Rock ‘n’ Roll Wedding Invitation (Roses)

I just finished designing a brand new rock and roll wedding invitation suite featuring  original, vintage-style hand-drawn illustrations. If you are planning a vintage wedding or  a rock and roll wedding, I hope you can check it out along with the other unique wedding invitations in our store.

Below are a few samples from the collection.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Wedding Save the Date (Roses)

Rock ‘n’ Roll Wedding RSVP Card (Roses)

Rock and Roll Wedding Monogram Sticker (Roses)

Please visit the store to see the entire rock and roll wedding invitation collection.

I have always been drawn to vintage engagement photos and I absolutely love this delightful photo session for Keira and Dan, photographed by The Studio Nouveau a while back, in particular.  The couple are fans of all things vintage so they dressed accordingly for the occasion.

Don’t they both look simply adorable? Dan’s outfits are awesome (love that porkpie hat!) and Keira’s fun and flirty retro dresses are darling.  You can see the rest of the photos on Studio Nouveau’s blog.

If you’re thinking of having a vintage engagement photo session yourself but can’t decide on what to wear,  you can get inspiration from the following vintagey dresses I’ve picked out below:

CAROUSEL, a summery number made with limited-edition fabric by Amy Butler. Available at Shabby Apple.

DOT TO DOT, a Jackie O inspired nostalgic dress. Available at Shabby Apple.

CIRCO, a red and white jersey blend dress. Available at Shabby Apple.

MADISON AVE, a black and white houndstooth dress with trench coat detailing. Available at Shabby Apple.

SLATE, a sophisticated dress adorned with pintucks of dove gray chameuse, a bundle of square ruffles, and a few carefully placed buttons. Available at Shabby Apple.

Visit Shabby Apple for more retro chic dresses and accessories.

Like wearing colored shoes with an all-white bridal outfit,  a bride who chooses to wear boots on her wedding day gets top marks on the hipness barometer, in my opinion. It’s totally rock and roll, unexpected, and is exactly what I mean by expressing one’s self outside the boundaries of tradition.

The following are various ways I’ve seen brides wear boots to their weddings along with some footwear picks from the online marketplace. Choose from among the following styles and make a strong, memorable statement on your special day.

White Boots for the Bride

Image shared by Courtney Egglinger Photography on Flickr.

rsvp – Olivia (Winter White Kiddo Stretch) – Footwear
A stitched design on the front creates a creased effect throughout the shaft. Has a synthetic patent leather upper and shaft, a pointy toe, a full side zipper, a synthetic outsole, and a stacked 3″ high heel.

Frye – Carson Pull On (White Leather) – Footwear
This contemporary boot boasts an old-fashioned flair for superb style that can be worn anywhere. Has a supple, slouchy antiqued soft full-grain leather with a self-lining so it can be worn fashionably cuffed. Has a stylish bumped oblique toe, smooth leather lining, cushioned leather insoles for lasting comfor, roughed up, slightly pitched leather heel with a rubber lift and a 1 1/4″ heel.

Dr. Martens – 1914 W (White Smooth) – Footwear
You can’t go wrong with Docs! Lace up some classic style. Has a smooth leather upper, trademark yellow stitching and pull-loop, 14 Eyelets, an air cushioned sole welded together using a special heat-sealing process, 1″ heel, and the trademark Dr. Martens grooved sole for traction and durability.

Tan / Natural / Nude Boots for the Bride

Image shared by Rita Quinn Photography on Flickr

Paul Smith – Pearl (Natural) – Footwear
The Pearl by Paul Smith& has a leather upper, a contrast colored stripe on each side of the shaft, pull tabs at the top of the shaft, leather lining, a leather insole, a contrast colored leather outsole, and a 2 3/4 heel. Made in Italy.

Gentle Souls – Silver Boot (Fawn Nubuck) – Footwear
Gentle Souls has created an extremely natural way to combine fashion, comfort and care for your feet. Polish off your fall ensembles with the ‘Silver Boot’. Has a leather upper, a plain rounded toe design, side zip closure, supple deerskin lining, flax seed pillows embedded in the footbed that distribute and mold to the shape of your foot to provide cushioned support with every step, combination leather and rubber sole and a 1″ heel.

Gabriella Rocha – Deon (Tan) – Footwear
The Deon has contrast stitching and a big buckle which sets the tone in this versatile leather boot. Has a genuine leather upper and shaft, a full side zipper, a lug rubber sole, and a 1″ heel. Made in Brazil.

