Emily and Sean were married in a traditional church ceremony at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary followed by a reception at Houston Station in Nashville, Tenn. on July 12.  “It was the one for us because we knew we could make the space our own,” Emily said. “It has its own unique feel with the wood beams and brick walls; yet, at the same time, it was such a transformative space. We loved the coffee shop in the venue, Noteable Blends. It was also minutes away from downtown.” The bride wore a silk ball gown with an illusion lace neckline, accessorized with her hair in an updo, floor-length veil, and a pair of jeweled Ivanka Trump peep-toe high heels, while the groom wore a black tuxedo, accessorized with a matching bow tie and cumberbund. Bridesmaids wore long purple chiffon dresses in various necklines and carried bouquets of roses, hydrangeas, anemones, astilbe, and dusty miller wrapped in ribbons. “I cannot stop thinking about when they opened the doors at the church to begin the walk down the aisle,” she said. “It was such a flood of emotions seeing my soon-to-be husband and all of our loved ones there to witness our matrimony. Sean and I waited to see each other until this moment, and once I saw him, it was truly worth the wait!” Fun fact: a live artist painted the entire scene! Cocktail hour began with an assortment of spirits. Dinner came shortly thereafter inside the renovated train station. Tables were decorated with gray linens, white napkins, mercury glass centerpieces, and votive candles, surrounded by chiavari chairs. “It’s hard to pick just three details,” Emily said. “The flowers were stunning and classic. They seemed to accent the space so well, and they were fresh, crisp, and light. The arrangement of them throughout was beautifully done. They were accented around a hanging menu by the buffet line, below and around my cake, and also draped across the long head table.” Even a monogrammed gobo was projected onto the dance floor! The newlyweds’ best advice? “Keep your focus on what is important,” she said. “The purpose of your wedding is to marry the love of your life. The details, logistics, and families can be tough and stressful at times, but focusing on the fact that your wedding is the start of the rest of your life together is so important. And if you can, get a wedding planner! It can make a difference in the planning a great experience and a not-so-great experience. It certainly did for me.” At the end of the night, they jetted off to their honeymoon in Antigua.

You might also love these real weddings:

• Elizabeth & Andrew’s Elegant South Carolina Estate Wedding
• Catherine & Joey’s Waterfront Maryland Historic Manor Wedding
• Brenda & Mark’s Intimate California Villa Wedding

The post Elegant Purple and Green Summer Loft Wedding in Tennessee appeared first on WeddingWire: The Blog.

The 87th Academy Awards this past Sunday was a who’s who of Hollywood A-listers. We watched major stars walked the red carpet in custom couture and head-turning gowns fit for celebrity royalty. With our eyes glued to the hours of coverage, we came across many looks that could work for a variety of wedding events. From bridal showers to black-tie affairs, there was something on the red carpet for everyone involved in a wedding. Take a look at our round-up of looks inspired by the stars themselves. Oh, and they’re all available for purchase. Happy shopping!

The post 10 Oscars Looks That Are Perfect For Your Next Wedding Event appeared first on WeddingWire: The Blog.

Jaimie and Aaron were married at the Oakwood Resort in Syracuse, Ind. on September 27. “I loved that we could have everything at one place: accommodations, rehearsal dinner, ceremony, and reception,” Jaimie said. “They even had a salon, so I could get my hair and makeup done without leaving the venue. It was convenient to be able to be there from Friday afternoon to Sunday morning. And it was pet-friendly, which was must.” The bride wore a v-neck lace fit ‘n’ flare wedding gown with a keyhole back, accessorized with her hair in an updo, feather headpiece, and a pair of comfy flats, while the groom wore a black suit, accessorized with a tie. Bridesmaids wore short mint chiffon dresses and carried bouquets of roses, amaranthus, stock, and caspia. “I utterly loved my dress,” she said. “It was exactly what I was hoping for. I wanted a very classic Audrey Hepburn/Grace Kelly/Princess Kate/ look, but couldn’t find that concept anywhere until I stumbled upon pre-owned wedding dresses’ website.” Guests were greeted with a chalkboard sign that said, “order of ceremony: music starts, we get married, and everyone parties.” Once the exchanging of vows were sealed with a kiss underneath an arch draped in fabric, it was official, with almost 125 witnessing. “It was such a beautiful day, and the pictures turned out perfect,” Jaimie said. “The major detail I couldn’t control was the weather. Of course, I was freaking out about it. But the day came, and the sun was shining, and the water was sparkling. It was 80 degrees! I honestly couldn’t have asked for anything more.” Cocktail hour began followed by the reception shortly thereafter in the ballroom. Tables were decorated with white linens, black napkins, vintage vase and vessel centerpieces, lanterns, tea cup candles, and guest libs at each place setting. “My absolute favorite detail was that we had our two huskies,” she said. “They mean the world to us and to include them in our special day was a must from the beginning.” In lieu of a traditional guest book, everyone was asked to share their favorite date idea with the new Mr. and Mrs. A two-tiered purple ombre cake was cut and served for dessert concluding dinner. In addition, there was also cupcakes. The newlyweds’ best advice? “At some point, you have to stop using Pinterest!” Jaimie said. “There are many great, beautiful, and cost-efficient ideas, and it’s so easy to just keep pinning and adding more and more concepts to incorporate into your big day. It came to the point where I had to stop going on it at all. I couldn’t see any more ideas of pictures that I had to have. This helped me focus myself on what really needed to be done instead of continually adding extras that weren’t a necessity.” At the end of the night, they opted for a kiss on a boat.

