Friday, March 30, 2012

Love Stories: Found in NYC


I decided, on a whim, to move to NYC one spring. Everyone asked me if I thought I'd meet someone, fall in love, and never come back to Austin. I doubted it.
Two years later, I was sitting on a picnic blanket in Central Park with friends. I was almost done with grad school, had a job waiting for me back in Texas, and was absolutely single. It seemed my fate was sealed, as far as that falling in love in NYC scenario was concerned. And then a guy, a mutual friend of the picnic organizer, came walking towards our blankets. I think a part of me recognized him right away: this is the man I will marry. But that is crazy, right? How could that possibly work?

We talked all afternoon and all night. He walked me home. I might have immediately made some phone calls announcing that I'd found The One. I couldn't explain the details. Like how this would possibly work. But it just had to.
After our first date, I spent the whole night staring at the bedroom ceiling trying to imagine how this could possibly work. By that point I was certain. It absolutely had to.


When I flew back to Texas by myself at the end of the summer, I cried. But he whispered in my ear: don't worry. I'll be there soon. And he was.

A few months later he left the big city to start a new life with me in Austin. A year later we were married. Almost five years and two kids later, I'm just as certain as I was sitting in Central Park, standing in front of my Upper East Side apartment, and staring at the bedroom ceiling: he is the one.


I wasn't expecting to fall in love in NYC. I wasn't sure how on earth it would work. But I did. And it did. And I couldn't be happier.

-- Laura, from Dirty Diaper Chic


See the previous Love Stories here! If you would like to submit your story, please see our Ruche Blogger Family page for details.

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Project DIY: Floral Ankle Straps


Wondering how to make a shoe clip? Put a twist on the idea and learn how to create an elegant ankle strap. It effortlessly dresses up a simple pair of heels with vintage-inspired charm and detail. ♥ Enjoy!

xo,
Ruche

P.S. If you're looking for heels, peruse our wedding shoes and more classic heels to find the perfect pair.

Wedding Bouquets: An Interview & DIY Project


We recently had the pleasure of working with Mai, the creator of Bunch Studio, and her team. They helped us create our wedding vision with their gorgeous flower arrangements and bouquets. Take a peek into Mai's creative mind below. ♥

When did your love for flowers and designing begin?
I've always had a preference of creative outlets over anything else academic... it's worked out for me so far. I am also an interior designer by trade, so I have respect and appreciation for all things beautiful and well curated. A room, space or event is never complete without the presence of natural botanicals.

What does a typical day in the studio/shop look like?
Cold early mornings at the Los Angeles flower mart, anywhere from 4am to 10am... leaves, petals, and branches everywhere at the studio mid-day, and late nights at the computer. There really are no breaks, but the work is quite enjoyable so you don't always notice when the day has passed you by.

Do you like to garden at home?
I do not have a green thumb, but my goal is to master the art of gardening as we just moved into a space with a 4,500 sq ft yard!


What was the process like for creating Ruche bridal bouquets?
It was a fun palette to work with, and the garden theme gave us more range with the shapes of the bouquets.

Are there any behind-the-scenes moments from our bridal lookbook to share?
The urns at Kimberly Crest had some well rooted aloe plants that we thought were going to be easy to temporarily uproot and replace with our arrangements. While it worked out beautifully, it was quite a process we didn't anticipate. Also both my assistants grew up with horses, which was really helpful when we had to shoot with the ponies.


For a bride on a budget, what flowers would you recommend?
If garden roses aren't in the budget, try standard / Ecadorian roses that are fuller in bloom. Stock and lisianthus are great filler flowers and look really lush in dense quantities. Using just one flower type everywhere makes a great statement, no matter what the flower is. Always aim for seasonal or local.


Thank you so much, Mai! We truly appreciate all the beautiful work you created for us. Ruchettes, be sure to stop by our Wedding Guide and learn how to create wedding bouquets. Bunch Studio shared their recipes from our bridal lookbook!

xo,
Ruche

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Wedding Hair & Makeup


We stumbled across this hair tutorial on A Beautiful Mess today and we adore the simplicity. It would look absolutely beautiful with an elegant veil or a bridal hair accessory, don't you think? Stop by A Beautiful Mess for step-by-step instructions.

Looking for a makeup artist? We're willing to share our's with you! ♥ Featured on Martha Stewart Weddings, KC Witkamp's talented eye will help you create your desired wedding day look.

