding on a dress that everyone likes, your shower, the bachelorette party, and the more you’ll have to spend as well. Only choose as many gifts and bouquets as will realistically fit into your budget.
Trouble deciding on your maid/matron of honour? Sisters, as a rule of thumb, come before friends. Otherwise choose your oldest and most loyal pal―the one who knows when to tell you what you want to hear and when to be brutally honest.
For your bridesmaids, choose friends who will be in your life long after your wedding day. The negative, dramatic types are ever a good fit. Also, don’t forget your fiancé’s sister. Honestly, 90 per cent of the time, it’s worth including family members just to avoid unnecessary conflict.
And yes, it’s fine to ask a friend who is pregnant to be a bridesmaid – just be considerate of her needs and capabilities. For instance, make sure a chair is placed near the altar area so that she can take a seat if the service is lengthy.
Another rule of thumb is that just because someone asked you to be in her wedding doesn’t mean she has to be in your wedding.
It’s a great honour to be asked to be in a wedding, but some people may have other obligations and it might not be possible for them to accept. So, don’t be offended or expect a detailed explanation if someone turns down your invitation.Rather, express your disappointment without even a hint of disapproval.
Make sure all participants know up front what you are expecting of them and name your attendants soon after you choose a date so they have ample time to plan, because it’s a big job. Members of the bridal party are expected to assist the bride and groom and to see that the wedding and reception run smoothly.
According to Emily Post, they are expected to visit with guests, assist the elderly, be attentive to young children in the wedding party, be available for photos, and generally help out whenever needed.
In addition all members of the bridal party can expect to:
Pay for their wedding attire and any alterations, shoes and accessories (excluding flowers).
Arrange and pay for their own transportation.
Attend the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
Attend other prewedding events.
Give an individual wedding gift to the couple or contribute to a joint gift.
Arrive at a specified time for all wedding-related events.
Possibly host or cohost a shower, bachelor(ette) party (however this is by no means mandatory).
Maid/Matron’s Duties:
Helps the bride select bridesmaids’ attire.
Be available to be the bride’s “right hand”, helping with communications with other attendants and with wedding professionals if requested.
Coordinates a shower or bachelorette party, if the bridesmaids decide to host one.
Organises bridesmaid’s gift to the bride and bridesmaids luncheon, if there is one.
Holds the groom’s ring and bride’s bouquet during the ceremony.
Witness the signing of the marriage certificate.
Helps the bride during the reception.
Best Man’s Duties:
Organises the bachelor party for the groom if there is one.
Coordinates the groomsmen’s gift to the groom.
Delivers prearranged payments to officiants, assistants and musicians at the ceremony.
See that the groomsmen are properly attired and arrive on time.
Hands the bride’s ring to the groom during the ceremony.
Witnesses the signing of the marriage certificate.
Offers the first toast to the bride and grooms at the reception, dances with the bride, mothers, maid of honour and other single female guests.
But remember, these are traditions that have been made long ago, and who says that you have to follow them? Stay true to your heart and yourself and communicated clearly and effectively, and your wedding will turn out to be the one of your dreams!
We think the J.Crew Spring 2013 weddings collection is their best yet! It’s filled with exquisite feminine details including silk, chiffon, tulle and lace with intricate floral beading, tiny pearl-accented silk organza blossoms, and understated patterns.
The range was inspired by vintage pieces discovered at London’s Portobello second hand markets. Simplicity is the key in this collection; here is a perfect example that opulence is not always the answer.
The best part about the dresses, other than the fact that they are simply gorgeous – they are very affordable and of the finest J.Crew quality. Here are a few of our favourites, but check out the rest of the gowns, accessories and bridesmaids collection at the J.Crew website.
