Bear Flag Farm | Literally Local Food to Venue

I know, I know, Bear Flag Farm is out in California, why is it making a debut here? The reason is that it should be something we are pushing for locally in the Midwest. Seasonal food literally coming from the venue of a reception, low environmental impact and lots of personality. I give two huge green thumbs up to these folks.

And an aside, the folks who did the production on the video, Lorimer Works, are top of the line in the industry, so here is a little shout out to them.

WomenCraft Inc + Leber Jewelers | Reader Share

From a BG reader: I am in the process of planning a sustainable wedding and here are some sources in / near Chicago that you could include on your site:

Invitations: WomanCraft, Inc. Fabulous handmade invitations, they
will also create paper out of your wedding bouquet! They hire
homeless and formerly homeless women and train them in job skills.

Leber Jewelers: ethically sourced diamonds, recycled precious metals,
advocate in the jewelery industry for better practices and standards.

I love getting messages from folks who stop by, so I thought I would check these folks out since they received such glowing recommendations. Both have a really great selection of products and services with positive social and environmental messages. Definitely worth checking out. Thanks so much for sending them our way!

BravoBride | PreOwned Wedding Items

BravoBride is a nice website to buy and sell your used wedding items. Up for grabs -- everything from dresses, jewelry, decor, and a few other odds and ends.

The site appears to be a tad bit newer, but there already appears to be a selection of items from various states (I even found a few dresses in my size located in Wisconsin). Just like many sites, you may have to wade through some interesting items before you find the perfect compliment for your day, but if you are looking for a bargain and the opportunity to give something a second life, this is a great opportunity.

What is an Eco Bride | A Green Tie Affair

Found this little video on that gives a good basic primer on what a green bride truly is. Tara Murney of A Green Tie Affair, a green wedding planner out of Pickering, Ontario shares her thoughts. Worth a watch.

Hinterland | Green Bay Organic Catering

Giving suggestions for good, local organic catering have been one of the most difficult. Organic food in Wisconsin can be cost prohibitive, with prices upwards of 25% more then traditional menus. But, unless as consumers we start asking for this service it will remain difficult to find.

Wisconsin Bride recently posted about one local caterer, Hinterland, that is trying to offer more organic, and locally grown foods on its menu. From their site:

Kelly Qualley’s local favorites include Branch River Trout (Denmark) and grass-fed Beltie Beef (Milladore). Qualley is executive chef for Hinterland, a micro brewer in Green Bay and Milwaukee that caters upscale fare in fashionably laid-back surroundings. “We prepare really great products simply,” he says. “Seasonality of products is a worldwide thing—we go out of our way to get the best of what is in season,” but also stay close to home when possible. An exception is seafood, brought in fresh and often, since customers crave it. More than one-half of Hinterland’s produce comes from the land and greenhouses of Ledgeview Gardens (DePere). Keune Farms (Seymour) delivers its own organic products and those of others (eggs from Amish farms, Michigan peaches). Hinterland’s beer can be paired with small bites for casual to elegant appetizer receptions. Smoked meats from Nueske’s (Wittenberg) show up in wontons and quesadillas.

Vintage Wedding Attire | Don't Bust the Budget

Busting the bank with wedding attire is not a necessity, if you find the right pieces. I am just enamored with what this adorable couple. With $11 they purchased both their vintage wedding outfits and maintained an amazing style. To see more of this thrifty couple who gave this garb second life, check out the amazing photography of ED Austin.

Organic and Chic | Book Read, Organic Cakes

A delightful book created by Sarah Magid, a Brooklyn based baker and all around fabulous designer, is due out this June. Organic and Chic is a must have, and must share for any bride in the Midwest who desires to have an organic cake, but lives in a town where the bakers have never heard of it.

On a side note, I just adore the simple and whimsical feel of her website, simply stunning and worth the click to view. To view more of her delights, check out Sarah's blog.

(via Oh Joy!)