Archives: May 2011

Photo Credit: Amy Zumwalt

We love Creme De Luxe by Amy’s Bridal Accessories!  Amy has created beautiful, romantic bridal jewelry and accessory lines that we just adore. While she offers stunning items on her website, she is also constantly working with brides to create custom looks for their wedding day. Learn more about Amy and and Creme De Luxe below …

Amy’s Bridal Accessories Promo from Cinema Elegance Films on Vimeo.

What inspired you to start your business?
I have this intrinsic need to create. It has expressed itself in a multitude of forms since I was a child, but I keep coming back to designing accessories for brides. I’ve found that being a designer allows me to combine my two creative passions – design and photography. But it is that inescapable need to be creative that inspired the beginning of this business. My passion is really to create a beautiful, inspiring experience for the bride.

What options for customization do you offer?
You know, I try to list the most common options – crystal colors, pearl colors, length etc… but I deal with brides on a personal basis every single day. We do custom things by request that we hadn’t even thought of! If it’s possible and we have the time to invest, we do it. That’s part of the fun for us – taking something that inspires one of our brides, and transforming it into an accessory that fits her style perfectly.

If you could give one tip to couples who are planning a wedding, what would it be?
Oh I love this question! I think the thing that couple’s should think about is where to spend their money, and where to AVOID spending their money. I’m sure every couple thinks about it to some degree, but I would advise this:

MOST things in a wedding can be done without spending a ton of money. Flowers. Decorations. Favors. Invitations. Get creative. Check message boards for ideas on how to do a lot of this yourself. Handmade, vintage and simple is IN and can save you thousands of dollars. Take advantage! Because there are a few areas where you SHOULDN’T be too tight with your budget.

Number one: your photography. Did you think I’d say accessories? No, I have more to say about that, but number one – most important of all – your photography. At the end of the day, it’s the photography that is most important, in my opinion. If you have to cut corners – DON’T cut corners by choosing a photographer you don’t really love. You CAN’T go back. And all the work and planning you put into your wedding will be appreciated best through great photography.

Next, your dress, accessories and bridal party attire. Now, dresses and accessories don’t have to be expensive anymore – there are wedding dress lines out there that are fantastic and are under $500- but you should go for what you absolutely LOVE. The most noticeable thing about the wedding is what the girls are wearing. So I think girls should prepare to put their money there. Once the attire is picked out, I think brides should pay close attention to the jewelry and accessories. Whether or not you get it from us at Creme De Luxe by Amy’s Bridal Accessories, the point is be careful! You can ruin a wedding dress by choosing accessories that look cheap. If you want rhinestones, make sure you don’t purchase pieces with stones that are glued in. If it looks like you went to the accessory store at the mall, your entire wedding looks the same way… Tasteful, quality pieces really do make a difference. And you can usually stay within your budget and still choose quality stuff. Stay away from “silver plated” and “gold plated”. Silver plating will tarnish and isn’t polishable. Gold plating will turn your skin green! If you can’t afford better quality jewelry (sterling silver, Swarovski crystal, prong set rhinestones etc) consider foregoing the jewelry! I’d much rather see a bride in NO jewelry than in CHEAP jewelry.

Photo Credit: Amy Zumwalt

What is something that most people don’t know about your biz/you?
About my business? That I take all of the photos and arrange the model sessions.

About me? That up until last year, I was in an all girl cover band. I was a music major, and I actually always thought that I would be a singer/songwriter when I “grew up”. I still love performing, but I really love design and photography more!

What is your one must-have item to have on-hand when you’re working?
My Keurig coffee maker, and yellow coffee mug.

If you had to choose one word to describe yourself/your business what would it be?
Inspired. Because without the inspiration I search for everyday, I wouldn’t be able to keep going.

5 Things that make you happy?
My four boys, Jackson (10), Luke (7), Drew (5) and Pete (4).
Estate sales.
Listening to Brandi Carlile on my back patio.
Driving my jeep with the top down.
My boyfriend (aka my live-in comedian).

Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Hmm.. We have plans are to open a store soon! Yippee!! Oh.. and seriously, check in often on the blog. That’s where all the coupon codes are posted! Sometimes we run really awesome sales for a day or so but a lot of brides don’t check the blog so they don’t see them!

Photo Credit: Amy Zumwalt

Photo Credit: Amy Zumwalt

Photo Credit: Amy Zumwalt

Photo Credit: Amy Zumwalt

Photo Credit: Amy Zumwalt

Tomorrow we have an exciting giveaway from Creme De Luxe by Amy’s Bridal Accessories!  Check back for the details and to enter to win!!