Classic Cowgirl Boots for the Bride and the entire Bridal Party

Image shared by Sheila Carson Photography on Flickr

Durango – Crush Cowgirl Boot (Dark Brown) – Footwear
Has a full-grain leather upper, classic pull-on design, cushioned insole for added comfort, durable composite outsole, and a 2″ heel. Harness strap is removable for a versatile look.

Durango – Crush Cowgirl Boot (Black) – Footwear
Has a full-grain leather upper, classic pull-on design, cushioned insole for added comfort, durable composite outsole, and a 2″ heel. Harness strap is removable for a versatile look.

Ariat – Heritage Roper (Distressed Brown) – Footwear
Has full grain leather uppers, Ariat’s exclusive ATS Technology for superior flexibility and cushioning, removable, gel cushioned ATS footbed, metatarsal support pad and countered heel cradle for all-day comfort and support, highly flexible Duratread outsole to provide long lasting comfort, a Roper Toe profile (Roper Toe is the most rounded toe), Leather lining and a 1″ heel.

Black Boots for the Bride

Image shared by dvaires on Flickr

Kate Spade – Collins (Chocolate Sport Suede) – Footwear
Collins by Kate Spade has a Suede upper, pull tabs at the upper shaft, contrast colored stitching, synthetic lining, synthetic insole a textured synthetic outsole and a 1 1/2″ heel.

Rockport – Leiden (Black Brush Off Leather) – Footwear
‘Leiden’ is a fabulous boot with stylish hints of days gone by. Beautiful, antique leather upper features stylish lace up with the ease of side zip entry. Latex footbed cushions the foot and helps reduce localized foot pressure. Flexible forefoot adds comfort to your walking motion. Rubber outsole provides durable traction. 1 1/4″ heel.

Fitzwell – Zyree (Black Cow Suede) – Footwear
zyree is Fitzwell’s fashionable interpretation of a riding boot done in soft suede. Has genuine suede uppers, decorative side buckle, a banded cuff detail, a side zipper, gel insole in the heel, a rubber sole a 2 3/4″ heel.

Leather Boots Adorned with Decorative Patterns

Image shared by Lindsey McKinley Photography on Flickr

Old Gringo – Aza (Pink) – Footwear
Make a statement in these beautifully handcrafted boots. Luxurious leather upper adorned with intricate embroidery and rhinestone details. Classic pull-on closure with dual pull tabs. Smooth leather lining. Durable leather outsole. 1 1/2″ heel.

Old Gringo – Akila 13 (Mango) – Footwear
You’ll be in full bloom with the flowery fun of the Akila boot from Old Gringo. Distressed leather uppers with unique flower hardware details. Pull tabs at collar for an easy on and off. Smooth leather lining. Cushioned leather footbed. Durable leather sole with rubber heel tap. 1 1/2″ heel.

Old Gringo – Hanna Flor (Pink) – Footwear
Princess dreams meet classic cowboy chic in this wild fusion of feminine and frilly western fun from Old Gringo. Leather upper with distinct antiqued texture detail. Exterior harness detail near ankle. Luxurious leather lining and sole for easy comfort. Durable leather outsole with a rubber heel tap for added traction. 1 1/2″ heel.

Bright Colored Boots for the Bride

Image shared by lisaone30 on Flickr

Frye – Carson Harness (Burnt Red Leather) – Footwear
An iconic look is reborn with a meld of modern appeal and retro styling in the tried-and-true Carson Harness from Frye. Soft and supple antique leather will impress with its natural rustic style. Extra chunky front strapping offers up a subtle accent on a classic look. Frye’s signature harness ring and studs adorn the sides as a testament to their revered heritage. Smooth leather lining and leather insole for unparalleled comfort. Durable leather sole will showcase its superior workmanship with every step. 1 1/2″ heel.

Frye – Carson Pull On (Yellow Leather) – Footwear
This contemporary boot boasts an old-fashioned flair for superb style that can be worn anywhere. Supple, slouchy antiqued soft full-grain leather with a self-lining so it can be worn fashionably cuffed. Fashionable bumped oblique toe. Smooth leather lining. Cushioned leather insoles for lasting comfort. Roughed up, slightly pitched leather heel with a rubber lift. 1 1/4″ heel.

Frye – Veronica Slouch (Sapphire Leather) – Footwear
Gorgeous style from a brand known for its craftsmanship. Beautiful genuine leather upper. Buckles allow for a custom fit. Lightly padded footbed. Rubber sole. 1 1/4″ heel.

