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How to Find The Perfect Customized Engagement Ring

December 28, 2023 | riley

Image by Alinea Pictures. Keep scrolling to see how Helzberg can help you find the perfect customized engagement ring

Are you ready to pop the question to the love of your life and want to make it extra special? Do the rings you see in jewelry stores not feel customized enough? We understand wanting a piece of jewelry as special as your relationship. That’s why customized engagement rings are the perfect option. A customized ring allows you to create a unique piece that perfectly reflects your partner’s style and personality.

There’s a lot to consider when creating a ring, though. From diamond types (lab-grown or natural?) to ring style (emerald cut or oval?), metal, and more, there are a lot of aspects to think about. That’s why we’re making it as easy as possible–and showing you why Helzberg is the perfect option for you.

Things to Consider When Choosing the Perfect Customized Engagement Ring

Diamond Types

Customization begins with the choice of the centerpiece: the diamond. Diamonds come in various types, each with its own unique characteristics. Understanding the 4Cs–cut, color, clarity, and carat weight–will help you make an informed decision based on your preferences and budget. However, Helzberg gives you a 5th C to consider–choice. With countless lab-grown and natural diamonds to choose from, you can make the right choice for you and your partner.

Ring Style

The style of the engagement ring sets the tone for its overall design. Whether you prefer a timeless solitaire, a glamorous halo setting, or a vintage-inspired design, the ring style is the number one way to show off your taste and personality. Popular options include: 

  • Solitaire – A solitaire setting features a single diamond, allowing it to take center stage and shine.
  • Halo – A halo setting consists of a center diamond surrounded by smaller diamonds, creating a truly sparkling effect.
  • Vintage – Vintage-inspired rings showcase intricate details that they just don’t quite make anymore.
  • Three Stone – Three-stone rings symbolize the past, present, and future, representing a couple’s journey together.

Metal

The choice of metal adds another layer of customization to the ring. Common options include platinum, white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold. Each metal has its own distinct qualities, from the durability of platinum to the warmth of rose gold. Consider your partner’s style and skin tone when selecting the metal.

Personalized Elements

Beyond the traditional aspects of an engagement ring, consider incorporating personalized elements that hold sentimental value. This could include engraving a special date, adding birthstones, or integrating unique design elements that represent shared interests or milestones in your relationship.

Pros of A Customized Engagement Ring

  • Unique design –  A customized ring allows you to create a one-of-a-kind piece that reflects your partner’s individuality.
  • Symbolic meaning – Every aspect of the ring can be tailored to hold personal significance and symbolism.
  • Personalized experience – Designing a customized ring is a memorable and personal experience that can be shared with your partner (if you so choose, of course). 

How Helzberg Can Help

Helzberg is all about making people feel loved, and they’re there to help guide you through finding just the right jewelry along the way. Not just any piece lives up to the Helzberg name. They go beyond industry standards for sourcing their products–from ethics to the stunning quality of their diamonds. They’re even members of the American Gem Society and Berkshire Hathaway Inc. That’s why the brand has opened over 175 stores throughout the United States. 

With rings under $2,000 to entire pages dedicated to moissanite and lab-grown rings, Helzberg makes finding the perfect ring a piece of cake, which means you can spend more time planning out the proposal to surprise the love of your life and less time worrying about the ring.

Some of Our Favorite Helzberg Engagement Rings

Light Heart® Lab Grown Diamond Solitaire Round Engagement Ring 2. Charles & Colvard-Forever One Emerald-Cut Lab Created Moissanite Ring with Side-Stones 3. Light Heart Lab Grown Diamond Oval Engagement Ring in 14K Gold 4. Charles & Colvard-Forever One™ Three-Stone Moissanite Ring 14K White Gold

 Crafting the perfect customized engagement ring is a labor of love, resulting in a symbol of your unique connection. From selecting the right diamond and ring style to choosing the perfect metal and adding personalized elements, the process allows you to create a timeless piece that will be cherished for generations. To start creating the ring of your dreams, check out Helzberg’s custom engagement ring builder!

Image by Hakuna Matata

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Unbelievably Whimsical Chicago Garden Backyard Wedding

December 28, 2023 | justine

Nestled within a lush oak forest surrounded by blooming wildflowers, Peyton and Todd knew that the ideal wedding venue was right in their backyard—literally! Choosing the bride’s family property in Chicago, the couple orchestrated a whimsical garden wedding packed with personality and a whole lot of flowers.  It was an unforgettable celebration that surpassed all expectations, turning their dream wedding into a beautiful reality.

