Wedding Traditions: Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue

Your wedding day will be here faster than you can say “I do,” and while you have probably already chosen the perfect venue, a photographer to capture your most precious moments, and a wedding dress that is sure to make your groom’s heart skip a beat, you may have overlooked one important tradition.

“Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in her shoe,” are tokens of good luck for the bride to carry on her wedding day. Originating from a charming Victorian rhyme, these small personal treasures are typically unique to each bride and rarely obvious to anyone but those who know and love her most.

It is believed that if the bride carries all of the five things on her wedding day, her marriage will be long lasting and happy:  

- Something Old represents continuity with the bride's family and the past;

- Something New means optimism and hope for the future; 

- Something Borrowed symbolizes “borrowed happiness” and it is usually an item from a happily married friend or family member whose good fortune in marriage is supposed to carry over to the new bride;

- Something Blue stands for purity, love, and fidelity. Blue has been

connected to weddings for centuries. In ancient Rome, brides wore blue to symbolize love, modesty, and fidelity. Before the late 19th century, blue was a popular color for wedding gowns, as evidenced in proverbs like, "Marry in blue, lover be true";

- And finally, a Silver Sixpence in the bride's shoe represents a wish for good fortune and prosperity (although this remains largely a British custom). A sixpence is a coin that was minted in Britain from 1551 to 1967 which proves the tradition comes from the English, and many sources say it began in the Victorian era.  It is said that for optimum fortune, the sixpence should be in the left shoe. These days, a dime or a copper penny is sometimes substituted, and many companies sell keepsake sixpences for weddings.

Now that you know the meaning behind the poem, it’s time to start collecting items for your own wedding!

To find a sparkly Something New or Something Blue, click the link below to go to the new 2017 ADORA "Ever After" Bridal and Event Collection, custom-designed to create a wedding jewelry style that is uniquely yours.  

http://www.adorabysimona.com/category/ever-after-bridal-jewelry-collection

Celebrate your love in exquisite style that reflects your personality! 

ADORA by Simona Honored For Excellence With 2017 WeddingWire Couples' Choice Award®

WeddingWire, the leading global online marketplace for the wedding and event industry, announced ADORA by Simona as a winner of the esteemed 2017 WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards® for Custom Bridal Jewelry in Monterey, CA.

The Couples' Choice Awards recognize the top 5% of wedding professionals on WeddingWire who demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness, and professionalism. The prestigious awards are given to the top local wedding professionals across more than 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, based on their professional achievements from the previous year.

The WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards winners are determined solely based on reviews from real newlyweds and their experiences working with ADORA by Simona. Award-winning vendors are distinguished for the quality, quantity, consistency and timeliness of the reviews they have received from their past clients.

"The Couples' Choice Awards' ninth year features one of the most impressive groups of dedicated and acclaimed wedding professionals yet," said Timothy Chi, CEO, WeddingWire. "It is our honor to work with high-caliber merchants, such as ADORA by Simona, who not only make a couple's big day possible, but also contribute to the more than 2.5 million U.S. reviews represented on WeddingWire. We congratulate all of this year's winners on their achievements."

As a Couples' Choice Awards® winner, ADORA by Simona is highlighted on WeddingWire, which is comprised of more than 200,000 wedding professionals in the U.S.

"ADORA by Simona is thrilled to be one of the top Custom Bridal Jewelry provider in Monterey, CA on WeddingWire. We would like to thank our past clients for taking the time to review our business on WeddingWire. We truly value all of our clients and appreciate the positive feedback that helped us earn a 2017 WeddingWire Couples' Choice Award", said Simona Counts, Owner/Designer for ADORA by Simona.

For more information about ADORA by Simona please visit our WeddingWire Storefront today at ADORA by Simona - The "Ever After" Collection or our website http://www.adorabysimona.com

About ADORA by Simona

ADORA by Simona has managed to gain recognition over the past few years as a successful online bridal retail outlet for high-end designer jewelry at very affordable prices.  Simona's innovative designs have been showcased in fashion shows, retail boutiques, collections, art galleries, fundraisers and big events such as Pebble Beach's 2012 Concours d'Elegance where ADORA was invited to participate as a guest artist; the 2013 Primetime Emmy Awards where ADORA original designs were prominently featured on display and gifted to celebrities at the gift lounge hosted by GBK Productions in honor of the Nominees and Presenters; the 2014 Queen of the Universe Pageant where ADORA was a proud sponsor of the event offering unique jewelry creations as prizes for the 57 beautiful contestants from all over the world; and the 2015 Martha Stewart - American Made Contest where ADORA was a nominee.  In 2016 two new exclusive bridal lines were launched, the "EVER AFTER" Bridal & Event Collection and the "ROSE GOLD" Bridal Collection.  ADORA by Simona offers their services across all of the United States with a main presence in the Monterey, Carmel and Pebble Beach CA, Los Angeles CA, Washington DC, and New York NY areas.

