Men’s wedding bands don’t have to be boring – and Etsy has a million ways to prove it! We’ve narrowed it down to ten, so you’re not too overwhelmed!

We absolutely adore this simple tree ring design by ashhilton.

This rugged and manly design by codysanantonio is perfect for any groom.

We want to order this pair of matching wedding bands by peacesofindigo for ourselves!

For the understated groom, this design by Diyora is a perfect fit.

We are in love with this mountain adventure inspired ring by emilyjdesign.

For the rugged and masculine type, we recommend this darkened silver band by SilverSmack!

For another great set of matching bands, look no further than these designs by firewhite.

Feel like the king and queen of each others worlds with this set by firewhite.

This rough design by mazuloujewellery will definitely be one of a kind.

Finally, always hold each other near with these half-heart bands by CADIjewelry.

*This articles includes Etsy affiliate links.

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Hayley and Bryce were waiting tables when they met. They quickly fell in love, and received plenty of advice from the older couples they served: “When you know, you know. Don’t wait– get married and enjoy every moment of your new lives together,” was one of the pieces of advice that really resonated with them.  The couple knew their love for each other was deep and lasting, so they decided there was no reason to wait to make things official.

Surrounded by 50 of their closest friends and family, the couple tied the knot in a simple, heartfelt ceremony at Redwine United Methodist Church in Georgia.

“It was amazing to have almost everyone that meant something to us all in one place, and not being distracted by pleasantries and restrictive traditions. It was very raw, in a way,” says Hayley.

Thanks to photographer Jenelle AuClair for the wonderful photos!

Hayley, 22 & Bryce, 27

Location: Oakwood, GA

Wedding Date: October 17, 2015

Number of Guests: 50

Wedding Cost: ~ $4,000

Wedding Ceremony Location: Redwine United Methodist Church

Wedding Reception Location: same

Why did you have an intimate wedding?

We wanted to share our day specifically with people who had invested something in us and in our relationship. We didn’t want to spend a lot of resources on inviting people that were just coming to see it, not because they were emotionally invested. So our guests were all people who had given their time, wisdom, love, prayers, and energy to help us become the couple that we are. Plus, our venue was small!

What are some the challenges that you faced planning an intimate wedding?

The cost was the hardest thing for us. Because we were both waiting tables (that’s how we met!), we spent a considerable amount of time and stress on doing almost everything ourselves in order to keep down costs. I couldn’t thank anyone enough that spent time with me making things or cooking for the wedding!

Was it difficult to pare down the guest list?

In some ways, it was. We didn’t want to offend family, but more distant relatives got left out. It helped that there were lots of people that couldn’t travel to Georgia from around the country, but we still made sure they knew they were valued by the invitation.

Did you have any ‘issues’ with the small guest list from friends and family?  If so, how did you address them?

We had some folks that we weren’t really close with hinting at getting an invite, particularly because we worked together and they all wanted to attend. We would explain that we were keeping it small, and that was the extent of the trouble. It wasn’t so bad.

What were the highlights of the ceremony?

One of the most powerful moments was the open prayer we held at the beginning. There weren’t many dry eyes at that point! We were very sincere and heartfelt throughout the ceremony, and everyone really seemed to appreciate the transparency and emotion between us. Not to mention the perfect atmosphere created by the location and decorations at sunset!

What were the highlights of the reception?

There were a lot of dorky dances, and mac and cheese.

What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding?

Everyone there was so honored to have been a part of it, and the amount of love we received was overwhelming. It was amazing to have almost everyone that meant something to us all in one place, and not being distracted by pleasantries and restrictive traditions. It was very raw, in a way.

What advice do you have for couples who are considering an intimate wedding?

You do what you want. No one else’s opinion matters besides the two of you, and your happiness with the result is ultimately the only thing that matters (besides actually being married at the end of it)!

Vendors:

Venue: Redwine United Methodist Church

Photographer: Jenelle AuClair

 Floral: Jenelle AuClair and Sarah (our amazing photographers did double duty!)

Makeup & hair: Mikayla Grenon

Dress: David’s Bridal (clearance!)

Everything else was handmade or from a pawn shop, thrift shop, or Amazon find!

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This northern lights inspired styled shoot, photographed by Jeannine Marie Photography, was shot the day after Minnesota’s first snowfall of the year at the The Outing Lodge in Stillwater, MN.

Here’s what Jeannine Marie Photography had to say about the shoot:

With this shoot, we wanted to embrace the vintage style with a frosted spin. We didn’t want everything to be too rustic or give the “up north in the woods” feel. So we incorporated chandeliers, dusty blue linens, and dozens of candles. Using frosted pinecones in various spots (folded napkins, next to place cards) really gave a winter wonderland look. The Outing Lodge was the perfect spot for the shoot. They had multiple fireplace that we dresses up with greenery, strings of crystal, and candles. We also used a vintage chandelier above the harvest table.