The natural beauty of their front yard set the stage for a breathtaking ceremony. The porch became a romantic altar, wrapped in wildflowers and greenery, creating an intimate space for the pair to exchange vows. When it came to the reception, a clear tent offered a spectacular view of the surrounding forest. The tables were adorned with an elegant touch of gold accents, a mix of towering and low arrangements of garden blooms, and candles. To enhance the dreamy ambiance, the couple added string lights above the outdoor setting, adding a touch of magic to the celebration.

Overflowing with fairytale charm, this garden soiree is a love story in full bloom. Trust us when we say you won’t want to miss a single moment captured by Melody Joy. Keep scrolling to discover the enchanting details that make this celebration truly magical.

The Couple:

Peyton + Todd

The Wedding:

Chicago, Illinois, USA

Choosing the Perfect Dress Long Before the Ring

I had two dresses for the wedding. The ceremony dress was bought in 2019, two years before we got engaged and three years before the wedding. I had always known I wanted to get married at my parent’s house, and it was the first and only dress I had seen that felt like it fit the environment perfectly. It was a two-piece set by Grace Loves Lace made from silk. I hate being in anything tight or uncomfortable, so this super comfy dress was an automatic plus for me. The veil for the dress felt very traditional, and I thought I was honoring my Nana and our Italian heritage. I wore a vintage pearl and wood choker, and my good friend, Molly of Barbara Parker Fine Jewelry, not only designed my engagement and wedding ring but designed all of the other jewelry I wore for the wedding, including the diamond and pearl earrings and the pearl bracelet set. I changed into a Rasario mini dress and Jimmy Choo pumps for the reception. I also switched chokers for the after-party, also made by Barbara Parker Fine Jewelry.

How Their Whimsical Chicago Garden Backyard Wedding Came To Be

My dream had always been to get married at my parent’s home in the forest. I hadn’t ever really imagined my wedding any other way. The natural surroundings of the area honestly inspired me. It was important to me that everything felt natural and like it had always been there. All the flowers chosen for the wedding were natural wildflowers that would bloom in mid-September. The tent was entirely clear, and the forest trees outside it were illuminated so that it genuinely felt like you were eating and dancing in an oak forest. It boils down to the natural beauty of the area that inspired me!

Heartfelt Vows and Stepping Outside Their Comfort Zones 

One of my favorite wedding day memories was the ceremony. I had not wanted to make public vows. I’m very private, and I was very nervous about the thought of saying my vows in front of everyone. Todd, on the other hand, loved the idea of doing vows. We did it, and I am so happy I went out of my comfort zone and did it. It made for one of my favorite memories of the day—with the dogs wandering around for the entire ceremony.

Hogwarts-Inspired Dining Hall Vibe and Mixology Magic

The table settings were a fun detail. We wanted three long tables as if you were in the dining hall at Hogwarts, and everything on the tables was different. We had mismatched candelabras, vases, and flowers on all the tables, and it came together perfectly. Another detail was that it was essential for us to have a great bar program. We wanted guests to feel as if they were at a restaurant and that the bar just happened to be in the middle of the street. The bar program was absolutely perfect. The bartenders were shaking Martinis and stirring old fashions on site, and it was a detail that we were super happy with. 

Personalizing Their Wedding Menu with Their Favorite Indian Food

Todd and I love Indian food. I had spent time in India studying Indian food, so it had always been a favorite of mine. When it came to picking the menu, Jane at Entertaining Company went above and beyond, even coming over to our house to try some of our recipes so that we could perfect the dishes served. Our planner had the incredible idea of making the menus round and having them on the chargers.

