Letterboxes

[Kiss the Groom]

Escort Card Idea: Purchase an old letterbox from an antique store and use it to alphabetically store guests' escort cards (A through Z by last name).

Yellow Dress

Oh My Gosh--I love this buttercream bridesmaid dress for only $129 at Chadwicks (via The Pissed Off Bride).

Inspiration Boards

Two inspiration boards from Snippet and Ink, French Flair and Mustard and Blue, posted on With This Ring earlier this month--LOVE them!

Naugi

Attire Idea: I am so happy to announce Naugi as a new sponsor on Victoria with Roses! I have been a huge fan of Naugi for a while now, and their gorgeous and delicate headpieces, combs, pins, veils and jewelry constantly wow me. Their designs range from simple (like the pearl headband above) to elaborate (like these Stella earrings). One idea I especially love--gifting your bridesmaids a variety of pretty hairpins!

Gray

Tablescape Idea: Beautiful gray linen with white plates and candlesticks. Very classy. Photo by Our Labor of Love via Ritzy Bee.

Gorgeous

Take a look at these goooorgeous inspiration boards and invitations by Mika78, featured on Style Me Pretty--I loved them all so much I couldn't choose my favorite! Dreamlike.

Turtle Love Committee

A ring idea I am so excited to write about: Non-diamond engagement rings! I have several good friends who have chosen not to go the diamond-route, and have never regretted it. I recently discovered Turtle Love Committee, an online jeweler with a stunning selection of non-diamond engagement rings, featuring colored gemstones, gold accents, sterling silver, vintage replicas, classic solitaires, organic designs and modern pieces, all priced between $100 and $200. Turtle Love Committee also has a really gorgeous selection of wedding bands for men and women.

These rings are a great way for a man to put more creative thought into his choice of a ring, while at the same time allowing couples to use the money they might have spent on a diamond on their wedding, tuition, or a down payment on a house instead. Turtle Love Committee was founded by Adrianne Zahner, an attorney who was alarmed by her colleagues’ subtle competition to have the best or the biggest diamond engagement ring. She chose the name “Turtle Love Committee” because she liked the “TLC” acronym and the imagery of a group of wise elders dedicated to promoting love. According to Zahner, an engagement ring from Turtle Love Committee’s collection “is priceless - it represents a huge emotional commitment, not a huge financial commitment.”

I'm very excited to welcome Turtle Love Committee to Victoria with Roses!

NYC Brides

NYC Brides: Private Receptions is holding an intimate wedding workshop, The Art of Planning Your Own Wedding, at The Oak Room in the Plaza Hotel on June 14, with several well-known wedding professionals. You can purchase tickets here if interested.

Roses

Photography Idea: A shot from the roses. Via Junebug.

Constellation

Reception Idea: For a small wedding, find out the birthdays (and zodiac signs) of your guests and put their constellation on their place cards.

Blooms by the Box

Flower Idea: I approached Blooms by the Box recently about sponsorship on Victoria with Roses, because I LOVE their site, their prices, and their flowers! At Blooms by the Box, you can buy stunning wholesale flowers (tons of varieties) and floral supplies (anything from candles to corsage wristlets to aisle runners), watch DIY videos on how to arrange your flowers (such as the rose bouquet ball above), and learn about flower care. Although I hired a florist for my wedding, I have a bit of a surprise that involves buying wholesale, so I'm excited about finding this great site!

Pomander

Flower Girl Idea: I love this rustic pomander by April Hiler Designs for an outdoor wedding. Win a $25 gift certificate on Mismikado Down the Aisle!

Trees

A wonderful detail--hang your silhouettes on a tree for your outdoor ceremony. Photo via Style Me Pretty.

White Sugar

As you may know, I have a weakness for white desserts--vanilla cupcakes, meringues, etc. So this dessert bar (from a seriously beautiful new blog I discovered) blew me away! See more here.

Thank You

Love this thank you card.

Recycled Gold

One idea I love--Companies like Brilliant Earth use recycled gold to reduce destructive practices associated with gold mining. You can read more about the process here, or find a setting (for really affordable prices!) here.