About WeddingWire, Inc.

WeddingWire, Inc. is the leading global online marketplace connecting consumers with event and creative professionals. Operating within a $200 billion industry, WeddingWire, Inc. hosts 10 million monthly unique users across its mobile and web platforms. Consumers around the world are able to read over 3 million vendor reviews and search, compare and book from a database of over 400,000 businesses globally. It provides these businesses the technology they need to serve their clients through advertising, marketing and business management tools such as websites, payment processing, invoicing and contracts. Founded in 2007, the WeddingWire portfolio of sites serves couples and businesses across 15 countries in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia, making it the worldwide leader in weddings with brands including Bodas.net, Casamentos.com.br, Matrimonio.com and more. The company employs more than 800 and maintains global headquarters in Washington, DC and international headquarters in Barcelona, Spain.

Birthstone Inspiration for Your Wedding Jewelry

For thousands of years, gemstones have been associated with magic and mystery. The month of your birth decides your birthstone, which is made up of a million little qualities that come together to make one gorgeous gem, just like you are! So what does your birthstone really say about you? From your quirky personality traits to your unique sense of style, these striking stones each glimmer with a little facet of you.  Read through to discover what the stars have in store for you and then head on over to ADORA by Simona to see how you can personalize and enhance your wedding jewelry through the use of beautiful birthstones. 

JANUARY - GARNET

Garnets are a group of silicate minerals found in almost all colors - red, orange, yellow, green, purple, brown, blue, black, pink, and colorless. This gorgeous stone is known to boost self-image, soothe nerves and provide guidance in hard times (ahem, wedding planning!) If your birthstone is garnet, your friends and loved ones know you as a passionate, well-balanced person and extremely loyal friend. 

FEBRUARY - AMETHYST

Amethyst is a variety of quartz occurring in hues from light pinkish violet to deep purple. This pretty purple gem is associated with royalty, inner-peace, sincerity and security. If your birthstone is amethyst, you are known by all as courageous, honest and a jack-of-all-trades. Amethyst is also believed to ward off evil, so keep that pretty stone on hand at all times!

MARCH - AQUAMARINE

Aquamarine is a variety of beryl, deriving its blue color from the presence of iron. This light blue stone symbolizes good health, eternal youth and yes, love! If your birthstone is aquamarine, you’re known as pure hearted, family-oriented and extremely protective over those you love. 

APRIL - DIAMOND

Diamond is the hardest naturally occurring substance - a crystalline form of pure carbon that comes in several colors. Diamonds are known to symbolize everlasting love. If your birthstone is the diamond, you have a weakness for all things romantic, and tend to wear your heart on your sleeve.

MAY - EMERALD

Emerald is also a variety of beryl, colored green due to the presence of chromium and vanadium. These striking green stones speak of health and fertility and symbolize health, healing, vibrant life and intuition. If your birthstone is the emerald, you’re known by all for your quick-wit, creativity and extremely perceptive nature.

JUNE - PEARL and ALEXANDRITE

June is home to two birthstones, each stunning and unique in their own ways. Pearl is composed of calcium carbonate in minute crystalline form, produced within the tissues of living shelled mollusks. Timeless pearls symbolize modesty, success and stability in love. Alexandrite is the rare color-changing variety of chrysoberyl that appears green in daylight and red in artificial light. Alexandrite represents rare beauty and creativity. If your birthstones are Pearl and Alexandrite, you are nurturing, light-hearted and great at adapting to new situations. 

JULY - RUBY

Ruby is a variety of the mineral corundum, occurring in the colors pink to blood red. In astrology, ruby is associated with the Sun, and has earned the title of "King of Gems." This stunning stone symbolizes passionate love, wisdom and success, and is also believed to attract good luck to the wearer. If your birthstone is the ruby, you’re known as a natural born leader with a charismatic personality and hard-work ethic.

AUGUST - PERIDOT

Peridot is the gem-quality variant of the silicated mineral olivine. Western tradition suggests that this gorgeous green gem is known to ward off depression, negativity and enchantments. If peridot is your birthstone, you’re loved by all for your unbounded energy, contagious sense of humor and creative approach. 

