Birdcage veils have been a traditional veil option since the early 1920s, though truly being in fashion in the 1940s. The birdcage veil is a beautiful way of keeping the traditional veil alive, while also avoiding the challenges that come with cathedral length (have you ever tried getting into a car with a 10 foot veil?). In recent years, the birdcage veil has been making a comeback, and to celebrate, we’ve made a list of our 10 favorites from Etsy.

Staring off this list is this elegant bow detailed birdcage veil by MelindaRoseDesign. We love the softness and delicateness that the bow brings to the net veil.

Vintage styled veils have always been a crowd favorite, and this design by UrbanVeilsCouture is a perfect example of why.

For a 1950’s vibe, this polka-dotted veil by MelindaRoseDesign is a great choice. We love the fun look of the vintage-inspired dots.

For the brides who just can’t get enough sparkle on their big day, this jeweled veil by MelindaRoseDesign should do the trick. With just enough bling to make you shine, who could resist?

The lace design and trim of this stunning birdcage veil by LottieDaDesigns truly is spectacular. We love the gorgeous lace crown!

Why settle for only lace or jewels when you can have both with this gorgeous veil by PowderBlueBijoux.

Another great lace and jewel option is this design by NestinaBridesboutiQ. The jewels on this one catch the light perfectly, giving an extra dazzle to your look.

One of our favorites, this two-layered veil by MelindaRoseDesign creates a stunning look by mixing veil netting and tulle together.

For a compromise between traditional veil and birdcage, this simple but voluminous veil by MelindaRoseDesign is definitely a top contender.

Finally, this 1920s inspired veil by PowderBlueBijoux, trimmed with lace, is perfect for the vintage bride.

*This post contains Etsy affiliate links

If you’re feeling some major beach vibes lately, you’ll love today’s styled shoot! Inspired by a private and intimate beach elopement, this piece of beach along the Pacific Ocean is as gorgeous as the couple who decided on this location for their styled elopement. Think beachy romance, a vintage feel and a nod to Patriotism in this spectacular styled shoot put together by Krystle Levin-Smith, founder and lead event planner of Smith and Murphy Events and Design House.

Here’s what Krystle had to say about this summery shoot:

Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountain Range lies a stretch of beach as private and picturesque as the couple who chose this location for their Memorial Day elopement. Seeking a seashore venue sans prying public eyes, the bride and groom landed upon a beachfront home located on a secluded stretch of beach in southern Santa Barbara. 

Upon securing their ideal venue, the couple enlisted a team to bring their vision to life: a marriage of beach romance, vintage aesthetic and a salute to the red, white and blue.

The couple’s vision was implemented by first incorporating pieces of furniture and decor that were in keeping with the beach aesthetic. There were tables handcrafted of vintage wood, aisle runners of natural driftwood and an arbor as light in design as the beach air behind it.

Next, the scenes were softened with vintage place settings. There were a beautifully eclectic mixture of cut glass goblets, gold trimmed champagne coupes, stacked china and brass candlesticks, all accented by gold flatware. The place settings were accompanied by name and menu cards, set on gold and ivory paper and finished with a soft textured bow.

For both the ceremony and reception, lush floral arrangements were created, adding a colorful backdrop to an otherwise muted beach palette. It was important to the couple that each arrangement retain a natural look while simultaneously drawing together their color palette of marsala, peach and indigo blue.

To end the night, the couple reveled in their three-tiered cake, specifically designed with each layer encompassing an aspect of their vision—beach romance, vintage aesthetic and a salute to the red, white, and blue.

Vendors:

Tabletop Rentals: Otis + Pearl Vintage Rentals

Furniture Rentals: Sweet Beginnings Vintage Rentals

Event Planning: Smith + Murphy Events and Design House

Photographer: Leanna Annunziato Photography

Cake: Lele Patisserie

Florist: Kat’s Florals

Stationery: Exquisite Invitations

Hair & Makeup: Brittany Heim Makeup

Models: Ben Franczuzski (groom) and Dor Raz (bride)

Leslie and Steve knew from the beginning that they wanted an intimate wedding. The fact that the couple had recently relocated to Washington state from the east coast, however, made it challenging for the couple to plan a wedding. Eloping was the perfect solution.

When they realized it was a leap year, the couple jumped at the chance to elope on February 29th. Although it was difficult not to have their loved ones with them on their special day, exchanging their vows in the woods without any guests was ultimately the best decision for the bride and groom; it was the type of ceremony that they had always dreamed of.

Thanks to Sentiero Photography for sharing Leslie and Steve’s gorgeous elopement with us!

Leslie, 34 & Steve, 32

Location: Stevenson, WA

Wedding Date: February 29, 2016 – Leap Year Day!

Number of Guests: Zero. We just had our officiant and our two awesome photographers, Andrea and Angelina, who served as our witnesses.

Wedding Ceremony Location: Franz Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Stevenson, WA

Wedding Reception Location: No reception. We may have a reception in Savannah, GA and Vega Baja, Puerto Rico at a later date.

Why did you have an intimate wedding?  