You might also love these real weddings:

• Liza & Wyatt’s Lakeside Louisiana Backyard Wedding
• Tori & Wade’s Lakeside Florida Mansion Wedding
• Erinn & Brian’s Lakeside New York Inn Wedding

The post Lakeside Lavender and Mint Fall Resort Wedding in Indiana appeared first on WeddingWire: The Blog.

Photo by Michael Anthony Photography

Having trouble coming up with a clever #hashtag to forever commemorate your nuptials on social media? Introducing WeddingWire’s coolest (and maybe most addictive) new tool: the Wedding Hashtag Generator. Just fill out a quick form with some basic facts about your wedding day and—voila—an endless stream of hashtag options customized just for you. Choose your favorite and let the wedding ‘gramming begin! #awesome.

The post The New Wedding Hashtag Generator! appeared first on WeddingWire: The Blog.

Shelly and Jeff were married in a traditional church ceremony at United Methodist followed by a reception at Lincoln Hills Golf Club in Ludington, Mich. on October 25. “We were comfortable in the space; it was elegant but not too snooty,” Shelly said. “We loved that they were okay with our dogs making an appearance. Not a lot of places were flexible on pets, and our boys were a big part of the day.” The bride wore a strapless ball gown with a black bodice and silk skirt, accessorized with her hair in an updo and a pair of strappy high heels, while the groom wore a black tuxedo, accessorized with a bow tie. Bridesmaids wore mix ‘n’ matched long chiffon dresses in various necklines and carried bouquets of roses. “Archie, our 2-year-old yellow labrador retriever walked with the ring bearer and Bear, our 7-year-old black labrador retriever walked me down the aisle with my father,” she said. Once the exchanging of vows were sealed with a kiss, it was official, almost 150 witnessing. The ballroom was “spookified” for the upcoming Halloween holiday. Tables were decorated with white linens, feather centerpieces, black cobwebs, and candelabras, surrounded by upholstered chairs. Even paper bats hung from the ceiling! “My maid of honor’s speech,” Shelly said. “She has been my best friend for many years, and we are total opposites. She is very shy, and I was expecting her to be nervous and quick. It was so moving and hilarious. People who had never met her were crying and saying what a beautiful job she did. Leslie really nailed it.” A two-tiered fondant-frosted cake was cut and served for dessert concluding dinner. In addition, there was also cake pops, cupcakes, fruit tarts, and popcorn. The newlyweds’ best advice? “Don’t get caught up in every little tiny detail,” she said. “Everyone kept telling us this, and it’s such hard advice to take. No one remembers all of the tiny details, they remember how happy you looked together. If you get too stressed out, it will be harder to relax and enjoy yourself.” At the end of the night, they jetted off to their honeymoon in Thailand.

You might also love these real weddings:

• Lindsey & Skyler’s Pumpkin-Filled Missouri Winery Wedding
• Brittney & Matthew’s Southern Virginia Estate Wedding
• Alyssa & Andrew’s Rustic Michigan Zoo Wedding

The post Halloween-Themed Fall Golf Club Wedding in Michigan appeared first on WeddingWire: The Blog.

Just engaged? It’s party time! And we’re not talking about the wedding (yet). The engagement party is the first, but certainly not the last time, your family members and close friends will celebrate you and your future spouse. It’s usually a relatively casual, fun event, where all of your nearest and dearest can mix and mingle, but there can be some engagement party etiquette issues that arise. Check out these tips to planning a successful engagement party!

The post Engagement Party Etiquette appeared first on WeddingWire: The Blog.

