Family Tradition

A few days ago I was stumped.While trying to round up some good ole' southern wedding traditions there was one that had me scratching my head. So, I'll start with the burying of the bourbon and move on to some others we may be a little more familiar with!

Let's get started...

Burying of Bourbon
So the tradition goes, if you bury bourbon (unopened and upside down) where you will say your vows, it won't rain on your wedding day. This is to be done exactly one month prior to the nuptials to keep the clouds from cryin'! Since we love saying "I do" in the outdoors down here, this might not be such a bad idea.

 

Veil Pass-down
Need something old or something borrowed? Incorporate a family member's veil into your ensemble. Fortunately veils are pretty timeless so ask around, try 'em on, and save a few bucks!

 

Groom Pass-down
If your groom is keeping his suit, consider stitching a special pocket inside the jacket made of fabric from a father or grandfather's suit. Passed down pocket squares are also a quick way to include generations passed.

 

Prayer
For where two or three of them come together in my name, there am I with them (Matthew 18:20). What better way to prepare yourself for the steps down the aisle, than a special moment of prayer over the bride and groom?

 

Lace
I'm sure if you look around in mom-mom's old cupboard, you're bound to find some great lace. I love this idea for the cake table!  

 

Dad's First Look
The love a dad has for his daughter is like no other. If your pops is a cry-baby like mine, have the photographer ready to catch his reaction when he sees you for the first time. Precious and heart-tugging.

Grandma's cookin'
If your grandma makes amazing fudge like mine, make it a favor! She will love to be a part of your wedding details and will surely be flattered that you want to share her talents with all of your guests!

Cake Pulls
The bridesmaids will love this! Cake pulls have a different charm at each end, nestled into the cake, with each meaning something different. Look around at bridal shows and boutiques for charms that represent the city you're gettin' married in! I must say, New Orleans cake pulls are some of the best!

The belles and beaus love tradition because it seems to bring the wholesome, good, use-to-be feeling to our special day and this can mean many things. Whether it's passed down lace for a cake table, your mother's veil, or your grandma's peanut butter fudge...it means something to you, and that will make for an original, beautiful wedding.

We Got Spirit! Yes We Do!

 Captured Photography

Hello my sport-lovin' belles! Whether you're a Rebel, Bulldog, Eagle, Tiger, or Tide, we all have an equal love of college sports. Sure, we may not know much but as long as we yell...

"Come on ref! You gotta be kidding me!" or,

"Nice slant route, 25!"

...we're covered while our beaus munch on game-day hors d'oeuvres and throw back a few cold ones.

I know that your wedding day is something you've imagined since you were a nugget-child and ya' man just plans on showing up but I've found some awesome additions you can incorporate to make him feel a part!

Did y'all meet in college or have a favorite sports team? Check out some chic ways to use sports without your reception lookin' like a man-cave.

To say I'm obsessed with these spirit flag centerpieces would be an understatement. Perfectly done. Not over the top, in a beautiful mix of spring flowers. Genius. 

Joielala Photographie

Joielala Photographie

While consulting in South Carolina I had the opportunity to assist in day-of coordinating for a wedding reception at Williams-Brice Stadium at USC. The Zone is a reception hall overlooking the Gamecock football field! Awesome, I know. Ask your school if they offer services like this. It's a great way to get all your college friends back for a night of celebration!

Craig Hewitt Photography

Have you considered a special gift for your guy the day of? How about a hand-written note exclaiming your excitement with spirited cufflinks as the associated gift!

Amy Carroll Photography

If you're having a seating chart, throw in a little school spirit with these seating cards...

Joielala Photographie

Old-school get away cars are my fav! So classy and timeless. Show a bit of your personality with a decorative caboose. The one below hit the nail on the head! Creative and adorable.

The Decisive Moment

One of the easiest areas to show your school pride is through the grooms cake. Make this one a surprise for the beau. He'll appreciate your thoughtfulness, and of course every man loves sweets!

