Spring has most definitely sprung!

Wow! I can't believe my last blog post was last year! This year, I have to make it my mission to keep the blog more up to date. Meanwhile, here in NJ, it really does feel like spring has sprung! The buds are just starting to bloom and every morning I wake to hear hundreds of birds that live in our neighborhood, singing their little hearts out!

This also means one thing... WEDDING SEASON IS HERE! Spring is such a magical time... one of new beginning's and a fresh new start for everyone!

In celebration of your support of the Etsy store over the last 18 months, and in reaching a grand total of 500 fans (!) on our Facebook page, I'm going to be running my annual giveaway today for all of the upcoming spring and summer brides-to-be!

One lucky bride will be the winner of my brand new Paige bridal pendant and necklace set!

And so your bridesmaids, don't feel left out, I'm also going to throw in 2 pairs of my classic Purity pearl studs too!!!

Interested?! Here's how to enter:

• Visit & like us on Facebook.

• Find the bridal jewelry giveaway image and tag yourself.

• Then leave a comment on the same page stating why you should win.

Terms
• Only 1 entry per person permitted.
• Entrants must be residents of the United States.
• Competition will run from March 19th to April 5th 2012.
• One winner will be chosen at random and announced on Facebook on April 6th.
• Entrants must 'like' the Facebook page; www.facebook.com/aurorajewelryboutique.com before entering (as directed above).
• Prize also includes free domestic shipping.

For any queries, regarding this competition, please contact us at info@aurorabridalboutique.com.

Best of luck!

Happy holidays!

Happy holidays everyone! Are you all ready for the festive season?

We have had so many last minute orders in time for christmas and will now be taking a few well earned days off in time for christmas at home. Thank you so much to everyone for their custom, their support and appreciation during 2011! I've had the pleasure of working with many wonderful brides this year and have many more exciting projects for 2012!

As we move into the year, I'll be venturing into creating a larger range of hair accessories to sit alongside my jewelry designs. This gives us a great opportunity to launch a new-look website, a great new logo and an exclusive range of online design services and even more new, pretty pieces. So stay tuned...!

On another note, have you all discovered Pinterest? If you haven't already, Pinterest is a great online resource of mood board and images of inspiration for any purpose. This is a fantastic source for weddings and I'm really excited about becoming part of this great new community! Aurora Bridal will now be able to offer you items from other vendors and lots of colorful, exciting ideas to get you thinking about for your own big day! Please follow us!

Meanwhile, as promised, my 2012 collection continues to grow ready for the new year. Heres a few newly released pieces for part 2...

Anna mini hair flower

Isis earrings

Mirage earrings

Romance hair flower (available in white, off-white, ivory, champagne, black or navy)

Isobelle feather fascinator

I hope you all have a great holiday season and I'll see you all again in 2012!

Rachel

x



The NEW 2012 Bridal Collection is here! Pt. 1

Here it is... I'm so proud to present part 1 of our brand new 2012 bridal collection! 

Taking into consideration my most popular pieces over the last 12 months, I've now finally put together a collection of bridal jewelry & accessories that showcase even more sparkle, more glamour and more style than ever before!

Here you'll find the focus is on an abundance of Swarovski rhinestones, feathers and luxurious fabrics alongside our signature pearls. So whether you're seeking bridal style remincent of a bygone era or classic modern chic, you'll be sure to find something just for you.

These select pieces will be available to purchase on Etsy and our website from today.

Join us for Part 2 on the blog soon, when I'll unveil some more brand new designs including some more jewelry, a silk dupioni clutch bag, more birdcage veils, hair flowers & fascinators.

Hope you enjoy! Let me know what you think... :)

In the meantime, HAPPY THANKSGIVING! 

Flourish hair comb

Monaco cuff bracelet

Solace pendant

Bandeau birdcage veil

Deluxe Cascade earrings

Timeless Flower Fascinator (double bloom) - single also available

Monaco pearl drop earrings

Eternity hair pins

Ella ribbon necklace

Monaco chandelier earrings

Halo pendant

Halo earrings

Marlena feather fascinator

Aurora Bride Jessica!

Well... This has been one CRAZY wedding season! Since my last blog post way back in July, we've been so busy designing and creating for brides worldwide, that unfortunately, the blog has been put on the back burner. So as things quieten down and we all get ready for the holidays, I'm back to say a big hello and thank you to all the wonderful ladies I've worked with over the summer!

One of these lovely ladies is recent bride; Jessica, who so kindly got in touch to share a few of her August 27 wedding photos with me recently.

Jessica initially contacted us earlier in the year to commission a custom, longer version of the popular Cascade earrings to team with the Cascade bracelet and our Regina comb. Jessica's choice of pearl cluster and rhinestone accessories provided subtle sparkle and a lovely compliment to her gorgeous one-shoulder gown and stunning sunflowers on the big day. I just adore the pop of sunshine yellow from the flowers in these shots!