Emily and Ian were married at Pack Square Park in Asheville, N.C. on October 12. “We wanted our wedding to be integrated into the combination of urban and rural landscapes that surround and make Asheville so special,” Emily said. “The Century Room was an extension of this idea. Placed certrally within downtown, it offered the perfect location for our guests. The interior with it’s beautiful wood finishes and striking beams running the length of the event space made you feel at home and comfortable, as if you were almost nestled into a North Carolina cabin for a picturesque fall night.” The bride wore a sweetheart lace a-line wedding gown with straps, accessorized with her hair in an updo, jeweled tiara, sash, and a pair of Kate Spade wedges, while the groom wore a gray suit, accessorized with a patterned tie. Bridesmaids wore long-sleeved green dresses and carried bouquets of roses, ranunculuses, berries, and seeded eucalyptus. “The moment we saw each other for the first time, and all the emotion that had been building for months spilled over,” she said. “It was really happening. It was incredible because only the two of us shared it (along with our awesome photographers).” The ceremony took place at 5 o’clock. Guests, approximately 90, sat in white folding padded chairs organized in a half-circle to witness the exchanging of vows before it was official! Fun fact: they each wrote their own! Cocktail hour began followed by the reception shortly thereafter. Tables were decorated with white linens, red runners, mercury glass centerpieces, and votive candles. “Our first dance was to ‘Higher and Higher’ by Jackie Wilson, a la Ghostbusters 2,” Emily said. In lieu of a traditional cake, there was a groom’s cake as well as cupcakes. “It was of Ian’s beloved cake Gandalf holding a University of Florida flag,” she said. The newlyweds’ best advice? “First, make a decision and move on,” Emily said. “It’s so easy to get overwhelmed with so many options and that just adds unneeded stress. Secondly, the day of the wedding most things can’t be changed or fixed. Allows this to relax you and just stay in the moment with the person you’re marrying for as long as possible.” At the end of the night, they jetted off to their honeymoon in Charleston.

You might also love these real weddings:

• Samantha & Gibson’s Shabby Chic North Carolina Barn Wedding
• Jessica & Brent’s Handmade North Carolina Backyard Wedding
• Erica & Barkley’s Modern North Carolina Art Center Wedding

The post Rustic Multicolored Fall Park Wedding in North Carolina appeared first on WeddingWire: The Blog.

Photo courtesy of: Invitation Only 

Grandma’s kitchen — there’s something about this time of year that makes our stomachs a little more excited for comfort food. Think: oven-roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and green been casserole! But what about at winter weddings? We asked four real caterers on the crowd-pleasing homemade favorites, from hors d’ouevres to entrees, that guests will most likely gobble up in mere seconds. Read more here.

The post Mini Winter Wedding Menu Ideas From Grandma’s Kitchen appeared first on WeddingWire: The Blog.

Jenna and Michael were married at Riverhorse on Main in Park City, Utah on June 21. The bride wore a strapless sweetheart satin mermaid wedding gown with a tiered, ruffled skirt, accessorized with her hair in an updo, fingertip-length veil, and a pair of Sam Edelman high heels with ankle straps, while the groom wore a navy blue suit, accessorized with a tie. Bridesmaids wore mix ‘n’ matched long chiffon dresses and carried bouquets of peonies, ranunculuses, and seeded eucalyptus. Fun fact: Each one wore a piece of gemstone jewelry that came from local artist Katie Waltman. The ceremony took place at the Town Lift Bridge overlooking the scenic Wasatch Mountains. Even the ski lift ran overhead! Guests were greeted with wooden pews, aisle markers featuring quotes like “she loves him for always wanting one more kiss” and “she loves his voice,” and an altar before the fence. Once the exchanging of vows were sealed with a kiss, it was official! “Jenna is a professional wedding planner in Park City, so I was excited to see the decor when I entered the reception,” Melissa Kelsey of Melissa Kelsey Photography said. “The space features brick walls, dark wood floors, and a hanging glass orb ceiling installation.” Tables were decorated with gray linens, black napkins, geometric terrariums filled with wire numbers, geodes atop moss, votive candles, and rock candy wands, which served double-duty as favors, surrounded by cross-back chairs. “The color palette was ery sophisticated,” she said. “It was just so unforced, layered, and not matchy — rich red, soft purple, marine blue, metallic gold, a little pink.” Dinner included a baby spinach salad, warm goat cheese flatbread, vegetarian tofu, and lemon pepper pasta primavera. A two-tiered fondant-frosted cake was cut and served for dessert along with honey ice cream. At the end of the night, an after-party continued downstairs with even more dancing!

