Crossing the Aisle, Vol. IX

We're gonna make this a quick one, kids, cause Irene is a-comin', and we need to get the hell off the Carolina coast.

So here's a few links to get through the weekend.

Groom-Friendly Designs on the Bridal Blogs

THE ULTIMATE SOUTHERN ESCORT CARD FINALISTS: HONEY BEE INVITES, PART II
via Southern Weddings Magazine
Despite my vegan lifestyle (or not despite, but rather contrary to that lifestyle), I have to share this escort card idea from Honey Bee Invites. Give the Southerners what they want: a big ol' piece of fried chicken.

(Also check out this entry in their Southern Escort Card contest: s'mores to go, with separate styles for the mens and the ladies.)

Groomsmen: reaching new heights ... via Sparkle & Hay

COMMENT ATTACHER UN NOEUD PAPILLON
via 100 Layer Cake
Even if you don't appreciate fine foreign cinema, you're likely to enjoy this mini French flick on how-to tie a bow tie.

Mid-wedding food truck break ... via Green Wedding Shoes

FAVOR IDEA: PROPOSAL FLIP BOOKS
via Aisle Say on Brides.com
Ok, so not a brand new idea (one that I mentioned before in my DIY Magazine article), but a new interpretation of it + a video to get the full flipping experience.

And because I have to...

NERD CHIC AT SECRET HEADQUARTERS
via The Knotty Bride
I posted about this earlier in the week, but I'm shameless: 2Es most recent engagement shoot was featured on TKB last weekend. Nerd chic. Video games. And a food truck devoted to bacon. It's not groom-approved. It's a groomgasm. (Groom orgasm.)

Stay dry, everyone.
-brian

Crossing the Aisle, Vol. XIII

Just a heads up, boys and girls: The Groom Says will be on vacation next week. I'll be traveling to Best Man Justin's wedding in Metz in the northeast of France. Let's just call it research and leave it at that.

You should see the Best Man. (via Junebug Weddings)

Groom-Friendly Designs on the Bridal Blogs

We kick things off with a cool couple: Erin and Jason.

ERIN & JASON'S AUSTIN RECORD STORE ENGAGEMENT
via Katherine O'Brien Photography
Grooms gotta love this record store theme -- and Katherine's photos are stellar.

BBQ, ROCK 'N ROLL WEDDING
via Ruffled Blog
The only thing that can top a Texas record score engagement session is an outdoor, Texas BBQ wedding with musical icon table numbers. Check out the full gallery of images.

Old New York groom style ... via Green Wedding Shoes 

THE COOLEST GROOM BOUTONNIERES YOU'LL SEE THIS WEEK
via Austin Wedding Blog
AWB gives us a much-needed reminder that boutonnieres need not be boring.

And on that note...

Hand-sewn felt boutonnieres ... via Green Wedding Shoes

HOW TO: TIE A BOW TIE
via Southern Weddings Magazine
Terrified of bow ties, groom? You're not alone. Take a few tips from the ladies at SW Magazine.

This groom got mad style ... via Junebug Weddings

Have a great week next week, ya'll. Keep an eye out for updates from France!
-brian

Crossing the Aisle, Vol. XII

Lots to see this week. Let's get this party started.

Groom-Friendly Designs on the Bridal Blogs 

A couple's portrait that we can roll with ... via Green Wedding Shoes

MUSTANG SALLY
via Grey Likes Weddings
Somehow Groom Mark manages to convince his bride-to-be that their engagement session should take place in, on and around (and be primarily about) his Ford classic. And for that, Mark is our Groom of the Month.

"Dude, I think someone just tagged "MILF" on the front of your barn" ... via La Belle Bride

RHODE ISLAND WOODSY WEDDING
via Ruffled Blog
Wedding in the woods with a kick-ass menu, stellar graphics, specialty cocktails in honor of the B&G's grandparents, and rub-on tattoos at the reception. This one's worth checking out, men.

21st century groom style ... via Ever Ours

LOVE IN THE BACK OF A TRUCK
via Ever Ours
Yet another engagement session set in, on and around a beat-up old vehicle ... this time with the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic gas station.

Appropriate signage ... via Wedding Chicks

Check in next week - we'll be doing an improper hat initiation ("ugh, more with the hat?") + introducing a new source for groom/groomsmen gifts - with an exclusive discount. You heard me.

Get on that weekend, readers!

