Danielle and Rich were married at Brooklyn Winery in Brooklyn, N.Y. on August 18. “I had gone to Brooklyn Winery with a girlfriend one day, and they were hosting a wedding and thought, ‘Wow, what a different and interesting venue,’” Danielle said. “After we became engaged, we went to check it out more, and the place felt like it took our personalities and created an event space with it! The materials they use, their approach with food and wine, the decor — everything felt so natural to us!” Danielle walked down the aisle wearing a sweetheart lace wedding gown with an illusion neckline to a string trio playing an unchained melody, while Rich stood waiting patiently wearing a classic black tuxedo and gray tie. Fun fact: They were married by the bride’s sister! “I definitely didn’t think I would cry but just the feeling of so much love and support with our closest family and friends being there made me melt,” she said. Above, hung cafe lights and garland, and below on banquet tables, was vintage china and sprigs of rosemary at each place setting. “We chose to have a dessert bar featuring our favorite Brooklyn vendors,” Danielle said. “We picked mini doughnuts from Dough based in Clinton Hill and insanely delicious pies from Butter & Scotch. We served them out with kraft take out boxes stamped with our initials and wedding date.” Their first dance? Chris Cornell’s cover song to Led Zeppelin’s “Thank You.”

You might also love these real weddings:

• Margaret & Christopher’s Ohio Country Club Wedding
• Lisa & Christian’s California Summer Brewery Wedding  
• Monique & Karl’s Eco-Friendly Historic Home Wedding

The post Natural Eco-Friendly Summer Winery Wedding in New York appeared first on WeddingWire: The Blog.

Have you set your wedding budget yet? If not, that’s okay! Don’t stress because WeddingWire’s SpringBook 2014 offers fun facts about the average spending per wedding by state, figures on how to break it down by vendor category, money-saving tips from the experts, and a tipping guide with a few rules that you should keep in mind when it comes time to show your appreciation.

The post The Ultimate Wedding Budget Guide appeared first on WeddingWire: The Blog.

Christie and Mark were married in a traditional Catholic mass ceremony at St. Vincent de Paul Church followed by a reception at James Leary Flood Mansion in San Francisco, Calif. on December 28. “We ended up picking our wedding venue really quickly because the moment we walked in, we were so blown away that we couldn’t even look at anything else,” Christie said. “We could imagine our big day there, and it just felt right. Also, the view of the Golden Gate Bridge didn’t hurt!” She wore a sweetheart lace a-line wedding gown, accessorized with an off-the-shoulder overlay and ivory sash, while the bridesmaids blushed in their long pink chiffon dresses. Groomsmen looked dapper in classic black tuxedos, accessorized with bow ties. “Our favorite moment was when we said our vows to each other,” she said. “A wedding is just one day, but those vows will last a lifetime.” The glamorous reception featured tall candelabra centerpieces overflowing with hydrangeas and roses, bells were placed at each setting with a guests’ name, and a box of chocolates too. The dance floor was even lit with snowflakes! “Larry Lynch and The Mob really brought the house down, and everyone was dancing all night long,” Christie said. “See everyone have so much fun really made my day.”

You might also love these real weddings:

• Kathy & Chris’ California Country Club Wedding
• Ashley & Kevin’s Mad Men-Inspired Virginia Wedding
• Lauren & Michael’s South Carolina Loft Wedding 

The post Glamorous Pink and Gold Winter Historic Mansion Wedding in California appeared first on WeddingWire: The Blog.

Photo: Kip Dawkins Photography; Styling: Marcie Blough

Life’s most memorable moments post-wedding often take place at home. Not sure what you’ll need? Get inspired by WeddingWire’s SpringBook 2014′s registry checklists full of essentials for any lifestyle such as the fresh starters, small-space dwellers, design junkies, and health gurus as well as any occasion such as a backyard BBQ, formal dinner party, lazy Sunday brunch, and romantic retreat.

The post Registry 101: The Items You’ll Need For Any Lifestyle And Occasion appeared first on WeddingWire: The Blog.

Kristina and Will were married at the White Orchid Beach House in Wailea-Makena, Hawaii on October 14 — all the way from Australia. The bride wore a sweetheart ruched a-line wedding gown, accessorized with a headband in her loose curls, while the groom wore a gray vest and pants, accessorized with argyle socks. Bridesmaids looked oh-so lovely in navy blue chiffon dresses and carried bouquets of all-white roses, orchids, and calla lilies. As intimate as the ceremony was overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the reception was even more so lit with a crystal chandelier, paper lanterns, and candles. Not to mention the palm trees! Each place setting featured a “thank you” tin for guests to take home with them. Can you guess what was inside? Well, it’s a secret.

You might also love these real weddings:

• Deniz & Khoa’s Turks and Caicos Beach Wedding
• Sara & Nick’s Preppy South Carolina Beach Wedding
• Hilary & Gerardo’s Florida Destination Beach Wedding

The post Romantic Navy Blue and White Fall Beach Wedding in Hawaii appeared first on WeddingWire: The Blog.