You might also love these real weddings:

• Lindsey & Jordan’s Cheerful Utah Garden Wedding
• Sarah & Matt’s Seattle Skyline Restaurant Wedding
• Jessica & Ross’ Modern Rooftop Missouri Wedding

The post Urban Jewel Tone Summer Restaurant Wedding in Utah appeared first on WeddingWire: The Blog.

Photo: Krista A. Jones Photography

After a year of planning and prepping, I FINALLY got married on September 20, 2014! And guess what? My mother and father were right when they said, “It goes by so fast. Really, really fast. Take a deep breath, loosen up, and enjoy it while it lasts.” Because I wish I could do it all over again (and again). In order to keep the post-big day blues away, find out how to deal with your withdrawal here.

The post 15 Ways To Deal With Those Post-Big Day Blues appeared first on WeddingWire: The Blog.

Kristen and Kris were married in a traditional church ceremony at St. William of York Catholic followed by a reception at the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore, Md. on June 8.  “They planned one of the most unique and fun wedding days I have ever been a part of,” Brittani Croft of Britt Croft Photography said. “They did a great job prioritizing their faith and choosing a sacred ceremony space, while also showing their guests a true glimpse into their colorful personalities.” The bride wore a v-neck tea-length wedding gown with short sleeves, accessorized with her hair in an updo, finger-tip length veil, and a pair of peep-toe slingbacks, while the groom wore a three-piece gray suit, accessorized with a tie. Bridesmaids wore short yellow chiffon dresses and carried bouquets of roses, gerber daisies, berries, and dusty millers. Guests were greeted with a kraft paper bag filled with local trivia and treats. Once the exchanging of vows were sealed with a kiss, it was official! They exited out as everyone waved ribbons wands in the air. “The American Visionary Art Museum was one of the coolest venues I have ever shot in,” she said. “From the prime location, being just across from Federal Hill and the Inner Harbor, to the sculptures, gardens, exposed brick, and art displayed throughout, there was already so many great things for the eye to explore.” Tables were decorated with gray linens, white napkins, mason jar centerpieces, and votive candles, surrounded by folding padded chairs. Notice the paper pom poms hanging from the ceiling too? “My favorite element was their beautiful cake and the fabric backdrop behind it,” Croft said. “Their sweet bunting topper turly was the icing on it. . . the day really came together just as Kristen and Kris hoped.”

You might also love these real weddings:

• Meg & Brandon’s Vintage Georgia Plantation Wedding
• Jill & Rich’s Modern Colorado Museum Wedding
• Kelly & Will’s Vintage Tennessee Farm Wedding

The post Eclectic Gray and Yellow Spring Museum Wedding in Maryland appeared first on WeddingWire: The Blog.

This past Valentine’s Day Weekend one of our favorite pop singers, Lady Gaga, got engaged! Her actor/model boyfriend of four years, Taylor Kinney, proposed with a stunning heart-shaped ring. Gaga is well-known for her unique and jaw-dropping red-carpet looks, making us super curious about what she’ll opt to wear down the aisle. After sifting through some fall 2015 bridal market looks, we rounded up a few bridal looks that only mother monster would be able to pull off.

The post 12 Wedding Day Looks Lady Gaga Could Totally Pull Off appeared first on WeddingWire: The Blog.

Joshua and Christopher were married in a ceremony at the Thomas Jefferson Memorial followed by a reception at Woodend Sanctuary in Washington, D.C. and Chevy Chase, Md. on June 21. “There was no other choice of site,” Joshua said. “Being able to get married in our nation’s capital at our favorite monuement, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, meant the world to us. What really made the venue perfect for us was how the house and surrounding grounds flowed together. The simple and natural feel of it all spoke to us.” The grooms wore different custom-made three-piece suits with floral patterned ties. One wore a navy blue, while the other one wore tan. “We loved them,” he said. “Everything from the beautiful lining to the distinctive buttons and lapel pins made the suits stunning. They fit us perfectly, and we felt like a million bucks.” Guests, approximately 145, sat in white folding padded chairs organized in a half-circle to witness the exchanging of vows before it was official! “Walking down the grand staircase and being announced to our family and friends while they cheered for us was just the most surreal, wonderful moment,” Joshua said. “It felt great to shake off the formalities of the day, greet everyone, and thank them for being there to celebrate with us.” Cocktail hour began on the 40-acre property that dates back to 1699. Fun fact: It was designed by architect, John Russell Pope. “We were just tickled with the food,” he said. “The hors d’oeuvres were so unique and tasty! There were smoked trout puffs, onion tartlets, and sausages wrapped in pastries to name a few. Laura did such a great job of finding Finnish foods.” Tables were decorated with white linens and napkins, moss centerpieces and numbers, lanterns, and koozies, which served double-duty as favors, at each place setting. “There was no specific color scheme,” Joshua said. “We just wanted to have the feel of blues, purples, and pinks of the wildflowers. Our florist, Suzann, embraced our theme when we first spoke with her. Her vision and enthusiasm brought everything into harmony, making it feel as if we were celebrating our midsummer wedding in Finland.” A two-tiered buttercream-frosted cake was cut and served for dessert. In lieu of a traditional guest book, locks were placed onto a wire window panel. The newlyweds’ best advice? “Break in your shoes, but really the best advice that we received and that we want to pass on is to enjoy planning together — every bit of it,” he said. “It took us eight months to plan a wedding that lasted a fleeting three days. We made so many memories getting to know our vendors, exploring ideas, and playing off each others’ strengths to come up with an amazing weekend. Your wedding is just one perfect day, but your time planning is an adventure.”