BCBGeneration – Morch (Passion Crosta) – Footwear
Ride away with these wonderful western-inspired boots from BCBGeneration. Rounded toe. Soft suede upper with stitch detailing. Side pull-on straps for easy on/off. Fabric lining. Lightly padded insole. Stacked chunky heel. Man-made sole with brand detail. 3″ heel.

Two-tone and patterned boots for the bride

Image shared by kellyannjones3 on Flickr

Lucchese – N4536 4/4 (Fuchsia/Pink) – Footwear
From the 1883 collection, this 11″ Cowgirl features a Goat leather vamp with Ostrich wingtips and a Goat leather quarter. No other boot fits the human foot like a Lucchese boot, thanks to Lucchese’s original design and meticulous construction. Handcrafted in El Paso, Texas USA, using the finest materials. Full leather heel counter. Cushioned insole for comfort. 4/4 toe and heel. Made in the U.S.A. 1 3/4″ heel.

Laredo – Cowgirl Boot 13 (English Rose/Purple) – Footwear
Cowgirl style and diva fashion collide to form this sensational boot.Gorgeous leather upper with a saddle vamp and stitch details on the shaft. Classic pull-on design. Comfort Cushion insole provides lasting comfort. Durable rubber outsole. 1 1/2″ heel.

Lucchese – CY7353 (Stonewash Old Nugget Burnished/Sky) – Footwear
You can take the cowgirl out of the country, but with these ultra chic Lucchese boots, you won’t be able to take the country out of the cowgirl. Distressed leather uppers. Intricate embroidery details on both sides of shaft.Pull tabs at collar for an easy on and off. Smooth leather lining. Cushioned leather footbed.Durable leather sole with a rubber heel tap for added traction. 1 1/2″ heel.

Fun, colorful rubber boots for the Bride and the Bridal Party

Image shared by ADAMSKI01 on Flickr

Image shared by DanielBassett on Flickr

Emilio Pucci – 774105 (Yellow/Brown Roses Rubber) – Footwear
Don’t let the weather ruin your high-fashion style. Rubber boot with signature Pucci print inlay. Fabric lining.Rubber sole. Made in Italy. 1″ heel.

Emilio Pucci – 794580 (Chocolate Print Rubber) – Footwear
Entice your equilibrium with a dramatic downpour of vibrantly visual vertigo dazzlingly detailed on these artistic boots by Emilio Pucci. Rubber upper. Exquisite Emilio Pucci print on the outer. Synthetic lining. Synthetic sole. Made in Italy. 2″ heel.

Kamik – Hearts (Rust) – Footwear
You’ll heart these boots, rain or shine! Colorful upper designs are created with imported printed Italian lining finished with a lightweight and waterproof clear PVC top coat. The imported Italian printed fabric lines the inside of the boot and is soft while moisture-wicking to help keep you comfortable. Removable Kamik comfort footbed. RAIN rubber outsole maximizes traction. Made in Canada. This boot is environmentally-friendly by being recyclable. 1″ heel.

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There are tons more where these gorgeous boots came from. Get free Shipping BOTH ways on Shoes at Zappos.com

Hand-crafted wedding details will definitely bring a personal touch to your  special day and what can be cooler than wearing  origami jewelry with your wedding gown? Yes, jewelry made of paper! You can either make your own origami accessories or buy them ready-made from Etsy stores. I’ve compiled a selection of beautiful and unique handmade gems that are elegant and dressy enough for your big day.

Origami leaf and dragonfly drop necklace from Handmade Haven

Origami star and filigree earrings from Handmade Haven

Origami Rose Necklace and Earrings Set from Bricabraca

Vintage style orgami and filigree flower necklace from Handmade Haven

Origami Flower Necklace from Handmade Haven

Origami orchid cup earrings from Handmade Haven

Origami and brass cap necklace – Kangaroo style from Handmade Haven

Origami Crane Earrings from theflyingcrane10

“Hearts” by indie singer-songwriter Blair (from her debut album Die Young, released in January of this year) has been playing in my head all week so I thought of sharing it with you. It’s not a “declaration of love” kind of love song but it explores the ups and downs of it.

Hearts…. something to love
something to break.

Blair’s vocals are breathtaking enough to make you want to listen to the song over and over again. When she opens her mouth to sing “My heart yearns and my heart aches…” you can’t help but believe her and crank up the volume to take in more of her fragile vocals (think Feist), the fuzzy guitars, the 80s-style synths, and the beautiful, dreamy melody.

Listen to the album version or watch the live performance below.

Blair - "Hearts" from DUKE STREET on Vimeo.


