Introducing: www.embellishmyday.com

Sometimes we all need a little encouragement.  And being included in Southern Weddings' Christmas promotion was exactly what I needed to get my {not so} wedding veil focused butt in gear!  Naturally, we wanted to have our best {glitter-embellished} foot forward, sooooooo we finished building out our website!!  Now, I'm not saying it's perfect or that it's exactly what we wanted.  But, baby, it's what we got right now.  And for right now, it's perfect.

When the weather has settled a little {Southern Weddings stirred quite the excitement for little ol' us}, we will do another pass at the website.  We have a vision of what we want, but we also believe in baby steps!  {Baby steps... Any "What About Bob?" lovers out there?!?}

So what will you find on our website? You'll find images of our veils {on models and on real live brides wearing our veils on their wedding day}, sentimental touches on custom veils, who we are, some of our wedding vendor friends {we are constantly meeting wedding focused folks}, and how to contact us. So, what are you waiting for?  Get your butt over to: www.embellishmyday.com

And leave a comment below to let us know what you think of our newly announced website!  

xoxo, 
Carolyn

www.embellishmyday.com

The Story: Southern Weddings meets Embellish!

Over the past couple of months things have been slowing down at Embellish.  With life constantly changing {my sister had her first baby this year!} and with the holiday season upon us, we have not been pursuing business as fervently as we once were. 

Which is why we were especially surprised when we received an email from Emily, the Creative Director of Southern Weddings magazine.  She is an absolute doll and it has been a pleasure working with her.  She found a pin on Pinterest {Thaaaaaaank you, Pinterest!} of the Belle veil, pictured below.  The pin wasn't connected to us directly, but Emily was a rather diligent little detective and tracked us down {Thaaaaaaank you, Emily!}! 

The email from our new friend was to ask us to participate in Southern Weddings' promotion: 12 Days of Southern Weddings Christmas.  For three {count 'em THREE} weeks, Southern Weddings will be giving away a different item every day!!  Aaaaaaaand WE will be one of them, woohoo!!  The rules may change slightly each day based on the giveaway, but essentially you enter the giveaway by interacting with the company of the day as well as Southern Weddings via Facebook: liking, posting and commenting {which you already do oh so well!}.  So what are you waiting for?!

But first, mark your calendars for Wednesday, December 12, as Southern Weddings will be giving away an Embellish wedding veil of the winner's choice!  {Lace styles excluded}

Embellish Veils & Accessories' BELLE Veil
Photographer: http://ingafinchphotography.com/

Today's Lesson: Bridal Tulle

Welcome to the second in a series of History Channel inspired posts about bridal fabrics!  

There are many different types of tulle, for many different purposes. To give you an idea, one Italian company develops more than 100 types of tulle. And that's just ONE of the many fabric manufacturers out there! Many companies have designed their own, so for the simplest of fabrics, there are TONS of options! Naturally, we are not going to dig into all the different types and designs. We shall {surprise, surprise!} focus on bridal. And more specifically the most popular bridal fabrics.

Today, we are going to briefly examine the most traditional design of which you are likely the most familiar.  It is simply called Tulle or Bridal Tulle.  This is the cascading, delicate fabric that whispers to me from across rooms making everything else fade away. Even on a mannequin, I will not rest until I've had a closer look!  But for the record, I will say "excuse me" as I make my way across the room and will only push if you don't make an effort to let me through ;) ...

Above is a picture from our collection of a tulle veil and beneath it an image I grabbed from Wikipedia detailing the structure of the fabric's fibers.  Bridal tulle can be very delicate as there's not much actual fabric.  However, the fabric can also withstand far more than you might expect thanks to the intertwining of the fibers.  

Embellish has certainly ruined our fair share of wedding veils due to the delicateness of the fabric {especially in the early days!} but we have also learned to respect the fabric and understand its strength. As you'd expect, ruined veils do not make the light of day!  Even if you're finished with a veil, you're starting over.  There is no "fixin" this type of fabric.

Tulle is usually made of silk or synthetic fibers.  Embellish uses synthetic fibers {unless otherwise requested} as it is more economical for the bride and still gorgeous!

