We happened across a story that had three elements of interest to us. We like wine, we’re fascinated by meteorites, and of course, we’re all about gold.

Tremonte Vineyard in Chile has launched a Cabernet Sauvignon called Meteorito. The grapes are fermented for twelve months in a barrel which contains a meteorite. “When you drink this wine, you are drinking elements from the birth of the solar system” says owner Ian Hutcheon.

So far, so good, right? A small detail caught our attention. This vineyard is located on the site of an abandoned gold mine. Gold mines are frequently contaminated by cyanide or mercury, which are used to leach gold from rock

Enter Dr. Chris Anderson, of New Zealand, who is experimenting with a procedure called phyto-reclamation. This is a process which employs plants to soak up contaminants from soil at gold-mining sites. Some plants can accumulate abnormally high concentrations of metal, including gold and mercury.

We don’t know, but can’t help wondering, whether grape vines have this ability. If so, is the mercury making its way into the wine? Intrigued as we are by this wine, it won’t be making its way into our cellar any time soon.

Specialty cocktails are a popular way to kick off the wedding celebration and vodka works great with fruity, savory or spicy concoctions. If you are creating an eco-friendly event, consider serving an organic vodka that will not only taste yummy but signal guests to have a great time and minimize impact to the planet.  We discovered these three organic vodka companies and a signature wedding cocktail recipe from each:

Kanon Organic

Swedish born, organic, sustainable and totally hip, Kanon vodka brand is primarily available in New York City. Buy online at Astor Wines.

Earth Day

2 parts Kanon
½ part fresh organic lime juice
½ part Agave
3 organic Strawberries

Muddle strawberries in the bottom of a shaker, add all other ingredients, shake and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a rosemary sprig.

Rain Organics

Made from 100% organic white corn, Rain offers flavors like lavender lemonade and honey mango melon. Yum! Find Rain Vodka in your area.

Rain Plantation Tour

2 oz. Rain Organics Red Grape Hibiscus Vodka
1 oz. Red Zinfandel
3 oz. Lemonade
1 oz. White Peach Puree

2 oz. Ginger Ale
Ice

In a shaker, add Rain Organics Red Grape Hibiscus Vodka, Red Zinfandel, lemonade and white peach puree. Shake and pour into pint glass filled with ice. Top with ginger ale.

Ocean Organic

Certified 100% USDA organic, Ocean is the only vodka in the world distilled from organic sugar cane, making it naturally gluten free. Store locator

Citrus Guava Martini

1-1/2 oz OCEAN vodka
1/2 oz fresh lemonade
splash guava nectar

Combine all ingredients into a shaker with ice and bruise.
Pour into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a thin slice of lemon.

If you plan to serve alcohol at your wedding, offering a red wine on the bar will appeal to a wide range of guests.  And choosing an organic red wine will make a statement about your passion for reducing planetary impact. Many people believe that red wine is beneficial to their health and offering a pesticide-free variety will please their palettes event more. We discovered these three organic red wines to consider serving at your celebration, but of course, we recommend a “taste test “ with your betrothed to choose your favorite:

California Dreamin’

Frey Vineyards in Mendocino County makes organic wine with no sulfites added and claims to be the first maker of certified Biodynamic® Wines in the U.S.
They are family-owned and operated, and today a third generation helps with the production of fine organic wines in a tradition of sustainability started 30 years ago. Their innovative winemaking techniques compensate for the lack of sulfites, a synthetic preservative which can induce headaches, sniffles, and other allergic reactions in some people. Their passion is producing organic wine of the highest quality while caring for planet and palate alike.

Visit their web site for internet specials and to learn where to find their wines in your area.

Italiano!

Since 1985 the vineyards of the Ca’ Bruzzo winery have been cultivated using eco-compatible organic farming methods and a balanced eco-system to provide a natural defense against the overpopulation of pests.  And they do not use pesticides, chemical fertilizers or herbicides. This organic winery, a member of the Italian Association for Organic Agriculture, bottles six varieties of red wine, grown on lush Italian hillside vineyards for a total production of no more than 20,000 bottles of fine Italian wine each year.

Source this wine at your local wine store or visit their web site.

