Winter Wonderland Wedding
“Moonlight, white satin, roses. A bride.” Angela Carter, The Magic Toyshop Although May and June have always been popular choices for weddings, December isn’t far behind. There’s nothing more inspiring than coming in from the cold to a glorious candlelight wedding, then later exiting into a starlit night to wish the couple on their way. I recall witnessing a wedding years ago where a couple glided away in a horse drawn sleigh. As the cheering died down, you could hear sleigh bells jingling far into the distance. At 22” square, this antique wedding handkerchief is, to me, spectacular. ...
Read MoreValentine Oh Please
“You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.” Dr. Seuss Since handkerchiefs have long been a vehicle for flirting, it’s no surprise to find dozens of hankies adorned with images of amour. From richly embroidered roses to images of turtledoves and throbbing hearts, a hankie is the quintessential fashion accessory when it comes to romance. The variety of images is as vast as the legion of lovers of Catherine the Great. Today our tuning forks are trained on a single note – the reluctant ingénue – as we follow...
Read MoreBridal Lily
One of my absolute all-time favorite flowers is the Lily of the Valley. Resembling tiny bells or baby bonnets dangling from a slender stalk, the lilies arrive every spring to disperse their heavenly fragrance. According to the book The Language of Flowers, Lily of the Valley symbolizes a Return to Happiness. The author opines “It is the sweetest flower imaginable. With its dainty white bells and unmistakable green scent, it is said to lure the Nightingale from his nest and lead him to his mate.” Personally, I found it romantic that Kate Middleton chose Lily of the Valley interspersed...
Read MoreBridal Butterfly
It’s June again, and the wedding season is upon us. It’s a time for celebrations of love, hope and the start of a new life together. Many of us will attend ceremonies, galas and festivities honoring couples who have pledged to love, support and sustain one another through life, and, regardless of the statistics, we’re always cheering for love to triumph. One popular image you’ll find embroidered on wedding gowns, veils, and bridal handkerchiefs is the butterfly. You’ll also find it on christening gowns and bonnets, as the butterfly symbolizes transformation, new beginnings and rebirth....
Read MoreLimerick Lace
May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand. Gaelic blessing The following wedding handkerchiefs of Limerick lace are beautifully executed and contain symbols associated with Ireland, including the harp and the shamrock. For those wondering about the meaning of the symbols, the shamrock was discussed in the previous blog, but since Irishmen are known to repeat themselves, particularly if the yarn is a good one, here goes:...
Read MoreThe Wedding Bouquet – Toss it or Keep it?
Ok, I’m being a bit facetious here because I’m not referring to the traditional bouquet toss, but rather to the current trend in bridal bouquets which makes me want to toss them to the curb. Rather than compliment the bride, today’s bouquets often make her look like she just breezed in from the farmer’s market. Of course styles and fashions constantly change, even when it comes to something as time-honored and traditional as a wedding dress. Bouquets used to consist of a cascade of flowers. The arrangement was formal and refined. Then in the 1970’s Age of Aquarius, things relaxed. Suits...
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