SEPTEMBER - SAPPHIRE

Another variety of the mineral corundum, this regal gem occurs in a variety of different colors, ranging from a rich royal blue to pretty tones of peach and gold. Symbolizing grace, wisdom and morality, people with the sapphire birthstone are respected by all for the honesty, strength and intelligent nature.

OCTOBER - TOURMALINE and OPAL

October is characterized by two uniquely beautiful birthstones. Opal symbolizes compassion, enthusiasm and creativity while Tourmaline symbolizes friendship and humanitarianism. If your birthstones are opal and tourmaline, you are known for your optimistic, caring nature and your unique ability to empathize with all people.

NOVEMBER - TOPAZ and CITRINE

November is home to two striking birthstones, Topaz and Citrine. While topaz is a silicate mineral of aluminum and fluorine, citrine is a variety of quartz; both occur in yellow, orange, and brown hues. Topaz symbolizes good luck, faithfulness and friendship, and Citrine symbolizes success in business, generosity and prosperity. If your birthstones are Topaz and Citrine, you are well known for your friendly, easy-going nature and your quick intellect. 

DECEMBER - TURQUOISE, TANZANITE and ZIRCON

December is characterized by not one, not two, but three beautiful blue birthstones! Turquoise is an opaque hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum. This stone is linked with happiness and good fortune. Turquoise is known for its ability to heal, while all three stones represents happiness, peace of mind and good fortune. Also known to reduce headaches and promote relaxation, these stones will help keep you sane during wedding planning!

Sources:  Style Me Pretty and The Microsoft Network. Thank you!  

ABOUT ADORA: The journey to selecting the jewelry for your Special Day can be a daunting task, so why not let us custom-design a wedding jewelry style that is uniquely yours. ADORA can bring your vision to life using the same elegant and refreshing style that goes into all of our designs. Handcrafted and completely personalized, we will work closely with you to tailor your jewelry ideas to your needs in order to create the perfect pieces for your Big Day, whether your theme is elegant, vintage, rustic or beach. From matching necklaces for your Bridesmaids or a stunning pair of earrings for yourself, to a unique piece for the Mother of the Bride/Groom and the perfectly delicate bracelet for the Flower Girl, we can do it all. For Customized Jewelry Packages for the Entire Bridal Party, please visit ADORA by Simona's New "Ever After" Collection.

Creative Ways to Incorporate Pantone’s Color of the Year 2016 into Your Wedding

Photo Courtesy of Pantone 

This year, Pantone (the company that sets the color trends every year and is best known for its Pantone Matching System – a proprietary color space used in a variety of industries) has introduced for the first time in its history of color forecasting not one but two shades as the PANTONE Color of the Year 2016: Rose Quartz and Serenity. In Leatrice Eiseman’s words (she is the Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute), “Rose Quartz is a persuasive yet gentle tone that conveys compassion and a sense of composure. Serenity is weightless and airy, like the expanse of the blue sky above us, bringing feelings of respite and relaxation even in turbulent times. Joined together, Rose Quartz and Serenity demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace”.

The combination of cool and warm tones is stunning for wedding inspiration and is a versatile color palette to incorporate into your Big Day. After all, Serenity has got “stress-free” built right into the name and mixed together with Rose Quartz, they look like a beautiful and peaceful sunset.

Here are a few creative ways to incorporate the two colors into your wedding.   

                     Bridesmaids Dresses                              

Photo Courtesy of Style Me Pretty

                    Bouquet 

Photo Courtesy of Sugar Branch Special Events & Design

                    Hair Accessories

Photo Courtesy of Colin Cowie Weddings

                    Shoes

Photo Courtesy of Style Me Pretty 

                    Jewelry

Photo Courtesy of Moda Operandi
Jewelry by  Bounkit 

                    Nails

Photo Courtesy of Pinterest

                    Makeup

Photo Courtesy of Pinterest

                    Invitations

Photo Courtesy of Evermine

                    Table Setting

Photo Courtesy of The Willow and Vine

                    Cake

Photo Courtesy of Inside Weddings
Photo by Full Spectrum Photography

Sources:  Pantone, Pinterest, Inside Weddings, Full Spectrum Photography, Style Me Pretty, The Willow and Vine, Evermine, Moda Operandi/Bounkit, Colin Cowie Weddings, and Sugar Branch Special Events & Design. Thank you!  

