April 27

Cleburne, Texas

~~~~~~~~

Q & A with the Bride:

1. What was the one thing about your venue that made you know it was the one?

It was the beautiful setting with an amazing rustic, elegant barn that matched what I had always envisioned for my wedding.  I did not think I would find something like that in the North Texas area.  There were also two details that sealed the deal for us though.  The first was the owner’s story.  We loved the heart behind why they created this venue, and I loved hearing the story directly from Ann, who answered my phone call herself one morning.  The second was that they actually had an available day in April!  Because our engagement was so short, most venues laughed at me when I said that I was looking for dates available in April 2013 and not 2014.  We had prayed for God to provide us a venue, and we knew He had provided in abundance when we found Thistle Springs!  

2. Which three details from your wedding were your favorites?

The first would be the handmade decorations by my father and mother.  My father made the wooden cake stand, and the flower box used on the head table.  I burned the writing on them.  My mom created the window that had a scripture painted on it with pictures of Michael and I.  He also handcrafted a wine box with a key/lock and engraved initials.  In it we put love letters in to each other for our “first fight” to remind us of the deep love we truly have for one another.  He handpicked the wood he used with knots and imperfections as a symbol of how real life and love is, imperfect yet beautiful!  

The second thing would be the table decorations. The “thank you” cards on the plates with the “to do” list on the back were cute. I LOVED picking out all the different lanterns that were the center pieces.  It was the first decision I made on decorations.  I wanted lanterns because they were a symbol to me of what Michael and I wanted our marriage to be.  We want to have a marriage that honors God and is and light/example of His love for the world to see.

The third thing would be the floating wish/prayer lantern send off at the end of the night.  It was beautiful! Every family got to take one home as their gift so that they could choose their own special time to celebrate with a floating lantern together.  I wrote a little poem explaining it. It was fun. 

3. Give us the one moment from your wedding you can’t stop thinking about.

Michael and I lighting our floating lantern, letting it go together and then watching all the glowing lanterns float into the sky right before we left.  It was BEAUTIFUL!  

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

The post Real Wine Tasting Bachelorette Party in Napa Valley appeared first on WeddingWire: The Blog.

The post “Fete Des Fleurs” Styled Shoot appeared first on WeddingWire: The Blog.

Photo: Promise Tangeman

Bachelorette parties don’t have to center around bar crawls and embarrassing charades. Instead, think of it as an opportunity to try something new! Check out some of these unique bachelorette party ideas:

1. Back to School – Tailgate at your old stomping grounds (a.k.a university or college) for a sporting event.

2. Train for a Marathon/Triathlon – Every bride wants to eat healthy and exercise before the wedding. Register for a 5k like the Color Run or 3-day (60 miles) Susan B. Comen race to end breast cancer.

3. Skydive – This adrenaline adventure in the sky will get any bride’s heart pumping.

4. Whitewater Rafting – If the bride is more of the outdoorsy type, consider getting wet and wild down river rapids.

5. RV Cross Country – Take a week’s vacation and rent an RV with your besties. Road trip across U.S. major cities such as: New York City, Washington, D.C., Nashville, New Orleans, Dallas, Phoenix, Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

6. Pottery Making – Be a ceramic potter for a day. Ask each bridesmaid to create a piece of artwork for the bride’s home.

7. Cruise the Countryside – No, not in a car, but bikes. Choose a destination that has plenty of sight-seeing and good eats to take pit stops at.

8. Trapeze Class – Fly high before you take the plunge.

9. Boating – Hire a captain and sail the open sea.

10. Photo Shoot – Choose a theme and have a everyone dress accordingly.

Which idea would you choose? Let us know in the comments below!

The post Top 10 Out-of-the-Box Bachelorette Ideas appeared first on WeddingWire: The Blog.

August 6

Naples, Florida

~~~~~~~~

From the Event Planner: 

“The couple chose to exchange vows on the lawn of Fleischmann Park overlooking the Gulf in Downtown Naples FL.  The day could not have been more beautiful and everyone got a giggle when the flower girl tossed her basket down the aisle. A reception followed at the Naples Bay Resort where the guests dined on small plates, each representing a different borough of New York City.  Kim and Tonya knew they wanted a NYC-themed wedding to celebrate the city where they fell in love – we focused on Central Park as the inspiration for the decor. The room was filled with large plants and the centerpieces featured large trees with hanging candles and orchids. The couple surprised the guests by changing into tuxes and serving a late night snack of candied nuts and warm pretzels just as you would have on the streets of NYC.” -Kehrin Hassan, Jet Set Wed

The post Blue and Green New York City-Themed Wedding in Florida appeared first on WeddingWire: The Blog.