Crossing the Aisle, Vol. XI

A quick note before we jump into this week's Crossing the Aisle: if 2Es and I appear to be off-the-map next week ... it's because we are. We don't want you to come find us. She and I will be poolside at an undisclosed location with our iPad and MacBook, respectively. We've decided that we need a few days outside of the city to unwind and make progress on our passion projects. We'll be back Wednesday evening, fully tanned and fully unprepared to return to reality. 

Okay, on with the show, beginning with this groom-friendly engagement shoot at a public library.

Chalkboard cleverness ... via Ever Ours

DEAR ESB: IS A WHITE DINNER JACKET A TERRIBLE IDEA?
via 100 Layer Cake (and East Side Bride)
ESB addresses one bride's groom-related fashion question and tells us when and where white dinner jackets are appropriate ...

We can roll with these vintage poker chip bouts ... via Green Wedding Shoes

BAD-ASS BACHELOR BASHES ON A BUDGET

via The Broke-Ass Bride

On Episode 3 of Broke-Ass TV, Hunter (aka the Fresh Hubby) gives us the O-K to not break the bank when planning a bachelor party. 

"Dude, someone wrote on your shoes..." via Landlocked Bride.

UNCOVERING SOUTHERN TRADITIONS: THE GROOM'S CAKE

via Southern Weddings

Marissa at SW gives us a brief lesson on the tradition and evolution of the groom's cake ... which is not the same, mind you, as a traditional Southern boob cake.

Starting to see a trend now ... via Wedding Chicks

Great weekend, everyone!

-brian

Crossing the Aisle Vol. X + Open Groom Casting

It's FRIDAY! And what does that mean? It means we stop writing about man-gerie and banana hammocks and pretend to be a little more sensitive.

(Just kidding, ladies.)

FRIDAY means that it's time for Crossing the Aisle!, our weekly tribute to groom-friendly designs on the web's most popular bridal blogs. Also -- scroll to the bottom to read about Oprah's latest expression of groom love.

Let the aisle-crossing begin!

Loose women we don't mind. It's the ski bums that we take issue with. (via The Sweetest Occasion)

RAD SAVE THE DATE VIDEO
via Brooklyn Bride
When brides ask how their grooms can get involved in the planning process, one of my many recommendations is that the groom take charge of the Save the Date (leaving the official invite in the bride's hands). This rock-infused Save-the-Date video is precisely why.

Grey and green and groomsmen ... via La Belle Bride

A VINTAGE CALIFORNIA WEDDING: ASHLEY + IAN
via Green Wedding Shoes
Three things for grooms to admire about this wedding: (1) the wall of books, serving as a backdrop for the dessert bar; (2) the wall of clocks, serving as a giant (metaphorical) backdrop for the ceremony; and (3) Groom Ian's choice to tattoo a vintage key on his finger in lieu of a wedding ring. That's some badass symbolism right there.

"With this tattoo, I thee wed."

A NEW VIEW ON MEN'S WEDDING ACCESSORIES
via Brides.com
As part of his "Groom Stuff" series, Phillip Crook introduces us to the surprisingly affordable Warby Parker designer frames collection.

Read your vows in style

AN ELEGANT, URBAN, FOOD TRUCK WEDDING IN BROOKLYN: AMY + MICHAEL
via 100 Layer Cake
Food Truck Weddings live on! This "with it" Brooklyn couple hired three different New York-based food trucks with three very different cuisines to cater their wedding: Schnitzel & Things, the Country Boys Taco Truck and the Rickshaw Dumpling Truck.

- - -

Before we all scatter and scurry to do our weekend business, let's talk about Oprah. We're 1 for 1 with the queen of television; remember, she and organizer guru Peter Walsh came into our home back in December and organized / cleaned up / renovated / upgraded 2Es' office space. She was in the [I forget the month] issue of O Magazine. She's, like, famous.

Now Oprah is tackling grooms on her OWN (the world) Network. The UK show Don’t Tell the Bride is about giving grooms the money and the power to design a dream wedding ... in 3 weeks. Naturally, hilarity and chaos ensue. Here's hoping that Oprah and the producers don't spin the show to make grooms look like reckless idiots.

Um, have you seen any episode of any reality TV show ... EVER?!

Yeah, I know, I know.

So DTTB is currently casting dynamic couples who are engaged but lack the funds to have a dream wedding. Each episode focuses on one couple (who are incommunicado during the planning) and what it took to make the wedding happen.

So if you're over 21 years of age, currently engaged, and willing and able to get legally married between August and September of this year, it's worth checking out. Email bride@shedmediaus.com with the following info:

• Your names 
• Your phone numbers 
• Your emails
• Your resident cities 
• A few sentences about you and why you are an ideal couple for the show 
• Where you are in the wedding process 
• A current photo of the two of you

Happy weekend everybody!