Jessica Horwitz

I've saved my favorite for last! Many schools have a specific flower. As for my alma mater, Southern Miss, we claim the Black-eyed Susan. This black and gold flower is close to all Golden Eagle hearts. Bringing in this in is an awesome way to subtlety show school pride, whether it's in the centerpieces or bouquets.

i am baker, confections and creations

Now, go grab your ole' faithful college tee, and get some school spirit! 

Go team! Go belles! 

Her Finest Memory

Freshman year of college, Ashton and I were the newbies who reluctantly volunteered ourselves for a sorority song competition. Although this was a competition involving the entire sorority, we got the chance to play a 'special' role, or that's what they told us. The theme was 'Christmas Around the World.' Luckily (and I say that with complete sarcasm)...we were chosen as the Sweden representatives. All while wearing suspenders, braids, and knickerbockers. This is one of my finest memories of Ashton...now it's time to share with you one of her finest memories, her engagement to Mr. Adam Hurst.

How did you and Adam meet? 

Adam and I met at a USM football game to which he told me weeks after was fate. He was headed to the game and forgot something in his truck. On his way he ran into me and my friends. If he wouldn't have gone back, we would've barely missed each other. Crazy!

What does your relationship with Adam mean to you? 

He is everything to me. I never knew until I met him what it meant to be loved and be in love. And how incredibly easy it should be.

Let's hear about the proposal!
I had plans for a while to go to dinner with some girlfriends. Adam asked if I could change plans so he could cook dinner for me. I agreed being the good girlfriend that I am! He cooked, started a fire outside, put on music and we had a glass of wine. He mentioned he needed to get his jacket from the car but came back instead with roses. I assumed it was for my agreeing to stay for dinner but he said he had something else for me. That's when my heart stopped. He pulled out the ring and got down on one knee (of course, my favorite part)! It all gets a little blurry after that but I remember him saying he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me. It was perfect. 

Describe your dream wedding

When I first asked Adam what he wanted to do and where he wanted to go for our wedding his response was that it didn't matter where, just as long as I am there. That's my "dream wedding," being with him and seeing his face as I walk down the isle.

Any funny nick-names you wouldn't mind sharing? (We'll make sure Adam doesn't see)
What nick-names don't we have!? Turkey butt, stud muffin, sugar lips...just to name a few! (Side note: Turkey butt's got 'ta be my favorite -Em)

3 things you love, 3 things he loves...go! 

Me...horses, my puppy dogs, and Pinterest-duh.
Him...zombie movies, History Channel, and Oreos (nerd alert)

 Ashton ended our Q&A by saying, "I hope this helps! I'm so excited, yeeeehaaw!!" I think it's safe to say we got a good ole' southern belle ready to tie the knot with her gent. I'm sure I speak for us all when I say congratulations! You are going to make a beautiful bride and we wish you all the luck in your upcoming planning! Thank you for sharing your story with us!

(Check out Ashton's beautiful engagement ring under the Ring of the Week on the right side bar.)

Bachelorette for the Belles

Brittany Fuson Paper

This post has been long awaited...because, truthfully it's a tough one. I've been asked many times, 

"How can I make a bachelorette party classy, not trashy and chic, not cheese?"

It's not as easy as some may think, so let's get started with a few ideas.

I love themes! No...not matching t-shirts but an overall party theme. Lately, while tending to my MOH duties for my BF Carly, I've been contemplating cutesy ideas. I'm thinkin' a southern-country feel. The Miranda Lambert bridal party gave me lots of inspiration. Floral and pink dresses with cowboy boots, oh my. Nothing's better than cute and comfy while you prance around the town!

The Nashville inspired invitations below were handmade and copied at a local paper printer. So cute, right?

Now what about proper etiquette and who pays for what? Your bride shouldn't pay for a thing. But that doesn't mean you have to fork the whole bill (talking strictly bachelorette party). Since this includes all her special ladies, it's ok to ask them to throw a little moolah your way.