Photo: Morgan Trinker Photography 

Brides look forward to their last night out as a single lady before their big day. That’s why the maid of honor and bridesmaids do the honor of hosting. Not only should they decide on a date that is not the night before the wedding, (unless they want to remake the Hangover), but also pick a theme that suits the bride’s style. A typical bash drags the bride from bar to bar and makes her blush at the sight of any man. However, there are endless ways to celebrate, reminisce and of course, laugh. Start planning with some of these low-key ideas if you need help!

How are you celebrating? Let us know in the poll below!

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

The post What’s Your Bachelorette Style? appeared first on WeddingWire: The Blog.

May 6

Lyons, Colorado

~~~~~~~~

Q & A with the Bride & Groom:

What was the one thing about your venue that made you know it was the one?

We wanted a venue that provided space for our guest to have small gatherings wherein they could catch up and share stories. But we also wanted to be able to have an indoor/outdoor option that accentuated the beauty of where we live.

 Which three details from your wedding were your favorites?

Saying our vows under an umbrella as sprinkles fell around us

The groomsmen shaking things up with chivalry as they gave their coats to the bridesmaids.

The toasts from my Best Man and Cali – one of Kit’s bridesmaids.

If you could offer one piece of advice for other couples planning their wedding, what would it be?

Get as much of the big stuff out of the way early, and as you get closer to the date delegate so that you can be present with each other and family to enjoy the celebration. You can plan all you want but in the end, hold it loosely so you can enjoy the day whatever may come. Probably good advice for a marriage too.

Give us the one moment in your wedding day you can’t stop thinking about.

Kendall: I could not get through my vows without crying and for all attempts to keep it together I just let the tears come and smiled my way through it as Kit tried not to cry, looking into my water-filled eyes. Plenty of tears and laughter throughout.

Kit: Saying our vows and holding hands was a moment I will always remember. Looking into his eyes knowing that this was it for the rest of our lives and vowing to create a beautiful partnership through all the good and the bad is something I hold so close to my heart. Our first dance “When It Don’t come Easy” by Patty Griffin was the epitome of what our marriage is and continues to become. He is my best friend and I couldn’t imagine life without him!!

The post Rustic and Eclectic Wedding Celebration in Colorado appeared first on WeddingWire: The Blog.

Los Angeles
On Monday, March 25, 2013 from 4-8PM, the Wedding Salon hosted its 8^th Annual Los Angeles Showcase with 1,200 in attendance at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills. Notable features included: cake tastings by Hansen’s Cakes (Tori Spelling’s favorite), gowns by Nicole Miller, Winnie Couture, BHLDN and more. There was a suite created just by TAO Group with photo booths and a DJ spinning all night, as well as Skinnygirl cocktails.

New York
On Monday, April 22, 2013 from 4-8PM, the Wedding Salon hosted its 9^th Annual New York Showcase with over 130 vendors participating in a one-night luxurious event at the Metropolitan Pavilion to showcase their services and products to over 2,000 brides, grooms and guests in attendance. A few of the exciting features:

• Over 30 designer gowns by Nicole Miller, Inbal Dror, and more
• Cake creations and tastings by Carlo’s Bakery of Cake Boss and over 5 other cake geniuses
• Reception Table designs from tall floral arrangements to a farm table featuring designs by The Registry @ Bloomingdale’s and  Sur La Table
• Honeymoon giveaways
• Unique cocktails and creative beverages from the likes of Voga Wine and AnestasiA Vodka
• Guest appearances by celebrity wedding planner Shawn Rabideau and team
• Makeovers and Massages in the Health & Beauty Suite featuring Rita Hazan and The Spa at Equinox
• An ultimate goody bag upon exit featuring Frederic Fekkai

Missed one of these events? The Wedding Salon is hosting several more events this spring and summer, all over the country:

June 10, 2013: EPIC Hotel, Miami

July 17, 2013: ESPACE, New York City

September 9, 2013: The Madison, Washington DC

October 15, 2013: Chicago

November 11, 2013: Metropolitan Pavilion, New York City

The post The Wedding Salon’s Luxurious Bridal Shows appeared first on WeddingWire: The Blog.

Dresses by (clockwise from top left): Dessy Collection, Bari Jay, Noir by Lazaro, Ivy & Aster. Dessy, Bari Jay, and Ivy & Aster photos by Robert Mitra; Noir by Lazaro photo courtesy of JLM Couture.

Outdoor Wine Tasting: Maybe you’re going for a more low-key event, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t dress up and look cute. This little white dress by Dessy Collection is sweet and feminine – though you’ll need to be extra careful when sipping those reds!

Trip to the Beach: If you’re planning a destination bachelorette party, pack a dress that’s lightweight and airy, like this style by Bari Jay. And you’ll totally stand out in the bright tropical pink hue (the “Bachelorette” sash will probably help, too!).

Girls’ Dinner: We love the versatility of this Noir by Lazaro dress. Whether you’re heading out for dinner and drinks, a night of silly karaoke, or checking out a comedy show, this belted number will look cute and appropriate.

Night on the Town: Dancing the night away? Pick a short feathered style that will look amazing while you’re rockin’ with your girls. We’re obsessed with this Ivy & Aster dress – it’s sexy and whimsical all at once.

What are you wearing to your bachelorette party? Tell us in the comments!

The post What to Wear to a Bachelorette Celebration appeared first on WeddingWire: The Blog.

March 8

Charleston, South Carolina