In a previous blog post, I showed you a bunch of gorgeous Japanese-themed gowns by Sydney, Australia-based Culture Bridal Couture that manage to fuse contemporary design aesthetics with  traditional kimono patterns and details.

Because I’m a huge fan of Japanese design in general, I thought I’d compile a selection of girly and flowy Japanese-designed wedding dresses by Luce Classica Japan, one of my favorite bridal boutiques. I first came to know of  the brand Luce through the 1-inch thick Japanese bridal magazines my dad used to send me when my husband and I were preparing to get married a few years ago and I loved how simple and clean-cut yet beautiful Japan wedding dresses are and how unique, unusual details give them character.

Don’t you just love the shoulder detail on this dress? It’s very pretty and completely unexpected. The rest of the gown is a simple spaghetti-strapped A-line which suits most figures.

The lace detail on the small puffy sleeves and train of this gown makes a sweet statement.

I love how the cut and style of this dress evokes drama and nostalgia all at once despite  its simplicity.

Sweet, layered ruffles make for a romantic and elegant look.

The poufy, assymetrical hem of this gown gives the otherwise sweet and feminine gown  a “soft” edginess and rock and roll style.

Tiered skirts are IN this bridal season and here’s a cute way to wear them. The sleeves and kimono-wrap overlay bodice gives this gown a modest touch.

This poufy-sleeved A-line short wedding dress gives the bride a girlish appeal.

The lace detail at this dress’ hemline gives it a fun and flirty charm.

See more contemporary Japanese bridal dresses from the various collections at Luce Classica Japan.

There’s nothing quite as charming and intimate  as a handmade wedding invitation so it is with great pleasure that I present to you a recent online discovery - The TreeSpace Studio.  Illustrator and designer Amy Tan of The TreeSpace Studio hand-crafts beautifully-illustrated and designed personal wedding details that reflect a fabulous union and  make wonderful keepsakes for all guests. Pictured above is her Travelogue Suite which is perfectly suited for a beach wedding.

It’s composed of a Travelogue Sketchbook, completely hand-drawn, lettered and watercolored, printed on thick cotton paper and accordian folded-Japanese style. The front and backs are screen printed and so are the backs of the RSVP postcards.

The postcards are tied together with Hemp string and the edges are hand-deckled for a rustic, natural look.

This suite is just an example of what she can come up with. I asked Amy about how one can go about hiring her for custom handmade wedding details:

A bride (usually it’s the bride) contacts me and we chat about what she wants and how much she is willing to invest. Once I get an idea of what she is looking for I will email her with some further thoughts outlining the time-line, design process, and confirm that a custom listing on Etsy will be created for her. I will also send her a fun TreeSpace Studio custom-invitation online questionnaire to work on. It gets the conversation ball rolling and I find out interesting details about the wedding couple I normally might miss out. When Paypal clears the payment I schedule them in and begin by creating a Flickr folder for her so we can swap inspirations and see them all in one place and the design process begins!

These sets of Save-the-Dates (pictured above and below) were custom-made for a couple of  destination weddings inspired by vintage travel imagery.

Amy also notes:

I am pretty flexible and will be able to adapt my style pretty easily to different clients and I can work in different mediums (screen print, color pencils, watercolors, pen and ink, digital, photographic), but I will have to say I enjoy it the most when brides/grooms want something totally different and non-traditional and are willing to just let me come up with something crazy unusual that is uniquely about them and their story.

Of course if it is their style, I love telling stories with my illustrations about the wedding couple and their wedding theme/location/vision.  Their suite should not ever look like anyone else’s and is hopefully something they would want to frame up to remember for years to come.

This invitation suite is inspired by vintage travel maps and brochures and its tropical hilltop destination wedding. It is crafted from beautiful almost tissue-thin Japanese washi paper, screen printed on the front and folds out into a map of the hilltop location on the inside and wedding information on the other side. It is wrapped in the same washi paper, wax sealed and slipped into a sturdy, colorful, recycled envelope reminiscent of utilitarian yellow kraft envelopes.

As a graphic designer myself, I know how important finding just the right kind of paper for a project is and Amy shares the same sentiment:

Materials are a big thing for me, and I go out of my way to source sustainable or artisan papers/cards that enhance the invitation. I want the suite to feel like something you just want to run your fingers over. That is a lingering effect of my architectural background

A set of hand-illustrated note cards for special occasions.

My mission is that wedding stationery/favors should be treated as keepsakes or little art pieces, if you are going to spend all that money, time or effort, it should be something guests will want to keep because it’s just so cool. I abhor the disposability mindset of many conventional wedding vendors. (Sorry, I feel very strongly about this).