-brian

Crossing the Aisle Vol. IX + Must-Do Contest + Good Heavens!

To kick off a busy Friday morning wrap-up: a huge THANK YOU to our friend, image consultant and groom savior, Julie Rath of Rath & Co. This week Julie lent us her design sense and expertise and a handful of invaluable groom tips. Check out our edition of Stump the Stylist (at Kmart, for chrissake) and the tour of the sinfully groom-friendly Michael Andrews Bespoke studio, where Julie unveiled three amazing rehearsal dinner looks.

Note how the yellow accents coordinate with my pocket square.

Two, if you haven't yet entered the #wedlux giveaway sponsored by our pal Chris at The Man Registry (along with our friends at Gigmasters, Greenvelope, SmartBride Boutique and Wishpot), then you should seriously consider having yourself committed. They're giving away $1,500 in merch and services, people! Brides, Grooms - click this link to get the full scoop, read about all the ways to enter, and do so before July 13th.

Go. I'll wait.

OH - and great news, men. GoodHEAVENS, crazy talented tie designer and manufacturer, has been getting all kinds of love from all of the lady blogs these last couple months. Unfortunately, until recently, they were unable to ship to the states. So my gift to you today, because I'm in a giving kind of mood, is a link to their Etsy storefront. Fifteen styles for sale, all for $33 (absurd price) + $7 for US shipping. $40 all together for an awesome tie. You deserve it, groom.

Do it. I'll wait.

Finally, let's jump into our weekly series: Groom-Friendly Designs on the Bridal Blogs. Here goes:

Men of the Wood: a new musical ... via Green Wedding Shoes

A WHIMSICAL WOODLAND WEDDING: TRISHIA + JUSTIN
via Green Wedding Shoes
There's a couple things grooms can appreciate about this wedding, and no, it's not the "whimsical" element. But it might be the raccoon love ... and the geek lumberjack attire (see above) ... and the fact that their "unity symbol" is a bottle of Jameson. These are my kind of people.

THE FRESH HUBBY ... IN PRINT!
via Broke-Ass Bride
Our good friend and fellow groom activist Hunter Stiebel, the one and only "Fresh Hubby," is now a contributing editor to Destination Weddings and Honeymoons magazine, providing a manly dose of advice in every issue. Congrats Hunter! Click the link above to read his first article on destination bachelor parties.

You know a groom sketched out these vows ... via Ruffled Blog

STOCKING THE WEDDING BAR: THE RIGHT WINE AT THE RIGHT PRICE
via Lovely Little Details
Honestly, I'm jealous I didn't think of this first. On Tuesday, Jacin at LLD invited the sales manager at Colene Clemens Vineyard to provide some insight and tell you everything you need to know about wine and weddings and wine at weddings. Read on, grooms.

And to close:

This was the vegetarian buffet ... via Southern Weddings Magazine.

Happy weekend, everyone!

Crossing the Aisle Vol. VIII

Next week -- watch out for the two-part post with awesome groom fashion guru and image consultant Julie Rath. For now, bask in some groom-friendly style, brought to you by the bridal blogs.

This one's a no-brainer

A STARBUCKS PROPOSAL STORY
via Green Wedding Shoes
Shane is Groom of the Month, no question. Because their first date took place at a Starbucks, he essentially brought Starbucks to the outdoors (props for not proposing in an actual Starbucks, Shane). Click on the link to GWS' post to check out all the details and planning that went into this kick-ass proposal, including the personalized iTunes download cards.

DIY Pencil Holder
via The Sweetest Occasion
No, this isn't the manliest link we've promoted here on TGS ... but we are always looking for ways to get involved. This Do-It-Himself project involves a saw, a piece of wood, a belt sander and a drill. Get to work, men.

When life gives you a piece of wood, make a wooden pencil holder.

INEXPENSIVE OPTIONS: GROOMSMEN GIFTS
via Kiss My Tulle
Kris gives us some gift options that won't break the bank. I mean, we love our groomsmen, we do ... but we also just spent $12K to feed a hundred people.

Outdoorsy groom attire via Ruffled Blog

REAL GAY ENGAGEMENT: DREW AND JOE
via So You're Engayged
I'm partial to this last link -- 2Es' engagement shoot with Los Angeles locals Drew and Joe. Joanna shot in LA's Downtown Arts District and at the LACMA street lamp exhibit, per the couple's request. This is Joanna's second appearance on So You're Engayged (her first was a real wedding in Connecticut with Herb and Alan, published in the fall of '09).

