History of Bridesmaids | Something Blue Bridal Boutique, Holly Michigan

I always found this fascinating for some reason, the history of bridesmaids. It seems they were more of a 'protector' than a task taker. 


"While in modern times a bridesmaid is expected to assist with anything the bride requests or needs, apparently her duties were of a more serious, if not at least supernatural, nature in earlier days. A custom once existed where maidens dressed similarly to the bride would accompany her as her protectors on her way to the groom's village. This would deflect spurned suitors from kidnapping the bride or from stealing her dowry {money brought to the marriage.} Roman law once required witnesses to come to weddings in order to confuse evil spirits as to the identity of the bride and groom. This meant that female wedding attendants came to a marriage ceremony in garments akin to the bride's, while male wedding attendants--the forebears of ushers--wore attire that resembled the groom's own clothing. This supposedly threw off bad luck that could be directed towards an easily identifiable bride and groom."

Read more: History of Bridesmaids 


And of course, bridesmaids still wear white today. It makes for a light & fresh color palette! It allows for florals to really pop & can make for a cute summer dress afterwards! I'm sure it's not what most expected to see at the Royal Wedding - but really, what other color would she have done? With so many vibrant dominant colors of that day I feel she would have clashed . . . and I honestly don't think she took away from the Bride. She wore the dress extremely well . . . but no one could out do Kate that day!

{source}

Just make sure that if you do have your Maids in white that you are easily identifiable. Whether it be that the bride is the only one in a floor length gown . . . or the only one with statement jewelry . . . dyed shoes . . . or something of the like. 

I have a pretty good idea who I think is the bride in this photo, but there's enough going on & similarities to make you go 'hmmmmmmmmmm'. . .

{source} 

In this wedding you're only able to tell who the bride is with that - uh - thing on her head . . .

{source}

But I defintly think it could be done right!! 

Mix up fabrics & prints . . . maybe the lightest shades of champagnes, yellows & pinks possible  so that in the bright sunlight they look almost white!

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Destination Gowns | Something Blue Bridal Boutique, Holly Michigan

It's the season of fun in the sun! 

With that in mind I thought of all the beach brides that will be getting married yet this year & in 2012 & might still be looking for options! 

So I gathered up a few gowns that just might interest you!

OFF-THE-RACK GOWNS

[Have never been worn or altered - Have been tried on as a sample]

To see the size, color & marked down price of each gown, click on the corresponding letter linked below!

A     B     C     D     E     F     G     H

NEW ORDER GOWNS

[Gowns that I have samples of in the boutique & can order in your size & color preference] 

To see more about these & other orderable Alfred Angelo gowns that I have, please CLICK HERE

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Yellow Inspiration | Something Blue Bridal Boutique, Holly Michigan

Sunny & Warm . . . just like that past couple days! 

                                                                                                                                                                                          | Found Here |

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Custom Made | Something Blue Bridal Boutique, Holly Michigan

Here is the custom made hair piece that I made for bride, Kristen! 

{Wedding Date: 5.20.2011}

Kristen had liked a hair piece that she saw during a fitting in the boutique, but it was a little on the large side. I told her to let me see what I could do for her & I was able to order a brooch that matched the appliqué on her dress perfectly & added a few feathers to it as requested! 

It turned out better than I had imagined, especially in the direction in which she wore it! 

Look for more custom made hair pieces in the near future -or- feel free to ask for a consult!

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2012 Alfred Angelo Sneak Peek! | Something Blue Bridal Boutique, Holly Michigan

I am L.O.V.I.N.G what I am seeing for Alfred Angelo's 2012 line!  We'll be able to start ordering the bridal line in the fall, 

about the same time that the 2012 maids line should arrive . . . check out some of the maids styles that I'll have in the boutique! 

Of course, when it comes time, I'll be posting the 2012 bridal line on Facebook for your help 

with voting & choosing the styles we want to see in the boutique!

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Cinco de Mayo! | Something Blue Bridal Boutique, Holly Michigan

One of my favorite Cinco de Mayo wedding inspiration boards for the day! 

                                                                                                                                                                                     {Found HERE}

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Sweet Disposition | Something Blue Bridal Boutique, Holly MI

This past weekend Mike & celebrated our first wedding anniversary. 

