Now if only I could win a free WEDDING

It's been a whirlwind couple of weeks folks. Ask me about how my weekend went with my best friend and bridesmaid and her 15 MONTH OLD KID! Aggghh. But bring Scotch and be prepared for a long conversation on why I might have to rethink this whole "someday we want a baby" thing.... No, seriously, the kid was really well behaved, better than some 25 year olds I know, but so exhausting. My hat goes off to all moms everywhere.

Let's change the subject shall we?

A few weeks ago I entered a contest at Tiger Lilly, a couture wedding jewelry store. Apparently my essay got the designer's attention because she selected me as one of the brides to custom make a line of jewelry that will be named after me! If what we design ends up being something I want to buy, I will need to buy it (boo), but even if I don't end up buyin it, it's been cool to work in the design side of things without actually having to make the finished product!

I described my wedding style ("traditional and classic - think Grace Kelley but not as royal") and some initial ideas I had for jewelry. One of the ideas I had was switching out of my cathedral length veil from the ceremony (see the post below) and into a totally different style for the reception. Here's what Mandy, the designer, replied:

Hi Gayle,

I'm so excited to work with you on your signature look for the inspired collection!

I loved reading about you and your wedding. I feel like I have a pretty good idea of the looks you'll be creating. I have a few preliminary ideas to bounce off of you, and lots of questions!

I love the idea of a veil switch after the ceremony to a fun, fascinator piece. I am picturing a small amount of russian netting with feathers. Thinking about the green aspect... I always think of reusing/recycling/repurposing old jewelry in new ways, and what a perfect something old! Do you have an old brooch, earrings, even shoe clips with rhinestones that we could incorporate into the design? I collect vintage rhinestone pieces (I do collections occasionally where I'll only use these for one of a kind designs) so I have a lot to choose from if you don't!

What is the neckline of your gown? Do you like pearls? Do you know how you'll wear your hair? And how long is it, and what color?

That's a lot of questions!

I look forward to hearing back and getting started!

Me too Mandy!

So readers, anyone have a brooch that could be my "something old"? Time to dig through the ol' jewelry boxes! Can't wait to see what we come up with. It's also a pretty cool thing that someday brides in the future will be able to buy the design named "Gayle".