One of our favorite parts of the shoot was the lighting! We used the venue’s “wall of chandeliers”, as well as set up LED lights on a stone wall. We were inspired by the Northern Lights to use blues, purples, and greens for the LED lighting. For the floral, we wanted to mirror the dusty linen decor by using soft greenery, dusty miller, eucalyptus, and white tulips. The dessert table featured the same Northern Light color scheme as the LED lights. The Viennese Dessert Table looked ravishing, and the cake designs with jewelry gave a shimmering touch! The winter wonderland and Northern Lights inspiration were incorporated into the stationery sets by giving movement to the background skyline and adding silver glitter.

To add a vintage touch, we put the place cards on an antique sleigh dresser with flowers, pinecones, and candles. For the attire, we decided to have the groom wear a black suit to keep it elegant but not too formal with a tux. He also had black gloves and a hat when taking photos outside in the snow. The bride’s dress had a silver tone which stood out next to the snow- a perfect inspiration for brides having a winter wedding. The bride also wore a faux fur shawl and white gloves while outside. The shawl was actually a Christmas tree skirt that was purchased!

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Vendors:

Photographer:  Jeannine Marie Photography

Event Planner: Ask for the Moon Events

Cake Designer: Ganache: Desserts and Confections

Invitation Designer: Rosey Paperie

Jewelry: Style by Cia

Hair Stylist:Taj Salon & Spa

Makeup Artist:Taj Salon and Spa

Event Venue: The Outing Lodge

Dress Store:The Wedding Shoppe

Floral Designer: Uy-Lennon Floral & Events

Lighting: We’ve Got It Covered

Linens and Coverings: We’ve Got It Covered

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Your first Christmas together as a married couple is pretty special. Why not commemorate the occasion with a personalized Christmas ornament from Etsy? There are lots to choose from! Here are a few of our favorites:

Let’s kick off this this with a personalized family name ornament, hand-painted on wood from designbyGeja.

Wooden ornaments like this one by alphabetcanvas are a perfect way to add some country Christmas vibes to your living room!

What better way to celebrate sweater weather, and your new marriage, than with this adorable ornament by MooseberryPaperCo?!

This elegant and classy ornament by KarasVineyardWedding would look beautiful in a big, gorgeous Christmas tree!

Celebrate your first Christmas as a couple with this ceramic, hand painted calendar ornament by LittleWormAndCompany.

This beautiful personalized boho newlyweds ornament by MooseberryPaperCo is perfect for any Christmas tree.

Looking for something adorable to hang on your tree? This Christmas ornament from DigibuddhaPaperie is ‘toque cute’!

How sweet is this ‘Bears in Love‘ ornament from digibuddhaPaperie?

For the more sentimental couple, this personalized ornament from PersonalizedSmiles is perfect!

If you want a more traditional Christmas design, this mistletoe ornament from MissDesignBerrryInc is just what you’re looking for.

Although not a typical Christmas design, we love this watercolor cactus ornament from MooseberryPaperCo

We love the simple design of this hand stamped metal Christmas ornament from whiteliliedesigns.

Cute as a button. That’s what we think of this Mr and Mrs Christmas Ornament from LittleWormAndCompany!

The floral design on this Christmas decoration from digibuddhaPaperie is so elegant.

This faux wood ornament by fieldtrip is the perfect keepsake for your first Christmas as a Mr. and Mrs.!

*This post contains Etsy affiliate links

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Do you have a geeky friend (or fiance!) who is difficult to buy for? Well, have no fear! We’ve rounded up 15 great gifts from Etsy that nerds and geeks will adore!

Who wouldn’t love this nerdy shirt from ResilienceStreetwear?

Got a Star Wars fan on your Christmas list? We recommend this Dork side mug from MyFamilyTee.

This Frostbeard Studios Bookworm Candle is perfect for any bibliophile!

Still waiting for your Hogwarts letter? This pin from Heartificial is perfect for all Harry Potter fans.

These storm trooper cuff links from StyledGents are perfect for the Star Wars enthusiasts on your holiday list.

Enamel pins are a great way to add a little personality to any outfit. This one more chapter pin from the LiteraryEmporium is a great stocking stuffer for bookworms.

For the friend who prefers reading to texting, this enamel pin from queeniescards is perfect!

Neuroscience jewelry? Yes please! We love this awesome Dopamine Serotonin sterling silver ring from somersault1984.

Any Star Wars enthusiast will love this sterling silver Jedi necklace from ItsAllRosiee.

How cute are these science tube earrings from CaramelaHandmade?

Planning on popping the question soon? For the Star Wars loving couple, this ring set from SwankMetalsmithing is perfect!

Here is another set of awesome star wars engagement rings from SwankMetalsmithing

We are really diggin’ these awesome circuit board key chains by ReComputing.

Circuit board cufflinks (also by ReComputing)? Yes, please.

Sherlock obsessives will be smitten with this canvas field bag from NerdGirlTees!

*This post contains Etsy affiliates.

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