ABOUT ADORA: The journey to selecting the jewelry for your Special Day can be a daunting task, so why not let us custom-design a wedding jewelry style that is uniquely yours. ADORA can bring your vision to life using the same elegant and refreshing style that goes into all of our designs. Handcrafted and completely personalized, we will work closely with you to tailor your jewelry ideas to your needs in order to create the perfect pieces for your Big Day, whether your theme is elegant, vintage, rustic or beach. From matching necklaces for your Bridesmaids or a stunning pair of earrings for yourself, to a unique piece for the Mother of the Bride/Groom and the perfectly delicate bracelet for the Flower Girl, we can do it all. For Customized Jewelry Packages for the Entire Bridal Party, please visit ADORA by Simona's New "Ever After" Collection.

The 10 Hottest Trends for Brides in 2016

New wedding trends are popping up every which way, from bridal gowns and jewelry to bouquets and hairstyles. There are more creative ways to personalize your look to fit your style on your Big Day than ever before. Here are our favorites!

1. Convertible two-in-one wedding dresses

Dresses with removable skirts seduced the Fall 2016 runways while providing the best of both worlds for your Big Day. These magical gowns easily transition to reception-ready attire, ensuring that you'll make the wardrobe switch without missing out on a second of the action and without sacrificing any of the elegance for the sake of convenience.

2. Natural Makeup

The consensus among the makeup artists is that the trend for this year is a fresh face. The trick? Natural colors in subtle pink or nude. Bold brows, luminous skin, natural eyes and a matte lipstick - an earthy-chic look -  were quite alluring on the runways for the Fall/Winter 2016 trends. 

3. “Messy” Hairdo

Hair looks are a mix of effortless - not overly styled, while still detailed and with a touch of glam.  Updos with layered braids and delicate face-framing strands made a big statement this season.  The look feels fresh and contemporary, a cool alternative to the traditional chignon. It adds an edge to a classic, more formal gown and pairs perfectly with a laid-back bridal look.  

4. Nail Art

Traditional plain nail polish is a thing of the past. Switch to the edgy trend of delicate flowers, lace appliqués, negative space, ombre or metallic patterns. Just an accent nail will do too.

5. Unique Wedding Bouquets

Succulents, berries, exotic flowers in bright, clashing colors are making a powerful statement this year. With draping greens at the base of the pretty, open blooms, the strong emphasis on rich colors and textural foliages conveys sensuality and romance.   

6. Flower Headpieces

Floral headbands and bohemian floral crowns blossomed on the runway of various fashion shows this year, forming a beautiful and utterly feminine hair accessory trend for the new season.

7. Wedding Garter

Although some say that the tossing of the garter might be going out of style, the custom still remains one of the oldest wedding traditions practiced. Usually the bride will perform the bouquet toss first, then the groom will do the garter toss. This garter toss is very similar to the bouquet toss in that it is said that whoever catches the garter will be the next man to be married. Many brides choose to wear two garters: one to toss, and one to keep. Hide your “something blue” until the big reveal!

8. Rose Gold Jewelry

The light, “pinkish” hue of rose gold seems to be here to stay. Rose gold has an extremely subtle and classy look that makes a sophisticated and feminine statement.

9. Barefoot Sandals

Put a spring in your step and feel more than just the sand between your toes! Barefoot sandals are foot jewelry that consists of an anklet attached to a toe ring that goes over the top of the foot and has no sole. Barefoot sandals originated in South Asia being worn at religious ceremonies and weddings, and now, with a modern spin on classic elegance they are all the rage at beach or destination weddings.

10. Cultural and Religious Details

Incorporate your culture and traditions in your wedding by paying tribute to your roots.  Personalize your day by adding a religious tradition to your ceremony, an ethnic dish to your menu, or send guests home with party favors traditional to your culture.

Sources: Glamour, Huffington Post, French Wedding Style, The Knot.  Images Courtesy of Pinterest.

ABOUT ADORA: The journey to selecting the jewelry for your Special Day can be a daunting task, so why not let us custom-design a wedding jewelry style that is uniquely yours. ADORA can bring your vision to life using the same elegant and refreshing style that goes into all of our designs. Handcrafted and completely personalized, we will work closely with you to tailor your jewelry ideas to your needs in order to create the perfect pieces for your Big Day, whether your theme is elegant, vintage, rustic or beach. From matching necklaces for your Bridesmaids or a stunning pair of earrings for yourself, to a unique piece for the Mother of the Bride/Groom and the perfectly delicate bracelet for the Flower Girl, we can do it all. For Customized Jewelry Packages for the Entire Bridal Party, please visit ADORA by Simona's New "Ever After" Collection.