Get a hotel room. Whether you are drinkin' gals or not, y'all will want to go out to eat, dance, and strut your stuff. You don't want to worry about hitching a ride back home. Get some digs close to where you want to par-tay and have some fun!

Games...My favorite one so far has been the 'This or That' game. Before the party, call the groom with 10-15 questions (naughty or nice), his answer being his preference between 'This or That.' With each answer, have a little gift for her to take along to the honeymoon. Ex. Boyshorts or Thong? Assign each bridesmaid a gift to correlate so you don't go broke-city.

 Lauren playing This or That! 

Plan a photoshoot! Set up a self timer and work it! You'd be surprised the pictures that become with only a few seconds to get your big group together. Got an old-school Polaroid camera? Set up a clothes line to post the pictures on at the end of the night. It's great memories the bride can take with her!

Dance, dance, dance. Spend some time on iTunes and pick some jams that will get y'all excited for the night! Music will loosen the belles up and be a good background filler for games.

Keep it Southern! You can't go wrong with a splash of south! Consider drinks in mason jars, lace, candles, and hanging flower poms! Decorating the room can be inexpensive and elegant, just get a little creative! 

Lastly, consider a Boudoir Party. I'm not sure that anyone does it better than photographer, Courtney Dellafiora. Click here to see what all my hype is about. Obsessed. 

Hope this helps, dolls! Just remember to keep your bride in mind, what she likes, and how she would love to spend a night as a bachelorette! 


Don't forget to keep the dream wedding votes coming in for Ms. Amanda Nettles! Click here! 

Be a Gem...

Attention ladies (and the four guys that read SB, including my father)...I beg of your help because, yep, I'm living vicariously through my sweet sorority sister, Ms. Amanda Nettles. Recently this belle's beau put a ring on it and now they have a chance to win big! They are currently in a race to receive...

A reception at a beautiful Mississippi Country Club,Wedding Photography, a firework presentation and a Honeymoon trip to Paris! (I know...amaze)

Now, I know we are all bursting with envy but join with me in helping them win this absolutely amazing opportunity. Because if you do...and they win...then I'll blog...and for a few precious moments, we can pretend we were right there with them. Right there, kissing beneath the fireworks, and hopping in a car to enjoy tea and crumpets in Paris!

So, go on...be a gem and vote for our fellow belle! If all my readers vote once a day, there's no way we can't sweep the competition! 

Vote HERE (left side bar, Amanda Nettles and Chris Kirtland) Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday! 

Pumped Up Kicks

Hello my stylish brides-to-be. I've come upon a dilemma...it's easier to find a snow flake in a Louisiana summer then to find affordable, awesome, white shoes. And, it's not like you can just pop over to the department store whenever ya' want. White has to be in season, they have to be hott-mama, and have to be anti-maw-maw.

We are women! We want to feel beautiful at our wedding, and it can't just stop at the gown. So, before you hike up your dress, consider some of the below options. (click on the shoe for a direct link)

Christian Louboutin $165

Badgley Mischka $265

Christian Louboutin $175.80

Badgley Mischka $137.90

Something blue...

Manolo Blahnik $945

Steve Madden $86.90

What to be comfy and cute? While the white crochet Toms are my fave...I had to give you a dash of Tory Burch options!

TOMS $58

Tory Burch $178

Tory Burch $195

Now, go ahead Cinderella...Find your perfect fit.

Xo,
Belle of the Blog

His Best

Guess what friends? Tomorrow's Friday! Go ahead and say aloud with me...Woo Hoo! And before I go any further, you must know that I recently saw Ms. Marian Jordan speak. She is an outstanding author and speaker and a pretty powerful woman of God. Marian spoke on some awesome stuff so now I'd like to share with you!

But what does Marian Jordan have to do with weddings (since that's what Southern Bells is all about!)? Well'p along with your wedding comes a groom. Right? Wait, did you forget...In 'pinning' all the dresses, cakes, and burlap pics, you didn't find the perfect man to post on your 'Dream Wedding' board? (Shut up, I know you have one.)

