Sincerely You

The English Dept

2010-11-02T10:40:00.000-07:00

I found The English Dept on Etsy today. I love these beautiful, etherial dresses priced around $1,000. Elizabeth Dye, the founder of The English Dept also has a website and blog to visit. You can find awesome inspiration from these sites! www.elizabethdye.blogspot.com and theenglishdept.com

Etsy and Website

2010-10-30T13:26:00.001-07:00

Well... I am officially selling wedding invitation suites on Etsy! Please check out my shop because designs are still being added. If you or a loved one are planning a wedding I would love to work with you! Click on the Etsy button on the right side of my blog to visit my shop.

Also, my website is about 75% finished. The website will be another destination to view Sweet River Studio's creations.

White by Vera Wang

2010-10-19T20:19:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago, Vera Wang was a guest on Oprah and revealed she is creating an affordable line of gowns for David's Bridal. The collection, White by Vera Wang, features a variety of styles that won't break the bank. Prices will range from $600–$1400. I'm definitely curious and will want to check out the quality of the gowns when the line launches at the beginning of 2011.

Crisp, Cool Bridesmaid

2010-10-13T09:04:00.001-07:00

The leaves are starting to turn color here in Kansas City. My favorite season has arrived! This morning, I was perusing J.Crew's website and saw great options for fall weddings. Instead of choosing classic fall colors like chocolate, crimson, or an autumn orange, think about choosing jewel tones like emerald and Amethyst. They still will look warm and rich without being cliche.

Designs by Arielle and Pamela

2010-08-12T11:37:00.000-07:00

I found great jewelry designed by Arielle and Pamela on Etsy today. Their work is affordable and would make for wonderful bridesmaid gifts.

Claire La Faye

2010-08-02T10:27:00.000-07:00

Claire La Faye designs wonderful dresses that are whimsical and have lots of details. I really enjoy the touches of satin and lace. http://clairelafaye.com

Long Break

2010-07-31T14:22:00.000-07:00

So, I have obviously taken an extremely long break from the blogging work. My husband and I welcomed our first child, Lillian Kate into the world on July 23, 2010... 2 months early. I had a very difficult pregnancy that landed me in the hospital with Preeclampsia. I had a long week; however, I'm glad to be recovering at home. We have a long road ahead of our family but Lillian is thriving in the NICU. We're excited for the fall to arrive and having Lillie here at home.

Marchesa

2010-01-19T19:49:00.000-08:00

After watching the Golden Globes on Sunday evening, I starting looking at different dress designers I saw on the red carpet and found that Marchesa has beautiful options that can be translated into a bridal look.

Saja Wedding

2010-01-11T16:24:00.000-08:00

When you have a little free time check out Saja Wedding for beautiful... and affordable wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses. They are definitely light and airy!

Sweet River Studio... The Website

2010-01-10T20:16:00.001-08:00

A quick update on Sweet River Studio's website! It is so easy to get wrapped up in the fun of designing wedding invitations and forget that a website is in need of designing too! Above is a sneak peak of the look and feel of the site. I'm still working on the layout of the site to make it as user friendly as possible. At this point, I really wish that I took a few classes on web design!

Weddings that Inspire – Natalie and Kaleb

2010-01-09T09:39:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite inspirations is looking at real weddings and how each individual Bride creates a day that is apart of them and a reflection of the couple. I think that is why I love photography. Pictures capture not only the events of the day but the emotions and spirits of the people celebrating. These beautiful images are taken by Lemon Lime Photography located here in Kansas City. I love their work! Please check out their website often for beautiful images.

Sneak Peak

2010-01-06T19:59:00.001-08:00

So I have been hemming and hawing for the past week if I should show a sneak peak of what I have been working on over the holiday break... and I just can't resist. Above is one of the designs I have developed for Sweet River Studio. Enjoy!

A Black Tie Affair

2010-01-06T10:41:00.000-08:00

As I pondered the theme for the first Wedding Wednesday of January, I thought that a black tie affair is perfect for a wedding close to the New Year. Men in crisp tuxs, women in furs, and fresh snow on the ground. Black tie can sound daunting or maybe a bit stuffy; however, add fresh hues like a muted pink and modern silhouette graphics that guarantee a softer look.

Recipe Box

2010-01-05T11:05:00.001-08:00

Check out this adorable Recipe Box from Sugar Paper. They have wonderful gift and paper products! I received a wedding gift from my sister-in-law that included a recipe box with all of her husband-pleasin' recipes. What a cleaver and thoughtful gift for a Bride-to-be!