We saw it as a good excuse to escape back to where we got married, The Royal Park Hotel. 

No sooner than we checked in, a bride came around the corner - 

on her way to the conservatory, where we were married. 

My first instinct was to size up the dress. {I can't help myself.}

But of course, she was gorgeous. 

I remembered what she must be feeling. 

Oh, the nerves. 

And then the elevator doors closed & we were on our way up to our room, 

soon to find out that our view overlooked the conservatory & that we would also get to witness their wedding. 

I believe I was just as excited as every member in that room as they stood up & turned around to see the bride. 

It was a great way to relive the emotions & strides we took that day. 

Romantic indeed. 

I could go on about how Mike's my best friend & there's no one I rather have gone through this last year with. 

But I'm pretty sure you're all well aware. 

So I'll leave you instead with Ellie Goulding's cover of one of my favorite songs by The Temper Trap, Sweet Disposition

" . . . a moment, a love, a dream aloud . . . . and we won't stop until it's over . . . "

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peach & teal | something blue bridal boutique, holly michigan

I've recently been mad about peach & teal . . . . I saw it on a kitchen set once & have been in love with it ever since. And funny since I don't usually go for too much color . . . and of course I'm not talking a bright peach or a vibrant teal . . . I'm thinking a dustier peach & more vintage teal . . . perhaps like the elements in this Inspiration Board by Wedding Nouveau! 


I have this weird feeling about peach becoming a wildly popular bridal color again! {It made a pretty popular run in the 80s . . .}

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rockin' bride | something blue bridal boutique, holly michigan

I had to do a double take when I saw a post on the Rock & Roll Bride blog today! 

The gown featured was a style that I had once had in the boutique - love how this Bride made it rockin!

                                                                                                                                   {See full post here}

This is how the gown came stock . . . Can't wait to see how our Bride, Corie, looks in her dress once she gets alterations! 

Still need alterations on your gown? Please contact us for our in-house seamstress!

Taking appointments Tuesday - Saturday {late on Thursday evenings} 

Schedule through our C O N T A C T page on our website or call 810) 923.3618

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effortless elegance | something blue bridal boutique, holly michigan

. . . Lovely wedding on Style Me Pretty . . . 

{Read & See More HERE}

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green & gray | something blue bridal boutique, holly michigan

There's something soft & subtle about this palette . . . kind of an emerald teal-like green with hints of gray.

{Found Here}

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x o x o | something blue bridal boutique, holly michigan

Something about this picture just grabbed my eye today! It's bright, it's cheery, & it's full of love!

                                                                                                                                                                                 {Found Here}

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inspiration by forever yours | something blue bridal boutique, holly michigan

Forever Yours has added a couple inspiration boards to their new website, thought I'd share! 

Visit their website to see the 2011 line-up!

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wonder struck | something blue bridal boutique, holly michigan

So much has gone on this last week & it's at times such as these that I find myself fortunate to be able to step away from the bridal world demands & take time for friends & family! 

Last weekend I had the pleasure of visiting with my cousin, Danielle, & her husband, Russ, & their children, who I just call my niece & nephew, Natalie & Joey, while they were up in Michigan! I met with them for breakfast & got to hear all about their daily lives down in Cincinnati & then went back over after dinner for a 'tea party' & princess movies with Natalie! And the last time I saw Joey he was just starting to pick himself up & now he's running all around! 

This week also brought my other Danielle in to town from Arizona - on a more unfortunate event - the passing of her Grandfather. This man was at every single one of our dance competitions & recitals growing up & was known as a sweet ol' jokester! It was a very emotional day watching her family speak of a man well loved, but a great celebration of his life. It's not the circumstances that I want a friend to come home on, but I was glad to be there throughout the day with Danielle & toast a glass of wine in 'Gramps' honor when the day was done. 

And as the circle of life goes, as one passes, one joins us in the world this week - Congratulations to our friends Samantha & Ryan on the birth of Knox! He was born early this morning at 1:44a.m. and weighed 6 lbs 10 oz! He was perfectly intact & they had an easy pregnancy! Colleen & I went out to meet him this morning after our breakfast with friend, Darcie! It was fun to ogle over him & bask in the glow of newness! 

