One of the things we’re most passionate about at Jubilee Events is supporting small businesses! Let’s face it: everyone included in our weddings and events is a small business!

You’ve heard the phrase before: every time you buy from a small business, someone does a happy dance. It’s true! When you purchase from a small company, you’re not paying for the beachside mansion for the CEO, who doesn’t know the names of his or her employees. You’re not allowing a higher-up to buy another car to add to their collection. A car that, let’s face it, we should be driving! Instead, you’re giving a little girl or boy the chance to take dance classes. You’re sending someone to college or putting food on someone’s table. You’re allowing them to take a day off to spend with their family and friends they haven’t seen in months because they’ve poured all their time, energy, and soul into their business. When you support a small business, you’re supporting the well-being of someone’s life. And it makes a great impact!

Every year we love to share a handful of companies we recommend you support and shop from for the holidays (and for all your gifting needs)! Below are SOME of our favorites. You’ll even see some ideas for supporting small businesses wherever you live!

 

Lavender & Pine Gifting

This company is responsible for gorgeous curated gifts and favors that can be tailored to location, price point, and your targeted receiver. We love using these for wedding favors, but they’re perfect for gifting to large groups! They’re incredible favors and are the most beautiful things to open!

 

Filly Rose

You may all remember Libby from past Jubilee Events. She’s still spreading incredible love and beauty in this world as she’s launched Filly Rose, a personalized bra-fitting specialist with all the most incredible undergarments to compliment. She’s changed my outlook on the necessities, and she’s even given me a little more confidence in myself. I didn’t realize how much I needed this until she came along!

 

Upstyle Co.

One of our favorite beauty teams and girl gangs ever has a great collection of hair care and beauty needs. I’m talkin’ things you never knew you needed but cannot live without!

 

Hartford Prints

This local CT small business is the best! I’m pretty sure I cleared them out of their greeting cards the last time I was there. They are packed with nostalgia and the best crew! Good news for travelers, too. They have a new stand in the Bradley Airport if you’re coming to visit!

Image courtesy of Hartford Prints; greeting card by La Familia Green

 

Skin & Tonic and Jennie Fresa Beauty

Self-care is a NECESSITY! Whether you want to gift some love to someone in your life or yourself (hello, you’re important, too!), these ladies take care of the things that need taking care of. You couldn’t be in better hands. Literally!

 

The Denim Blonde

Our fav stylist and former bride started this line of the best, personalized loungewear, jackets, and more! She even carries incredible gift ideas for the bride, groom, or another VIP in your life. I have 3 items on order, and I couldn’t be more excited!

Image by Bethany Paige Photography

 

Shop Sweet Almond

One of our former brides and most trusted beauty gurus created this cuticle oil. You may be wondering what you could do with this, but one thing I believe with this product and many others our fellow small businesses and colleagues create is it’s all to better or enrich someone’s life. This product does just that, and it’s incredibly exciting to enjoy the small things that have a big impact!

 

Photographers

We promised you some additional ideas no matter where you live, and this is one of our top picks! So many of the incredible artists we work with offer family sessions, maternity shoots, and so much more. These are great gifts to give or be a part of! After all, photos will be the one thing that lasts forever, next to the memories, of course!

Additionally, photographers at our events will produce as many as 850 – oftentimes more – photos, which are perfect to purchase for an album or purchase to gift as a large print.

 

Florists

Our second pick to consider! Many of our florists offer wreaths or arrangements for your holiday centerpieces. I will go on record saying these are the most magnificent things you’ll find, and they beat any chain-store-bought decor you’ll pick up! Between the potential colors, lush blooms or greenery, and perfect composition… *chef’s kiss* I know I can make the food look good, but they make people leave my house in awe!

 

For more inspiration, be sure to check out some of our recommendations from years past:

Supporting Small Businesses: Christmas in July!

Support Small Business: 12 Days of Gifts in Connecticut

I’m not hesitant to say I’m happy to bid this year farewell but I’m not exactly shoving it out the door either. This year had a long list of positives! Many of these moments came from our 2021 weddings, something we’re keen on sharing with you here!

I’m sure it’s no secret by now that the 2021 wedding season was an uphill climb on the most treacherous mountain no matter which way you tried to trek it. There was a great deal of heartache, challenges that seemed insurmountable, and so.many.times where all we could say was, “WTF!!” Of course, the shortages are the cherry on top of this anguish sundae – not a flavor I’d like to try again, thank you!