South America

The visionaries of Emiliana Winery in Chile realized in the late 1990s that the market was beginning to change and consumers worldwide were becoming more aware of the products they were consuming, not only for health reasons, but also with respect to their social and environmental impacts. So they created a winery that was 100% organic and biodynamic with the firm objective of making wines of the highest quality with great respect for nature. Now, after more than a decade, what began as a dream has become a complete portfolio of wines backed by major national and international awards and recognition and that meet the new need of today’s consumers. They promote social responsibility and sustainability and produce organic wines with unique character and personality.

Visit their web site to learn more but plan to source this wine at your local wine store.

Planning a champagne toast at your wedding? Or simply seeking an organic variety to serve on the bar.  Choosing organic is eco-friendly and let guests in on your passion for minimizing harm to the earth. And inviting guests to enjoy a champagne or sparkling wine made from sustainably farmed grapes, without synthetic pesticides, herbicides or insecticides, is not only reducing planetary impact, it’s a healthier option for them. Consider these three organic favorites for your celebration:

California Sparkling

Domaine Carneros is certified by the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) and offers  three styles of sparkling wine: Brut, Brut Rosé and Blanc de Blancs. Although their wines are made in the classic French manner, “méthode champenoise”, Domaine Carneros chooses to call them sparkling wine rather than use the term champagne which traditional refers to those grown in a the Champagne region of France.

Visit their online store for luscious descriptions of each style.

American Classic

If you’re comfortable serving a brand that many people recognize try this special bottling of 2009 Korbel Brut made from 100% organically grown grapes. Korbel’s organic champagne has the crisp, fresh flavor of their regular varieties with undertones of apple, pear and white peach and a medium dry finish. A longtime supporter of organic farming, Korbel is in compliance with the USDA’s organic certification program. This special organic variety is available on their web site.

Italian Prosecco

For five generations the Pizzolato family has been growing grapes in the northern Italian town of Treviso. In 1991, their Treviso vineyards were certified organic and they now produce a range of organic proseccos as well as a sparkling chardonnay and a raboso, a red grape that produces sprightly, fruity wines.

Source at your local wine store or visit their web site.

The ladies by your side throughout the wedding planning process and on that very special day are not only your best friends, they are sometimes called your bridesmaids.  And there is no better time to say thank you than during those precious moments leading up to the wedding.  And for earth-minded couples the recycled gift giving options are endless. Check out a couple of our favorite ideas for eco-friendly bridesmaid gifts and consider these options for her unique style:

The Fashionista

Maggie Bags are gorgeous totes and handbags crafted from re-purposed seat belts.  This tote of many colors is not only a bold fashion statement but holds everything you need and want, even that extra pair of shoes for when the feet start cramping during the reception!  The tote is available in many color combinations and you can view the entire collection at MaggieBags.net

The Techie

Check out these cool coasters made from reclaimed circuit boards. The manufacturer, appropriately called Motherboard, specializes in high quality gift products utilizing  fun and unique materials. Speak to her inner geek with the beauty of technology and useful home goods.  Don’t forget to mention it’s an environmentally friendly alternative to disposing circuit boards in landfills.  Assorted colors available at MotherboardGifts.com

Outdoors Gal

How about a bright, natural fiber backpack perfect for overnight trips or everyday use around town. Handcrafted with recycled silk and hemp side pockets, this backpack is practical, colorful and was carefully handcrafted by fair trade artisans. Learn more at KatesCaringGifts.com

The Decorator

Worthy of your favorite work of art – or cherished photo – these frames are handmade from reclaimed Douglas Fir that was salvaged from deconstructed homes in the Pacific Northwest.  The recycled wood frames are handsome, beautifully constructed and give new life to a precious resource. Handmade in Portland, Oregon you can find these beauties at OliveAndMyrtle.com

She Accessorizes

We just love this Recycled Button Necklace! Who doesn’t wish they could turn their basket of spare buttons into a fun, funky and flirty necklace. Made by hand from three strands of waxed cord and colorful buttons, it’s perfect with jeans, a suit or adding flair to any casual outfit! Your choice of four colors at GreatRecycledGifts.com

