Today I have been married to the incredible love of my life for 3 years. I’ll spare you from getting too sappy, but as I think back over the past 3 years, and back to that happy November day in 2010, I’m unspeakably grateful. Aaron is my favorite person, and I can’t imagine doing life without being side by side. I love him so dearly, and I’m beyond excited to embark on another year together. In honor of this very special day, and as it just so happens to fall on a Wednesday, I thought I would take you down memory lane to my wedding-day style!

As many of you know, already, I wore my Grandmother’s wedding dress, which she handmade for her own wedding in 1961. And even better yet, I played dress up in it when I was young. How it never got totally destroyed, I don’t know. But these photos of her and I both wearing it were on display at my wedding. :) I had the sleeves and neckline altered slightly to achieve the look I was going for, but otherwise the dress was left in it’s original style.

(All photos taken by the always-amazing Rebekah J. Murray)

I definitely knew that I wanted a chunky necklace to balance out the delicate vintage look of the dress. I didn’t want to be a completely “classic” bride, so I knew that standard pearls weren’t for me. After searching for weeks on Etsy and Ebay, I finally found this perfect necklace. It was exactly what I was going for and I still love it, today. The cameo ring is one that I already owned (purchased in Italy!) and often wear, and since I never don’t have a ring on the middle finger of my right hand, I wanted to wear that to include an already-favorite piece of jewelry with my wedding day look. I also did purple on my nails (which was one of the wedding colors) because I’m much more of a bold nail polish girl than a French Manicure or delicate look.

The buttons and three tiers of lace on the back of the dress are probably my favorite features. I just love them. I also knew that I didn’t want to wear a veil, and instead wanted a custom hair piece. So I designed this piece with a vintage brooch, left over lace from the dress (because my Grandma actually kept it all these years!), and a little tool and my fabulous aunt put it together. I think it was the perfect little accent to complete my look, without competing with the chunky necklace.

Dress: Handmade by my Grandma | Shoes: Charlotte Russe, $19 | Necklace: Boutique on Ebay, $35 | Bracelets: The Limited, $15 | Hair piece: Custom made | Cameo Ring: Purchased in Italy, $45

I still love my wedding look, and I don’t think I’d change anything about it if I was getting married today. I love that my dress was not only vintage and unique, but sentimental and special to me and my family. Of course, it WAS fun to do this bridal shoot last year with a more whimsical, edgy style. I think the dress compliments both looks so well. If you’ve already been a bride, what was YOUR wedding day inspiration? And if your wedding is still coming up, I’d love to know where you’re finding your bridal style inspiration, as well!

It’s definitely a happy Wednesday for me, and I hope it’s the same for each of you!