We recently relocated to Washington state from the east coast. Steve moved out in October 2015, and I moved out in the middle of February 2016. We knew we wanted a small ceremony with just our immediate family, but coordinating everyone’s schedules and accommodating everyone’s wishes was not an easy task. When we saw that Leap Year Day was two weeks away, we knew we couldn’t miss it! Our wedding was the ceremony we always dreamed of – just for the two of us. Because of this, we knew we would need the best photographers we could find; Sentiero Photography was definitely it!

What are some of the challenges that you faced planning an intimate wedding?  

Our challenges arose from the fact that we did everything ourselves. From coordinating, to decorating, to dress alterations, to baking and decorating our wedding cake, we did it all! Fortunately for us, Andrea and Angelina are pros and jumped right in to help when needed.

Was it difficult to pare down the guest list? 

Paring down our guest list to zero was very difficult. Not having Steve’s mom pin on his boutonniere and his father help straighten his tie, and not having my mom help me dress and having my father walk me down the aisle was very difficult.

Did you have any ‘issues’ with the small guest list from friends and family? If so, how did you address them?  

We are very fortunate that our families are very understanding and know that our ceremony was perfect for us.

What were the highlights of the ceremony? 

No rain! Considering it was February in Washington, we were very lucky. Also, we both personalized our vows and surprised each other.

What were the highlights of the reception?

Our cake was awesome and paired well with our PBR toast.

What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding? 

The best thing about our intimate wedding was that we could be ourselves; Steve wore his Converse and I wore my hiking boots! We were both relaxed and comfortable.

What advice do you have for couples who are considering an intimate wedding? 

Do it! We have not stopped smiling; we are so happy we were able to have the wedding of our dreams

Vendors:

Photography: Sentiero Photography

Cactus decor is one of our favorite new trends! The cactus plant adds a little southern flare to any wedding, and can be a great wedding decor accent. Here are 12 of our favorite cactus motif wedding ideas from Etsy!

Let’s start off with a great centerpiece option. This geometric planter by TheArmoryCo is the perfect size for your guests tables; your guests won’t have to play hide and seek behind a huge bouquet of flowers.

This printable cactus wedding favors sign from MomentiDesignStudio is so adorable!

If you are looking for favor tags with a cactus theme, we recommend these tags from MooseberryPaperCo.

To add a bit of life to a dull wall at your wedding, consider this cool cactus wall decal by MtlDecals as a decoration. Decals are a great option for small venues where decoration space is limited.

If you’re not sold on having a cactus decoration, but want to incorporate the southern plant somehow, these guest gift bags by BeCollective should do the trick.

We are completely obsessed with this amazing marquee cactus by SawAndSteel. Do you think we could pull it off in our office?

For a more subtle cactus decor, go for these four small planters by MarukoCoco as a decoration on your guestbook table. 

For a small burst of fun, this set of three planters and cacti by RedwoodStonework are just enough to add a bit of glam to the room.

Once the party is over, and the gifts have been opened, you’ll thank your lucky stars for this return address stamp by NativeBear for saving you time and effort on those thank you cards.

Another great way to incorporate cactus into your wedding is by using these vintage styled table numbers by YesDearStudio. The best part is that you don’t have to wait, because you can download them instantly!

If the cactus planters are too much, and the table numbers too little, perhaps these adorable cactus themed wedding invitations by TheWoolberryPress will do the trick.

Last but not least, if you’re in the early stages of planning your wedding, have some fun and grow your own cacti by SmartSeeds and then display them at your wedding.

*This post contained Etsy affiliate links

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Short wedding dresses are fun and sassy, making them perfect for the modern bride. They make dancing, walking, and essentially everything else, a whole lot easier. For some great options, take a look at these ten short wedding dresses from Etsy.

This Maui Dress by LaceandLibertyBridal is the perfect knee-length lace dress for a casual beach look or an after party reception dress to rock the dance floor!

If you are looking for a non-traditional wedding dress, we recommend this Bali Sunset Dress, also byLaceandLiberty Bridal.

The Sabrina dress by IselleBridalStudio has a beautiful, intricate neckline – and hidden side pockets. So cute and functional! Corset lace up closure for a perfect fit.

Looking for something fun and flirty? Enter the Kellie Falconer tulle skirt.  Wear as a gorgeous statement skirt or with a matching top as pictured for a dress ensemble.

We absolutely love this stunning high-low wedding gown by ElaSiromascenko. Vintage inspired, this dress has romantic written all over it.

Mixing daring and romantic, this tight-fit lace dress by ACreativeAtelier is perfect for a classic bride who still wants to show off her sexy side.

Another favorite is this gold sequined convertible dress by PureMagnoliaCouture. The convertible dress trend is amazing, allowing the bride to have her big traditional tulle skirt as she walks down the aisle, but also giving her the freedom to dance easily at her reception.

This airy and light dress by SocieteaAtelier is an excellent statement piece. Plus, with the cinched waist and flowing skirt, this dress would look great on any body shape.

The sweetheart bride would look perfect in this lace covered dress by IselleBridalStudio. The ballerina flare is perfect for any wedding style, and allows the bride to keep the traditional ballgown skirt.

Finally, this vintage silk wedding gown by HISTOREvintage is a great bohemian option. The lace and sheer neckline make for a dress that will never be forgotten.

*This post contains Etsy affiliate links.

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