~~~~~~~~

Q & A with the Bride:

What was the one thing about your venue that made you know it was the one?

The beauty of the Daniel Island Club is exceptional. Dave and I wanted to have an outdoor ceremony that featured the charm of the lowcountry. The club is also staffed with excellent people to help with all the details.

Which three details from your wedding were your favorites?

We wanted a romantic feel to the ceremony and reception. Hundreds of candles were placed throughout the club to create the effect. Dave’s groom cake in the shape of a Nissan GTR was an artistic sight. It was modeled after his own GTR. The fireworks were spectacular. It was like the fourth of July in March.

If you could offer one piece of advice for other couples planning their wedding, what would it be?

Invest in a good photographer. Pictures have a way of taking you back in time. You want to have as much detail about the day as possible.

Give us the one moment in your wedding day you can’t stop thinking about.

The fireworks were definitely a hit with our guests. Only a few people knew about our surprise. It was a fabulous way to end a perfect night.

The post Intimate Spring Wedding in Charleston appeared first on WeddingWire: The Blog.

Photo courtesy of Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts

Like destination weddings, destination bachelorette parties are becoming more and more popular – and for good reason. What could be more fun than taking a trip with your best girlfriends to celebrate your upcoming nuptials? We asked Marsha-Ann Brown, Director of Romance for Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts for her best tips on planning the ultimate girls’ getaway.

What factors should bridesmaids consider when choosing a location for a destination bachelorette party?

With friends and family spread all over, sometimes picking a location for a bachelorette party that’s on neutral territory makes the most sense. For example, if your cousins are from New York and your college friends from Texas, you might decide to meet somewhere like Atlantic City, or you might even invite everyone to jet off to an exotic location like South America or the Caribbean. Also, keep in mind the interests of the bride. Does she love to shop, sight see, party non-stop, or relax? Pick a destination that offers the activities and attractions you know she will enjoy most. Budget can also be a big factor in determining what works best for everyone, and a helpful hint is to keep the weather at the destination in mind when picking a location.

What are some of the hot destinations for destination bachelorette parties? Why are these destinations so popular?

