The Bride

All images from this Pinterest board.

Deciding to elope that has really freed Micah and I from all (imagined or real) restraints surrounding how our wedding will look. It can truly be whenever, and wherever, and whatever we want it to be. (Which is turning out to be: hiking out to somewhere in the Asheville mountains, on a Monday, with a baby for a man of honor, and a boss for an officiant. Rad.) Which is probably why I never really considered wearing white. I started searching for dresses without a clear vision of what I wanted; I just started bookmarking ones that caught my eye. The vast majority of them were long, and vaguely gothy: jewel-toned, or black and lacy, often with plunging necklines and/or pleated detailing. What can I say? I've got a type. But after we decided on Asheville, my mental palette shifted to deep earthy tones, worn metallics, and dark reds. The vibe became a little less Morticia Addams (even though she remains one of my favorite characters of all time), and a little more forest-spirit. And lo, a bridal moodboard was born!

So here's the plan.

Dress: "Make the Fest of It" in Pine. The color is gorgeous; I'm excited about all the different shades of green that will be in our photography. I think I'll remove that sash, or tie it in the back.

Makeup: I'm imagining a dark lip, paired with a little bit of a smoky, bronzy eye (and my naturally pale skin).

Hair: I'm "growing it out," so it'll be curly, and probably a rich auburn, to pop against the dress. I'm also going to create a crown of mostly herbs and greens to wear!

Jewelry: Micah gave me this necklace a few years ago, and it's perfect for the occasion: the brass has developed a great patina, it hangs beautifully in the neckline of my dress, and it's a creepy forest animal (penis) bone. 

Nails: Again, dark. A rich chocolate, or oxblood. 

Shoes: There's probably going to be a bit of a hike to our location, but once we get there... I'm thinking of potentially going barefoot. Or maybe I just haven't found the right shoes yet. My dress just barely pools on the ground, so it's a non-issue for the time being. Sigh – it's nice to not be worried about stuff like that. I have a pair of cognac leather flats that would work...

Bouquet: If I do have a bouquet, it'll be mostly greens (more herbs, some twigs, and fern fronds), though I'm open to a pop of flower. The plan is to go to a few grocery stores a day or two before the wedding, and making do with what I find. Micah's boutonniere will be made of the same materials.