Your groomsmen are there to support you on the big day and it’s nice to say thank you with a personal gift. And while the stereotypical, engraved flask may not be on your shopping list, there is no need to worry. You can set your imagination free and buy something uniquely suited to each of them. Plus, there are tons of handmade and recycled gifts to choose from. The upcycling and craftsmanship are impressive and you will have no trouble finding something for each of your guys.  Check out a couple of our favorite online stores for recycled gifts and consider these options for his unique style:

Hipster

This super-soft and simple scarf is made from unused, reclaimed, cotton T-shirt scraps. These scarves are made in the USA by a non-profit that teaches job skills to cognitively disabled adults. Perfect for the guy who likes an array of accessories to choose from, has a heart for helping others and appreciates the feel of being cuddled up in a favorite Tee.  Read more at UncommonGoods.com

Football Player

Touch football after the rehearsal dinner anyone? Fair Trade certified means the adult workers who produced this ball received a fair wage and at no extra cost to you! And all after-tax profits go to children’s charities. With soft handling, great performance and the official size and weight this all-weather ball means year-round outdoor play. If you’re looking for a vegan and eco-friendly gift that the rugged man will love, this is it! Read more at Amazon.com 

The Foodie

Guys who eat well and love to cook want high-quality kitchen gear. The Stronghold shop apron is made from salvaged denim  and dyed in organic indigo. This durable and low-maintenance material can withstand any pasta sauce splatter. Another great gift available from Kaufmann-Mercantile.com

Clipped and Buffed

Handmade in New Hampshire, these J.R. Liggett shampoo bars are made of natural ingredients and 100% vegan.  Crafted with 100% biodegradable, food-grade ingredients that won’t strip natural oils is the key to healthier hair. Create a basket with the shampoo, a safety razor and natural toothpaste for a complete pampering kit. Read more about these grooming products.

Baseball Fan

Take your favorite stadium out on the town while wearing these one-of-a-kind ballpark cufflinks. Made of material salvaged from the seats from famous ballparks, the sterling silver cufflinks give your baseball fan an alternative to wearing his team’s jersey on your big day. Each item comes with a certificate of authenticity. Check out the list of ten stadiums to choose from.

Flowers have been used in weddings for centuries.  In ancient times the bride carried aromatic bunches of garlic, herbs and spices to keep evil spirits away. Ancient Greeks made a crown of flowers that were considered a gift from nature for the bride to wear. And some say that during medieval times aromatic blooms covered up the foul smell of the people at the wedding.  Assuming you and your wedding party have showered lately, the main purpose of flowers today is decoration of the venue or a complement to formal attire.  While flowers are gorgeous and a work of nature, there is no limit to the creative ways you can decorate so are they required? Absolutely not! We are intrigued by the idea of planning a wedding celebration entirely without fresh flowers!  And have found some great ideas for wedding flower alternatives online. We are excited to share them and hope you are just as inspired as we are.  Please add comments with your favorite finds and ideas!

Bouquet Alternative

The beyond adorable button bouquet debuted on the wedding scene some time ago but has continued to gain in popularity each year. It’s one of our favorite bouquet alternatives because it lasts forever and can easily be crafted with vintage or recycled materials. The options for color, texture and style are endless. We especially love this bold and sweet bouquet in shades of purple. To view this bouquet and many more visit the online store of Miss Jennifer Rae.  And for more fantastic ideas read about 17 wedding bouquet alternatives from our friends at OffbeatBride.com

Boutonniere Alternative

Why not design an alternative boutonniere using elements that resonate with your guy. We love this starfish boutonniere created by the Fritts Rosenow shop and envision it at a beach wedding or for a groom who loves the ocean.  Looking for more ideas?  View more photos of boutonniere alternatives at The Bizzy Bride Blog

Flower Girl Alternative

Who says a flower girl has to toss petals as she walks down the aisle? Consider this darling parasol instead. It’s not only a distinct look but also serves as a keepsake gift for her. Read the DIY instructions on how to adorn the parasol at Plan Your Wedding Bootcamp Blog.

