landlocked bride® | midwest + mountain west wedding inspiration

You don’t have to venture cross country or to a secluded beach a few plane rides away to enjoy a romantic honeymoon getaway after your big day. There are a number of quaint, romantic spots tucked into every corner of our landlocked region to enjoy. Here are a few of our favorites:

1. The Inn at Irwin Gardens (Columbus, Ind.)
This 1910 Edwardian mansion offers guests a rare opportunity to experience early 20th century luxury and culture. This Italianate-style home offers breathtakingly beautiful gardens to explore as well.

2. Hotel Blackhawk (Davenport, Iowa)
This historic hotel got a major facelift and is now part of Marriott’s exclusive Autograph Collection. How often can you put hip together with historic? Rooms have an Art Deco vibe, and amenities include a pool, sundeck and even a basement bowling alley.

3. The Castle Inn Riverside (Wichita, Kan.)
True to its name, the Castle Inn is built to model a real Scottish castle in 1888. It’s soaring ceilings, Grecian fireplace, rich architecture and gorgeous stained glass make it a perfect honeymoon locale.

4. French Lick Resort (French Lick, Ind.)
Don’t be fooled by its off-beat name, this resort offers a variety of luxurious amenities and a breathtaking 600-foot glass dome. Direct from Europe, The Spa at West Baden is perfect also perfect for a romantic couples massage. For the outdoor lovers, enjoy your time poolside, golfing or at the stables.

5. Spearfish Canyon Lodge (Lead, South Dakota)
This upscale resort is located in the heart of a beautiful canyon. Couples can enjoy picturesque views of lofty pines and cliffs at almost every turn. In the summer, you can even hike to waterfalls and enjoy numerous groomed trails.

Brides past, present and future all seem know what the “4 C’s” are- and if not, this term is used to describe the characteristics of a diamond: Cut, Clarity, Color and Carat Weight. However, what you may not know that there are also (unofficially) “4 C’s” to consider when picking out your day-of footwear as well! Sometimes picking out your shoes can be more difficult than picking out your dress, but if you take time to consider the “4 C’s” of shoes – choosing the shoe style that best represents your style will be a walk in the park (no pun).

1) Classic

 Glint –  ’Radiance’ Pump | Enzo Angiolini – ‘Savoye’ Pump

Menbur – Slingback Pump | Kate Spade New York – ‘Shalyn’ Pump

2) Comfortable

Toms – ‘Classic’ Crochet Slip-On | Toms – ‘Classic-Glitter’ Slip On

Betsey Johnson – Blue by Betsey Johnson ‘Dance’ Flat | Ugg Australia - ‘Bailey Button – I do’ Boot

3) Color 

Nina – ‘Electra’ Sandal | Nine West – ‘Jusskippy’ Sandal

Nina – ‘Elizia’ Sandal  | Glint – ‘Devyn’ Sandal 

4) Contemporary

B Brian Atwood – ‘Cassiane’ High Sandal – BCBGMAXAXRIA – ‘Peacock’ Pump 

Jeffrey Campbell – ‘Koons’ Pump | Valentino – ‘Microstud’ Mary Jane Pump

Which shoe style is your favorite? Or better yet, who wants to go shopping?

From the Bride-to-be:
Doug and I met while attending Purdue University my freshman year (his sophomore year). I am originally from Indiana while Doug is from South Florida. I now work as a pilot for US Airways Express and am based in Pennsylvania and Doug works as an aerospace engineer in Indianapolis. It has been a long distance relationship from the start, but we have never let that get in the way. Both being in the aviation industry, taking engagement pictures at an airport was only appropriate.

I love how brides have made wedding cakes their own. Incorporating personality into your wedding cake adds a flair all its own and everything from floral to lace is in right now. But a big trend this year is modern, simple cakes that add just a hint of personality and punch to incorporate the overall theme. We’ve collected below some of our favorite cakes on this trend:

Photos From: Style Me Pretty

How would you incorporate this trend? What accent would you add?

The wedding gown. It is one of the most iconic, and memorable pieces from a wedding day. It’s timeless, it’s beautiful, it’s a reflection of you and how you want to look on the most important day of your life. However, choosing the dress may not always be as easy as one would hope. Some brides can try on one dress, others 5 dresses, or possibly 65. Some brides may cry, others may not. Some brides know exactly what they want, when others may choose something completely unexpected. The process is one to cherish; it can be fun, it can be challenging, but embrace your time to find your dress. Although there are different elements to consider before choosing your perfect dress, the infographic below will help you get started! The talented crew at Bridal Book shares 13 wedding gown trends for 2013.