Mom’s Homemade Coconut Wedding Cake For Their Garden Backyard Wedding

The most special wedding detail was that my mom made our wedding cake. Both Todd and I love my mom’s coconut cake. She made it every year for my birthday and turned it into a tiered, absolutely gorgeous wedding cake. It was the best wedding cake I’ve ever tasted, and it was such a unique and unforgettable detail of our special day.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Melody Joy
Event Planning – LOLA Event Productions
Floral Design – Stems
Catering – Entertaining Company
Late Night Food – JP Graziano
Bar Rental – Northern Décor
Officiant – Evan MofficJef Johnson
DJ – Beat Mix Music
Invitation Design – Steracle Press
Makeup Artist + Hair Stylist – Bianca Sansosti Artistry
Wedding Dress – Grace Loves Lace
Reception Dress – Rasario
Bridesmaids’ Apparel – Missoni
Groom’s Apparel – Armani
Tent –  Blue Peak Tents
Rentals – Tablescapes
Transportation – Signature Transportation Group
Lighting + Drapery – Frost Chicago
Linen – BBJ La Tavola

 

Congratulations to Peyton and Todd for their incredibly enchanting Chicago garden backyard wedding. A massive appreciation to Melody Joy for beautifully capturing and sharing this romantic and inspiration-filled event that’s proof unconventional, outdoor venue spaces pay off. 

An al fresco celebration like this provides endless possibilities for floral arrangements and decor for the ceremony and reception. Whether you opt for a backyard setting or a garden venue, explore our guide to hosting an outdoor wedding to help plan the celebration of your dreams.

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40 Unique Wedding Processional Songs for Walking Down the Aisle in Style

December 27, 2023 | morgan

Image by Me & Georgia

All weddings are unique and should be expressions of the couple tying the knot. They’re a beautiful opportunity to create a moment with friends, family, and other loved ones. Walking down the aisle provides another opportunity many couples don’t think to take advantage of to create the perfect once-in-a-lifetime moment with their new spouse. There is so much opportunity for creativity in this simple walk! Will you have the youngest people in your life carry the rings and spread flowers to grace your path? What order will you have the wedding party approach the front in? Most importantly, what music will you use?

If you’re looking for something with a little more flair than the traditional songs you’ve probably seen a thousand times, this list of curated wedding processional songs should do the trick. A great wedding processional song includes a beautiful intro to set the scene, a steady rhythm to pace the steps to, and can sometimes include a piano or guitar part so beautiful guests will get teary-eyed just listening to it. These 40 wedding processional songs are modern, unique, and guaranteed to capture the moment you’re looking to create.

Image by Love is Rad

Wedding Processional Songs

La Vie En Rose – Emily Watts

Can’t Help Falling in Love – Kina Grannis

Marry Me – Train

Stay With You – John Legend

Sparks – Coldplay

Bloom – The Paper Kites

Somewhere Over The Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

River – Leon Bridges

Welcome Home, Son – Radical Face

Something About Your Love – Mason Jennings

Image by Daniela Ortiz

Instrumental Wedding Processional Songs

Perfect – The Piano Guys

Thinking Out Loud – Daniel Jang

The Greatest Day – Piano Man Sam

All of Me – Brooklyn Duo

I’ll Keep You Safe (Instrumental) – Sleeping at Last

A Thousand Years – VioDance

Turning Page (Instrumental) – Sleeping At Last

You Are The Reason (Instrumental) – Calum Scott

Mia & Sebastian’s Theme – Justin Hurwitz

A Million Dreams – Taylor Davis

Image by Daniela Ortiz

More Miscellaneous Processional Song

What a Wonderful World – Kina Grannis, Imaginary Future

I’m so in Love with You – Jill Andrews, Seth Avett

Moon River – JJ Heller

No Matter Where You Are (Wedding Version) – Us The Duo

Until I Found You (Piano Version) – Stephen Sanchez

Yellow – Kianna Grannis

Stand By Me – Florence + The Machine

To Build A Home – The Cinematic Orchestra, Patrick Watson

Love – Lana Del Rey

Wash – Bon Iver

Image by Norman Yap

I’m With You – Vance Joy

Simply The Best – Billiane

This Love – Taylor Swift

Next To You – John Vincent III

Speechless (Acoustic) – Dan + Shay

I Get to Love You – Ruelle

Truly Madly Deeply – Plamina

Latch (Acoustic) – Sam Smith

I Will Always Love You – Music Travel Love

How Long Will I Love You – Ellie Goulding

Follow Along on Spotify to Find the Perfect Processional Song:

We’ve even included a few more options in this playlist in case you’re looking for some more options!

Finding the perfect processional song might take time and a few rounds of listening to songs with your partner. Or maybe the perfect song jumped out to you while you were scrolling. Either way, the confidence you’ve chosen the song of your dreams comes from listening to it. That’s why we created a playlist that includes all of these songs (and some bonus tracks) for you to discuss with your DJ. The DJ you choose will also have great ideas for transitional songs that will get your guests moving on the dance floor when it’s time.

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