View our wedding lookbook for more inspiration and tell us, how did you (or will you!) wear your hair and makeup?

xo,
Ruche

Wedding Wednesday: Confetti Hearts DIY

Celebrate with the newlyweds and toss confetti into the air with this adorable DIY project by Dear Lizzy. To see more wedding projects, view our wedding guide and plan the perfect wedding and be sure to stop by Dear Lizzy for more inspiration.

xo,
Ruche

Wedding Wednesday: A Beautiful Location

We're always on the lookout for wedding ideas and we fell in love with this beautiful location. Rachel, the stunning blogger from Pink Peonies, took her wedding photos in a horse pasture and her special day effortlessly shines through the images.

What is the prettiest wedding location you have ever seen?

xo,
Ruche

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Style File: A Painter's Palette

view dresses: one, two, three, four, five, six

Inspired by a painter's palette, these dresses are perfected with brush strokes and watercolor prints.
Which dresses do you love most for spring?

xo,
Ruche

Monday, March 26, 2012

Win Your Wedding Dress!


In honor of our new bridal collection, we're hosting a giveaway with a GRAND PRIZE of $500 to use towards your Ruche wedding dress (or any other Ruche purchases).

Follow the instructions above to enter! You may pin images from our site and from our bridal page here: http://shopruche.com/bridal/mediashare.html.

Good luck!

xo,
Ruche

Wedding Bliss: A Wedding Guide


Plan the perfect wedding with these expert tips and DIY wedding projects. ♥

xo,
Ruche

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Spotlight: Peggy Olson, from Mad Men

image sources: 12, 3, 4, 5

Mad Men Season 5 premiers tonight and in addition to adoring the show itself, we're anxious to see more vintage fashion. We swoon over the characters' wardrobes, especially Peggy Olson's classic silhouettes and simple 60's glamour. Wondering how to dress like Mad Men women? Take a peek at our Refined Retro collection and create your own Mad Men inspired outfits.

xo,
Ruche

Friday, March 23, 2012

Love Stories: 10th Wedding Anniversary


The day I met my husband was not love at first site, it wasn't sparks flying, or amazing chemistry.  At least for me.  We attended the same church, that moonlighted as a music venue and coffee shop.  He was a jokester always looking for laughs, and I just didn't think we had anything in common.  Little did I know, he was slowly working his way into my heart.

Our first date was a trip to Kansas City, Missouri to see Waterdeep, and after that trip I knew he was going to take care of me for the rest of my life.  This year, on March 23rd, we will celebrate our 10th Wedding Anniversary.  We have made it through job loss, moving hours away from friends and family, deaths, two major surgeries, working severe amounts of overtime, celebrating big occasions and big birthdays.  I am proud to know my husband still is the jokester that I met 11 years ago.  We make each other laugh every day.
If I had a secret to share for how to have a successful marriage, it would be this: never let the laughter go out of your relationship.  Even if I have the worst day, I know when I get home, he will make me smile somehow.  Even when I don't want to.  I hope he knows that I will always be willing to do the same for him.

Happy Anniversary, T.  I love you.

-- Kem Elliott, from Chronicles of a Sweet Tooth


See the previous Love Stories here! If you would like to submit your story, please see our Ruche Blogger Family page for details.

P.S. Have you seen our wedding collection yet? We hope you can find something special for your special day!

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Spring Skirts


Imagine relaxing in the park while wearing a vibrant skirt, a simple white blouse, and sandals.
Envision an outdoor brunch with friends while wearing a floral skirt, a statement necklace, and heels.
Picture reading in a sunlit nook while wearing a chiffon skirt, tights, a cozy cardigan, and ankle boots.

Made for garden parties, everyday attire, and more, these spring skirts are versatile wardrobe essentials.
Spring has arrived and we can't wait to twirl under the sun.

xo,
Ruche

Bridal Behind the Scenes


The photos above are just a glimpse of what went on behind the scenes. After dozens of flowers, all-day photoshoots, and rooms full of wedding dresses and accessories, we're so excited to say that our bridal collection is finally here. ♥ We hope you adore it just as much as we do.

xo,
Ruche

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Bridal Hair Accessories

The best love is the kind that awakens the soul; that makes us reach for more, that plants the fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds. That’s what I hope to give you forever.