Thanks so much for sharing Jessica, and CONGRATULATIONS to you and your new husband Joe!

If you're looking for a wedding photographer based near Laguna Beach, California, please look up the very talented Jessica Hannon, who captured these beautiful shots for the couple above. You can find more information about the services she provides by visiting her website here.

Coming in the next weekly blog post... our brand new 2012 Bridal Collection! Get a sneak peek of our new line of jewelry & hair accessories here on Tuesday, November 15th .

Sensational sunflowers!

One of the things I absolutely love about my job, is receiving feedback and wedding day photographs from the many brides that I have the pleasure of working with. Seeing these special moments captured in time on their big day is such huge honor for me. It makes me truly proud to be just a small part of such a significant day!

I recently received some simply beautiful images from Claire and Tony from Liverpool in the United Kingdom who recently got married on May 28th 2011. 

Claire initially approached me whilst planning her wedding, looking for a pretty, yet dramatic sparkly headpiece. A lover of princess-style sparkle, she opted for my Grand Starlight tiara but requested just a few minor adjustments to amp up the sparkle even further. The final result? Well, it just looked BEAUTIFUL on her!

 "I didn't want a tiara/headband for my wedding until I saw a picture of the Grand Starlight," says Claire. "It was love at first sight! Rachel listened to the few small changes I wanted to make to it (less pearls more crystals to fit in with my dress) and she has created me the most beautiful side tiara I have ever seen! Rachel, thank you so much for all your help, advice and for making me the most amazing piece of jewellery."

Arriving at the church, Claire looked stunning in a white Ellis Bridal gown adorned with countless sparkly rhinestones and pearls.  Her bright and beautiful wedding incorporated shades of sensational, sunshine yellow including lemon bridesmaids gowns, sunflower bouquets and one of the most scrumptious pretty cakes, I've ever seen!

Just looking at these lovely images bring a smile to my face! I like to say huge congratulations to such a wonderful client and friend, Claire and her new husband Tony! May they enjoy a long and happy life together!

Flowers by Amanda Amadio
Cake by Amanda Dickinson of Mandy's Cakes
Photography by Steven Rooney of Natural Touch Photography 

More Aurora Brides, coming soon! If you'd like to submit your wedding day photographs to be featured on the blog or website, please drop me an email.

Rachel
x

A brand new website!

Hi there everyone,

I'm excited to announce that the brand new Aurora Jewelry Boutique website is now officially up and running! This has been a good year in the making and something that has been in the back of my mind for a long time. As the Etsy store continues to grow, I will still be keeping that running of course, but bringing a fresh new website - direct me from me to you - will allow me to offer exclusive new pieces, more discounts and promotions.

To celebrate the new website launch I'm currently offering 15% off all purchases for 1 week only (until July 10th). Just visit www.aurorajewelryboutique.com and quote 15OFFAJB at check out.

Here are some great deals you can take advantage of right now:

Eternity bracelet

Usually $55 - Now only $46.75

Gerbera hair flower clip

Usually $35 - Now only $29.75

Rio chandelier earrings

Usually $56 - Now only $47.60

Its officially wedding season!

Hey there everyone!

June has been such a super busy month for AJB and I've had the pleasure of coming across so many wonderful brides in the last few weeks! If you happen to be counting down the last few months or even weeks to your big day, all the very best! If you can, please take time, just you and your new husband, to enjoy one moment alone on the day! With so much rushing around, you'll be glad you did... because for me, that moment is now one of our most precious memories of the whole day! :)

A little break for two...
I'll be taking a few days off over the weekend and at the beginning of next week as it's mine and my husband's 1 year wedding anniversary! I'm so grateful to have such a special, wonderful and supporting husband and I'm truly thrilled and excited that Monday will mark our first year of marriage!

Images by amazing photographers, CLB Photography, NJ.

Rush orders & new pieces...
Meanwhile, I've had so many requests for rush orders lately so I've decided to introduce a new policy for brides-to-be without the luxury of time on their side. Upon special request, all pieces from my Etsy store can now be handcrafted, expedited and received in as little as 3 days! If you're pushed for time, contact me about requesting this service. I'll then do all I can to ensure you you receive your precious pieces in perfect time! For a little inspiration, check out just a few of my new items below...


Angelica feather fascinator head piece $90

Luxe bridal cuff bracelet $125

Celine Earrings $45



Eternity Bracelet $55



So have a fabulous weekend and enjoy whatever you have planned!