To end on a fun note... I recently read an interview in Garden & Gun magazine of Robert Harling, the author of Steel Magnolias.  In the interview, he shares his observations of women: "My extraordinary life experiences with my sister and mother showed me that the women I’ve known are indeed gorgeous, but their lives can be fragile. But if you look underneath, you realize they possess a tensile strength stronger than anything I could ever muster."

So what did we learn today?  That Tulle and women are gorgeous, fragile, and strong! 

Where??? Tulle, France, of course!

Welcome to the first in a series of History Channel inspired posts! 

The one thing every veil has in common, regardless of the size, shape, embellishments, attachments, etc, is the tulle.  And actually, some veils aren't even made of tulle.  Last year, I attached a comb to a spectacular piece of Belgium lace for one of my brides.  It was stunning!  But typically, a wedding veil includes tulle, somehow, somewhere, on the piece.

The first thing I learned about tulle is that it came from and is named after Tulle, France.  I like to think that Tulle, France is a sleepy little town in rural France where grandmothers sit around in rockers making tulle.  But exactly how sleepy is up for debate.  I mean, they did create the most important fabric of my life.  Tulle, France has a population of about 19,000, so it is no booming metropolis, but you won't miss it if you blink while driving through either.

I'm pulling my facts from Wikipedia, which is probably the cardinal sin in research, but this is free, so why would you complain?  ;)

This "sleepy little town" almost sounds like a fairy tale.  Quoted from Wikipedia: "The Romans established a temple to honor Tutela, goddess of protection of property and persons. The name of the city comes from this goddess. She was honoured here because it was a ford over the Corrèze where passed a very old road between Brittany and the Mediterranean sea. In the seventh century was built a monastery dedicated to St. Michael. The local population settled around the buildings. The first monastery, destroyed by the Viking invasions in 846, was rebuilt but disappeared in the eleventh century."

Now I love Jesus and won't be changing this anytime soon, but... Tutela, the "goddess of protection of property and persons" almost fits - is marriage not a vow to protect?  To protect the other's heart, passions, life, love, dreams, goals, and loved ones. As many a couples have repeated during many a ceremonies "I, (Bride/Groom), take you (Groom/Bride), to be my (wife/husband), to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part." Sounds a lot like protection to me.

Tulle, France.  Photo from igougo.com

Next blog topic: more on tulle, the fabric.

Disclaimer: this blog (or its contents) is in no way affiliated with the History Channel or any of its partners, programs, etc.

VOW-wee!

We cannot wait to check out VOW, Atlanta Mart's New World of Bridal!  In their most delicious of words: "Announcing… The industry's new destination and premier platform for the most sought after brands in bridal and social occasion."  

First we shall scope it out and then if we see what we like, we will find out what we must do in order to participate...

Getting goose bumps yet?!?!  We are!  :)

VOW at America's Mart

Captivating & Wild at Heart

I can't say it enough - I just loooooooooooove sneak peaks.  We are working with a bride now, a very dear lady, who has sent us pics of her dress and other details of the wedding that we may be able to help out with.  The best was that she sent us pics of the dress from the designer and then a few pics of herself IN the dress.  She was absolutely magnificent!!!  I am convinced more and more each day that unconditional love brings out the best in us.  Women were made to be cherished and a woman will never look more beautiful than when she feels the most cherished.  As a very insightful book pointed out (and I'm paraphrasing): Isn't that why brides look more magnificent than ever on their wedding day, when they were chosen above all others to be cherished and celebrated?!

Now, for this next part, please keep in mind that I am not a book critic...

I recently read the book Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul by John and Stasi Eldredge.  And now I'm reading Wild at Heart: Discovering the Secret of a Man's Soul by John Eldredge.  If you want to understand yourself or your significant other, I recommend these two books.  I've been told since I was a child that I was made in the image of God.  Something that I thought I understood, but these books dive deep into the heart of God, man, and woman.  How we were made intricately, with different aspects of God's character.  And most stunningly, how society has lost sight of that.  We try to turn men and women into who they are "supposed to be" instead of who God made them to be.  There is a very distinct difference and it is easy to get them confused.