Photo: Rachel May Photography; Event Planner and Designer: Ashlee Virginia Events 

Over the next few weeks, we will be sharing bits and pieces of content from WeddingWire’s SpringBook 2014, starting with this exclusive Brunch and Bubbly bridal shower styled shoot! Bookmark this now ‘maids, who are in spring weddings, because this theme isn’t complete without a bottomless mimosa bar, cinnamon roll pops, and of course, a make-your-own bouquet station.

The post Brunch- and Bubbly-Themed Bridal Shower Styled Shoot appeared first on WeddingWire: The Blog.

Kristena and Ryan were married outside on Grand Newport Plaza followed by a reception inside Celebrations in Costa Mesa, Calif. on November 2. Fun fact: The bride is also our very own Apple Blossom from Bridal Buds! “My husband and I fell in love with it as soon as we toured the grounds,” Kristena said. “I think the one thing about it was that it was unique, and we loved that we could have the ceremony and reception in one place without having our guests travel.” She wore a sweetheart ruffled ball gown, accessorized with a jeweled sash and pair of black Badgley Mischka petal t-strap high heels, while the groom wore a black tuxedo, accessorized with a white tie. A favorite moment? “The first look!” she said. “When I came down the staircase and saw my husband standing there waiting for me, I was so excited. Seeing his expression was worth all the nerves and craziness up to that point.” Following the nuptials, guests were asked to fill out “We Say” advice cards, tables were decorated with black linens and red roses centerpieces, and a candy bar was filled with taffy, gummies, cake pops, and chocolates, which also doubled as favors. “It was the perfect item for them to take home with them after the night,” Kristena said.

You might also love these real weddings:

• Veronica & Doyin’s Downtown Annapolis Hotel Wedding
• Mei & Dan’s Wyoming Winter Teepee Wedding
• Katie & Daniel’s Rustic Fall South Carolina Wedding

The post Classic Black and Red Fall Plaza Wedding in California appeared first on WeddingWire: The Blog.

Photo: Stacey Hedman Photography

Yesterday, we launched our fourth e-magazine, WeddingWire’s SpringBook 2014. As you can tell by the cover, it’s real-life couple Amy and Michael from one of the four featured real weddings inside. But that’s not all — some of our favorite sections? Check out our exclusive Brunch and Bubbly bridal shower styled shoot and get the lowdown on how to plan your own with a Kentucky Derby, Farm-to-Table, Girly Glam Gathering, or April Showers theme, find out where to register if you’re small-space dweller, design junkie, heath guru, or fresh starter, and complete your wedding day look with pretty little accessories all under $150. Need help finding your venue? We’ve got 20 amazing garden venues and the ultimate money-saving tips from the experts that can streamline your decision-making process. We even reached out to WeddingWire Facebook and forum users to see how they popped the question. Bonus: A look at the engagement rings they are rocking too!

The post Our Favorite Wedding Inspiration in WeddingWire’s SpringBook! appeared first on WeddingWire: The Blog.

Kati and Christopher were married at Devil’s Thumb Ranch in Tabernash, Col. on May 31. “Christopher has been visiting Winter Park with his family since he was a child,” Kati said. “As we approached the main lodge on the dirt road to Devil’s Thumb Ranch, we both started laughing right then and there. With a beautiful surrounding meadow and the continental divide as its backdrop, we both knew it was the perfect place for our wedding.” She wore an ivory cotton lace mermaid wedding gown, accessorized with a statement necklace and scallop-edged platform pumps, while the groom wore a tan suit, accessorized with a tie and sneakers. Bridesmaids posed arm-in-arm in their pastel dresses in different styles in the woods before the ceremony! “The moment we remember so well is reciting our vows to each other in front of our closet family and friends with the breathtaking backdrop behind us,” she said. “It was in this moment that the entire wedding came together for us.” Notice the “Best Day Ever” letters that hung over the altar? Inside the barn, tables were decorated with burlap runners, centerpieces filled with garden roses, astilbes, and larkspurs and glitter numbers. The newlyweds’ best advice? “Breathe. Make sure that it’s your day. You only get it once, and it happens in a blink, so enjoy every second of it.”

You might also love these real weddings:

• Andrea & Daniel’s Pastel Vintage Plantation Wedding
• Emily & Derek’s Texas Spring Brunch Wedding
• Jacquelyn & Sean’s Peach California Ranch Wedding  

The post Rustic Pastel Spring Ranch Wedding in Colorado appeared first on WeddingWire: The Blog.

Photo: Tirzah Photography

Can you guess where these two lovebirds got engaged? In front of Rockefeller Center’s Christmas tree in New York City! The day of the proposal, Ashley and Scott had made surprise plans for each other. Beginning with a scavenger hunt leading to “The World’s Best Cup of Coffee” restaurant from the movie Elf,  Empire State Building, ice skating in Central Park, and ending with a celebratory dinner at Asiate overlooking Columbus Circle. Read more here if you want to know what the engagement ring looks like. (Hint: it’s a colored gemstone.)