You might also love these real weddings:

• Kyle & Kaylan’s Classic Carnegie Institution DC Wedding
• Rich & Michael’s Plaid-Themed Virginia Plantation Wedding
• Blair & Jeff’s Art Deco Georgia Historic Home Wedding

The post Scenic Finland-Inspired Summer Memorial Wedding in Washington, DC appeared first on WeddingWire: The Blog.

Photo Courtesy of Branches Event Floral

Congrats on your engagement! You’ve probably been showered with well-wishes since saying “yes!” and, if you’re really lucky, someone has even been generous enough to host an official engagement celebration. This will be the first in a series of events leading up to the big day itself, so live it up! Pretty up the party with festive details like custom cocktail napkins, party horns, a cool tablescape, or a fun beverage display. Head over to our roundup of engagement party decor ideas for a little inspiration.

The post Engagement Party Inspiration appeared first on WeddingWire: The Blog.

Kirsten and Jesse were married at the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club in Stevensville, Md. on July 12.  “Jesse and I love the water and spend a lot of time boating, fishing, and crabbing,” Kirsten said. “When we walked out onto the Beach House lawn and looked out to see the Bay Bridge, we knew it was the one! The view was just stunning. We loved how the Tavern also overlooked the Chesapeake Bay with huge sliding glass windows. Even the reception ballroom too.” The bride wore a strapless mermaid Vera Wang wedding gown, accessorized with her hair in an updo, floor-length veil, sash, and a pair of Jimmy Choo peep-toe wedges, while the groom wore a tan suit, accessorized with a matching bow tie and pocket square. Bridesmaids wore short navy blue Lily Pulitzer dresses and carried bouquets of roses and hydrangeas. Guests were greeted with aisles lined with the letters K and J as well as pomanders. “The ceremony decorations were a favorite detail, done by 2hands studio, with ivory draping and three gold chandeliers hanging from various heights underneath the trellis,” she said. Once the exchanging of vows were sealed with a kiss, it was official, only 165 witnessing. Cocktail hour began with lawn games such as corn hole followed by the reception shortly thereafter. Tables were decorated with sequin chevron linens, tall centerpieces, floating votive candles, gold numbers, and menu cards at each place setting, surrounded by chiavari chairs. “The moment when I first walked into the venue the day of the wedding, I couldn’t believe how gorgeous everything was and how it had all come together,” Kirsten said. Dinner featured a mixed baby field greens salad with red and yellow teardrop tomatoes and micro flowers dressed with a balsamic vinaigrette, filet mignon paired with a jumbo lump crab cake and fresh vegetables. A four-tiered fondant-frosted cake was cut and served for dessert. But that’s not all — boxes of chocolates were also passed out as favors. “We had a flip flop station with navy blue flip flops wrapped in pink ribbon,” she said. “It was a huge hit. I would recommend a flip flop station at every wedding!” The sign in front of it even said, “A little treat for those dancing feet and for you to keep.” The newlyweds’ best advice? “To remember that the most important part of a wedding is getting to spend the rest of your life with your best friend,” Kirsten said. At the end of the night, they jetted off to their honeymoon in St. Lucia.

You might also love these real weddings:

• Starr & Chris’ Nautical Navy Blue Maryland Garden Wedding
• Lisa & Chuck’s Preppy Lakeside Minnesota Backyard Wedding
• Abigail & Timothy’s Vintage Glam Maryland Inn Wedding

The post Preppy Navy Blue and Pink Summer Beach Club Wedding in Maryland appeared first on WeddingWire: The Blog.