A friend recently told me that reading Captivating validated her, her thoughts, her feelings, her actions.  Personally, I felt like I was reading about myself.  The cover might as well have said: "Here's why Carolyn Gregory does what she does, especially when she's completely unreasonable!"  Some chapters pierced clean through my heart, and sometimes the knife twisted.  It was not an easy read; but it was incredible.  And I understand more about myself now than I ever thought I would.

Ladies, you have been made by an incredible God who cherishes you... and He wouldn't have it any other way.

Happy 2nd Anniversary, Embellish!!

I did a little research and apparently the traditional 2nd year anniversary gift is cotton. This seemed strange to me as cotton doesn't seem romantic. I mean, I put on cotton everyday without thinking anything of it. Nobody pulls out a cotton t-shirt, embraces, squeezes, whispers sweet nothings, or daydreams about it. Of course, not every moment of a relationship is romantic either. Some moments are about pure endurance.

 Ever thought of why clothes are out of cotton? I hadn't until now ...

"As a material, cotton is both durable and versatile. These are both important qualities in a successful marriage. Cotton has also been known as a symbol of great prosperity."

Okay, okay, cotton it is... Happy 2nd Anniversary, Embellish!  May you have the continued durability and versatility of cotton. Oh, and prosperity too! 

Bride + Groom Photos ... ?

This past weekend, while out shopping, I stumbled across a bride & groom photo shoot out on some train tracks.  I wish I had snapped a quick pic of the love train, but alas, I didn't.  I was just off the historic square in Franklin, Tennessee, on a rustier road. I LOOOOOOOOVE the combination of old/rusty adjacent to stunning beauty.  So I have no doubt that those photos will be absolutely breathtaking!!  

Bridal portraits (separate from the Big Day) seem to be less prevalent than they once were.  Will the bride + groom portraits take their place?  Hmmmmm ... a trend I'll be keeping my eyes on.

And now I'd like to take a little poll: where did you or will you have bride & groom photos taken??  A bowling alley, perhaps?

Photography by: Miller + Miller

Museum of Life

There are museums for all kinds of things: science, art, history, heritage, etc.  I must admit that I have come across some rather random {and sketch} museums recently.  Which got me thinking: what about a wedding museum.  Is there a wedding museum out there?  Why or why not?  

I'd argue that there are billions of wedding museums...
Every time I walk into a married person's home, I enter the museum of {insert last name here}.  Pictures on the wall commemorating that special day.  A book, perhaps, perches the coffee table, begging to be perused.  The wedding topper, chest bowed, on the mantle.  Leftover koozies in the pantry shout reminders of that special Day of Love.  The plate, donning the new initial and signed by all the guests, hangs in a prominent spot in the house.  The sweet, country, wooden sign once directing guests now peeks out from the flower bed.   And each serves as a dedication to the Wedding Day.

But why stop there?  Our homes museum our entire lives: the childrens books our mothers saved for us, grandpa's antique bike, home videos, grandma's paintings, photographs of all sorts of loved ones, gifts given from the heart, the books we read, the movies we watch, the brands we love, the fabric we chose, the toys yet to put away, the blankie abandoned on the floor {still dirty}, the crayon drawings on the freshly painted wall, the knick-knacks we collect, the saved words people have written ... Each a dedication to the Life one has lived.  

As I type this, something tells me I may never enter another {insert last name here} Museum the same again.  As my high school Spanish teacher once said, "You never enter a museum without looking up, down, and all around - you don't want to miss anything!"  So next time I come to your Museum, I will be sure to look up, down, and all around, soaking up the wonder that you have shared and displayed, beckoning visitors into your Museum of Life.

Disclaimer: a house should never be as clean as a museum ... the more lived in the better!

Things-are-a-brewing!

I am very excited and honored to report that Embellish Veils & Accessories has been asked to supply wedding veils for a professional photo shoot Green Peridot is organizing.  Green Peridot is an Aveda concept salon with locations in Tallahassee, Florida and Frisco, Texas.  During my time in Tallahassee, this was my hair salon and while co-founder Daniel was in Tallahassee, he was my stylist.  He is the best!  {And I'm not the only one who thinks so; he was voted Fan Favorite on the bravo series "Shear Genius"!}

Embellish is very excited and honored that gorgeous models "dressed" to the nines with hair and makeup by Green Peridot will be donning our veils!  This is the utmost compliment to us and we are beyond thrilled!  Our heart just might explode...

