Two Web Belles: Beach Week Continues

1. This dramatic first dance shot captured by Pat Furey has a lil somethin extra going on behind the scenes. That school of fish mural backdrop? Not a mural at all. The couple held their reception at Currents, the ballroom at the Adventure Aquarium in Camden, NJ. We thought this was a great option for landlocked but ocean-loving couples. Turns out the National Aquarium in Baltimore is also available for wedding receptions and other events.

2. Cufflinks are a classic cute groom's gift, and they are available in practically any variety. We came across this lobster version and couldn't resist posting. While some may present these to a seafood lover in their life, or maybe pick a set solely for their preppy appeal, we were instantly reminded of the classic "Friends" episode where Phoebe explains to Ross that lobsters mate for life. ("She's your lobster") These cufflinks are a subtle nod to your guy that he'll always be the one you wanna link claws with.

3. Float glass isn't a common beach find on the east coast, but that doesn't make us love it any less. There's something dreamy about the washed watercolor hues and the imperfect hollow spheres once used by Japanese fishermen to keep their nets afloat. The glass orbs wash up frequently on the coasts of Alaska and the Pacific northwest, after floating along the currents of the Pacific Ocean for years. These would be beautiful to incorporate into centerpieces, to line the aisle with, or as a dramatic statement as the backdrop of the ceremony, sandwiched between panes of glass.

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4. We forget where we first saw this next one, but it's a totally beach-chic way to wrap gifts. It's the idea of ditching traditional wrapping paper, and using beach towels to bundle your gifts instead. Look out for the next time you could pull this out and tie it into a couple's wedding - like for a shower when the wedding will be destination, or if the couple is hopping to a tropical honeymoon location after the big day. We're kind of liking the idea of using a beach towel to bundle welcome goodies for out-of-town guests instead of packaging the items in a more traditional bag, too, if the ceremony is set to take place beachside.

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5. If you want to include some beach-inspired items in your wedding but you aren't looking for umbrellas and flip flops, just think classic seaside vintage. Take a look at these gift tags from Etsy seller sassyfrass123, and you'll see how the beach can fit into any design aesthetic. Wouldn't it be great to use these escort cards, tied around napkins, or attached to favors?