Most Popular Jewelry Photos: My 2016 Best Nine

Happy New Year, friends! 

I’ve been easing my way back into the normal routine of making my custom and modern jewelry this week after a whirlwind holiday season! But before we blaze ahead into 2017 (and it’s going to be a GREAT year, let me tell you!), I want to take a moment to look back on the most loved photos from the J’Adorn Designs Instagram page in 2016 and reflect a bit on each one. So without further ado…

My 2016 Best Nine:
Most popular jewelry photos of the year!

Most popular jewelry photos by J'Adorn Designs custom jewelry and bridal accessories

 

1. Self Portrait from My 5th Anniversary Photo Session

One of my very favorite projects from 2016 was the anniversary photo session that I had the chance to plan & style with A. Griffin Events to celebrate my own 5th wedding anniversary.  The gallery has been submitted for publication so I can’t share too many details yet, but my style inspiration was an elegant interpretation of one of my favorite rock-n-roll music videos with a nod to the Art Deco and Art Nouveau eras.

And even though the photos by Bekah Kay were to-die-for gorgeous, the best part was being able to take a few hours with my partner during one of our busiest seasons of life to celebrate the life we’ve been building together for the past 5 years. This photo represents the joy of looking back on all those moments, knowing all that we’ve enjoyed and overcome together, and realizing that we’re even more in love today than we were on that sunny October day when we said, “I do.”

Art Deco Sapphire and Rose Gold Anniversary Fashion EditorialPhoto by Bekah Kay Creative

 

2. Custom Bridal Accessories for a Boho Baltimore Wedding

Last year broke all my previously held records for custom bridal accessories with more brides commissioning custom jewelry and hairpieces than ever before! 2016 was also the year that I added hair accessories to my lineup of modern bridal accessories, including bridal combs, flower girl clips & bobby pins, and customized bridal hairpin vines. This was one of my personal favorite sets of the year because the bohemian bride who wore it selected a combination of altered pieces from my pre-designed bridal jewelry collection and made-from-scratch custom accessories to meet her exact needs.

Custom bridal accessories for boho Baltimore bride, modern wedding jewelry by J'Adorn DesignsPhoto by Nichole Meredith Photography

 

3. A Bayside Wedding for High School Sweethearts

This was another one of my favorite weddings of the year. Not only because of the stunning bridal jewelry that I got to make for Olivia, but also because she and her groom, Anthony, are close friends of my family. I have known these two sweethearts since their last year of high school, and they were just as in love then as they are today!

Their wedding at Celebrations at the Bay was on a beautiful summer day. We danced all into the night as these two celebrated the marriage they had been looking forward to for years. Brooke Michelle captured this intimate moment between the newly minted Mr. and Mrs. just moments after their ceremony. The joy of that moment is almost palpable.

High school sweethearts married at the Chesapeake bay - Custom bridal jewelry by J'Adorn DesignsPhoto by Brooke Michelle Photography

 

4. The Prettiest Gold Druzy Earrings

This pair of simple, sparkly gemstone earrings were in my very first bridal jewelry collection! They continue to be a perennial favorite for brides, bridesmaid jewelry, holiday gifts, and stylish women of all ages. I have my own pair of these neutral druzy earrings that I wear almost every day because they match so many different outfits! This photo is one that I’ve used multiple times in my Instagram feed because it captures those crystal facets so perfectly.

Neutral gold druzy earrings, champagne colored gemstone bridal earrings by J'Adorn Designs modern custom jewelry

 

5. A Statement Necklace to Have and to Hold

In my work as a custom and couture jewelry designer, my goal is to create jewelry that honors and reflects the most important moments and relationships in life. The accessories that I design are made to be worn, handled, gifted, and loved!

This photo comes from a wedding style photo session in early 2016. I collaborated with A. Griffin Events (she’s one of my favorites!) on this cool beachy wedding editorial. When I received the photo gallery from Lauren Werkheiser, I was simply blown away. She captured not only the beauty of this oceanic statement necklace, but the sentimentality I hope to inspire with each accessory I create.