Principessa gown in lace and organza is easy to wear and even easier to love. This lacy beauty boasts a built-in bra inside the bodice and is delicately detailed with a floral-style leavers lace from a traditional Japanese mill. It splays out around the edges of the top in the most exquisite way. Delicate thin straps finish off the top, while the skirt goes simply floaty with pleated sheerness all the way down to the floor. A low-key princess dress if ever we saw one. ($1,152)
Corliss gown - If you appreciate the grandeur of a silk ball gown but secretly wish you could just walk down the aisle in your favourite cotton sundress, this gown is right up your alley. Crafted from J.Crew’s new dimpled cotton, which mimics the look of crumpled silk, the crisp knife pleats along the A-line skirt are simply to die for! Multiple petticoats of tulle, organza and rustling silk create volume, while the hem is finished with a wide silk gazar border. A grosgrain sash trimmed with a silk flower completes the look. Flower ships separately. ($1,738)
Ursula gown is an effortlessly graceful, easy-to-wear gown in J.Crew’s enchantingly supple liquid jersey. The straps and neckline are formed by a length of cotton rope that ties in the back like a halter; the ends, finished with gold tips, should dangle freely. While this style has a romantic Greek-goddess quality, we also like it for beach- or nautical-themed celebrations; the breezy, rippling feel of the fabric paired with the rope suggests a wedding at sea ($700)
Sara Lace Gown is a stunning fit-and-flare silhouette tailored to figure-flattering perfection in a gorgeous lace. J.Crew’s designers handpicked this fabric for its extra layer of tiny cording that outlines the intricate floral pattern. Crafted with a crossover neckline and a scalloped trim, it’s the perfect blend of romantic and refined. ($2,500)
We love everything we see! Do you have a favourite?
You are the bride and groom, so you should have the seats to show it!
Although it’s a detail that’s often overlooked during the busy planning process, planning some cute details for your chairs makes for some great photos and most definitely adds a new element of charm to your big day. You can just do your own chairs, the ceremony chairs, or even all the chairs if you’re daring and have the time!
Whether used as a focal point at your wedding or as a little addition to your wedding decor, it’s fun to dress up your chairs with something that uniquely represents you and matches up with your wedding style, theme, and budget.
You could adorn the chairs with simple hand painted Mr. & Mrs. signs to showcase your new married status – this is always cute!
Most brides are choosing to leave the full chair covers behind and are opting for mismatched ribbons, draped fabric, ruffles, lace or sheer sashes… find a few fabrics that match your colour scheme and get creative. Burlap is a great neutral colour that works perfectly with a rustic theme! Or, use a sash to tie a small bunch of fragrant flowers to the back of the chairs!
Another great idea is to choose a set of brightly coloured chairs for warm and quirky feel. You can easily find some old chairs at the thrift store and do them up yourself to make them extra special. We recommend using the easiest distressing tool ever – Annie Sloan Chalk Paint – which you can learn how to do at our special class with The Passionate Home on March 24th.
For many, the ocean can be a mysterious element of nature, but for Shannon and Ryan, it was what binds them and their family together and so it was no surprise to any that they would have their rustic ocean DIY wedding at Nootka Sound.
Showcased as one of our featured real weddings in our Winter/Spring Issue Two, turn the magazine pages to read all about how Shannon and Ryan designed their wedding, their way.
In the meantime, enjoy some of the other images by the talented Erin Wallis Photography that we saved especially for our Weddings Wednesday post.
VENDOR LIST:
Photographer | Erin Wallis Photography
Ceremony Location | Private Dock, Nootka Sound
Officiant | Janice Mcara Garcia
Stationery | Sharon Andrews Design (Bride)
Flora Design | Amy Davies of Willows Market
Decor | Private Collection
Gown Design | Bride’s Mom’s Vintage Gown
Veil | Handcrafted by Bride and Sister
Hair and Makeup | Sister of the Bride
Bridesmaid Dresses | JCrew
Flower Girl Dresses | JCrew
Groom Formal Wear | Ben Sherman, JCrew
Boutonniere | Handcrafted by the Bride and Sister
Cake Design | Sweet Inspirations
Catering | Dophins Resort, Anglers Dining Room
Favours | Handcrafted by the Bride
We're delighted you've found us, and we welcome regular visits! This is a place for dreamers, a community of vintage lovers alike. Dedicated to the heart of vintage weddings, it is Heirloom's goal to inspire, educate and honour.
Join us, won't you?
.jpeg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