Hello, Dear

2010-01-04T21:11:00.000-08:00

Hello 2010! I cannot believe how fast the Holiday season has gone! I hope that you had a wonderful and relaxing time with family and friends. I was able to visit family in Chicago for about 10 days over Christmas. Taking a break from the normal routine definitely freed me to create! It was wonderful to stay up to the wee hours of the night designing and be able to sleep in the next day. Sweet River Studio is gaining momentum and I am getting excited! Remember, even though the collection is not up online, Sweet River Studio is currently creating custom wedding invitations for Brides!

It's Christmas

2009-12-15T07:47:00.000-08:00

I'm extremely fortunate and will be heading to my hometown for a little vacation! Sincerely You will take a Sabbatical for Christmas. See you in a week or two! Merry Christmas!

Not Your Same Old Bridesmaid

2009-12-07T14:51:00.000-08:00

A perfect place to find a Bridesmaid look that will guarantee a few head turns is Ruche. Check out their website for more great ideas or a few finds for Christmas!

Color Scheme #4 – Falling Leaves

2009-12-06T20:27:00.000-08:00

Wedding Wednesday – Creative and Crafty

2009-12-02T21:17:00.000-08:00

Martha Stewart Weddings always has wonderful DIY ideas. Create a wedding theme based on handmade goods for a personal touch that will leave a lasting impression on your guests. Thanks to J.Crew and Martha Stewart Weddings for the photography.

New Year's Eve Invitation

2009-12-01T11:13:00.001-08:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Above is a New Year's Eve invitation I designed this past weekend. Enjoy!

Color Scheme #3 – Sumer Bike Ride

2009-11-27T06:52:00.000-08:00

Winter Bridesmaid

2009-11-25T05:34:00.000-08:00

Blue Bouquet

2009-11-23T10:23:00.000-08:00

Check out Blue Bouquet, a local Kansas City Flower and Event Designer. They have a wonderful website to browse no matter where you live. Above are a few fall boutonnieres by Blue Bouquet.

Color Scheme #2 – Thistle and Flowers

2009-11-22T07:12:00.000-08:00

Sarah Seven

2009-11-21T21:56:00.001-08:00

I found an awesome find on Etsy. Sarah Seven designs ethereal dresses that are perfect for bridesmaids or even the Bride. Another excellent aspect of purchasing one of her creations, 5% of the purchase goes to charities. Check out Sarah Seven.

Metallic Bridesmaid

2009-11-20T22:45:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Anthropologie, J.Crew, and Kristin Friesen on Etsy for the images.

Fontastic

2009-11-19T16:05:00.000-08:00

I love typography. "...Typography?" You may ask. Well, typography is the art of type arranging design. A typeface is the fancy word for font. I prefer typeface more than FONT. Don't you? I thought that I would attached a few of my current favorite script typefaces. Check out Typographica for a more in-depth look at typefaces. Enjoy!

Typefaces from top: Burgues Script, Memoir, and Compendium

Wedding Wednesday – Winter White Wedding

2009-11-18T11:26:00.000-08:00

Never fear... Wedding Wednesday is here! Winter has definitely hit Kansas City. Supposedly, we will be getting a lot of snow this year... so in honor of that news, an all white wedding!

Sweet River Studio Update

2009-11-16T21:25:00.000-08:00

It is nearing the end of November and a few might be wondering when sweetriverstudio.com will launch! We're getting close! Designs are being finalized and the website is close to being finished. I'm so fortunate to have met wonderful people in Kansas City that are willing to help me along and encourage me through the process of launching a small business. I'm very excited to launch Sweet River Studio's website in the near future. If you are a Bride interested in collaborating with Sweet River Studio, please contact me at, julie.severns@gmail.com

Color Scheme #1 – Poppies and Sea

2009-11-15T07:38:00.000-08:00

As you start to plan your wedding, set a color palette early on. Having a color palette is not about finding everything that matches. Having Bridesmaid dresses, flowers, shoes, invitations, cake, etc. matching perfectly is overwhelming. Select colors that coordinate to create visual depth to your special day.

Vivi Reborn

2009-11-12T19:57:00.000-08:00

Check out Viv Reborn. I love their philosophy statement! Check out their website and etsy shop!

"Vivi is a root word that means “to breathe new life”. Our work is a reflection of this, as we carefully discover and recover vintage pieces and style them for today's trends. We trust each vintage piece we restore has a unique story that will continue to be told as it is “breathed” back to life.