Besides the common bachelorette destinations like Las Vegas, New York and Miami, many bridal parties are creating non-traditional plans and visiting cities like Charleston, New Orleans and Montreal. Such destinations are booming with culture and bridal parties often choose to plan their getaways to coincide with exciting festivals and events. Today’s millennials are always looking to avoid the cookie-cutter trips, and instead aim to create truly unique and memorable celebrations. In addition to American cities, all-inclusive resorts in tropical locations like Jamaica, the Bahamas and Turks & Caicos are also popular getaways.  One of the benefits of traveling to an all-inclusive resort is that it provides all the necessities for a memorable bachelorette getaway – delicious restaurants, lively bars and lounges, lavish spas, and a beautiful beach – without ever having to leave the resort.

What are some good destinations for groups who want a more active celebration with lots of activities?

Speaking of all-inclusive resorts, some offer packages created specifically for a girl’s getaway which make the trip even easier to coordinate and plan. For example, the  “Beaches Friends Forever (B.F.F.) Girls Getaway” at Beaches Resorts in Jamaica and Turks & Caicos features exclusive activities such as a private catamaran party cruise, seaside yoga, a $200 spa credit, and more. Girls getaway packages alleviate travel plan stress, as itineraries, meals and accommodations are already taken care of. Best of all, your friends can budget the costs upfront and focus on what’s most important – having fun!

What about groups who want a more relaxing trip? What are some good destinations for them?

A bachelorette party doesn’t have to be full of non-stop activities and partying because, as we all know, that type of trip is not for everyone. Many bridal parties prefer to go somewhere laid-back and secluded to enjoy sun, relaxation, and catch up on girl time. My recommendation? Head to a more low-key destination like California wine country, the Berkshires, or Long Island’s Gold Coast, where visitors can skip the bars and visit the vineyards, charming shops and restaurants, or gorgeous mansions.  For those looking for a more luxurious experience, many resorts in Saint Lucia and Antigua offer serene spas and beautiful beaches, which are always good go-to choices for a more mellow bachelorette party.

What about brides and bridesmaids who are on a budget? What’s your best advice for them?

My best advice is for them to do their homework and find hotels and resorts that offer exclusive deals to save money through airfare credits, group room rates, free nights, and other promotions. These alone can save hundreds of dollars altogether. Most brides and bridesmaids find that the biggest expenses come from meals and drinks, so picking an all-inclusive resort is a smart way to help mitigate costs since meals, drinks and activities are already included. I also always recommend comparing airfares – sometimes the most exotic locations are the cheapest to get to!

The post Planning a Destination Bachelorette Party appeared first on WeddingWire: The Blog.

While there’s nothing wrong with bidding adieu to bachelorette-hood with a wild night on the town, it may not be every bride’s cup of tea. Luckily, there are plenty of alternatives which are slightly more subdued but just as much fun. Round up the girls for an unforgettable celebration with any of these low-key bachelorette party ideas. 

1. Spa Day – spend a relaxing afternoon getting pampered with mani/pedis, massages and facials.

2. Wine Tasting – tour a vineyard or organize a pairing with delicious appetizers and desserts.

3. Girl’s Night In - slip into some cozy pajamas and slippers and spend the night chatting, playing games, sipping girly drinks, noshing on popcorn and watching favorite movies with your best friends.

4. Dinner Party – host a dinner party at home! Enjoy a nice evening with the girls, whipping up an elaborate meal and enjoying it together.

5. Cooking Class – get the group together for a fun hands-on cooking lesson at a local restaurant or culinary school.

6. Glamping – hop on the “glamorous camping” trend and bring a little luxury to the great outdoors. Enjoy nature from the comfort of a furnished canvas tent!

7. Comedy Show – grab a bite to eat before catching a stand-up act or improv performance at your local comedy club.

8. Dance Class – book a private intro class at a local dance studio and get moving!

9. Day at the Beach (or Pool) - spend a full day lounging by the water, reading magazines, chatting and sipping chilly beverages in sunglasses and floppy hats.

10. Theme Park – ride the roller coasters, catch a show, play some games and indulge in a little ice cream and funnel cake!

The post Top 10 Low-Key Bachelorette Ideas appeared first on WeddingWire: The Blog.