Beach wedding statement necklace, modern gemstone and sea glass necklace, beach wedding inspiration by J'Adorn Designs custom jewelryPhoto by Lauren Werkheiser Photography

 

6. Showing My Sweet Tooth at The Bridal Event in D.C.

There’s no gentle way to put it: I am a sugar fiend. A sugar fiend who also loves cocktails! Both of these things were in abundance at The Bridal Event D.C., a unique party thrown by Grace of Bridal Bellhop and Jasmine of Jasmine Smith & Co. The Bridal Event involved a mock ceremony, a wedding photo session, and live demonstrations of all the vendors’ services who participated in the event. I had a blast at the party mingling with my industry friends and potential clients. I even got to enjoy a helping of gourmet cotton candy from Fluffness and a custom mixed cocktail from Mixin’ Mimi. What can I say? The job has its perks!

The Bridal Event DC 2016 Washington DC Wedding Inspiration, Jewelry Designer Alison Jefferies of J'Adorn DesignsPhoto by Evan Sanderson

 

7. Community Over Competition at Tuesdays Together Annapolis

It’s no secret that I’m an active member of The Rising Tide Society, an international movement that seeks to educate, connect, and empower creative entrepreneurs in the spirit of community over competition. I attend local Tuesdays Together meetings almost every month of the year in my home state of Maryland.
(I have some excited news related to this coming soon…!)

We took this photo at one of the monthly gatherings in Annapolis back when the organization had its headquarters on West Street downtown. This venue came to mean a lot to me during 2016 because I was lucky enough to spend a few months co-working there with RTS founder Natalie Franke and her team of genius young women. The office recently closed with RTS headquarters moving to San Francisco at the end of December, but I will never forget the sense of belonging and empowerment I received from this place and my friends who worked there for that season.

Rising Tide Society Annapolis Office Tuesdays Together Local Chapter of Creative EntrepreneursPhoto by Natalie Franke

 

8. Green Druzy Earrings and Oceanic Wedding Inspiration

This photo is another one captured by Lauren Werkheiser at the cool beachy wedding editorial from photo #5. I love the way the direct sunlight illuminates the inside of the mint green druzy gemstones along with the highlights of its facets!

Beach wedding jewelry, mint green druzy earrings for a seaside wedding by J'Adorn Designs modern bridal jewelryPhoto by Lauren Werkheiser Photography

 

9. Celebrating Love in Every Form

I came to a big realization in 2016. I want to use my custom and modern jewelry business to actively celebrate love in every form. It’s true that many of the handcrafted accessories in my collection are perfect for weddings and even made specifically for that purpose. But I also want to be clear that J’Adorn Designs is not exclusively for brides.

Love comes in many forms, including romance but also friendship, family, and self-love. The jewelry and hair accessories that I make are meant to celebrate love in every single shape, color, gender, orientation, and type of relationship.

The photo session that this image came from was inspired by the song “How Sweet It Is.” It was by far the most published editorial featuring my work this year. It’s meaningful to me because it shows the beauty, depth, and singularity of each individual love story. If there’s a relationship that you want to honor with a tangible keepsake that can be cherished for years, let’s talk!

How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You Interracial Romantic Wedding InspirationPhoto by Corinne Kensington Photography

 

Raising my glass to all of your love stories and a successful new year!

With love, Ali 

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Navy Blue & Gold Editorial Featured on Burnett’s Boards

Navy blue gold rose gold Washington D.C. wedding inspiration editorial styled shoot couture bridal jewelry druzy pearl crystal by j'adorn designs Maryland DC Virginia custom jeweler bridal accessories Red October Photography Simply Breathe EventsWe recently had the honor of seeing an editorial shoot we contributed to earlier this year featured on the wedding blog, Burnett’s Boards. In this post we’re sharing a few of our personal favorite shots by Red October Photography from this cool, modern D.C. bridal shoot with gold and navy blue elements.

We especially love the way Tiffany of Simply Breathe Events chose to style the jewelry from our collection into a few different looks for the bridal model – and that amazing cake created by Evan of Sweets by E! Check out the full gallery, and let us know in the comments which part is your favorite.

Navy blue gold rose gold Washington D.C. wedding inspiration editorial styled shoot couture bridal jewelry druzy pearl crystal by j'adorn designs Maryland DC Virginia custom jeweler bridal accessories Red October Photography Simply Breathe Events

Navy blue gold rose gold Washington D.C. wedding inspiration editorial styled shoot couture bridal jewelry druzy pearl crystal by j'adorn designs Maryland DC Virginia custom jeweler bridal accessories Red October Photography Simply Breathe Events

Navy blue gold rose gold Washington D.C. wedding inspiration editorial styled shoot couture bridal jewelry druzy pearl crystal by j'adorn designs Maryland DC Virginia custom jeweler bridal accessories Red October Photography Simply Breathe Events