Yellow

Love the details of this fabulous yellow wedding from Erin Hearts Court! 1) Unique florals 2) yellow candy bar (sugar daddies and candy sticks!) 3) swimming in a pool full of yellow floating toys 4) yellow flower rings on the aisle 5) my yellow wedding shoes! 6) my JCrew bridesmaids' dresses, and wonderful yellow and gray flower girl dresses!

Peonies

I absolutely adore these details from Jessica and Kevin's wedding, featured on Style Me Pretty!

Cameo Discount

For those of who you also love this blue cameo at Penelope Poet that I posted about earlier today, you can take now $25 off (including free standard USPS Priority Mail shipping) with coupon code: VICTORIABLUE25 (Coupon expires June 20th)!

Penelope Poet

I am SO excited to welcome a new addition to Victoria with Roses, a boutique which, I must say, grabbed me right off the bat with its beautiful name: Penelope Poet, "an eclectic collection of jewelry and gifts to express many a poetic style." Joanne, the creator of Penelope Poet, has not only made it her mission to make beautiful jewelry available, but also to minimize our environmental footprint and help build more economic opportunities to communities worldwide. A portion of sales at Penelope Poet are donated to FINCA International’s Village Banking program, which provide economic opportunities to some of the poorest communities in the world.

Some of my absolute favorite pieces: the blue cameo pendant ($210); the white coin pearl earrings ($26); the gold-dipped karma bracelet ($68); and the indelible duo golden heart pendant ($412, but what a fabulous gift for a bride!).

Give Artfully

Registry Idea: I am in love with this great idea--Give Artfully, an online gift registry & gallery of handmade art & craft! Give Artfully prides itself on providing the ease and convenience of an online gallery, backed by first-class customer service; AND a portion of each sale is donated to a specific art-related nonprofit organization! My favorites from the site: a Double-layer Shawl by BZDesign; the Bottle Vase by Melting Mountain Pottery; and July Fourth, a photo by Ellen Faircloth McCall. I am so happy to welcome Give Artfully to Victoria with Roses!

Plaid

Love, love love these yellow plaid invitations with the silhouette! [From Beast Pieces, found on Oh So Beautiful Paper.]

Meringue

Oh. My. Gosh. I looooove meringue more than any other dessert in the world. Via Martha Stewart Weddings.

Simple

I love these simple centerpieces featured on With this Ring! What a great idea for a modern wedding!

Coffee

[Photo by Birdsong Photography]

Steal this Idea: Sommer and Justin, whose wedding was featured on Polka Dot Bride, hired Aroma Divina, a Tulsa-based "beverage catering company", to set up a coffee bar! They also do espresso bars, tea parties and brunches!

On the Road

Grabbing some Bruegger's Bagels in Iowa City for the last time before heading on the road!

Graduation

I'm graduating today! My last year of school (ever...?) is officially over, the first time in my life I am not a student! Thankfully, Will's here to start our new lives together!

Placecards

[From Swish and Swanky]

Reception Idea: Make placecards featuring guests names followed by the meaning and origin of their name.

Bravo Bride

A truly amazing resource I wish I had known about 2 years ago when I started planning my wedding: BravoBride, an online marketplace where brides and newlyweds can buy and sell new and pre-owned wedding items, from designer wedding dresses and jewelry to shoes, favors, reception items (and more). The items above are three of my favorites-a Jim Hjelm bridesmaid dress, a Lazaro gown for only $2000, and this beautiful Forever Yours dress for $500. One other thing I wish I had known about before my wedding attire was set--jewelry for amazing prices!

You can also check out Bravo Bride's new forum, Bridal Banter, where brides can chat and ask for or give wedding advice, and their blog, where Susan (the creator of Bravo Bride) and guest bloggers write posts and let you in on special promotions and discounts from vendors. To see a beautiful picture of Susan and her husband Mark, and read more about why they decided to start BravoBride, go here. I'm so happy to welcome Bravo Bride as a new sponsor!

Danced

Found on Ritzy Bee.

I love this quote! (and written on a mirror)