Bridal headwear has seen a major evolution in the past few decades. We’ve come from the tulle monstrosities of the 80s to a wide selection of delicate, sassy and romantic veils, birdcages and headpieces. I love that there are so many styles to choose from and am a proponent of choosing multiple headpieces and creating different looks for the reception and ceremony. A bride’s wedding is the one event at which outfit changes are completely acceptable for us non-Hollywood folk, so why not hair accessories too?
Cathedral viels have a special place in my heart and always will, especially since I wore one on my wedding day. However, some of the more playful, whimsical hairpieces are catching my eye. I’ve seen a few lately that make me wish I could pick a new wedding day look every week.
BHLDN has a wide range of hair accessories, some much more expensive than others. These hair clips add a pop of pizazz to a basic updo. If you envision yourself as a classic bride, these are right up your alley aisle.
BHLDN Bracken Clip | $42BHLDN Les Bijoux Hairpins | $400
Birdcage veils’ popularity has surged in the last few years. They are a fun alternative to a classic veil and while most brides are convinced they can’t pull off the look, almost anyone can with the right dress. Mermaid, fit and flare, trumpet and sheath look best. A birdcage competing with a ballgown tends to be a bit much.
Brenda’s Bridal Veils via Etsy | $109
I’m gushing over this bejeweled headband. The epitome of effortless elegance, this headband complements an updo or loose waves. Simply gorgeous!
Untamed Petals Poppy Double Headband via Etsy Shop | $145
Exactly one month ago, my husband and I celebrated our one year anniversary. Even a year and a month later I’m still getting used to saying the words “my husband!” Recently, we had the opportunity to do a one-year shoot with my very talented photographer friend, Aki Akiwumi of Mangolens photography. We decided we might as well go all the way and throw on our wedding day garb to really enjoy the celebration of one year of marriage.
We made our way to the Netherlands Carillion which, in my opinion, is one of the absolute best views of the city. Case in point:
What I loved about the shoot was its relaxed nature. We were able to just enjoy being with one another, which was hard to do on our wedding day as we were rushing from the ceremony to pictures to the reception, keeping our focus on what was happening next instead of what had just happened. The photos of our wedding day are absolutely priceless and beautiful (thanks to Paul Morse and Jacqulyn Maisonneuve) but I think most brides can attest to the difficulty of relaxing on your wedding day.
If you’re thinking of doing an Anniversary shoot, whatever the year, I’d highly recommend it. It is a fun, low pressure way to document a special milestone in your lives. A shoot can be as low key as you, your significant other in your favorite jeans and tees or as elaborate as getting back into your wedding day outfits. Your photographer can work with you, too, to pinpoint ideas and inspiration.
We had a blast doing the shoot and being in my wedding dress made it feel even more special. But I will say, the well wishes and “congratulations!” from the occasional passersby did make us feel a bit awkward at first, but then we just embraced it and responded with a gracious “thank you!” One year of marriage deserves just as much congratulations as one hour, in my opinion!
Here are some of my favorite shots. Aki shoots in both digital and film (yes, good old fashioned film) which is really, really unique and a testament to his skills! See if you can tell which ones were shot on film and which ones are digital:
*All photos are courtesy of Mangolens photography.
Have you done an Anniversary shoot? What was your favorite part?
Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, as the saying goes. It is tradition to have all four as you make your way down the aisle, but it is also a fun way to accessorize.
I think these little “somethings” are an opportunity to add some of the most special, heartfelt and creative finishing touches to your ensemble. However, they can often be overlooked amidst all the taffeta and tulle, and sometimes completely forgotten. I took a such joy in finding a unique way to satisfy each “something” that in some cases I wound up with two!
Something old.
This was one of my favorite categories. There is just so much you can do to have something old tucked away in your wedding day garb. They don’t give you all that tulle for nothing! I opted for using something old to create something new with the help of my good friend Nicole. My mother had so kindly given me her veil to use in whatever way I pleased. I, not so kindly, decided to chop it up, remove the gorgeous pearl beaded trim and Nicole was able to turn it into a beautiful belted creation.
I wore the beaded belt, in the upper right corner, down the aisle and the belt with the flower accent for the reception. (Photo from Paul Morse)
Something new
Something new is a pretty easy requirement to satisfy. Let’s start with a new dress, new shoes, potentially new jewelry, hopefully new underwear…you get the idea. I was extremely lucky to have a wonderful husband who gifted me with some seriously stunning pearl and diamond earrings. Something new, check!
(Photo from Paul Morse)
Something borrowed.
A few weeks ago, while I was on the topic of wedding shoes, I talked about the shoe clips that I was able to borrow from my mother in law. My cousin also let me borrow a strand of pearls that belonged to my Aunt who is no longer with us, which served as very special reminder of two people I love. Incidentally, my mother in law also gave me a set of her own pearls, which paired perfectly, allowing me to have something borrowed and something new.
I wore two pearl necklaces – one borrowed and one old – for my walk down the aisle. You can also get a better view of the belt which was made from my mom’s veil. (Photo courtesy of Paul Morse)
Something blue
This is where a bride can have the most fun. From painted finger nails to toe nails; from sashes to undergarments; and from flowers to hairpieces; blue can make its debut just about anywhere. Again, I opted for blue shoes but also borrowed (check, another borrowed item!) a bracelet from my mother with a small topaz stone. The possibilities are endless.
I loved the pop of blue in all of my photos. (Photo from Paul Morse)
These were my picks for my own something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. There are so many other creative ways to meet these traditional criteria. Have your bridesmaids sign the bottom of your shoes in blue or paint the bottom of your shoes blue. Tie a picture of your parents or grandparents on their wedding day to your bouquet for something old. Borrow a close friend or family member’s veil.
Whatever you choose, make sure all items are uniquely yours and make you feel special!
For all my married folk out there, what were your four “somethings”?