Navy blue gold rose gold Washington D.C. wedding inspiration editorial styled shoot couture bridal jewelry druzy pearl crystal by j'adorn designs Maryland DC Virginia custom jeweler bridal accessories Red October Photography Simply Breathe Events

Navy blue gold rose gold Washington D.C. wedding inspiration editorial styled shoot couture bridal jewelry druzy pearl crystal by j'adorn designs Maryland DC Virginia custom jeweler bridal accessories Red October Photography Simply Breathe Events

Navy blue gold rose gold Washington D.C. wedding inspiration editorial styled shoot couture bridal jewelry druzy pearl crystal by j'adorn designs Maryland DC Virginia custom jeweler bridal accessories Red October Photography Simply Breathe Events

Navy blue gold rose gold Washington D.C. wedding inspiration editorial styled shoot couture bridal jewelry druzy pearl crystal by j'adorn designs Maryland DC Virginia custom jeweler bridal accessories Red October Photography Simply Breathe Events
Navy blue gold rose gold Washington D.C. wedding inspiration editorial styled shoot couture bridal jewelry druzy pearl crystal by j'adorn designs Maryland DC Virginia custom jeweler bridal accessories Red October Photography Simply Breathe Events
Navy blue gold rose gold Washington D.C. wedding inspiration editorial styled shoot couture bridal jewelry druzy pearl crystal by j'adorn designs Maryland DC Virginia custom jeweler bridal accessories Red October Photography Simply Breathe Events
Fellow contributing vendors:
Photography: Red October Photography
Planning & Styling: Simply Breathe Events
Venue: River Farm
Hair Styling: Jewel HD
Makeup: Blend DC
Bride’s attire: Fabulous Frocks of DC
Groom’s attire: Lapel
Florals: Flower Bud Florals
Cake: Sweets By E
Rentals: DC Rental
Calligraphy: Allison Dee Calligraphy

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Custom Wedding Jewelry for Kimberly + Jesse


Philadelphia mainline garden wedding monique lhullier bridesmaid dress elegant bride grey bridesmaid dress european french wedding silver pearl druzy white custom couture bridal jewelry samantha jay photography morris arboretum DC bride J'Adorn Designs jewelry designer jeweler
One of the great joys I’ve had since founding J’Adorn Designs in 2012 has been the opportunity to reconnect with old friends right before one of the biggest days of their lives. This was the case with Kimberly – a friend of mine from high school with whom I’d only kept in touch via social media since our graduation. Interestingly enough, the groom also graduated high school with us (although they didn’t begin dating until after college), so designing this bridesmaids’ jewelry suite had an especially personal element for me as a designer.

Philadelphia mainline garden wedding monique lhullier bridesmaid dress elegant bride grey bridesmaid dress european french wedding silver pearl druzy white custom couture bridal jewelry samantha jay photography morris arboretum DC bride J'Adorn Designs jewelry designer jeweler
Kimberly’s family lived in France for a good portion of her childhood, an experience that clearly had an influence on her sense of style and elegant taste. While the bride opted to wear heirloom pieces on her wedding day, she commissioned me to design a varied but coordinated suite of custom jewelry for her bridesmaids. It was my great pleasure to create these special pieces for the women who stood beside her.

Philadelphia mainline garden wedding monique lhullier bridesmaid dress elegant bride grey bridesmaid dress european french wedding silver pearl druzy white custom couture bridal jewelry samantha jay photography morris arboretum DC bride J'Adorn Designs jewelry designer jeweler
Philadelphia mainline garden wedding monique lhullier bridesmaid dress elegant bride grey bridesmaid dress european french wedding silver pearl druzy white custom couture bridal jewelry samantha jay photography morris arboretum DC bride J'Adorn Designs jewelry designer jeweler

Philadelphia mainline garden wedding monique lhullier bridesmaid dress elegant bride grey bridesmaid dress european french wedding silver pearl druzy white custom couture bridal jewelry samantha jay photography morris arboretum DC bride J'Adorn Designs jewelry designer jeweler

Philadelphia mainline garden wedding monique lhullier bridesmaid dress elegant bride grey bridesmaid dress european french wedding silver pearl druzy white custom couture bridal jewelry samantha jay photography morris arboretum DC bride J'Adorn Designs jewelry designer jeweler
Many congratulations to Kimberly and Jesse! May the life you build together be just as beautiful as your wedding day.