Ring Bearer Alternative

We recommend a mini boutonniere to complement what the adults are wearing. However, if you also want something along the lines of a pillow to carry the rings we love the idea of a stuffed animal. Read more about this idea we discovered on The Knot.com

Corsage

And for any other persons of honor, adorn them with fabric flowers worn on the lapel, in the hair or on the wrist. We found this gorgeous, handmade flower brooch in the online accessories shop called Designed by Tijusai

Whether your vision for wedding day fashion is a gorgeous gown or a stunning suit we have great news for you. You can find bridal attire that is also kind to the planet! Every day we are excited to learn that more and more clothing designers are dedicated to working with eco-friendly fabrics. And we found several companies online that focus entirely on wedding day attire. Check out three of our favorite eco-wedding brands and be inspired:

Threadhead Creations

We absolutely love the handmade gowns by Threadhead Creations. Choose from ready to ship, made-to-order or totally custom but the best news is that all of their dresses are crafted with sustainable, natural fiber fabrics.  If you’re looking for a wearable work of art consider this strapless, a-line dress. It’s handcrafted in natural hemp and the one-of-a-kind panel in the front makes it extraordinary. This gown, named April, is just one example of what they do. To shop all the gorgeous and green options visit ThreadheadCreations.com 

Conscious Clothing

Since 1995 Conscious Clothing has been creating unique wedding gowns from hemp blend fabrics chosen for their beauty, drape, texture and planet-friendliness.  Fabric options include a hemp/silk blend, a hemp/silk floral jacquard and a hemp/silk satin.  For the pure Vegan, a hemp/tencel blend is also available.  They are dedicated to the green wedding movement and believe that choosing a natural fiber for your wedding day attire is honoring not only the commitment to your partner, but also the sacred connection to our planet. We love this one shoulder Melisae Dress but the options are endless!  They also offer gorgous suits, shirts and neckties made from hemp! To view the entire collection go to GetConscious.com

Poetic Justice

The gown designers at Poetic Justice say, “The earth will bestow good karma on you and your betrothed for going green”.  And they also tout that fairsewn labor and love goes into every piece. Their collection includes four distinct gowns in eco-friendly fabrics ranging from organic cotton to hemp silk and bamboo. Our favorite for romance is Belle, a three-tiered flounce gown with stretch organic cotton and hemp silk that can be worn on or off the shoulder. To see the other stunning looks check out PoeticJusticeUSA.com

If you have already vowed to marry green, then a wedding location like Irvine Nature Center is the perfect choice for your eco-celebration.  What a combination:  breathtaking views of the Caves Valley in Maryland, a green-certified building and sustainable event details.  Irvine Nature Center is a leading environmental education center located just northwest of Baltimore on 116 acres of woods, wetlands and meadows.

Check out the gorgeous outdoor photography of these couples who chose Irvine for their wedding day:

The state-of-the-art, green building is designed to educate and inspire people to explore, respect and protect nature. Your guests will love it whether they are students, family or nature-lovers.  Plus, Irvine Nature Center is a nonprofit organization and your facility rental fee becomes a generous donation to fund ongoing educational programs. And that’s not all! When it comes to green weddings, Irvine Nature Center has an impressive list of credentials and policies:

• Approved caterers offer healthy, organic and sustainable menus and also reduce food waste and packaging.
• A green roof, full of plants, is designed to absorb water to slow run-off (and erosion) and also deflects the heat of the sun, which cools the building.
• Water is conserved with low-flow fixtures and rain barrels.
• The surrounding gardens are planted with local, native species to help support native wildlife and conserve water.
• The facility boasts a number of “green” features  including the following U.S. Green Building Council LEED guidelines:
  • Use of local materials.
  • Reduced amount of energy used and emissions produced in acquiring the materials.
  • Use of renewable, recycled and salvaged materials for flooring, lights, and cabinetry.

We hope you are inspired to “go green” with your wedding venue. To find a list of eco-friendly wedding venues around the country go to Eco-Wedding.org.  For more photos and information on green weddings at Irvine Nature Center, visit ExploreNature.org

Special thanks to the folks at Irvine Nature Center and the wedding photographers who shared their images for being part of our blog.

Image credits: couple gazing into field – Mick Lerlop, couple lying on bench – Wendy Hickok, couple by tree – Fola Adewole.