landlocked bride® | midwest + mountain west wedding inspiration

Having little ones in the wedding party in the roles of ring bearer or flower girl is a great way to make the children in your life feel special of course, but it can also make for super cute photos! Lately, flower girls and ring bearers haven’t been boxed in to wearing a white dress or mini tux, respectively, and they don’t have to just carry a wicker basket of rose petals or a white satin pillow. Letting the kids be kids is the best way to ensure they won’t have a meltdown before (or during!) their trip down the aisle.

Top: Caroline Fontenote, Bottom Left: pipandbean,Bottom Right: Photo by Phototerra Studio via JetFete

Left: joyfuljoyful, Right: Martha Stewart Weddings

Top: Pier 23 Bottom: Clary Photo via Grey Likes Weddings

Top: Photo by Danielle Capito Photography via Inspired By This, Bottom Left: Photo by Gabriel and Carin Photography via Wedding Chicks, Bottom Right: Brita Photography via Southern Weddings

Wyn Wiley Photography via Le Magnifique

Left: Photo by Captured Photography by Jenny via SMP, Right: Photo by Jenn and Dave Stark via Emmaline Bride

Are you having little ones in your wedding? Are they dressing traditionally or more playfully?

Shannon and Justin’s wedding at Hillside Gardens in Colorado Springs was full of so much character – the details all had a wonderful vintage flair. The dessert bar had more sweets that I am willing to admit I’d eat (because I’m positive I’d have to try one of everything). Shannon’s gown and accessories were the perfect balance of classic and vintage. Let’s not forget the venue. Oh, the venue. It’s earthy and vintage. It’s full of personality.  And, it was the perfect back drop for Shannon and Justin’s wedding.

One of the greatest struggles couples can have when planning their wedding is how to honor a lost loved one on their special day. Deciding how to acknowledge this person’s absence will be difficult – should you share it publicly for your guests to share or privately for you alone. I’ve been there – Saturday marked 5 years since my father passed away and today actually happens to be his birthday. (Happy 62nd Birthday Dad!) If you had read our real wedding post by Natalie, you would know that including him into our special day was a huge part of our wedding planning process. I wanted to remember him in a way that did not dampen the celebratory spirit of our wedding, but was more than a program mention. Wearing my parents rings around my bouquet, and having a memory arrangement with a special quote were just a few ways that I was able to include my dad on our wedding day. Below are just a few more ideas of how you can carry on the legacy of a loved one while you begin a new chapter of your own.

Mark Hawkins Photography

Memory arrangement from ceremony to reception

Mark Hawkins Photograph | Sequins and Candy Photography

Sew a piece of a loved ones clothing into your dress

Jessica Schmitt Photography | Jubilant Wares on ETSY | KCowie on ETSY

Bouquet charms with photos of loved ones

The Little Craft Closet on ETSY | jYOUlry on ETSY | Perfect Pendents Plus on ETSY

Bracelet: JoDene Moneuse Jewerly on ETSY | Photo via Sewwoodsy.com | Mr & Mrs Adams

Engraved jewelry, photo memory candles, reserving a seat for a loved one

 Family Attic on ETSY | Limited Lane on ETSY | Family Attic on ETSY

Special quotes and signage for ceremony or reception decor

Your Picture Story on ETSY

Memory quote photo frame for decor or as a special gift

The Cohens Photography | photo via First Coast Weddings

Personalized wedding favors – family favorite recipes, forget-me-nots

Left Photos via Bow Ties and Bliss | Right Photo: personal via Jen Wentz Meador on Pinterest

Photo displays of loved ones

 Suggs Photography via Iloveswmag.com

 Family heirlooms

There are a ton of amazing ways in which you can remember loved ones who are not present on your wedding day.  What special ways to you plan on remember your loved ones? 

From the Bride-to-be:
Shortly after Doug moved back to Chicago from San Diego his friend Eric Gural came to visit him for the weekend. Eric and I became friends while attending Wright State University together several years prior. Eric insisted to both of us that we should meet one another. I didn’t think much of this at first, but Eric actually told Doug before we met that he better be invited to our wedding. The first time I met Doug was after a long weekend of male bonding (ie: lots of adult beverages), but I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. The following Friday we met up for drinks after work and continued to talk until the sun came up the following morning. We both knew how lucky we were at that point to have met one another and couldn’t be more thankful for Eric’s introduction.

There’s just something sweet about Aubree and Greg’s wedding. The combination of her vintage-inspired, lace wedding gown and the bold pop of her bouquet. Or maybe it’s their traditional church ceremony followed by the art museum reception. It’s that mix of the old and new, the classic and modern. The understanding that it’s okay to do a little of this an a little of that – as long as it’s something you love; a style reflective of your own.

I always have loved lawn games. Games like corn-hole (or ‘bags’), boccie ball and croquet are the perfect addition to any afternoon spent outside, enjoy the weather while in good company of family and friends. When I first came across lawn games being incorporated into wedding rehearsal dinners and receptions, I was beyond thrilled. Lawn games are a perfect way to keep your guests entertained with some friendly and fun competition. There are a variety of a games to choose from that will entertain guests of all ages.

Let the games begin!

 Johnathan Ivy Photography via Style Me Pretty

Caroline Joy Photography

Dan O’Day Photography 

 David Purslow Photography

Infinity Photography 

 Jeremy Leffel Photography

 Lauren McGlynn Photography

Lisa Hessel Photography 

 Melissa Copeland Photography

 Melisa McKolay Photography

 Simply Jessie Photography

 Staja Studios

Lawn games are fun in any environment, especially weddings. From traditional games, to over-sized family favorites; lawn games are the perfect way to entertain yourself and your guests!