Photos by Samantha Jay Photography

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“Love is the Only Gold” Editorial Featured on United with Love


Love Is Gold Romantic Maryland Garden Wedding Styled Shoot with Couture Jewelry by J'Adorn DesignsHappy Friday, friends! Today we’re thrilled to share our favorite shots from an opulent and romantic editorial we collaborated on with Bekah Kay Photography and Dear Sweetheart Events, which was featured on United With Love last week.

Love Is Gold Romantic Maryland Garden Wedding Styled Shoot with Couture Jewelry by J'Adorn Designs
Bekah was the mastermind behind the vision for this shoot, and she gleaned her inspiration from a play by Alfred, Lord Tennyson. Here’s the specific excerpt from the play that inspired Bekah to design a shoot that honored “the riches of love and marriage:”

“ELEANOR: We can’t all of us be as pretty as thou art–

… Come, here is a golden chain I will give thee if thou wilt lead me to thy mother.

GEOFFREY: No–no gold. Mother says gold spoils all. Love is the only gold.”


Love Is Gold Romantic Maryland Garden Wedding Styled Shoot with Couture Jewelry by J'Adorn DesignsLove Is Gold Romantic Maryland Garden Wedding Styled Shoot with Couture Jewelry by J'Adorn Designs

Love Is Gold Romantic Maryland Garden Wedding Styled Shoot with Couture Jewelry by J'Adorn Designs

Love Is Gold Romantic Maryland Garden Wedding Styled Shoot with Couture Jewelry by J'Adorn Designs

Love Is Gold Romantic Maryland Garden Wedding Styled Shoot with Couture Jewelry by J'Adorn Designs

Love Is Gold Romantic Maryland Garden Wedding Styled Shoot with Couture Jewelry by J'Adorn Designs

Love Is Gold Romantic Maryland Garden Wedding Styled Shoot with Couture Jewelry by J'Adorn Designs

Love Is Gold Romantic Maryland Garden Wedding Styled Shoot with Couture Jewelry by J'Adorn Designs

Love Is Gold Romantic Maryland Garden Wedding Styled Shoot with Couture Jewelry by J'Adorn Designs

Love Is Gold Romantic Maryland Garden Wedding Styled Shoot with Couture Jewelry by J'Adorn Designs
Love Is Gold Romantic Maryland Garden Wedding Styled Shoot with Couture Jewelry by J'Adorn DesignsThe jewelry featured in this editorial includes our Cherish Bracelet and Filigree Bracelet in Burgundy & Pink, available in our shop.

Many thanks to the fantastic vendors we had the joy of working with on this shoot!

Photography: Bekah Kay Creative
Styling & Floral Design: Dear Sweetheart Events
Venue: Antrim 1844
Rentals: Vintage Affairs
Bakery: Sorby Sweets
Stationery: Twila & Co

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Breezy Beach Wedding Editorial Featured on Burnett’s Boards

View More: http://laurenwerkheiserphotography.pass.us/lbe--josh--caitlinIt may be only February, but we’re already looking forward to the beginning of summer in a few short months! To help share our anticipation, we’re highlighting this bohemian beach wedding that was recently featured over on Burnett’s Boards.

From the skipping stone “escort cards” to the exotic florals from our dear friend Maribel of EightTreeStreet, this editorial is stunning down to the last detail – a level of excellence we’ve come to expect whenever we work with Alyssa of Lovely & Bubbly Events.  Enjoy our favorite shots from the day, let us know how you’d style a beachside wedding in the comments!
View More: http://laurenwerkheiserphotography.pass.us/lbe--josh--caitlin
View More: http://laurenwerkheiserphotography.pass.us/lbe--josh--caitlin

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Full gallery-0014bView More: http://laurenwerkheiserphotography.pass.us/lbe--josh--caitlin

The jewelry featured in this editorial includes our Sparkling Sea Lariat Necklace, Filigree Bracelet in Silver & White, and Oval & Teardrop Bridal Earrings. All are available in our shop.

The talented team of vendors who contributed to this shoot includes:

Photography: Lauren Werkheiser Photography
Planning & Styling: Lovely & Bubbly Events
Florals: EightTreeStreet
Venue: Flags Pond National Park
Makeup: Makeup by Kevan
Jewelry: J’Adorn Designs
Cufflinks: Memories for Life
Custom Glassware: Eikoh Design Studio
Cake: Sorby Sweets
Napkins: Make Good
Ribbon: Silk and Willow
Table Runner: Bellame

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