landlocked bride™ | midwest + mountain west wedding inspiration

plan a modern wedding in the middle of the country

Continues to amaze me how much creativity comes out of the Midwest when it comes to weddings.  I am beyond thrilled that local brides are finally realizing it is okay to make it personal, and most importantly have fun.

Local blogger, Lauren of Clever Betty, and her fiance put together this fabulous save the date video in stop motion, and I cannot. stop. watching. it.  I wish I could be a guest at this girl’s wedding. But ‘alas, that’s not possible. BUT, the fabulous Lisa Hessel will be photographing their big day this Fall, and I cannot wait to see what she captures.

Enjoy!

Save the Date! from Sean and Lauren on Vimeo.

We are honored to again be featured on BrideTide’s Top Wedding Blogs of 2011. Besides this being the second year we have graced their list, we happen to be in great company with blogs like Southern Weddings, Martha Stewart, The Knotty Bride, Every Last Detail, Brancoprata, Elizabeth Anne Designs, Valley & Co., Sparkle & Hay, Magnolia Rouge, Niche White, Weddingbee….I could go on and on!  If you do not already follow these blogs (and the other 88 on the list) be sure to add them to your Google Reader!

Thank you to every single one of you who have contributed to Landlocked Bride’s success. And, here is to a new year of fabulous wedding inspiration!

Now this is how you toast your friends.


Photo courtesy of Clark + Walker Studio

We’re Aleah + Nick Valley of Valley & Co. and we’re so excited to partner with some of our most favorite blogosphere friends for this Blog Around the World: Elegant Decay post! Today you’re invited to a worldwide scavenger hunt on these awesome blogs where you’ll find snippets of our Elegant Decay photo shoot, designed to show off the after effects of a celebration: fun! We all spend so long putting together amazing designs and table scapes for our couples, and this shows off the end result {and the most important element}: enjoyment. We hope you enjoy this – thank you to all of our friends for participating and be sure to visit these other fabulous blogs for more photos, ideas, tips, and fun!

So, it’s the big day, right? You’ve spent nearly a year (or more) planning for this wedding. Before you go all bridezilla, take a second to think about why you’re getting married. Not the what, or the things. Sure, the flowers are important, and the cake and food should taste wonderful. But, at the end of the day, it’s about you. You and your significant other. And the friends and family who are helping you celebrate.

It’s okay if the flowers aren’t perfect, if a little wine or amaretto sour makes its way onto the perfectly pressed ivory pintuck linen. It’s okay if they spell your name incorrectly on the venue sign, or the DJ mispronounces your name.  You’re married. Remember that. Spend the day soaking that up, smiling, laughing and being in love.

1: Bubble Rock | 2: Magnolia Rouge | 3: Cap Classique | 4: Brancoprata | 5: The Demoiselle | 6: Engaged + Inspired | 7: Postcards and Pretties | 8: Paper Garland | 9: Sparkle and Hay | 10: Superburbs | 11: Every Last Detail | 12: Brenda’s Wedding Blog | 13: Niche White | 14: Simply and Forever | 15: Bride Goggles16: Landlocked Bride | 17: Forget Me Knot Weddings | 18: Fabulously Wed | 19: The Bride Suite | 20: Enchanted Dreams Wedding & Affairs | 21: Marry You Me | 22: Luna and Chloe Weddings | 23: La Petite Coquin | 24: Glamour and Grace Weddings

Credits: Design + styling and JOY cards: Aleah + Nick Valley of Valley & Co. | Photography: Jeremy Leffel | Floral design: Anne Bradfield of Floressence | Crystal and marble decorative candle accents: vintage pieces from Nick’s mom | Venue, dessert, and drinks: Palace Ballroom by Tom Douglas | Linens: Choice Linens | Chairs, silverware, and china: AA Party Rentals

Be sure to continue following along with today’s Elegant Decay photo hunt by visiting the other wonderful blogs on the list.  Be sure to check out Nick and Aleah’s blog later today for a wrap up!

In honor of my Father’s birthday today, a sweet father-daughter dance moment.


Photo courtesy of Emily Porter Photography

We all love posey photos (Well, I don’t, but maybe you do. However, I do really love this photo).

I quite personally love photos like this instead. They tell the true story.



Photos courtesy of bobbi + mike

Do yourself a favor and ask your photographer to have fun too. Kudos to Bobbi and Mike for always bringing the fun and the creative.

I keep wavering back and forth between doing a day after session or not. B isn’t quite up for it…but I think these photos might just change is mind. Fingers crossed.

Also, this bride happens to be wearing yellow TOMS. A girl after my own heart.









Photos courtesy of Clary Photo

Oh, and did I mention that these photos are taken with film. FILM. Gorgeous. Seriously.

Just in case you weren’t aware, Chelsea Clinton got married this weekend. And, as much as I know that these photos will be everywhere for the next week or so, I couldn’t not share them, but there is something so classic and beautiful and timeless about them. About her dress. And, the setting.





Images courtesy of AP/Getty Images via Huffington Post

These photos are exactly why I encourage all brides-to-be (and grooms) to do a first look. I know, I know, it’s breaking tradition – but not only do you get wonderful bride/groom reactions, but you get some absolute must-happen time alone with your groom on your wedding day.

I personally cannot wait for my first look with the Pilot. I hope he shoots some shocking looks my way!


Images courtesy of Harrison Studio



Images courtesy of Morgan Matters Photography

I love when brides push the envelope. A little rock n’ roll, a little rebellion. So much personality.

Case in point: Amanda and Ben were wed at the Bay Pointe Inn in Shelbeyville, Michigan.

And, as part of their “big finale” the two decided to take the plunge. Right into wakeboarding. Amanda in her gown and Ben wearing his full suit.  Don’t believe me?



Images courtesy of k. holly photography

For one, I suck at wakeboarding, so this would never happen. But, it does make me wish we were getting married in the mountains so the Pilot and I could snow ski/snowboard in our attire. Would be fun!

And, kudos to Kristen for capturing these photos!