Giving Thanks to your In Laws-to-Be
How exciting is this- you’re about to celebrate your first Thanksgiving as an engaged couple?!?!
Whether you and your fiancé are hosting or planning to visit your in laws-to-be, presenting them with a little something special is an ideal way to get the celebration started.
If you are searching for the perfect gift of gratitude, consider these suggestions…
A recommendation from one of our fave eco-style blogs, ecofabulous, this wine by Paul Dolan Vineyards is made with grapes that are harvested in soil (free from pesticides and synthetic fertilizers).
Cool, fall weather is made for snuggling under a warm throw. A handmade afghan like this one from Etsy seller Ednascloset would make a great gift.
A sweet potato butter would be yummy with brunch the next morning! Pick up some from Low Country Produce or whip up your own with a recipe from Martha Stewart!
We’d love to hear what you decided on, so come back and share after dinner!
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Go Green in Minneapolis!
We love this styled shoot sent to us from a group of green wedding professionals in Minneapolis! It’s perfect timing since Minneapolis was recently named one of the greenest cities in the US!
With a coral and grey theme mixed in with some polkadot action - this team served up some serious Eco-Beautiful Style!
We love that they incorporated a groomsman as so many styled shoots only show a groom! Love the ties and lapel flowers!
Eco-forward thinkers in Minneapolis have a bike share program and they incorporated one of the bikes into the shoot! LOVE IT! A MUST DO if your city has this program! Encourage your fun-loving guests to ride to the wedding in eco-style!
While the reception was catered by a sustainable chef, the sweet tooths in us could resist focusing on the sweet treats they whipped up!!!
We are in love!!!
Learn more about the vendors by clicking below!
Photography by Studio Laguna
Caterer - Fabulous Catering
Floral Designer - Sassafras Floral
Ceremony + Reception Venue - FIVE Event Center
Stationery - Armato Design and Press
Dresses - Posh Bridal Couture
Cake - Jessica’s Cakes
Event Rentals - BeEvents
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Winter Cheer
“Brew me a cup for a winter’s night.
For the wind howls loud and the furies fight;
Spice it with love and stir it with care,
And I’ll toast your bright eyes, my sweetheart fair.”
-Minna Thomas Antrim
The outside chill will only add to the cozy atmosphere when you toast your winter wedding with delicious seasonal cocktails and warm-hearted words.
Eggnog and mulled wine are timeless winter classics, while a sugar-rimmed candy cane cocktail (made with organic vodka, of course) is sure to make modern spirits bright. For those with a retro vibe, there’s nothing quite like a White Russian to warm you from the inside!
image credits clockwise from upper left:
A Law Student’s Journey
Martha Stewart Weddings
It Thing
Brides.com
Martha Stewart Weddings
It Thing
Green Wedding Shoes, image by Jodi Miller Photography
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Eco Getaways around the Globe
Dreaming of an eco-adventure for your honeymoon? An exciting getaway can be found anywhere on the globe.
How about a safari in the wilderness of Kenya?
The incredible Campi Ya Kanzi will also provide a green experience complete with freshly-prepared cuisine made with local ingredients and solar-powered accommodations.
Or maybe you have a vision of dolphin watching and dinner at sunset in Costa Rica?
The Gaia Hotel and Reserve has conservation programs for local orchids and endangered wildlife on a private nature reserve.
Have you been practicing your French lately?
The Westin Paris can provide an unforgettable view of the Eiffel Tower and honey that is harvested right on the roof of the hotel and featured in many dishes served in the restaurant as well as spa treatments!
With all of these options, how will you choose just one? Our suggestion is…you don’t! There’s always the first, second, and third anniversaries…
Resources:
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Eco-Style: Fall Cookies
Our Eco-Style post for this week highlights something yummy for the tummy- COOKIES! The fall and winter months are ideal for baking, so with the holidays fast approaching, why not give some thought to some delish and organic treats?
No time for baking AND planning an Eco-Beautiful affair? Understood. You can find yummy and wonderful treats at a local farmer’s market or organic bakery!
This recipe for organic Double Ginger Cookies from Epicurious is perfect for a fall cookie wedding favor or as an option on your dessert bar!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups organic all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups organic whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon organic ground ginger
- 3/4 cup minced organic crystallized ginger
- 1 1/4 cups organic cane sugar
- 2 tablespoons organic ground flaxseed
- 1/2 cup organic unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup organic canola oil
- 1 teaspoon grated organic lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh organic lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon organic vanilla extract
Preparation
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flours, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, and crystallized ginger.
- In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of the sugar and all the remaining ingredients.
- Stir the two mixtures together until moist and incorporated, shape into a disk, and cover with plastic wrap. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour, or up to 1 day.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the remaining 1/4 cup sugar in a shallow bowl. Use 2 Silpats or lightly grease 2 cookie sheets.
- Flour your hands and form the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll the dough balls through the sugar, and then flatten them with the greased bottom of a drinking glass or cup. Place the cookies 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake the cookies for 18 minutes, or until slightly browned (they won’t get very dark, so be careful not to keep them in too long).
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a minute. Then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
Photo Credits (clockwise from top)
Martha Stewart Weddings
Style Me Pretty (photo credit: Nicole Welch Photography)
Etsy (Seller: LMK Gifts)
Style Me Pretty (photo credit: Beaux Arts Photographies)
Style Me Pretty (center photo, photo credit: Joseph K. Muscat Photography)
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Fall in Love: Wedding Style
While a wedding in any season can be Eco-Beautiful, there is something special about the Fall celebration.
For us on the east coast, the weather can be anything from balmy to chilly, but the richness of the earth, the colors of the leaves, and our yearning to get cozy with family and friends are always consistent.
If you are also opting for an alternative route for your wedding style or planning to be a vision in white or ivory, the possibilities are endless!
There are several designers who’ve certainly captured the essence of the Fall bride. Just to mention a few…
Anthropologie’s new bridal line, BHLDN, continues to redefine bridal couture with this stunner from their 2011 Fall collection.
For the truly daring bride, black is an emerging trend in bridal couture. This ethereal dress is by Australian designer Akira Isogawa.
Love the lace detail on this classic gown from Claire Pettibone!
Regardless of the style of gown you choose, ensure it truly honors your personal style!
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Leanne + Will’s Wedding at the Park
Having a beautiful wedding outdoors while keeping the community and the environment on their minds was the goal of Leanne + Will’s wedding! Their wedding was truly a community effort!
The wedding took place at Prince William Forest Park in VA at a council ring!!
What a gorgeous day!!
They opted for local bbq and apple pies for their reception and biodegradable flatware, plates and cups!!!
They borrowed much of the decor from friends and family and filled in with items from a thrift store! Just an amazing Eco-Beautiful Day!
Congrats to Leanne and Will!
Photography by Jessica Schmitt
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Summer/Fall 2012 Issue