October 5

Marietta, Georgia

~~~~~~~~

Q & A with the Bride & Groom:

1. What was the one thing about your venue that made you know it was the one?

When we stepped onto the Hilton’s veranda and looked over the rolling golf course towards the woods, hills and setting sun, we couldn’t think of a better place to celebrate our wedding. We wanted to have our ceremony at a church, so we picked the friendliest and most welcoming church with a traditional sanctuary in the area. However, the grounds of the Hilton and the restaurant were the perfect place for an outdoor cocktail hour and an indoor reception.

2. Which three details from your wedding were your favorites?

1. Music is an important part of both of our lives, so we wanted the music at the wedding to reflect our respective backgrounds and experiences. Nhadyne’s family is from Trinidad and Jamaica by way of England, and her grandfather, Winston Simon, pioneered the steel pan. We decided to have a steel pan player during the cocktail hour to honor him. As we took pictures across the golf course, we heard the Marley classic “No Woman No Cry” being played by the band, and the fusion of Trinidadian and Jamaican influences was perfect. We followed this up with an English DJ, who has lived here for a long time, and so knew UK, West Indian and American favorite songs to get everyone moving on the dance floor.

2. We decided to do an adults-only reception, and as a courtesy to our guests provided sitter services for those with children. Younger children got to play games, do arts and crafts, and get their faces painted, while the older children got to play in a video game truck that we rented. It was great to free the adults to stay for the whole event and have uninhibited fun without having to worry about the well-being or entertainment of their children.

3. Corregan is a big fan of microbrews and is particular about his beverages, so the Hilton’s beverage coordinator provided a customized selection of drinks for the event that were comparable to the standard list in price, but reflected our personal taste. The guests were delighted to have a different set of choices, and the distinctive selection added an additional flair and elegance to the event.

3. Give us the one moment from your wedding that you can’t stop thinking about.

At the end of the wedding, we departed through a path surrounded by our family and friends, lit with sparklers, to a waiting vintage Rolls Royce. As we were about to start, one of our friends’ daughters,  fresh from an exciting evening in the video game truck, and beautifully adorned in face paint from the sitters, jumped up excitedly and grabbed Nhadyne’s train. As we walked out and waved to everyone, she danced back and forth behind Nhadyne, while still managing to do a decent job of carrying the train. The moment was a bit surreal, and definitely magical and full of the love we had experienced the entire day. What a way to start a life together!

The post Elegant Evening Fall Wedding in Georgia appeared first on WeddingWire: The Blog.

We’re so excited for today’s nationwide release of The Great Gatsby movie. This film was a game-changer for the wedding industry before it even hit theaters, so we can only imagine what its impact will be now that it’s showing on a screen near you. Planning a 1920s-inspired fete and want to dress the part? We took a look at stills from the Gatsby film and found wedding dresses that matched some of the gorgeous ensembles worn by the lead actresses. Our 1920s-inspired round-up also includes the chance to win free tickets to see the film (the contest runs until 5 p.m. today).

Are you planning a Great Gatsby-inspired wedding? Tell us about it in the comments!

The post The Great Gatsby Wedding Dress Inspiration appeared first on WeddingWire: The Blog.

All dresses by Collection 20, photos courtesy of Watters

Ethereal Romantic: If you’re getting married outdoors, your mom might want a gown that’s flowy and easy to move in. We love the feminine and romantic feel of the eggplant-hued gown at top left – the chiffon is light and airy for a warm-weather wedding, plus the lace cap sleeves provide a bit of coverage for the upper arms.

Glam: It can be difficult to find an evening gown that has that red carpet feel, but doesn’t show too much skin. That’s why we particularly like the black gown at top right. It features a figure-hugging silhouette and a shimmering satin fabrication, but also provides arm coverage and a flattering v-neckline.

Classic and Modest: If your mom wants coverage, but still classic and chic, we’re huge fans of the bottom right style. We love that this gown is a two-piece, which provides some flexibility to Mom’s look. She can wear the long-sleeved jacket for the ceremony, and then switch into another top for the reception (we’re thinking a crisp white button-down, a la Sharon Stone!).

Daytime Chic: Hosting a more informal wedding celebration? This coat-and-dress combo is perfect for a ceremony at a house of worship and a low-key reception. Plus, the metallic color scheme is so on-trend.

What is your mom wearing to your wedding? Share with us in the comments!

The post Mother-of-the-Bride (or Groom!) Fashion for Every Style appeared first on WeddingWire: The Blog.