Stylish Details: One-Of-A-Kind Wedding Jewelry

Jewelry is my obsession- and when I find a piece that I love, I can't seem to get it out of my mind.... until I finally succumb and have to buy it!  From the first visit to Richelle Leigh's shop in Harrisburg, I knew I was in trouble!  There are cases full of beautiful, gotta-have jewelry, from elegant earrings to chunky bracelets, and I absolutely fell in love with a gorgeous chunky turquoise necklace... that I had to have!  Although it's a statement piece, it's actually very versatile.  I receive so many compliments on this necklace and the thing I love about Richelle Leigh's pieces is that they are hand-crafted, extremely well-made and so unique that people have to take notice!  

Since she hand-crafts the jewelry on-site, if you don't see exactly what you're looking for, she can also customize a piece just for you.  This is perfect for wedding jewelry, especially rings, because you'll know its personalized for you-- no one else will have that style- which makes it extra special.


Richelle Leigh describes her wedding jewelry design process:

"I personally handcraft all of the bridal jewelry in my shop-- Each piece is my own original design. This gives brides the option of having a custom or one-of-a-kind ring made. Jewelry can also be customized for the bridal party as well. I use 14Kt. Yellow or White Gold and Sterling Silver. I work with the bride in each step of the design process, from sketch to three-dimensional wax model to polished metal. Every step is approved before completion. The design possibilities are almost limitless with custom design. I really try to capture what my customer has in mind. I'm so happy to know that my customers will be wearing my jewelry for a lifetime."

Laurie & Jared Wed in Sleek, Chic Sophistication

I personally love black & white-themed weddings.  They have an effortlessly chic feel and I love to see how couples incorporate their personal style to spice up the classic color palate.  Laurie & Jared wed in sleek, chic sophistication, opting for the B+W theme, adding hints of organic greens, in the form of lush hydrangea details.  Carisa Kozicki of CK Photography captured the simplistic beauty of the day, starting at the bride's parents house, followed by the ceremony at a Paxton Presbyterian Church, and the reception at the West Shore Country Club.  

Scroll down to read Bride Laurie's account of the day-- the details, the vendors who made it possible, and advice for future brides:

 

 

Photographer:  CK Photography
Dress: Paloma Blanca from La Bella Moda

Cake: About Weddings

Reception/Catering: West Shore Country Club

Ceremony:  Paxton Presbyterian Church

Shoes: Coloriffics

Invitations:  Wedding Paper Divas

Rehearsal Dinner: Fire House Restaurant

Florist: Garden Path for Arrangement of bouquets and centerpieces, Actual flowers used were Silk Flowers from Flower & Craft Warehouse in Blue Ball, PA

Entertainment: Patrice & the Show  Band (formally known as CTO Soho)

Jewelry: Lia Sophia earrings, necklace from La Bella Moda

Rings: Safian and Rudolph  Philadelphia, PA

Transportation:  Premiere #1 Limousine

Bridesmaid Dresses: Belsoie from La Bella Moda

Mens Formalwear:  Men's Wearhouse

Makeup: Application by Sarah Kirk, Jane Iredale Brand

Hair:  Carol at Global Salon

Honeymoon:  Sandals Grande in St. Lucia

Linens:  Balloons and More

Wedding Coordinator:  Steve from West Shore Country Club

Videographer:  Images Unlimited Video, Jeffrey Dye

How would you describe your “wedding style” or feel of the day

Fun and relaxed.  We tried to just enjoy every moment with friends and family. 

Describe any special touches that helped make Your Wedding Memorable
I had a old pin of my grandmother (dad's mom) and my other grandmother's wedding band (mom's mom) pinned onto my bouquet.  

Best Thing about the day: 
Having so many people come to celebrate with us.  The band was absolutely fantastic and the dance floor was always full.  My husband even sang and danced with the band which was awesome and a hit of the night.  Most fun I have had in a while.

Tips for Brides-to-Be:
Try to relax and enjoy the day even if something goes wrong.  No one will notice.

PB TRENDS | First Look…………Seeing Each Other Before the Wedding Ceremony | Guest Blogger Thomas Beaman

According to Thomas Beaman (CA & PA-based photographer, recently voted The Knot's Best of Weddings Pick 2011!!) many couples are opting to see each other before the wedding ceremony.  In fact, for 2011, over half of his clients are seeing each other before!  So, how do you know if this is for you?  Thomas lists some of the benefits to seeing each other before the ceremony below....

Photo courtesy of Thomas Beaman

What are the benefits to this?

• It is the only time during the day that you will have alone. No guests…….no family……..just the two of you taking it all in. Really enjoying the moment.
• Being much more relaxed when you walk down the aisle.
• You get to take your photos before the ceremony so you can spend more time with your family and friends after the ceremony (you can attend your own cocktail hour and really enjoy it). Your family and bridal party get more time to mingle too!
• The photos of the first look are always real and always amazing. You get more time to really look at each other and talk (As much time as you want).
• When you see each other for the first at the ceremony, it's over so fast. There is no time to tell each other how amazing you both look..............how much you love each other..................you actually get a chance to get all of the butterflies out and at the same time, you get to have it photographed in the best light.
• Couples are really starting to make their wedding their own and breaking away from tradition. It's not for everyone but the couples who do it, absolutely love it.

Thomas Beaman specializes in wedding-day story telling & capturing special moments through gorgeous photography, which is apparent in the above photos-- two real couples from 2010 who opted to see each other before their ceremonies.
Click here to see more of Thomas' photos!