Warner Bros. Pictures

Fashion is at the heart of the Gatsby era – from flapper dresses, fringes, and furs to dazzling headpieces adorning bobbed hair. The film is inspiring a throwback to 20s fashion. Timed to coincide with the release of the movie, Tiffany & Co. created Jazz Age Glamour, a line of ultra-glamorous jewelry that includes a brooch, a headpiece, a necklace, and rings. “The Great Gatsby” is even being channeled into the wedding world. We’ve created our own Pinterest board to showcase Great Gatsby Themed Wedding inspiration. You’ll find great Art Deco-inspired invitations and cakes, lace and rhinestone headpieces, long strands of pearls, and plenty of glitz and glam!

blissBride.NET Pinterest Board

by Charissa Hipp
blissBride.NET blogger

Musket Ridge Golf Club is giving away another September 11 wedding to a deserving military or first responder couple in their third Love & Liberty Wedding Giveaway. This awesome contest awards one couple a free wedding at Catoctin Hall at Musket Ridge on Wednesday, September 11, 2013, in appreciation for their service to our country.

The contest is open to all active members of the U.S. Military, veterans of the past 12 years, or active first responders. Couples can nominate themselves or be nominated by a third party and must explain why they deserve a free wedding in 50 words or less. Entries must be submitted by June 14.

So why does Musket Ridge donate a wedding and seated dinner reception for 150 guests? Well, it opened its doors in September 2001 and the anniversary of that fateful September 11 has always weighed heavy on the hearts of the staff and management. The golf club uses the day to honor our military and first responders and offers this giveaway as a gesture of appreciation for the sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform as well as first responders. Musket Ridge works with area wedding vendors who donate services like makeup application and photography. What an awesome way of paying it forward!

Last year’s beautiful wedding was donated to Jacqueline Albright and Justin Boone. Jacqueline is an Air Force flight nurse who has served in Afghanistan and is a critical care nurse at Loudon Hospital. Justin is a Patrol Deputy in Loudon County and a Marine Corps veteran who completed three tours of duty in Southeast Asia.

Click here to find out more about the Love & Liberty Giveaway or to enter. You can see photos from the three previous Love & Liberty Giveaway weddings on Facebook.

Photo by Aesthetic Life Studio

Post-wedding photography sessions known as After Sessions are gaining popularity among couples. This non-traditional shoot typically takes place anytime from a day to two weeks after the wedding to several years after the wedding. The best part about the session is there’s no watching the clock because there are no time constraints for the bride and groom. Guests are not waiting for the couple to return to the reception to cut the cake or throw the bouquet. And couples who plan to do an After Session can spend their actual wedding day with the guests who have come to see them exchange vowels, instead of being whisked away by a photographer for pictures. After Sessions take on a very relaxed feel and couples are able to fully showcase their newlywed glow and love for each other.

Angie and Ike 5 years after their wedding. ”I Still Do” photos by Courtney Reese Photography

Several years ago Trash the Dress sessions were a trend in wedding photography. After Sessions give the bride and groom the opportunity to wear their wedding attire again without ruining the dress like at a Trash the Dress session.  After Sessions are also a great choice for couples who wish to have outdoor photos taken, but don’t have weather that allows for outdoor photos on the day of their wedding. It’s even an option for couples who are unhappy with the photos from their actual wedding day or weren’t able to work with their preferred photographer on their wedding day. Another bonus for couples who wait longer to have photos taken is they often have more money to spend on photography with the cost of the actual wedding behind them.

Greg and Loren the day after their wedding. Photos by Aesthetic Life Studio

by Charissa Hipp, blissBride.NET blogger

Photos: Jennifer Rotz Photography

When Libby and Adam exchanged “I Dos” at the groom’s parent’s home in McConnellsburg, Pa., simple and elegant was the theme of the day. The location perfectly matched the laid-back personalities of both the bride and groom. The ivory, gold, and black color scheme was accentuated with burlap and strands of pearls, resulting in an elegant, yet rustic, style. In keeping with this feeling, the bride wore simple pearl jewelry and cowboy boots — which occasionally peeped out from under the cascading ruffles of her dress. Summer Stiffler of Summer Thyme Floral in McConnellsburg provided the flowers and décor. Guests enjoyed a four-tiered cake with elegant, understated icing details that echoed the theme of vintage simplicity. Bordering the ceremony location and reception tent, a field of sunflowers planted by the groom’s family in preparation for the couple’s nuptials provided a cheery backdrop for their joyous celebration. 

Model Mikhaela Pozhoga wears a slim, fitted gown in all-over ivory lace by Allure Bridals; Raised neckline with contoured straps that continue to a keyhole back; Chapel length train and covered buttons down the  back; Cathedral-length Mon Cheir veil with lace edge details, all from Potomac Bridals.

Hearts on Fire teardrop earrings in white gold with .76 carats of diamonds ($5,090); 18-karat white gold Solitude bangle with .40 carat diamond ($6,990); and R. Bruce Carson unique ring in radiant cut ($4,353), all from R. Bruce Carson Jewelers.

Bouquet of blue hydrangea, light blue delphinium, white wax flower, blue ageratum, sage, green pitt, lavender flowers, and blue salvia from Roostervane Gardens.

Hair and makeup by Bella Salon and Spa Owner, Senior Stylist and Color Specialist Tammy Shindle.

photos by Brandon S. Warren
originally published in bliss 2013