landlocked bride | midwest wedding inspiration

plan a modern wedding in the middle of the country

I may live in the Midwest, but I seriously channel my inner Southern girl when it comes to menswear at weddings. I’m so over the matchy-matchy vests and ties (and you should be as well). And, while I love a good colorful tie (I should, our groomsmen will be sporting them), I’m a big ‘ol sucker for a man in a bow tie. Well, really, I’m just a sucker for a bow tie. Period.

And, how could you not be?


Image courtesy of Tec Petaja


Image courtesy of Braedon Photography via Green Wedding Shoes


Image courtesy of Lindsay Ann Photography via Grey Likes Weddings. Bow tie by Ouma.

So, do you prefer a plain tie, a quirky bow tie, or the traditional matchy vest/tie combo?

Taking cues from a good friend’s wedding, and Abby from Life in the Super Burbs, I love a bride who embraces TOMS shoes. Especially the colorful ones!


Image courtesy of Fuse Photographic

For more Tuesday Shoesday goodness, hop over to Swatchbook Weddings, Simply & Forever, SWOONOVERIT, Meant to be Sent, Gwyneth Paige, Life in the Super Burbs, Slice of Lime Design, Lauren Kelly Events, April Foster Events, Jan Schill and Weddings and Pretty Things!

So, I may be a tad biased, considering this little one’s sister-in-law happens to be a bride (and friend) of mine. Not only did she dance her little tushy off for a good portion of the night, she told guests “Hi” as she walked down the aisle, and said “Cheese” anytime you wanted to take a photo of her.  I think that automatically qualifies her as the most adorable flower girl.


Image courtesy of Jodi Schlosser Photography

And, as follow-up to this morning’s postMaggie‘s very own wedding shoes! A gorgeous pair of red Valentino‘s. Le swoon!


Image courtesy of Beach Productions

A big ‘ol thanks to two of my faves for sharing this fantastically fun and sun-drenched session. The couple is adorable! Swoon-worthy indeed.





Images courtesy of bobbi + mike


Image courtesy of Kellan Studios via The Bride’s Cafe

These photos…



Images courtesy of The Parsons Photographers

are exactly why I bought these for our photobooth:


Image courtesy of Hello! Lucky

So, let’s face it. Not all of us want to search high and low for a Gocco – especially since they are no longer in production. And, well, not everyone has the resources to have a ton of custom cocktail napkins printed.

Julianne Smith, better known as The Garter Girl, recently held her launch party a few weeks ago. She wanted custom cocktail napkins, but didn’t want to pay the price. Stephanie at Couture Parties clued her in on a little secret:

Rubber Stamp

So, how does it work?

  1. Design (or use your logo) a custom graphic and have a custom rubber stamp made.
  2. Buy cocktail napkins in the quantity and color(s) of your choice.
  3. Buy rubber stamp ink.
  4. Begin stamping away – allowing plenty of time to dry!


Images courtesy of A Britton Photography via The Garter Girl

A big congrats to Julianne for her launch. If you are not familiar with her garters – go check them out now! (I have featured her work in the past, because, well, she does awesome work)!

A glamorous champagne pair by Nina Shoes.


Image courtesy of Leigh Taylor Photography via Every Last Detail

The Midwest has some seriously good talent.  It truly excites to me stumble upon new work, or even be introduced to it.

Oceawide Studios, a boutique video studio, is based out of Des Moines, IA.  The founders, Brad and Andy, have known each other for nearly half of their lives and created the studio as a creative outlet for the both of them.  They have built Oceanwide Studios up to be a family business, including their wives and families in much of the everyday workings of the business.

Each of their videos is shot in high definition using high quality equipment to truly capture the emotion and the detail of whatever project they tackle.  And, of course, in true Landlocked Bride fashion, I found myself tearing up not even a minute into the first video they shared.

Adam + Britni from oceanwide on Vimeo.

For more videos from Oceanwide Studios, to see if their available for your wedding or to just learn more – visit their site (and tell ‘em I sent you over)!  And, if you’re wondering, yes, they do travel!