A sustainable lifestyle is not only responsible, but essential. Every item we touch is repurposed from selected vintage medals, jewels, and stones that inspire our creativity and femininity. When we recover them, we take special efforts to recreate them for women who possess discriminating taste. An eye that allows them to manage the complex relationship between aged beauty and fashion trend.

Our hope is that the history behind these pieces will keep us grounded in the old, as we experience the new. Through this, we will find ourselves immersed in something deep and true, and we will be reminded that we are all part of a story that continues."

Wedding Wednesday – Perfectly Plaid

2009-11-10T21:45:00.001-08:00

Happy Wednesday! Images courtesy of: Sweet Monday Photography, Priscilla of Boston, Twigs and Honey, Honey Pie Headbands, J.Crew, Pistol, and The Knot. Click for a closer look!

Franco Glassware

2009-11-09T11:28:00.000-08:00

I found these beautiful glass vases at Von Maur. I love the handmade quality and graphic print.

Allora Handmade

2009-11-06T11:40:00.000-08:00

Check out Allora Handmade! I found this creative lady through my daily blogging reads. How cute to have your Bridesmaids in different color headbands? You can check out Allora Handmade on Etsy or follow through Allora Handmade's blog.

Wedding... um... Thursday

2009-11-05T09:23:00.000-08:00

As promised... Wedding "Thursday." Sorry for the delay! Enjoy the Bee inspired wedding! Thanks to Twigs and Honey, Martha Stewart Weddings, and Anthropologie for the images.

Wedding Wednesday?

2009-11-04T16:26:00.000-08:00

You might be wondering... where is Wedding Wednesday? Well, it seems that the time change has thrown me off so much that I thought that it was Tuesday until around 3:30 this afternoon. It looks like this week will be Wedding Thursday. No worries, Wedding Wednesday will be back next week!

Red Button Aprons

2009-11-04T10:59:00.001-08:00

Out of ideas for a bridesmaid gift or a shower gift for your Bride? Check out Red Button Aprons on Etsy to purchase a vintage inspired apron that will be a huge hit!

Fall Bridesmaid Look

2009-11-02T07:00:00.001-08:00

Classic fall look for bridesmaids from J.Crew.

Blue Ribbon Invitations

2009-10-31T20:14:00.001-07:00

Windsor Elementary School, my alma mater, received the national Blue Ribbon Award of Excellence. I had the pleasure of designing the invitations for the Celebration Assembly. The invites will be sent out to past principals as well as local officials this month. It was a pleasure to give back to such a wonderful school.

Carolina Herrera

2009-10-28T21:51:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Carolina Herrera dresses. Thanks to Brides.com for the images.

Wedding Wednesday – Navy Pier

2009-10-27T22:49:00.000-07:00

Recently, I have been missing my hometown, Chicago. This Wedding Wednesday is all about one of the great icons of the city, Navy Pier. In the summer, Lake Michigan turns a rich aqua color that plays off the red of the building and ferris wheel at Navy Pier. Enjoy! Images courtesy of: ModCloth, Martha Stewart Weddings, Judd Waddell, Ruche, and Flickr. Remember to click for a closer look!

Registry

2009-10-27T06:13:00.000-07:00

My husband and I celebrated our first anniversary in July. After a little over a year, I am reevaluating my registry choices. Here are a few of my favorite items... some I wish that I had more of! The Wusthof Knife Set and Le Creuset Cookware are pretty self explanatory. The DuraClear glasses are from Williams-Sonoma. These unbreakable beauties are my go to glasses 99.9% of the time. They also come in clear. Thanks to Williams-Sonoma for the photos!

MADEBYSAM

2009-10-26T21:21:00.000-07:00

About a week ago, I featured beautiful jewelry by MADEBYSAM. Check out MADEBYSAM'S fan page on facebook for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate. To enter the contest, log onto MADEBYSAM'S fan page on facebook. To enter, find the contest instructions under the discussions tab!

Lela Rose

2009-10-25T08:49:00.000-07:00

Check out Lela Rose's wedding collection. I love the romantic details of her designs.

ModCloth

2009-10-23T11:11:00.000-07:00

ModCloth is one of my favorite websites to browse. They have great clothes (especially dresses) for an affordable price. Love vintage? They have a vintage section with awesome finds. The featured dresses are a great rehearsal dinner look.

Sweet Ambs Shop

2009-10-22T06:19:00.000-07:00

Check out Sweet Ambs Shop on Etsy! These detailed cookies will make great wedding favors!