Crossing the Aisle Vol. VII

This week's celebration of groom-friendly style on the bridal blogs begins with a real wedding. I've been waiting for this couple's photos ever since the bride, Laura, leaked their wedding theme (yes, the Yankees) back in February. Their pics were featured yesterday on the Florida edition of Style Me Pretty.

WEST PALM BEACH WEDDING BY CAPTURED BY JENNY
via Style Me Pretty Florida
Aside from the sweet "hat toss" portrait pictured above, Laura and Antonio had matching Chuck T's, tables named after baseball legends, and enough Yankee insignias to get me through the weekend.

Strangely enough, they didn't coordinate this.

(via Forget Me Knot Weddings)

SMART BOW TIES FOR THE GROOM AND HIS MEN
via The Wedding Chicks
While I'm not a big fan of any of these styles, guys looking for a pop of color in their attire might benefit from these tie options from American Apparel and others.

Bohemian boutonnieres from Green Wedding Shoes

SCARY-GOOD MONSTER MOVIE POSTER WEDDING INVITATIONS
via Offbeat Bride
Kudos to Illustrator Groom on setting the tone for a kick-ass, offbeat wedding.

PIERRE + CHRISTINE'S CIRCUS-THEMED, FRENCH WEDDING
via Rock n Roll Bride
Awesome groom/groomsmen attire + some stellar groom and couple's portraits that won't bore you to death.

Crossing the Aisle Vol. 6: Early Edition

2Es and I are off to see The Hangover 2 tonight ... but before we do, here are this week's top picks for groom-friendly style and inspiration, courtesy of the wedding blogesses. And stop by tomorrow for my reaction to the Hangover sequel, which may resemble one of those Disney World commercials where the little kids scream incessantly with joy. It may just be that.

Anyway, on with the show. 

Groom-Friendly Designs on the Bridal Blogs

PHENOMENAL PHOTOGRAPHY - THE GROOM
via Junebug Weddings
I wouldn't say grooms are "forgotten" on the wedding day, but their portraits often are. Christy at Junebug celebrates the groom with this collection of unique portraits.

Kick-ass vintage vinyl invitations ... via Ruffled Blog

INEXPENSIVE OPTIONS: BEACH GROOM + GROOMSMEN EDITION
via Kiss My Tulle
Cris has three inexpensive groom outfits on the blog this week -- and all under $150.

STYLISH SUITS AND FASHION FOR THE GROOM + A GIVEAWAY
via Green Wedding Shoes
And for the men with a little more money to spend, GWS has some kickass looks from Indochino, Bonobos, Duchess and Thick As Thieves.

Bride and groom home-brewed beers. Impressive. Via La Belle Bride.

A BICYCLE WEDDING
via Perfect Bound
I couldn't help but share this wedding (from photographer Inbal Sivan). It's got shuffleboard, a pinata and tons of personality. Who knew a wedding could be this carefree?

Crossing the Aisle, Vol. V + A Hungover Gift Registry

We begin today's post with our weekly salute to those wedding ladies who occasionally throw a groom a bone. Thank you, wedding ladies. This one's for you.

Groom-Friendly Designs on the Bridal Blogs

DEAR ESB: SO THE FIANCE WANTS TO WEAR A TUX
via 100 Layer Cake
100 Layer Cake and East Side Bride teamed up on Tuesday to defend a groom's right to choose his own attire and put on his own big boy pants. Wedding equality is nearly within reach.

Make 'em look this nice, and she might play a round before the ceremony (via Wedding Chicks)

A FOOD TRUCK WEDDING

via Green Wedding Shoes
I've been pretty clear in the past about my love for food trucks and my affinity for one truck in particular. So when GWS posts a food truck wedding post, albeit an "inspiration shoot," I have to share it. So scroll quickly through the jewelry and hairpieces and bouquet-holding and get to the good stuff: the food. in a truck.

RETRO CAMPING ENGAGEMENT SESSION
via Ruffled Blog
Hanging out in a cave with Hamm's beer and s'mores? I'd get engaged again for that.

I love you more than I love this cheap American classic 
(via Ruffled Blog)

- - -

And while you're perusing the internet this weekend (after the rapture, of course), check out the groom-friendly action at Wedding Republic. Hana and James at WR have devised a very unique wedding registry for our favorite new couple, Stu and Lauren, from the much-anticipated Hangover 2.

