With This Ring...

There are thousands of choices for engagement rings, and of all the parts of a wedding, it is one of the only choices the groom gets to make without any input from the bride. That said, it is almost impossible not to drool over the possibilities, and drop some not-so-subtle hints about favorite styles.
If you lead an active lifestyle, you may be concerned about banging your ring around on things, with the possibility of scratching, breaking, or losing the ring or diamonds. Of all the metal choices, platinum is the sturdiest. Of all the settings, a bezel is the most protective of the stone. A diamond that is set low is much less likely to get knocked around than one standing up high from your finger. That said, a bezel may not be your favorite look (sometimes looking less dainty, and letting in less light to the diamond). Here are some of my favorites, including bezels, basket settings, and other low-set stones.

This Timeless Designs ring surrounds its center diamond with an octagonal halo of smaller diamonds. The halo protects the center diamond and reminds me of a sailor's valentine.
Hearts on Fire's Bostonian Low-Set Three Stone ring keeps its diamonds low to your finger.
Cross Jewelers in Maine developed the Lady Captain's Ring for sailors - the bezel is protective and the nautical theme has a low profile.
The Olympian ring, also by Cross Jewlers, is part of their "active lifestyle" collection.
The Flower Ring by Tiffany & Co. (my personal favorite) features a lot of tiny diamonds instead of one big one, each set low in its own basket setting, all held together with platinum. It provides a lot of sparkle without sticking up too high from your finger.
Jewler Leigh Jay Nacht specializes in antique and replica engagement rings. This one, set in platinum, protects its princess cut stone with a bezel while adding extra sparkle on the sides.
Jeff Cooper's 3303 platinum ring has channel set diamonds with a delicate miligrain that come up to meet the center diamond, protecting its sides.
Suzanne Kalan's White Topaz Rose Gold ring protects its large topaz with a halo of tiny diamonds.

Tea for Two... Tea Length Wedding Dresses

One of my favorite trends, and one I hope is here to stay, is the tea length wedding dress. Fun and flirty, these look like so much more fun to dance in than a long gown (especially for a swing dancer like me!). While they are well suited to a low-key backyard, barn or beach wedding, I think with the right confidence they can be worn in almost any venue.  If you're planning to save your dress for future generations or sell it after the wedding, the short length can help eliminate problems such as grass stains or tears where you stepped on your hem.

Alan Hannah's "Alexis":

Alfred Angelo's "1774NT":

 Amy-Jo Tatum's "Mira":

 BHLDN's "19898402":

Charlotte Balbier:

Cupcake

Marilyn

Noelle

Sweet Pea

Justin Alexander:

Leigh Hetherington:

Audrey (Covered in tiny Polka Dots if you look closely)

Katie

Kate Spade's "Elenore"

 Suzi Chin:

 Stephanie James' Josephine:

Suzanne Ermann:

Vineyard Collection:

Karalyn

And finally, the one dress to rule them all, 

Sarah Arnett's "Sophie":

Inspiration: Blue and Yellow

I did a lot of googling for navy and yellow or blue and yellow weddings, then did some cutting and pasting to put them together in inspiration boards. The combination feels nautical without the overboard red-white-blue theme, navy seems like an easy color for bridesmaids to wear again, and yellow feels fresh and cheery. I can't resist lemonade, sunflowers, and navy and white stripes.

Something Blue...

While I love the idea of brides wearing colorful shoes in general, blue has really caught my attention. On the practical side, I only accept the idea of shoes comfortable enough to dance in, because how else will you enjoy your reception? Thus, I share with you some of my favorites.

These shoes, "At Tiffany's" from Hey Lady, are inspired by dancing shoes and come in a variety of heights.  I love them because they look like something you could actually wear again, without screaming "wedding shoes".
The "Cassie" by RSVP can be found on Zappos. Inexpensive, low heel, and a striking resemblance to the Manolo's Carrie wears in Sex and the City.	The "Stellina" by Me Too, also at Zappos. Who needs to trip over heels anyway?
Very Fine's ballroom dancing shoes are the ultimate in comfort. Coming from someone who can't even walk in heels, I can attest these are more comfortable than most of my flats. These are the C6005.	Also from Very Fine, this pair is the SERA1154.

Welcome!

Hey sailors,

Welcome to my new nautically inclined wedding blog! I plan to cover all things bridal, so please excuse the fact that not all posts will directly include sailing. I am more aiming for the sailor style - New England salt/prep.