View our bridal hair accessories and find the perfect piece for your bridal shower and wedding day. ♥

xo,
Ruche

A Shabby Chic Wedding

candle holders: 1, 2, 3, 4 // dessert stand // lip gloss // chalkboard // magnetic calendar

Browse our home decor collection for your shabby chic wedding. ♥
For more wedding inspiration, fall in love with our bridal lookbook, To Have & To Hold.

xo,
Ruche

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Art Studio: Watercolor Inspiration


Stop by Nautic By Nature, Verbrugge Watercolor, & Alison Odom Designs for more beautiful artwork. ♥

xo,
Ruche

Art Studio: Completely Gail



Attend your next wedding or bridal shower with these adorable wedding cards by Completely Gail.


View our bridal decor for more.

xo,
Ruche

Monday, March 19, 2012

If Ruche were a bride...




...we would look something like this. ♥ To see more, view To Have & To Hold, our bridal lookbook.


A little story: It rained on the day of our bridal photoshoot. It was freezing and our models covered themselves in blankets between shots. It wasn't ideal, but somehow our talented and amazing team stayed motivated and made our Ruche wedding come to life. They say it's good luck for it to rain on your wedding day, after all, and we could not agree more. ♥ A big thank you goes out to everyone who made this possible for us, and this includes you, Ruchettes. To all of our brides, bridesmaids, and wedding guests, thank you for allowing us to be apart of the romantic days that lie ahead. We're so excited to share our bridal collection with you and we can't wait for more to come.

Photography: Stephanie Williams
Event designer and Paper Details: Sugar and Fluff
Florals: Bunch Studio
Makeup/Hair: KC Witkamp
Vintage Rentals: Ribbons and Rust
Location: Kimberly Crest
Horse Rentals: Giddy Up Ranch
Models: Madeleine Barnes, Jessica Strother, Eric Allen, Sarah Gingrich, Margarita Kallas, Ashlyn Pearce

xo,
Ruche

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Weekend Mood Board: Romantic Bouquets


Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue... ♥
We're preparing for the big day!

xo,
Ruche

Friday, March 16, 2012

Spring Party Planning


Spring is just around the corner and we're anxious for outdoor brunches and fresh flower decor, aren't you? ♥ Begin your spring party planning with our hosting essentials to create the perfect sunny afternoon.

xo,
Ruche

Love Stories: Racing Hearts


There we were, in the middle of a lonely camp site in the midst of waterfalls, streams, hump-backed bridges, and vintage camper vans. Everything was so beautiful. There has always been something about camping that makes my heart race. This particular camping trip wasn't the only thing that made my heart race.


My close-knit family and a handful of old timers... and a few 'newbies' too. Chris so happened to be one of those 'newbies.' In the midst of a foresty walk I watched him. I watched how he walked, how he talked, and how he enjoyed the beauty around him. Little did I know Chris was dong the same, he was watching me. I was also oblivious to him falling just as in love with me that I was with him.


Seeing Chris became a regular thing. Every time I saw him I couldn't help but swoon. He is perfect for me! A short time passed and I found myself in his arms with a ring around my finger.

He had caught me by surprise. We were in his attic sorting things out. He looked at me, got down on one knee, and asked the question! I was filled with happiness (and still am) I laughed, smiled, and laughed. I felt as though I was going to cry but no tears came, I was way passed the 'tears for joy stage!'


I am going to be Chloe Jane Schofield. Chris is going to be mine forever. I am going to be his forever. ♥

--Chloe

See the previous Love Stories here! If you would like to submit your story, please see our Ruche Blogger Family page for details.

P.S. Have you seen our wedding annoucement? Our vintage-inspired bridal collection launches on Monday!

Thursday, March 15, 2012

15% Off Sale

Good news! We've added over 50 items to our sale section just for you. ♥ For a limited time only, you can take an additional 15% off of all sale items with SALESALE15. Head over to the collection before all of the most coveted items are gone!

xo,
Ruche

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Wedding Wednesday: Pink and Grey

Imagine this: a wedding in a beautiful little stone chapel on the top of a mountain, surrounded by peonies, hydrangeas, and carnations. This Guest Blogger, Elizabeth, created just that with touches of pink, grey, and textural elements to compliment her dress. ♥

--Elizabeth, from Yellow Elm



See more Wedding Wednesday posts here. If you would like to submit your own post, please visit our Ruche Blogger Family for details. We're also looking for sumbissions for our Spring & Summer Guide!

P.S. Have you seen our wedding annoucement yet? Our affordable bridal collection launches on Monday!

Bridal Collection Sneak Peek

Did you see our sneak peek on Green Wedding Shoes yet? Stop by their exclusive post, which shows a sneak peek of our bridal collection. The bridal collection launches on Monday and we hope you're just as anxious as we are!

Will you be looking for anything special?



xo,
Ruche