There were also moments that made us stop and take it all in – even if all we were taking in was a half of a breath. There were days that made us grateful and experiences that made us better. We witnessed just as many smiles as we did happy tears, moments in time that will quite honestly live in my mind forever. I saved this one right here on our IG feed because I knew I wanted to look back on any chance I could get. Really, when I need it most!

Reliving our 2021 weddings through our images is a gift! Every time I pour over these moments, I catch something new that overwhelms my heart and makes me so thankful for our couples, their families, and our incredible vendor teams. The trust they’ve all instilled in us is a gift itself and one we don’t take lightly.

Enjoy the happiness and the sweet spots! Some of the coolest and greatest people we know are sprinkled throughout!

Photographer: Crystal Sullivan Photography

Photographer: Brooke Allison Photography

Photographer: Melanie Ruth Photography

Photographer: Jennifer Bach Photography

Photographer: Julia Jane Studios

Photographer: Keeley Abigail Photography

Photographer: Emily Kirke Photography

Photographer: Evergreen Weddings

Photographer: Maggie Conley Photography

Photographer: Robert Norman Photography

Photographer: Madison Abbey Photography

Photographer: Joanna Fisher Photography

Photographer: Carla Ten Eyck Photography

Photographer: Haley O’Callaghan Photography

Photographer: Sam Bufalo Photography

Why do I love fringe as wedding decor? Let me count the ways—it’s festive, it’s feminine but not too fluffy and it’s the stuff Boomerang dreams are made of! I am currently feeling really inspired by fringe and wanted to share with you a few of the ways you can incorporate it into your wedding style (without over doing it!)

(From top right)

1. Fringe is trending on the bridal runway and this Rue De Seine gown is a sweet option for brides who want to incorporate a little of the trim into their wedding day look. The off-the-shoulder sleeves are bonus points!
2. If you like fringe but don’t want to wear it you can incorporate the look into a seating or dining area with fringe chandeliers like these from Anthropologie.
3. This Julie Vino gown delivers pure fringe wow-factor!
4. Jewelry is a more subtle way to incorporate fringe into your wedding day style. I love this collar necklace from Anthropologie for maids or paired with a killer rehearsal dinner dress.
5. Your post-wedding style can be super fringe-y, too! Why not jet off on your honeymoon with this Fringed Passport Holder from Anthropologie.
6. Of course, there is also a place in your home for fringe decor. Check out this amazing LA designer’s mirror featured in Domino Magazine, photographed by Stephen Busken.
7. A fringe altar is everything you need for complete boho wedding style. Check out more inspiration photographed by Chelsea Maras Photography and created by From Agnes and French Bouquet.

 

Sometimes the man in your life can be a challenge to buy for, which is why we’ve started this new blog series “Gifts for the Groom.” We’re excited to highlight products geared toward the male persuasion! Our first product review is of these gorgeous wooden (yes, I said wooden!) watches by JORD Watches. I love the design of this watch in particular– the coloring, the design, and the weight. The makers of JORD Watches are obsessed with using natural materials to offer a unique fashion flare. Their wood watches are one of a kind, premium quality time pieces, hand-crafted with sustainable materials from all over the world. In my opinion these watches can be dressed up or dressed down, an every day piece or a special occasion time piece– and everything in between! They have a variety of wood finishes available as well was watch face colors and styles.

We think their watches make a fantastic gift for your groom– or your groom’s groomsmen! To learn how you can purchase a JORD watch, visit their website at woodwatches.com

Living in New England, you have to appreciate the winter weather. I know some of you reading this are saying, “Absolutely not! Get me to a beach and let’s not speak of this weather until it’s at least 65 degrees!” I love it, though! I find the snow to be so beautiful and serene. Last weekend, I had the pleasure of visiting Amee Farm and Riverside Farm in Pittsfield, Vermont, where I was surrounded by fresh powdered snow, foggy mountains to ski on, and all the inspiring details of winter. What a gorgeous location, too! Brides and grooms, look no further for the perfect setting for your big day. The hot chocolate and rustic fireplaces alone would make me run back instantly! Being there made everyone embrace winter, and not just the colder temperatures, but the feeling it creates.