What is your favorite trend of 2013? Do any brides-to-be have a gown that fits into one of the categories above?

A return to formal is something the wedding industry has seen come back full force in 2012 and it seems to be staying strong in 2013. From chandeliers to plated dinners, brides are bringing back formality and pomp to their celebrations. One aspect of this comeback I am swooning over is how brides are incorporating formal chinaware. Whether their grandmother’s vintage set or mismatched cups and plates as centerpieces, we’re seeing these adorable and beautiful pieces being utilized in such creative ways! We’ve collected a few pieces below for inspiration:

DishWish

DishWish

Last six images: Style Me Pretty 

What are some ways you would incorporate chinaware into your celebration? Would you be a stickler for matching or crave mismatching sets? Would you utilize it as centerpiece inspiration only?

Where would you go hunting for pieces, do you have a favorite antique store?

Brides are making bolder choices to personalize their weddings these days, and one big way they’re doing it is through patterns; and one pattern scheme that seems to be really exploding right now is geometric patterns. Everything from jewelry to table decor can have a hint of geometric goodness. If paired with bold colors, it makes an even bigger punch of personality. It really gives a clean modern feel to any celebration. We’ve gathered a few things to inspire you on how to incorporate it into your big day:

Style Me Pretty

Cutie Pie Press

Style Me Pretty

Fable + Lore

Jenny Jimenez Photography

Martha Stewart Weddings

Izzy Hudgins Photography

How would you incorporate geometric patterns into your celebration? Are you more of a neutral pattern fan or do you like the bolder color choices?

When I first saw this wedding, I couldn’t believe that it took place right here in the Midwest. The beautiful outdoor setting, the pops of green both in the decor and within the surrounding natural backdrop, the classic elements of black and white to the polka dots – everything looks as if it was taken straight from a magazine. Most people only hope to have a reception as beautiful as this, and lucky for this bride and groom, this was their second celebration as they had gotten married a month earlier in Honolulu, Hawaii (swoon). However, what I love most is that the couple incorporated photos form their wedding in Hawaii into the decor for their at-home reception.

 Jennifer Jackson Photography

Vendors:

Caterer: Moveable Feast | Floral Designer: Kennicott Brothers | Linens & Coverings: BBJ Linens & Elegant Presentations | Equipment Rentals: Blue Peaks Tents

So, this gal was informally introduced a few weeks back. Mostly because I sort of threw her into the deep end. It’s no secret I have sort of stepped back from blogging. For a number of reasons, but mostly because I think it’s that time that I bring some fresh faces in to share awesome ideas and beautiful weddings. I’ll still pop in from time-to-time, but I’m pretty much leaving it up to Natalie, Lindsay and Ashley to run the show, and I couldn’t be more excited to have them on board.

Without further, adieu, please give a warm Landlocked welcome to Ashley.  She’s a doll of a gal, from Florida, with a STRONG STRONG love for the state of Colorado.  You’ll catch her usually blogging on Wednesdays, so make sure you stop by and show her a little love.

Take it away, Ashley!

I’ve always been a girl that needed unbridled self-expression. Even at the wee age of five I was painting the walls in my 70s-terrific bedroom with finger paint to cover up the lime green carpet and hideously shaded yellow walls to ‘writing’ journal entries about my days in kindergarten. That love for all things creative has turned into a five year stint in the writing, editing and designing business. I currently work a day job in the graphic design industry where I dream of starting my own wedding invitation business. I also write for a number of regional and national magazines and publishers.

My eye for design naturally drew me to the weddings industry where out-of-the-box, personalized design has me squealing with glee on more than one occasion. I’m excited to share my love for unique design and personalized touches with Landlocked Brides everywhere.

Edge painting can add a beautiful touch or a bold pop of color to your wedding invitations. Since so much importance is placed on the colors of your wedding – from bridesmaid dresses to flowers, linens to other day-of details, why not place the same importance on your wedding invitations. Your invitation is likely to be the first thing your guests see and truly sets the stage for what’s to come, what to expect, and what to look forward to. Edge painting is a wonderful technique because it can fit any wedding theme, any time of year. Add a pale green edge to match the look of your outdoor rustic wedding, a metallic gold edge that mimics the interior of your hotel reception venue, or a red edge detailing that showcases the party vibe in store for your New Years Eve reception – whatever the case, this is a detail that will get noticed, and will be remembered.

Paper Finger – Ligature

Bella Figura: Charlotte

Dauphine Press – Calistoga

Invitations By Ajalon

Perky Bros

Do you plan on including this memorable, unique technique to your wedding invitation suite?