Take a look for yourself . . . SO CUTE!! 

I can't believe it was just about a month ago that I was taking some maternity pictures of Sam {that we displayed at her shower!} 

I am by no means a photographer, but was happy to help her capture the essence of her pregnancy!

It's been an endowed week of family & friends!! 

And next week brings a little newness of our own as we will begin to move into our new space on the 1st! 

Stay tuned for moving mania! 

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Best of the Best | Something Blue Bridal Boutique, Holly Michigan

I am honored! We have been nominated as one of the top 5 Bridal Boutiques in the Best of the Best 

by The Oakland Press! I thank you for your nominations & accept your continued votes!!

{CLICK HERE} to vote!

 . . . it's a long ballot - but you don't have to choose in every category . . . 

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Black & White | Something Blue Bridal Boutique, Holly Michigan

I love when I'm totally looking for one type of inspiration & stumble across another. My searches were originally geared towards all the ways you could use twine for do-it-yourself weddings . . . and then I saw this Black & White inspiration board that I thought I would share.

I love the non-traditional wedding cake - how easy & fun to make a cake like shape out of your favorite cookie!? The black bird-cage style veil that is shown is very popular right now! I get a lot of requests for this style for both Brides & Maids . . . it's a great way to add some contrast & edge. I love the boutonniere made out of curled music paper - how chic & simple. Could be a music page from your favorite artist! And can't pass up dark flowers against the whites & ivories of a wedding gown . . . and some of my other favorites, chalkboards, chandeliers, and the cuteness of typing a little love note to the couple as you leave the reception on an old school type writer!

Enjoy!

{original blog post & credits HERE}

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LoveSong | Something Blue Bridal Boutique, Holly Michigan

  Both Mike & I have always liked 'LoveSong' . . . {originally by The Cure - we've come to know & love the version by 311} We had the song played during our reception dinner music . . . so I was pleasantly surprised to hear Adele's rendition when I purchased her new Cd yesterday! 

I think I'd love just about any version of LoveSong!

                                                                                                                                                                                                 one of our engagement pictures by C O A L E  D E S I G N  C O.

- LOVESONG -

whenever i'm alone with you, you make me feel like i am home again 
whenever i'm alone with you, you make me feel like i am whole again
whenever i'm alone with you, you make me feel like i am young again 
whenever i'm alone with you, you make me feel like i am fun again

however far away, i will always love you 
however long i stay, i will always love you 
whatever words i say, i will always love you 
i will always love you

whenever i'm alone with you, you make me feel like i am free again
 whenever i'm alone with you, you make me feel like i am clean again

however far away, i will always love you 
however long i stay, i will always love you 
whatever words i say, i will always love you 
i will always love you 

If you'd like to watch Adele sing it live . . . 

Lace & Frames | Something Blue Bridal Boutique, Holly Michigan

Oh what shall I do with 5 square matted frames from Ikea . . . 

{that used to reside in a row above the couch at our now sold home!! Thanks Donna Charlick!. . . www.donnacharlick.com} 

 . . . & the lace that came from the bottom of my wedding gown!? 

I think I shall arrange the lace inside the matted opening & hang them back in a row in our new Something Blue location!

 Look for these little puppies in the spring . . . til then I'll be playing with putting in the lace just so. 

A great memento of my wedding gown among all the other pretties in the boutique! 

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Tumblr | Something Blue Bridal Boutique, Holly MI

We just mentioned to you our Twitter account . . . be sure to also follow us on Tumblr! 

I love tumblr because it's a great way to see inspiration & quickly reblog to save all your lovelies in one place! 

I feel like I'm planning a wedding all over again! 

click the following links to join us!

{TUMBLR}

{TWITTER}

{FACEBOOK}

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Gray & Yellow | Something Blue Bridal Boutique, Holly Michigan

I follow a couple people on Twitter that we're front & center at a lot of the shows during New York's Fashion Week & they mentioned that there was a lot of yellow & gray! What ever happens on that runway usually spills over into the bridal world . . .  so here's some yellow & gray inspiration for ya! 