No matter what age you are, the words “Snow Day” ignite a youthful feeling of no work and all play. Next time it snows, take advantage of it. Get into your pajamas, light the fire, and make a cup of hot cocoa, overflowing with marshmallows and whip cream. Watch the flakes fall or put on your snow boots and build a snowman and go sledding!

1. via Pinterest 2. via Pinterest 3. via Pinterest 4. Caitlin and Matt via Justin & Mary 5. via Carly Mitchell Photography 6. via Pinterest 7. via Tumblr

 

We’ve been doing a lot of traveling lately and one thing we’ve learned is that the stale, recycled air on planes does not make for a perfect complexion. Brides, you’ve worked so hard to achieve glowing skin for your big day, the last thing you want is to see those results reversed when you jet off on your honeymoon. That’s why we could not have been more thrilled to get our hands on the First Class Skin Care Travel Pack from Elite Therapeutics. It’s been our secret weapon all season long and here’s why we love it:

 

 1. Elite Therapeutics skin care was developed by radiation oncologist Dr. Kevin Schewe to repair extreme skin damage from radiation therapy. With so much healing properties, we found that the product was just as helpful on our trip home after several days in the sun.

2. We’re picky about what we put on our skin so we love that the healing power of Elite Therapeutics comes from all-natural ingredients like Vitamin E and Manuka Honey from New Zealand.

3. The line is unisex so it’s easy to share with your new husband. (Just don’t let him use it all before the trip is over!)

To indulge in the perfect honeymoon treat, visit http://www.elitetherapeutics.com/

 

1. polka dot blusher veil from etsy// 2. fabulous polka dot dress via tumblr// 3. handbag from kate spade
4. vintage pumps via Pinterest // 5. michelle roth’s wedding dress to die for // 6. polka dot tie for the gentleman via Gia Canali 
7. sassy polka dot tights from marc jacobs //8. carolina amato gloves

I don’t know what it is about polka dots but there isn’t a polka dot pattern that I don’t love! Maybe it derives from our constant fascination by Kate Spade and her easy-to-love designs and ensembles, or maybe it’s my love for Roy Lichtenstein’s notorious pop art. I find them to be so fun and versatile-they can be preppy, charming, sophisticated, playful, and downright glamorous! If I can find a way to wear them or incorporate them, I will!

XO!

Boy, it is cold and windy outside today. We’re working on an amazing winter themed wedding photoshoot for you which I can’t wait to share. In light of the recently snowy situation here in Connecticut I thought it would be the perfect time to share some winter inspiration! Grab some hot cocoa and a chunky throw…

Loving this Evergreen, Silver and Citron color story / inspiration board from Flights of Fancy.

Style Me Pretty recently featured this amazing wedding in Beaver Creek, Colorado. Also totally loving this winter inspired engagement shoot.

Our friend Nina, who is the knower of all things petite and fabulous, shared with us her amazing christmas decorations this year. Check them out! Oh Joy! also featured some of those amazing christmas bulbs on their website. Why do I love these so much?

S’mores are perfect any season, but especially during the winter months. Elizabeth Ann Designs blogged about these amazing s’more favors. It is all about packaging. It makes the mundane extraordinary! I also love this felt rosette wreath they posted too. I’m in love with ruffles this season!

The Party Dress created an amazing inspiration board for a Martini and Mistletoe soiree. Yes please!

These hand made snow flakes remind me of elementary school…. and Elf! Such a great way to decorate the house (and inexpensive)!

Snippet and Ink posted their newest board, Baby it’s Cold Outside. Makes me want to have a winter wedding!! I’m also loving the slight retro feeling of their other board, Ivory and Evergreen.

and last, but not least…

Yes, I know. I’m not sure if this is winter inspiration but I had to post about it. I’m looking forward to the day when a bride hands me this picture and says, “Candice, design a wedding for me around THIS!”

A girl can dream, right?

XXOO

These amazing pieces of love fueled art have inspired me and I wanted to pass them along. These are limited edition art pieces by Coulson Macleod. They are handmade, vintage-style, oak framed prints on white-washed wooden panels. I really love them. I’ve always loved typography has art. Visit their website to learn more and see additional pieces. These would make an amazing gift to your significant other or as a wedding gift.

xoxo