The post Real North Carolina Proposal Story: Ashley and Scott appeared first on WeddingWire: The Blog.

Tricia and Dave were married at Stone Bridge Farms in Cullman, Ala. on February 20 — a Wednesday! “It had a beautiful rustic interior, combined with a dreamy Southern landscape,” Tricia said. “Their all-inclusive service was important to us as we were planning the wedding in a different country (I was backpacking through Europe) and state (he lived in New York).” The bride wore an a-line wedding gown with lace straps, while bridesmaids wore gray dresses with illusion necklines. “I loved the little personalities in my wedding outfit,” she said. “Particularly, the yellow buttons that my mum sewed ontp [my white peacoat] the night before. . .I treasure the crocheted ensemble made by our good friend and owner of Fiction Stitches, who made the girls’ cowls, plus the cardigan and that gorgeous hooded poncho for her children, the flower girl and ring bearer.” Guests were greeted inside with a sign that said, “Yay! You’re here! If you’re feeling a little chilly, please wrap your hands around a warm cup of hot chocolate. . . Mmmm.” As Tricia walked down the aisle, everything slowed down, the door swung open, and she had the biggest grin on her face, followed by tears. “There’s a photo of my husband wiping his eye at that moment, and he still maintains to this day that he was ‘scratching it.’” Tricia said. The reception was lit with hanging mason jars and votive candles and decorated with burlap table runners and centerpieces filled with yellow ranunculuses, dahlias, roses, and succulents. The entertainment and desserts? A do-it-yourself photo booth complete with props and cupcakes!

You might also love these real weddings:

• Brandy & Brock’s California Summer Ranch Wedding
• Katie & Andy’s Rustic Gray and Yellow Michigan Barn Wedding
• Emily & Alex’s Maryland Fall Farm Wedding

The post Rustic Gray and Yellow Winter Farm Wedding in Alabama appeared first on WeddingWire: The Blog.

If you’re planning a wedding in the Baltimore area, there’s only one place you need to be this Sunday – FS Weds: A Wedding Showcase at the Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore! You’ll be able to meet some of Baltimore’s most talented wedding professionals and have the opportunity to win lots of fabulous prizes! And bring your future spouse and family members, too – there will be a Groom’s Lounge and a Mother-of-the-Bride Room just for them.

The event starts at 2 p.m. this Sunday, but VIPs can get exclusive first access starting at 11:30am with a special luncheon. The VIP lunch includes an amazing swag bag, and a multi-course luncheon (with champagne, of course!). VIPs will also enjoy a special wedding-planning panel featuring renowned wedding experts, including planner extraordinaire Marcy Blum and our very own Kim Forrest, editor here at WeddingWire.

General admission tickets are $25, and VIP tickets are $85.  Click here for more information or to purchase tickets! See you Sunday!

The post Baltimore Couples: Join Us at FS Weds: A Wedding Showcase! appeared first on WeddingWire: The Blog.

 Photos (from left to right): Cory Ryan Photography

A wedding cake isn’t complete without a topper! Whether it’s a tiny version of you and your significant other in the shape of a silhouette or form of a family heirloom, a crafty bunting banner, animals (like pigs, hedgehogs, giraffes, or birds — yes, we’ve seen them all), or as simple as fresh flowers, you’ll want to browse our photo gallery for even more inspiration.

The post 60 Totally Stylish Toppers For Your Wedding Cake appeared first on WeddingWire: The Blog.

Niki and Stephen were married at Sarchet Event Center in Platteville, Colo. on August 16. The bride wore a lace bodice a-line wedding gown, accessorized with a pair of Badgley Mischka jeweled peep-toe pumps, while her bridesmaids wore turquoise dresses with illusion halter necklines. Their red bouquets featured roses and dahlias. Guests were greeted with a “You have my whole heart for my whole life” sign and paper fans to keep cool. During the outdoor ceremony underneath the garden’s gazebo, they combined different colored jars of sand into an hourglass to symbolize their unity. Portraits were then taken amongst the free range and prairie as the sun was minutes away from setting. Bonus: golden hour! You won’t want to miss the AMAZING sparkler send off too.

You might also love these real weddings:

• Sydney & Alex’s Blue Summer Maryland Inn Wedding
• Lauren & Guy’s Rustic Spring Texas Ranch Wedding
• Holly & Dan’s Turquoise Fall Arizona Wedding  

The post Turquoise and Red Summer Garden Wedding in Colorado appeared first on WeddingWire: The Blog.

Photo: Leah Marie Photography

Can you guess where these two lovebirds got engaged? On a hot air balloon! It only made sense that Floriza and Reycie incorporated an “up, up and away” theme into their engagement session. ”We wanted to reenact a fun, picnic scene in a secluded park,” she said. White netting hung from an oak tree to create a canopy; inside, were decorative pillows, blankets, and books, and outside, were fresh strawberries, cheese and crackers, chocolate cupcakes, and a bottle of raspberry champagne. Let’s not forget the bicycle too! View more photos here.

The post Real California Engagement Photos: Floriza and Reycie appeared first on WeddingWire: The Blog.