I love that you can play off pale yellows & soft grays . . . or you can kick it up a notch with brighter yellows & darker grays!

Both boards found on {Wedding Wire}

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Diana: A Celebration | Something Blue Bridal Boutique, Holly Michigan

As soon as someone mentioned to me that Princess Diana’s wedding gown was making an appearance in Grand Rapids, MI - 

I knew I had to see it! Not only have I been to the church in which she wed - but being in the bridal industry - 

I just thought it was a must!  

And it was everything that I hoped it would be. Elegantly understated. Modest. Fit for a Princess.  

Worth the two hour drive. 

It wasn’t before traveling through rooms filled with everything from her birth to her unfortunate death, 

mementos of a life that couldn’t be more celebrated, that I got to see what I came for - 

at which moment I was literally taken aback as I turned the corner to the room that held ‘the dress’.

I have to admit - we weren’t technically aloud to take pictures. But I just couldn’t help myself. 

With the flash turned off on my camera phone, slightly hidden behind my pamphlet - I was able to take these few quick shots. 

. . . which do not do the gown justice . . .

This is a dress that belonged to a moment that just about every female elder I know woke up extra early to witness - and here it was in front of me - so significant. 

I read a lot of factoids while at the Grand Rapids Art Museum and have since enjoyed looking up more information online. Here is how ehow.com describes the significance of her gown:  

"Princess Diana's wedding gown might be considered one of the most famous celebrity wedding dresses of all times. 

When Princess Diana wore the gown during her 1981 wedding to Prince Charles, she set a trend for 1980s wedding attire. 

The style of the dress came to be known as meringue. It was just one step in the path that made her one of the leading fashion icons of her day."

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I can't fully describe what it was like to not only see the actual gown that she wore - along with one of many flower girls dresses, her earrings, the crown, umbrella & shoes - it was a little overwhelming as I spun around in a room filled with wedding day videos & over sized wedding portraits. 

But beyond the dress & the fashion there was so much more to be celebrated, and it was a nice reminder of a life lived with compassion. I don't think there will quite be another like her . . . however, I think Kate Middleton will step nicely into her shoes. We're in the home stretch now to see what the new Princess will wear - maybe one day I'll be taking my daughters to see Kate's gown. Will you be waking up to watch the Royal Wedding!? 

Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding ceremony is scheduled to take place at 11 a.m. on April 29, 2011 at Westminster Abbey in London, England, which means it will begins at these times around the world:

4 a.m. in Los Angeles

6 a.m. in New York

12 noon in Paris

2 p.m. in Abu Dhabi

6 p.m. in Hong Kong

8 p.m. in Sydney

The ceremony will likely last around an hour.

I'm particularly excited to wake up extra early to watch the event, especially after just seeing Diana's gown

 . . . and I will have just celebrated my own 1 year anniversary with my husband! {on the 24th}

Just for fun, here are some pictures of St. Paul's Cathedral, where Diana & Charles' wedding took place - and Westminster Abbey, where William & Kate will wed - from when I visited Europe with friends back in 2007. 

Stay tuned for a compiled post of Kate's wedding gown coverage & all things Royal!

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Blushing Beauty | Something Blue Bridal Boutique, Holly Michigan

There's just too many awesome Valentine inspired inspiration boards out there today - here's the latest one I viewed from Snippet & Ink . . . . 

We hope you have a great day filled with lots of love!

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CHANEL | something blue bridal boutique, holly michigan

What's black and white and Chanel all over!? 

This Chanel themed wedding inspiration by Style Unveiled is!

At the requests of the authors, we were instructed to only use one photo {or I supposed one photo cluster - as they all copied together} 

. . . so I choose the one below . . . 

When I saw the use of the pearls elegantly draped on the back of the chiavari chair with that chunky piece of black fabric I thought . . . 

GENIOUS! So simple, yet so classy!  

And what does Chanel teach us!? 

"A girl should be two things: classy & fabulous" ~Coco Chanel

Believe me, you'll want to check out the rest of this post! The funky bouquets, the use of pearls as both statement pieces &

 triumphant decoration, the understated hue of pink, AND THE CAKE! 

