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The Wedding Tradition of Old, New, Borrowed and Blue

June 4, 2008 | editorial team

The Victorian era English saying Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in your shoe is a good luck tradition that many of you will follow on your wedding day. Its such a sweet and creative way to add a little extra meaning and magic to your wedding! Heres a bit of background on the sentiment behind each part of the saying, so you can think about what it means to you, and interpret it in your very own way.

La Vie Photography, something old, something new at your wedding

Something old signifies a connection to the past, including your family values and family history.

  • Choose a favorite photo, childhood story, or song you want incorporated into your ceremony that has sentimental value to you and your family members.
  • Look to your mom, his mom and your grandmothers for lovely jewelry and accessories that have family significance.
  • Carry a picture of from your parents wedding or a love letter from father to your mother in your purse.
  • Wear your mothers wedding dress or veil, or carry a compact mirror she used on her wedding day.
  • Make your getaway in a vintage Rolls Royce or hold your reception at a beautiful historic site.

something old wedding tradition

Photos: top photo by J. Garner Photography, middle photos by Positive Light Photography and Junebug Weddings, bottom photo by La Vie Photography.

 

Something new indicates hope and an optimistic look at the road ahead.

  • Buy new earrings or a charm for your charm bracelet that can be passed down to your daughter or another important relative in your life. 
  • Have a new cocktail recipe invented and name it after you and your partner. Serve it at your reception with a recipe card as a coaster.
  • Ask your friends and family members to bring a wish or a small token to add to your  time capsule box. Open it on your silver wedding anniversary.
  • Start your own new tradition! Think of new creative ways to honor your marriage, your friends or support your favorite cause.

something new wedding tradition

Photos: top dress by Monique Lhuilier, Badgley Mischka crystal cluster earrings from Nordstrom.com, middle photo by J. Garner Photography, bottom photos by Junebug Weddings.

 

Something borrowed denotes the respect you have for others who have been role models in your life. Borrow something of significance from someone you think exemplifies the traits of a good partner, and let a little of their wisdom rub off on you.

  • Borrow a passage, song, or special prayer from the wedding ceremony of a couple that you admire.
  • Get married at the home of a relative or spend your honeymoon at a family members vacation property or time-share.
  • Use a pearl handled knife or decorative cake cutter that youve borrowed from a friend or put your parents cake topper on top of your cake.
  • Borrow a favorite recipe from your mother, aunt, or grandmother and have it served at your reception.

something borrowed wedding tradition
Photos: top cake topper note card from lizaruth on Etsy.com, middle photos by J. Garner Photography and La Vie Photography, bottom photo by La Vie Photography.

 

Something blue is a sign of fidelity and true love. For many years before the white wedding dress came into vogue, brides were married in blue as a symbol of their purity. Nowadays, this is one of the most fun ways to incorporate color into your wedding. Play up blue in your garter, shoes, lingerie, or wedding bouquet. No matter what you choose to do make it fun and make it meaningful.

  • Incorporate forget me-nots, larkspur, delphinium, or love in the mist blossom into your bouquet for a romantic touch of blue.
  • Buy yourself some lacy blue under things. Splurge on a gorgeous new blue bra and panty set. 
  • Have your cake decorated with blueberries and blackberries, or serve blueberry pies or tarts as an alternative to wedding cake.
  • Tie a light blue ribbon around your garter or have one woven into the handle of your bouquet.

something blue wedding tradition

Photos: top by La Vie Photography, middle blueberry and buttermilk tart and berry basket wedding cake from MarthaStewart.com, bottom photos by J. Garner Photography and Positive Light Photography.

 

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White Porcelain Wedding Decor from Velocity Art and Design

June 2, 2008 | editorial team

If white is a main feature in your wedding color palette, try adding a whimsical touch by tucking a nature inspired porcelain detail in with your table top decor and flower arrangements. I love the organic quality of these unglazed porcelain mushroom and bird statuettes, and the vintage feel of the porcelain peonies, dahlias and cosmos. For a beach inspired wedding, combine real seashells with the glowing starfish and sea urchin votive holders for a lovely warm decoration near your seating card display or on your guest book table. Any of these would look great at your wedding, and be a sweet reminder of your big day later when they decorate your home.

porcelain wedding decor from Velocity Art and Design
All items by Roost at Velocity Art and Design

Top row:
Porcelain bird statuettes
Porcelain leaf votive
Porcelain sea life candle holders

Second and third rows:
Unglazed porcelain flowers
Porcelain mushrooms
Porcelain flower candle holders

 

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Real Weddings – Vineyard Wedding in Walla Walla, WA – Brooke and Justin

May 30, 2008 | editorial team

Vineyard wedding in Walla Walla, WA - photo by Positive Light Photography

Today I’m thrilled to bring you a Real Wedding that is near and dear to my heart. Brooke and Justin are one of the sweetest couples I’ve met in ages and one sun-drenched day last August, Blair and I were lucky enough to be their wedding photographers! That’s right, we got to run around the stunning grounds of the Va Piano Vineyards in Walla Walla, Washington, soak up the sunshine, eat grapes straight off the vines, and take part in this romantic and fun-filled wine country wedding.

Brooke and Justin’s romance began when Justin was the first boy Brooke spotted when she arrived on campus for her freshman year of college, and she thought that maybe college life wasn’t going to be so bad! Adorable! On the last day of school they had their first kiss, and the rest is history. After moving to Eastern Washington to pursue Justin’s career as a winemaker, these two wanted to show their family and friends the beauty of this area they loved. They chose one of their favorite vineyards for the ceremony and reception and designed everything around the wine, the landscape and the love they share for everyone in their lives.

Vineyard wedding in Walla Walla, WA - photos by Positive Light Photography

With their color palette of   sunflower yellow, green and burgundy grape their decor perfectly played off the rich colors of the surrounding land and thoughtful details abounded. Ribbon tied bunches of wheat and lavender decorated the backs of the ceremony chairs, a magnum of wine was used as a guestbook, an outdoor photo booth got guests in on the action, Justin’s light blue convertible VW Bug was used as the “gift table” and piled high with gift-wrapped packages, snow cones were served to the young (and young at heart) and instead of a classic wedding cake there were yummy cupcakes for everyone. Even after all that, my favorite details of the day were the bottles of Justin’s very own wine that the guests got to take home as wedding favors, complete with custom labels featuring the happy couple.

Vineyard wedding in Walla Walla, WA - photos by Positive Light Photography

Brooke and Justin’s friends are hugely important to them and you could tell that the same was felt in reverse. The day before the wedding, Brooke’s girlfriends helped her with all the flowers and decorations, and they stopped to have a luxurious lunch together to celebrate their friendship. Her best friend’s mother acted as their officiant and during the reception there was a special surprise performance by a huge group of their buddies who wrote and sang a (very funny) song about history of their love. Brooke and Justin were in tears of laughter and loved every minute of it!

I personally adored the fashion of the day. The guys in their crisp tan Banana Republic suits, the ladies in their simple brown J. Crew dresses, Brooke’s sweet floral hair wreath, pearl jewelry, cork covered high heels (how perfect for the vineyard!) and Madina Vadache wedding dress with ribbon ruffles along the neck and waistline. Unbelievably darling. Blair and I were in heaven!

Thanks so much for sharing your day you two! To get the rest of the details on Brooke and Justin’s talented wedding team, be sure to visit our Real Weddings section, and have fun!

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