Wedding Wednesday - Rustic Autumn

2009-10-20T21:38:00.000-07:00

Autumn is definitely here. As I was driving home from work today, I could not believe how vibrant the colors are this year. Enjoy this Wedding Wednesday, Rustic Autumn, and I hope you are experiencing beautiful fall weather wherever you are! Thanks to J.Crew, Martha Stewart Weddings, Brides, and Made by Sam for the images. Click on the above image for a closer look!

Ruche Boutique

2009-10-19T15:28:00.000-07:00

My dear friend Julie shared a great online boutique with me! The affordable boutique is called Ruche and has a similar style to Anthropologie. They have a section for bridesmaid dresses that I love! Check out the prices to the look above!

Thera Handmade Chandelier Earrings – $9.99

Vanilla Brownie Bow Dress – $45.99

Dahlia Bunches Ring – $9.99

Red Knot Pointy Flats – $26.99

Bridesmaid outfit for under $100 will make you a very loved Bride!

Tiered Perfection

2009-10-18T08:20:00.000-07:00

Martha Stewart Weddings always has the best cakes that are sure to inspire! My wedding cake was inspired by the first cake. This particular cake graced the cover of the book, Martha Stewart's Wedding Cakes.

In Love with Etsy

2009-10-16T19:57:00.001-07:00

If you have not met Etsy yet, you need to! Etsy is a great way to find beautiful handmade pieces. The photos above feature the beautiful work of "made by sam." I'm sure I will be posting many more of my Etsy finds!

Sweet River Studio

2009-10-15T15:46:00.000-07:00

Today, I am one step closer to launching Sweet River Studio! Check out sweetriverstudio.com! Don't get too excited, the website has not launched but there is a splash page! Check back soon!

Lemon Lime Photography

2009-10-14T20:59:00.000-07:00

Love this video from Lemon Lime Photography! I cannot get enough! You cannot ask for a more dedicated and involved duo on your wedding day! Enjoy.

Jessica & Tad - Wedding from LemonLime Photography on Vimeo.

Wrist Action

2009-10-14T20:23:00.000-07:00

Beautiful bracelets for the Bride thanks to Ann Taylor! They also have wonderful Bridesmaid dresses.

Wedding Wednesday – Great Gatsby

2009-10-13T15:24:00.000-07:00

Enjoy your Wedding Wednesday! Click the image for a closer look.

Short Cuts

2009-10-13T10:03:00.000-07:00

Adorable short dresses courtesy of Nordstrom!

Jenny Packham

2009-10-13T07:47:00.000-07:00

In the process of gathering inspiration for Wedding Wednesday, I came across designer Jenny Packham. I could not choose just one of her designs for tomorrow, so I thought that I would post a few of my favorites.

Wedding Wednesdays

2009-10-11T22:00:00.001-07:00

Start looking forward to Wednesdays! There will be a new post, every Wednesday, of a collection of images gathered over the week that relates to a wedding theme, color, or season. Wednesday #1 :: Great Gatsby.

If I had a million dollars...

2009-10-11T20:45:00.001-07:00

...I would buy every necklace at Anthropologie! These necklaces would be a unique accessory for the bride... or great bridesmaid gifts!

Flower Girl Delight

2009-10-11T20:32:00.001-07:00

Courtesy of J.Crew Crewcuts! So cute!

Gwen Forstic

2009-10-10T22:40:00.000-07:00

Gwen Forstic (1906-2001) was born and lived in Michigan. She wrote, illustrated, printed, and published 20 books and contributed to many others. Her prints are made from linoleum-block prints. The majority of her prints reflect the animals, birds, wildflowers, and nature of Michigan.

Little White Dresser

2009-10-10T22:14:00.000-07:00

Found Little White Dress on Etsy. The creator, Avishag, is a 26 year old textile design student in Tel Aviv. Check out her shop for great accessories for all occasions!

New Oh Joy! Stationary

2009-10-10T22:00:00.000-07:00

Oh Joy! Has released a new line of stationary by Chronical books. Check out the Oh! Joy blog! One of my favorites. http://www.ohjoy.blogs.com

Lovely Label

2009-10-10T12:05:00.001-07:00

The first thing that I thought about when I saw this vintage label was my grandma, Lillian. The next thing that I fell in love with is the typography. It is simple, but whimsical at the same time.

Alphabet Soup

2009-10-10T11:51:00.000-07:00

Engraved Alphabets are on top of my design inspiration.

The Start of Something

2009-10-10T10:49:00.000-07:00

Sweet River Studio is stepping out! Sincerely You, is Sweet River Studio's blog that posts the inspiration for the Fall '09 collection. Stay posted for Sweet River Studio's website set to launch in November! Sincerely You is created for the bride who appreciates the unique.