Rachel

x

'Something blue' for a special two

Huge congratulations to Marianne & Michael who recently got at married at the magnificent Oheka Castle in Huntington, New York.  Supported by the Cadets of the West Point United States Military Academy, the bride arrived wearing a gorgeous strapless Maggie Sottero gown and carrying a full bouquet of soft white peonies and clusters of powder blue hydrangea. Continuing with a blue theme, Marianne decided to team everything together with such pretty finishing touches including a few delicate pieces of jewelry, navy blue shoes and a custom made hydrangea and crystal hair comb from Aurora Jewelry Boutique.

It was a true pleasure to work with Marianne throughout the entire design process on this head piece and together we came up with a subtle, yet elegant hair accessory that I think can say complimented her outfit perfectly.

“Thank you for making me a custom hydrangea hair piece for my wedding”, says Marianne. “It was exactly what I wanted! You are such a professional; it was a pleasure working with you. Again thank you.”

You’re very welcome Marianne! Working with such wonderful brides, and creating just a small contribution to their special day is truly an honor for me. Weddings create such wonderful and special memories and those small finishing touches not only bring everything together but they also become new family heirlooms for years to come. Contributing to these precious memories in just a small way is why I simply love doing what I do!

This stunning wedding was captured by amazing NY photographer, Ceci B Photography. Ceci not only offers exquisite wedding day coverage and images but also engagement packages and boudoir shoots too (the perfect gift for your husband to be!) These photographs of Marianne & Michael's big day are just simply beautiful! For just a glimpse of what you can have for your day too, please visit Ceci B photography here.

Once again, huge congratulations to the happy couple! May they both enjoy a long and beautiful life together!

Rachel

x

If you'd like to submit your wedding day photographs or explore the possibility of having a custom made piece of jewelry or hair accessory just for you, please drop me an email to info@aurorajewelryboutique.com.

Fascinating Fascinators!

I'm so sorry that I haven't posted in a while! Wedding season is now in full swing and keeping me very busy, creating lots of lovely orders for spring and summer brides. Despite this, I have had some time to explore an area that I have wanted to branch into for a long time now... fascinators! Inspired by the sudden burst interest in the headpieces worn by the Royals and eager to create an alternative for the non-traditional bride, I've come up with a range of pieces that all showcase delicate floral petals and the gentle movement of feathers, at their absolute best. These headpieces are perfect for brides looking for something different to the traditional tiara, and they're also a great choice and oh, so beautiful at beach or garden weddings!

In the coming weeks you'll be seeing more and more of these pieces pop up in my Etsy & Wedzu stores online but as followers of the blog, I'm delighted to show you just a little sneak peak of whats to come. The great thing about pieces such as these, is that the materials used throught this range are available in absolutely every color you could possibly imagine! So whether you'd be looking for something in blush pink for yourself, striking turquoise for your bridesmaids or even something in soft buttermilk for the mother of the bride, there's sure to be a perfect design out there just for you! Custom work is also great pleasure of mine, so feel free to contact me with any queries that you have.

And please, let me know what pieces and colors you would like to see next!

Enjoy...


The Isobelle head piece - A delicate Gardenia hair flower, with a sparkling rhinestone and pearl center, that's layered with soft white goose feathers and accents of ostrich and goose biots.

Available on Etsy, priced at $80.

 The Marlena headpiece. A vintage-style fascinator inspired by the glamour of a by-gone era. This piece features a sparkling rhinestone embellishment and free-flowing white goose and ostrich feathers. Coming soon to Etsy, priced at $75.

A moment in history!

After months of preparation, the countdown to one of Britain’s finest hours came to an end this morning with the wedding of Prince William to Catherine Middleton; marking a new moment in history!

As a British Citizen, the wedding had a true significance to me! As newlyweds ourself, my husband an I were thoroughly dazzled this morning by the royal wedding. What a wonder to witness such a magnificent, fairytale wedding! And of course... the fantastic display of pomp and pageantry - an art that is executed to perfection by the British Royal Family. Huge congratulations to the newly titled HRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge! Long may they be happy in their lives together!      
            

Wedding Photo Source: US Magazine.

A topic on every ones lips is definitely the dress! The bride looked classic and stunning in a long-sleeved lace and ivory satin design by Sarah Burton, the creative director for Alexander McQueen. A truly traditional design, this dress is sure to be a source of inspiration for future brides and a boost to the already popular vintage trend!

Catherine's feet featured a pair of duchess satin McQueen shoes, and she carried a sweet and simple bouquet of Sweet William, Lilly of the Valley, and Myrtle (grown from the Queens own wedding bouquet). For her accessories she chose classic tear drop diamond earrings and a Cartier tiara that was loaned to her by the Queen.

If you'd like to take inspiration from her classic style and bring a touch of royal class to your own wedding accessories, check out these timeless accessory recommendations on Etsy below!

Photo Source above: Vanity Fair.

L-R: Madison Bridal Cuff &  Grace earrings