Brace yourself because I'm about to tell you something your teacher may have skipped in grade school...No man is perfect. Not even those with pressed khakis and pastel button-ups. So it's time for us 'dreamers' to get over it. No man can fulfill all of our needs, always get us the perfect Valentines day gift, say the right things, or remember what you ordered on y'alls first date. We need something bigger than a man, a partner, a frat-daddy, or a husband. And I mean big. Like, God big. 


Marian said it best, "Only God can fill your God spot." That hole in the pit of our stomach that can't be filled with The Notebook and a big peperoni pizza.You gettin' what I'm dishin'? And don't get me wrong, there are really great guys out there, mine included. Who are kind, thoughtful, and remember you like mustard on your sausage biscuits. But they will let us down, at one time or another, as we will similarly.

As I traveled last year for my sorority I met many girls, most who asked, "So, do you have a boyfriend?" (Consultants, you know what I'm talking about). All to which I said yes, as they proceeded to tell me about their love lives. The ladies that got my heart stirring, were those that told me less-than-stellar stories about their beaus. You know, the guys that don't call...the guys that aren't ready for a commitment...the guys that aren't worthy of that girl's heart.

"God wants you to have His best. He made our souls to know what we (our hearts) are designed to do" said Marian. Yep. Let that one sink in. Jesus fought for us. Fought to show us the absolute meaning of love. So, don't settle on less than His best. Don't let your heart be complacent in 'comfortable.'

Remember you are worth it. You are worth lots and lots of love. And when you do find that man, the one that will accept you and all your faults, the one who's faults you will accept, the one that can go on your 'Dream Wedding' Pinterest board...you can be confident in knowing that God, of love unfailing, brought you to His best.


Love y'all lots and lots,
Belle of the Blog

Click HERE to check out Marian's website, more about her, and the awesome books you've got to read!

I'll Drink to That

Cheers Belles and Beaus! As I pondered a post for the week, I passed a drive-thru daiquiri joint on the way home from work. Yes, in the great state of Louisiana you can purchase alcohol in a drive-thru.

Lately, having a signature drink at your wedding is all the rage. I got'ta say...I love it! Whether you and your groom choose a joint drink or a different beverage for each, you're guests will love the yummy cocktails!

Now let's break it down by seasons...

Winter
This one is for my sister-friend, Carly who's getting married January 2013. My favorite Christmas-time drink is the Poinsettia (perfect name, right?). Nom. Nom. Consider adding frozen cranberries instead of ice to make it more festive!

(1/4 cup vodka, 1/4 cup champagne, 1/2 cup cranberry juice, crushed ice or frozen cranberries, 2 strips orange zest)

Spring

Now, for an ode to my Phi Mu ladies in South Carolina, I introduce you to the spiked Arnold Palmer. A mix of tea and lemonade, two southern staples, makes this drink yummy to my tummy.

(3 cups tea, 2 cups lemonade, 10 oz of vodka, lemon slice)

Summer

We all know down here in the pits, it gets rippin' hot. The Cucumber-Ginger Fizzes is deliciously refreshing and will cool ya down quick! Ahhh...

(1 1/2 cups vodka, 2 English cucumbers-1 peeled & coarsely chopped-1 left whole, 1 lime; cut into 8 wedges, 2 bottles sparkling water, 1/2 cup Ginger Simple Syrup)

Fall

Nothin' is better in the Fall than a good glass of wine. Spruce it up with this Rose Wine Punch recipe.

(1/4 cantaloupe-peeled, 1 small peach-pitted, 1 small nectarine-pitted, 2 bottles chilled dry rose wine, 6 tablespoons sugar, 1 1/2 cups golden/red raspberries)

So, cheers to you and your love. It's time to pour a drink and dance the night away!

Mark Eric Photography

Love,

The Belle of the Blog