About Green Peridot:
The first Green Peridot Salon opened in Tallahassee, Florida in the summer of 2002. Over the last four years Green Peridot has grown tremendously.  Co-founder, Daniel Lewis, and his partner, Kimberleigh Routen, opened the Frisco, Texas location with a full staff in the fall of 2006. 

Embellishments-are-a-swirling

Embellishments-are-a-swirling as we start to brainstorm new styles! Some of them have been percolating for awhile and others of them we hope to create during the process. Sometimes the process is messy and sometimes the process is clean, but it is always fun! There will be messups, tossouts, and screwups, and we hope to come out on the other side with something to show for it. But if not, we'll just do it again!!

Hello, Emerald Isle

What do you think of when you think of Ireland? Perhaps it's lush fields of grass, stone fences, or clovers? Well, I am happy to report that Embellish now thinks of one of our veils adorning the head of a sweet baby girl as she stands before the priest for her First Communion!

I can hardly believe that Embellish is now International as we have a First Communion veil on its way overseas as I type! Hello, Ireland ...

While I let the reality that Embellish is now international sink in, I leave you with my favorite song about Ireland. Enjoy, grab the hand of a friend, and dance {or give it your best attempt}!! Ireland by Garth Brooks

Atlanta's Maaaaaaaaart

My mom and I had the pleasure of visiting Atlanta's AmericasMart this past weekend. While it was not a wedding show, we thought it might give us some new product ideas {bridesmaid gifts} plus it would give us a feel for what to expect at the wedding show later this year.

Boy oh boy, it was quite the event. People everywhere. People lost. People in a hurry. People with shopping bags. People with tons of brochures. Men. Women. Teenagers. Babies. Yes, babies, but not one of them was crying! My favorite part may have been the mardi gras marching band in costume! Sad I did not get a picture of them.

But here's a snapshot {pun intended!} of our trip to the Mart:

Badges, check; we're in!

This place is huge! And there are 2 more buildings...

With a place this big, you want to stand out. One way to do that is model your product. Check out the guy wearing ONLY bright orange boxers! I about choked when I turned the corner and was standing face to pecs with this man ...

Mmmmmmm, my favorite part of the Mart was getting lost in this veil - cathedral length with exquisite dried flowers cascading. I fell in love instantly!

While the trip to the Mart was fun, it was also very educational! We just might be ready to move into bridesmaid gifts and a return trip for the wedding show! We call this forward progress ... question is, what's next?!

First Communion

After a little research on the topic of Communion Veils, the most succinct description found belongs to MJ Knoblock:

• "Seven sacraments are in the Catholic faith. One of them is First Communion, also called First Eucharist. This commemorates the first time a person, usually a child, receives the body and blood of Jesus Christ in consecrated bread and wine. Communion is the practice of consuming them during daily and Sunday Masses."

  While I am not Catholic or Lutheran, I do believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who was sent to bring hope and life to all whose eyes are open. I do not remember the first time I had communion, I was only a child. Those of the Catholic and Lutheran faith commemorate this special occasion with pictures and beautiful garments. These sweet memories are theirs for a lifetime.

  • 
    

    While Embellish focuses on wedding veils, we have created several First Communion Veils for dear young sisters in Christ. It is an honor and privilege to Embellish their Special Day!!

    
    

New Beginnings

Ah, the new year ... today I'm pondering the difference between New Year's Eve and a wedding ceremony, and I'm not coming up with much except for maybe the cost!

For New Year's Eve and wedding ceremonies

• You plan a party...
• You invite friends and family...
• You anticipate a new beginning and what experiences it may bring...
• You buy a new outfit...
• You plan to lose some poundage...(not that ANY of our brides need to!)
• You dance the night away...
• You sleep in the day after...

All in all, it's a time for new beginnings ... what are you hoping 2012 brings you and yours??

Photo Source: 100layercake.com

Celebrating 2011

As the holiday season closes and busy schedules calm ever so slightly, Embellish has a New Year's Resolution: blog more!

As we've entered 2012, I'd like to take a moment to look back and celebrate the past year. Therefore, here are a few of our favorite Embellish wedding veils from 2011...

{Note: This lace was taken off her Momma's wedding dress!}