Don’t be sorry, Amy, Poptastic Bride couldn’t agree with you more!

You can view all the elements of the invitation suites, and more, at Amy’s portfolio. Amy also provides online shoppers to order her lovely works straight from TreeSpace Studio’s  Etsy store.

Amy just also started a Wedding Charette where new entries are posted on Fridays to encourage brides to think outside the box. Her number one requirement for brides is to break the rules of what wedding imagery and paraphernalia should be like. I love it!

Her latest wedding charette entry is how to fashion a Grateful Dead themed wedding invitation suite. Check it out and be inspired.

… unless your groom asks you to, but you wouldn’t be marrying him if he’s the type of guy who won’t let you be the real you, right?

Tattoos have been kind of taboo in the olden days but in recent years, the ago-old tradition of skin-inking has gained popularity — and public acceptance — as a means of individual self-expression.

Here now is our tribute to brides who weren’t afraid to flaunt their tattoos on their big day!

(Image courtesy of Allebach Photography)

(Image courtesy of Allebach Photography)

(Image courtesy of Allebach Photography)

(Image courtesy of Studio Nouveau)

(Image courtesy of Studio Nouveau)

(Image courtesy of Allebach Photography)

(Image courtesy of Allebach Photography)

(Image courtesy of Allebach Photography)

There are tons more inked brides on Allebach Photography’s Tattoed Bride.

A traditional Bridal Kimono

Quick, what pops into your head when you hear the phrase “Japanese Wedding Gown“?

I’m 100% sure it’s an image of a kimono, am I right? Of course! A kimono is Japan’s National Dress. It’s a traditional T-shaped, straight-lined garment worn in the country by women, men and children on special occasions (although a few older women and men still wear the kimono on a daily basis). So by default, it’s what Japanese brides traditionally wear on their wedding day.

But what about if you’re not Japanese — or maybe you’re only part Japanese — but you want a Japanese, Zen, or Cherry Blossom wedding theme for your big day? The solution: wear a Japanese kimono dress, 21st century style!

The most beautiful, contemporary Japanese wedding gowns I’ve ever chanced upon online are on Culture Bridal Couture, a Sydney, Australia-based team of highly skilled artisans and experienced couture seamstresses, headed by designer and owner Lisa Merton. Their gowns feature rare textiles from around the world, including vintage Japanese Kimonos and Obis, as you will see below.

Satin Blossom Kimono Wedding Gown

Cherry Blossom Kimono Wedding Gown

Fifties Obi Wedding Dress & Petticoat

Japanese Beauty Obi Wedding Gown

All photos  @copyright their respective photographers via Culture Bridal Couture

See more of their gorgeous work in their gallery.

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Don’t forget to check out the customizable Cherry Blossom wedding invitation set at our stationery store. These will perfectly complement your Sakura wedding theme.

Cherry Blossom Garden Invitation (vertical)

Visit poptasticbride on Zazzle.

Listen to the tender, opening strains of this song and tell me if it doesn’t make your heart melt, even just a bit.

I looked into her eyes and I swore
I’ve never written a cliche before
And I’ll probably never do so
She was beautiful though

This is then followed by a bold and almost-anthemic sounding invitation to the girl of his dreams:

I think it’s time for me and you to take over the world

And then comes the most heartbreaking line of all.

Because I’m true and I’m real and this is how I feel.

Take Over the World by The Courteeners, a single off their 2010 album Falcon, will be released on April 19th of this year as a CD, two 7-inch vinyls and download release.

Listen to the song below:

See this guide for more indie rock love songs for your wedding.

From The Courteeners‘s Amazon.com bio: Hailing from Manchester and featuring a frontman, Liam Fray, with a penchant for both talking up his own positive attributes and getting into verbal scraps with other bands, the Courteeners have gotten regular comparisons in the U.K. music press to the leading lights of three previous waves of Manc Brit-pop, the Smiths, the Stone Roses, and Oasis. And to be fair, the band’s alternately jangly and bombastic brand of indie guitar rock bears the influence of all three acts, as well as comparisons to contemporaries like Arctic Monkeys and Kasabian. The Courteeners formed in Manchester in 2006, when the 22-year-old Fray — already becoming well known around town for his solo acoustic singer/songwriter gigs — brought three of his childhood friends to form a proper band: lead guitarist Daniel Conan Moores, bassist Mark Cuppelo, and drummer Michael Campbell.