To top it off, Chris from The Man Registry and I have put in our own two cents. Check out our registry recommendations here.

Have a great weekend, everyone, doomsday and all.

Crossing the Aisle, Vol IV + Pre-Weekend Announcements!

Groom-approved style on the bridal blogs ... and scroll down for two quick announcements from friends of The Groom Says.

TUESDAY TIPS: DON'T FORGET THE GROOM
via Every Last Detail
An intro to groom fashion from ELD guest blogger Kristen Weaver. Have no fear, Kristen. The groom shall not be forgotten.

REAL WEDDING: LISETTE + RYAN'S BOHEMIAN WEDDING
via Green Wedding Shoes
Unconventional groom attire doesn't mean complicated groom attire. Ryan and his boys prove that color is not something to be afraid of. 

Dude, someone wrote on your shoe (via Ruffled Blog)

A LOVE STORY & THE BEST PROPOSAL VIDEO EVER

via Rock n Roll Bride

A proposal vid with crazy production value. Kudos. 

SOUTH AFRICAN FARM WEDDING: KATRIEN & MARINUS

via 100 Layer Cake

It's not the manliest photo spread we've ever seen, but something about this farm wedding makes us want to move to South Africa. Check out boutonnieres and details that grooms can get on board with, plus transportation to the reception, courtesy of a tractor. 

AND NOW... PRE-WEEKEND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Our friends at Robbins Brothers are hosting a Try-On Party at their Torrance location on the 18th. Grooms -- I know Try-on Party sounds intimidating, but there are no dresses involved. Just some engagement ring and wedding band shopping ... PLUS a free engagement photo shoot on the spot. Earn some major groom points. Check out the details here. 

Also, our pen pals Angie & Alicia at VowMuse are judging a (yup, you guessed it) Vow Writing Contest this summer, hosted by Art Vows. Brides and grooms -- send in your vows by July 6 and maybe you'll score $1,000 to put toward your wedding. Get the full scoop here. 

Crossing the Aisle, Vol III

A quick note to grooms before we begin:

Grooms, if you're going to investigate the bridal blogs on your own, please remember to use the buddy system. Let's keep incidents to a minimum. Thank you. 

OK, this week's groom-approved assortment features two new tie companies (well, new to me), a New Zealand wedding and a new man-friendly honeymoon destination. Let's get this ball rolling.

Groom-Approved Links on the Bridal Blogs

THE BEST COTTON TIE
via East Side Bride
"The best" cotton tie is a rather bold statement, but ESB's hit the nail on the head with this two-tone tie from Pierrepont Hicks. Also scope out the other unique designs on PH's website.

NEW ZEALAND WEDDING BY SUTHERLAND KOVACH STUDIO
via Style Me Pretty
Sombreros, a pinata and some groom-approved hand-drawn and hand-crafted details. And whatever Thornycroft Dark Ale is, I want one.

KATHRYN LOVES... GENERAL KNOT & CO.
via Snippet & Ink
OK, we just agreed that the Pierrepont ties were "the best," I know, I know. But S&I plugged General Knot & Co. on the blog this week -- a definite contender for the "kick-ass tie manufacturer" title. Check out the groom-commissioned ties that are different but still coordinating.

LET'S GO GLAMPING: HONEYMOONING AT MONTANA'S PAWS UP
via Offbeat Bride

Men, prepare yourself. You might want to get married all over again just to book another honeymoon at this upscale camping resort. And on the activities calendar? Rappelling, ATV-ing, and Zorb Balling.

Crossing the Aisle, Vol II

Let's start off today's series with a Royal Wedding post that we men folk can actually appreciate. And then we can all go back to pretending it never happened.

Groom-Friendly Designs on the Bridal Blogs

ROYAL WEDDING FAILS
via The Knotty Bride
TKB has located the oddest and most inappropriate RW2011-related merchandise from both sides of the pond. Check out her collage of utter creepiness, including a Will & Kate commemorative c*** ring that will make you ask WHYYYYYY.

DECORATE YOUR GAMER WEDDING WITH REAL-LIFE TETRIS PIECES
via Offbeat Bride
Offbeat's fiance guest blogs with some advice on what to do with that mondo-sized bag of wooden blocks in the closet. #NintendoGroom

INSPIRATION: A DENIM WEDDING II
via Once Wed
Sweet groom attire and -- wait for it -- beer bottle centerpieces. Enough said.

BOURBON TASTING BAR
via Merriment Events
Thanks to Courtney at Merriment, grooms everywhere can breathe a little easier today.