Custom Wedding & Engagement Jewelry by Laurie Sarah Designs

If you're looking for a wedding or engagement ring and the mass produced selections at your local jewelry store just aren't making your heart skip a beat like a proper engagement ring should, why not go custom?

This past weekend, I encountered custom jeweler Laurie Sarah Designs at a bridal industry event and was in complete and total awe of the beautiful pieces the Laurie Sarah team had on display. The one-of-a-kind peices were not only gorgeous and 100% original, but prices of the quality diamonds, gemstones and precious metals used were a fraction of what you would expect to pay at a store front. And as a jewelry addict myself, I found Laurie Sarah's design and manufacturing process quite interesting. Head over to the Laura Sarah Designs Etsy Shop for hundreds of examples of their work, but here are just a few samples for your viewing pleasure :)

I LOVED this unique design, which is also shown second from the left in the first image

Black diamonds are in high demand these days and Laurie Sarah has access to them in every size and shape

They also make rings with precious gemstones like this purple amethyst

Can we say GORGEOUS!

The Signature Drink

Shaken or stirred, blended or on the rocks, top shelf or virgin...a celebration just isn't a celebration without a few tantalizing libations.  I mean let's face it, next to the guest(s) of honor, it's often the bar that attracts the most attention at events, so it's worth putting a little thought and effort into what's going to be served.


While hosting a fully stocked bar may suit some, it's just not practical for everyone since it can add thousands to your budget.  So how do you show your guests a good time, without breaking the bank? Enter the signature drink!


I'm a huge fan of signature cocktails at weddings and events. By serving up one or two customized creations, along with a beer and white & red wine selection, you can avoid the sometimes exorbitant costs of the fully stocked bar.


Plus, beyond just the cost-savings appeal, these customized concoctions are an excellent way to add a personal touch to your event. Signature drinks typically mirror the theme and/or colors of the event and provide an excellent way engage your guests by carrying that theme into not only what they see, feel and hear, but what they taste and smell as well.


Here is one of my favorite summer recipes, the Strawberry Mojito.

Strawberry Mojito

Ingredients

• white sugar, for rimming
• 2 large limes, quartered
• 1/2 bunch mint leaves
• 7 strawberries, quartered
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup white rum
• 2 cups club soda
• 8 cups ice cubes
• 
  
• Directions

1. Pour 1/4 to 1/2 inch of sugar onto a small, shallow plate. Run one of the lime quarters around the rim of each cocktail glass, then dip the glasses into the sugar to rim; set aside.
2. Squeeze all of the lime quarters into a sturdy glass pitcher. Toss the juiced limes into the pitcher along with the mint, strawberries, and 1 cup of sugar. Crush the fruits together with a muddler to release the juices from the strawberries and the oil from the mint leaves. Stir in the rum and club soda until the sugar has dissolved. Pour into the sugared glasses over ice cubes to serve.

Trend Alert: Ring Bowls

If you're looking for a cute way to incorporate your wedding bands into your march down the aisle, but just aren't feeling the traditional ring bearer pillow, I've got just the thing for you. Ring bowls are becoming one the season's hottest wedding ceremony accessories.

The bowls, which can be inscribed with the couples name and wedding date or pretty much anything else you desire, are perfect for the pair who want to add a modern and personalized twist to a traditional wedding custom.

And after its served its purpose for your wedding, the ring bowl makes for a great keepsake to display around your home or even to store your wedding bands in at night.

PalomasNest on ETSY (pictured here) has dozens of great options to choose from.

Adding Personalized Touches With Etsy

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For most modern brides planning their big day, status quo just won't do. These days, brides are looking for fun and unique ways to personalize their wedding day and incorporate one-of-a-kind elements into their celebration.

One place I've seen a lot of brides turning to for distinctive customized pieces is Etsy. For those of you who don't know, Etsy is an online shopping community where sellers all over the world sell handmade and vintage items in almost every category imaginable.

I've seen Etsy items popping up everywhere in bridal magazines and wedding blogs and photography. You can purchase boutonnieres, bouquets, bridal headpieces, stationery, decorations...the list goes on and on. Below are just a couple samples of what the Etsy community has to offer.

Whimsical Silver Beaded Headband by MeghanHamilton

Myrakim’s Custom Headpieces

Enchanting Autumn Boutonniere by Rationale

Button Bouquet by letters4lilly

Custom Cake Topper by EmilieFriday

*Opening Image: Boutonniere and Barrette by MeadowbelleMarket