See what I'm talking about by clicking HERE

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What's black and white and Chanel all over!? 

This Chanel themed wedding inspiration by Style Unveiled is!

At the requests of the authors, we were instructed to only use one photo {or I supposed one photo cluster - as they all copied together} 

. . . so I choose the one below . . . 

When I saw the use of the pearls elegantly draped on the back of the chiavari chair with that chunky piece of black fabric I thought . . . 

GENIOUS! So simple, yet so classy!  

And what does Chanel teach us!? 

"A girl should be two things: classy & fabulous" ~Coco Chanel

Believe me, you'll want to check out the rest of this post! The funky bouquets, the use of pearls as both statement pieces &

 triumphant decoration, the understated hue of pink, AND THE CAKE! 

See what I'm talking about by clicking HERE

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twitter | something blue bridal boutique, holly michigan

So I've had a Twitter account since I've started up - I was told it was the way to go, but I just have so much loyalty to my Facebook Fan Page - and, to be quite honest, I feel like theres a little bit to learn when it comes to tweeting!

But I've decided to re-visit it a little! As you'll notice, I started the account, did a few tweets, then didn't do any posting til spring, which is where I left off . . . LAST SPRING! Almost a year ago!

But I really feel a sense of community in the Bridal world there - so I look forward to finding even more great inspiration & ideas for you all!

So if you are on Twitter & would like to follow us, find us {HERE}

Alfred Angelo even tweeted us yesterday!

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loving you is easy | something blue bridal boutique, holly michigan

Leave it to Green Wedding Shoes to find & showcase these lovely works of Valentine inspired art!

They are so frame-able! . . . and every time I think of that song 'Loving you' {is easy because you're beautiful} . . . I can't help but do the little scream in my head . . . Don't know what I'm talking about? View the song HERE. I know you try to do it too!

Perfect as a Valentines or Wedding Day card!

Find photo credits & the rest of the post HERE

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we | something blue bridal boutique, holly michigan

As soon as I figured out what this picture was trying to tell me, I instantly loved it.  When you get married there is no more 'me' - I understand it's important to not lose individuality - but every thought & decision needs to be in constant account of you and your partner. 

Another saying I like, that was recently brought to my attention by another fellow bridal boutique, was the end of a poem that states:

"It is not only marrying the right partner, it is being the right partner."

Isn't that the truth!? Thanks Gina! 

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picture found here

new gown | something blue bridal boutique, holly michigan

With a little luck I was able to come by this gown from another store that was closing, lucky for you, I have one more sample from Alfred Angelo!

It's one that a lot of you have commented on as you thumb through the pages of Alfred Angelo's catalog - mainly for it's pocket feature! But it's not like that's all it has going for it . . . what, with it's ruched sweetheart neckline and soft angel satin fabric with crystal beaded sash! What's not to love!? 

The sash gives us some color options to make your gown unique - choose from: Cafe, Black, Claret, Clover, or Robin Egg Blue {shown}

Stock photo for style 830

Order yours in white or ivory with complimenting or colored sash! Only $999

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100th BLOG POST | something blue bridal boutique, holly michigan

I can't believe we've made it to 100 blog posts . . . I love sharing inspiration & all the daily happenings of the boutique!! This morning we've changed our mannequins into Valentine appropriate red & pink gowns . . . 

 . . . it just seemed right since we are giving away a Valentine inspired gift to our 'Fan of the Month!'  

What's up for grabs!? 

How about a gift certificate to the Holly Hotel & a fashionable clutch filled with crystals . . . 

. . . crystal necklace & earrings that is! 

And our winner is . . . 

Congratulations Amy! Please contact us at somethingblue4u@gmail.com with your address & we will get this shipped out to you as soon as possible!

*If we don't get a response within 5 days we will pick a new winner

While we're on the subject of Valentines, enjoy these valentines inspired inspiration boards, both from a fabulous website, Postcards & Pretties!

I love that they're not bright pinks & reds that you traditionally see - they are softer . . . a lot like love!

Now this may not be my finest creative work - but here are cutouts from the stock photos of the gowns in the window! 

Thanks for following us through 100 posts! Here's to 100 more! 

Lots of Love  ~Nicole

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