I love statement pieces, especially when they are incorporated into a wedding.  From rings and bracelets, to necklaces and earrings, these beautiful pieces are a great way to not only show off your personal taste and style, but they can truly transform your look from the ceremony to the reception. These pieces will make a statement on your wedding day and will continue to for years to come.

Alicia Swedenborg via  Pretty Chic Blog

 necklace: The Crystal Rose on ETSY

necklace: Ezza Exclusive on ETSY

 Tec Petaja Photography

Brooke Courtney Photography via Postcards and Pretties

Austin Gros via The Wedding Chicks

 Paul Morse Photographs

Sedona Bride via Style Me Pretty | Erich McVey Photography via Style Me Pretty

 Docuvitae via Lovellabridal

necklace:  All Things Tinsel on ETSY featured on Style Me Pretty by Jasmine Star Photography | Gabriel Ryan Photography via Style Me Pretty 

 Katherine Stinnett Photography

 White Rabbit Studios

Michelle Lindsay Photography

Will you or your bridesmaids be making a ‘statement’ on your wedding day?!

White Wedding! There is something about an all white affair that I really appreciate. It can be simple and clean or so elegant and extravagant. It takes a special bride too, to not be the only thing highlighted in white. It used to be a palette (or lack there of) saved for winter, but I’m excited to see it incorporated into all seasons.

Left: Photo by Todd James Photography via The Knot, Right: Photo by Amy and Stuart Photography Floral Design by The Hidden Garden via SMP

Top: Photo by Kate Headley, paper design by Mr. Boddington’s Studio, calligraphy by Tara Jones via Snippet and Ink, Bottom: Photo by Natalie Spencer Photography via Bridal Musings

Top: Photo by Meg Smith, Bouquet by Kathy Hoffman Flowers via Martha Stewart Weddings, Bottom: Photo by Denise Nicole Photography, Centerpieces by Suzan M Florals via Every Last Detail

Left: Photo by Brett Heidebrecht Cake by Amy Cakes via The Bride’s Cafe, Top Right: Photo by Priscila Valentina Photography via GWS Bottom Right: Photo by This Love of Yours… Photography Flowers by Ah Sam Florist via SMP

Photo by Veronique Photography via Southbound Bride

Would you ever have an all white wedding or do you need some color in your festivities?

Dana and Harley’s Wisconsin wedding is simple and classic. That’s what I love most about it. Her beautiful lace gown and the simple flower arrangements in bud vases. Her slate blue shoes (the Badgely Mischka’s that I’m a huge fan of) and flower in her hair are the sweetest of touches. It’s those simple details that can always make a bigger statement.

From the Photographer:
From the day’s start at the old world Pfister to the day’s end at the modern, leather-meet-brandy conservatory at Bacchus, everything about Dana and Harley’s wedding day oozed elegance. Her dress struck me with its lacy, timeless beauty and how she paired it with modern vintage touches of a glass bead belt and crystal cuff. Where Dana was giddy, Harley was cool – throughout the early part of the day I kept seeing him bent over a piece of paper, studying something in hand. It turns out it was the Saturday crossword puzzle and he got most of it complete the last time I checked. Dana & Harley’s reception was the first time I thought I could see myself doing it this way. The guests toasted them in the soft day light of the all-glass conservatory and they danced in an atmosphere more akin to an open air or tented reception. They dined in – well, the dining room, where crisp white linens and dark leather seating were accented with Marius Bell’s ingenious little floral vignettes with mercury glass votives. Instead of the usual 8 person rounds, guests filled booths and 4 tops, aunts next to neighbors, old friends reunited with one another. It was a lot like Dana & Harley took 150 of their favorite people out to a really, really nice dinner. Which is exactly what they wanted – a night to spend with those they cherish, to be toasted and to dance, but really to enjoy one another, intimately and elegantly.

As we all know, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and I couldn’t think of a better way to spread awareness of this wonderful cause then though these amazing pink inspired wedding details.

 Photos via Lovely Bride

M Three Studio | Photo via Wedding Chicks

 M Three Studio

 Jill Thomas Photography | Harrison Studio |Ali Harper Photography

 Carter Photography & Design

Left Photos via The Knot | Photo via Style Me Pretty

 Photo via Lovely Bridal 

 ANGEEW on ETSY | Jenny Girl Designs on ETSY | Simply Kate Grace on ETSY | Cutenessbuns on ETSY

Top: Beyond Design on ETSY | Julie Hanan Design on ETSY

Bottom: Pixie Chicago on ETSY | Lassod Moon on ETSY |  Wedding Paper Genie on ETSY

 Photo via Elizabeth Anne Designs | Abi Q Photography

 Alively Photography | Paul Johnson Photography

 Pictilio | Abi Q Photography

Photo via The Cupcake Blog | Photo via Pinterest

Kawaii Felt Crafts on ETSY

National Breast Cancer Awarness Month (NBCAM) is an annual international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities every October to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into the cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure for breast cancer.  This campaign also offers information and support to those affected by breast cancer and with about 1 in every 8 U.S. woman possibly developing invasive breast cancer, it’s a great reminder to check for early detection.

Sending extra special thoughts to all the friends & family members we know who have been affected by this disease. You all are amazing, strong, beautiful and inspiring women.