Want to know a trend that’s been gaining traction for quite a few years now?

Eloping.

It used to be viewed as “defiant”, done on a whim, or for those that don’t care about a big party. Well, that last one might be true for some couples, but if the pandemic taught us anything about weddings; it’s that some couples actually got to live out their intimate wedding or elopement dreams without being judged (FINALLY).

What is NOT true about all elopements, is that it doesn’t take planning. Some actually want to plan out their special day like any other couple: booking a photographer, scouting locations, and ordering your dream outfit months in advance. But, where do you start?

I thought the perfect person to ask would be Carrie Rogers of Carrie Rogers Photography, an incredible photographer who specializes in elopements and loves to travel with her couples wherever they want to be married. So here are some things you and your fiance should go over while planning:

let’s start with the legalities

Remember, legally binding yourself to another human is a requirement to being actually married. The “wedding” is the fun part. So, like any marriage, you need a license. These requirements vary by city, state, and country so be sure to check into this thoroughly and complete proper paperwork before the day of. Aside from any documents that might be required, you’ll also probably need:

• An officiant to conduct the ceremony

• A witness (or two) to sign the license

  Another option is to get legally married at a courthouse before jetting off to your elopement location. This is a much easier option for those that want to get married internationally. Even couples that have big weddings do this as well just for the convenience.

  Carrie says, “Even if your ceremony isn’t on the same day that you sign your license, it doesn’t mean your elopement is any less special or real. Your wedding day is more about committing yourselves to each other than signing a piece of paper!”

you need a budget

Or maybe you’re one of those lucky people that don’t and I love that for you. However, for the other 99%, do your research into the things & experiences you want and the places you’d like to go, how much they cost, and carve out a rough budget based on your priorities and what’s feasible for you both. Don’t rule something out just because you think it will be out of reach, get quotes first! Here are the major money points to consider:

• Flights, rental car / gas

• Accommodations

• Attire + Rings

• Location permits and fees

• Marriage license

• Vendors (Photographer, Videographer, Florist, Hair, Makeup, etc.)

• Food / Drinks

• Activities and Excursions

  Carrie says, “You’ll be surprised at just how amazing your day can be, while still spending less money than you would on planning a bigger, more traditional wedding. This is your WEDDING DAY. It deserves to be everything you want.”

imagine your dream day

When it comes down to it, you want your wedding day to be special and the whole point of an elopement is for it to be an intimate moment between the two of you (and possibly a few close loved ones), so why not make it exactly how you dreamed. Where do you feel your best and your happiest? What do you and your fiance like to do together or go together? Do what feels right for YOU.

Note: Want more tips on how to include your family/friends in your elopement? Carrie has a blog post on that right here.

Carrie says, “One of the biggest steps to planning your elopement is having a vision for the day that feels authentic and meaningful to you. Take this vision with you as you finalize all the details of the day.”

Choosing your location

Since elopement is all about NOT having the pomp and circumstance of a big wedding (which, TBH, is centered around guest experience), location and experience are the main parts of your big day. Do you want to go back to a place that is special or sentimental to you and your partner? Do you want to discover somewhere new together? Wherever you decide, make sure it’s your happy place. Here’s what to consider:

• Scenery: where are you? At the beach? On a snowy mountaintop? Hiking through fall foliage or red rocks?

• Accessibility: How strenuous do you want your wedding day to be? i.e. hiking up a mountain in a tight mermaid dress. If you’re inviting guests who might have mobility issues or are older, take into consideration when researching locations

• Privacy: if you’re outdoors and in a public space (hiking trails, parks, landmarks, etc), your intimate moments might be surrounded by strangers. This can be distracting and chip away at the romantic idea you had in your head. Carrie recommends choosing a weekday or sunrise time to avoid crowds and allow yourselves to have a more private ceremony.

• Weather and time of year: regardless of where your location is, seasons should always be a consideration. Even warm weather places have rainy or stormy seasons. Example: desert places are best during the spring and fall to avoid extreme temperatures. Definitely be a little flexible on the date so you can get your most ideal weather scenario out of the location you pick.

Carrie says, “Your wedding day will feel like a “full circle” moment as you add a significant milestone to all the other special memories of that place. On the other hand, choosing a location you’ve never been to before means your wedding day memories will forever include experiencing that place together for the first time. This adds a new element of excitement to planning that really can’t be beat!”

picking a date

Speaking of weather, this is a major factor when picking your elopement date (see case in point above). If you’d rather get married on a date that has more significance to you, pick your location around that instead! But if you want your wedding on February 14th and you hate the cold, I would not suggest picking the Northeast of the US as your wedding location.

Carrie says, “Make sure you consider all the other factors that go into your day when making your final decisions.”

the big one: vendors

Obviously, this will look different for everyone depending on how you want your day, but here are a few vendors that most couples will need to hire:

• A photographer: just as with any other niche market, picking someone who specializes in elopements is ideal. Ultimately, you want someone that you get along with, who makes you feel comfortable, and that you love their editing style. The whole point in hiring a professional photographer is to get your most special moments captured while you look and feel your best, so make sure they’re the right one for you. Remember, they’ll be with you ALL day (or more).

• An officiant: We discussed this in the “legalities” section at the beginning, but if you want to get legally married on your wedding day you need to hire an officiant. Otherwise, you’ll need to get legally married prior and then whoever you’d like can conduct the ceremony. Fun fact: Carrie is ordained and has officiated her couples weddings before!

• Hair and make up artist(s): It’s your special day, why not look your absolute best? You deserve it. We have a whole blog post on hiring for hair and make up, click here to read.

• Florist: Again, this will depend on what kind of day you’re planning, but having a bouquet is always lovely!

Carrie says, “I encourage you to think first about what your DREAM elopement day looks like, estimate the costs of that (reach out to vendors for quotes), and THEN compare that to your financial situation. If you need to adjust your priorities, that’s okay!”

Elopement attire

This one’s quick, but still wanted to emphasize that you should always pick your dream outfit! Just because you’re not getting married in front of 200 people or have a traditional venue, doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to get married in something special. This is your wedding, wear what makes you feel your best and brings out your most confident self. It’s also important to note that you should consider location and weather when packing for before and after the ceremony: proper hiking boots, rain jacket, extra clothes, etc.

Carrie says, “These little details are pretty easy to take care of towards the end of your planning, but don’t forget about them.”

As we always say on this blog, you do you, boo. Your day is exactly that…YOUR DAY. I think one of the reasons I was so excited to do a blog post about Carrie is because of how much she encourages couples to do what’s best for them and makes them shine in the most authentic way. She says, “This is the day you and your partner commit yourselves to each other and you’ll look back on it for the rest of your lives! There are no rules here, so have fun with your planning and make your day exactly what you want it to be.”

Carrie is originally from a small town in Missouri, but is now based in Southern California where she lives with her partner and two adorable kitties. She frequently travels all over CA, as well as the Western USA and internationally, to capture those special and intimate moments for her clients. I highly suggest you follow her on Instagram @carrierogersphotography and grace your feed with all her gorgeous photos. If you’re looking to learn more or book her for a session, check out her website, www.carrierogersphotography.com.

Samantha Shammas, Author and Owner of SamiaLynn

Happy New Year!! It is officially wedding year for me and that means finalizing details and way too much time on Wedding TikTok. With that comes visible trends for the weddings coming up this year! Today we wanted to share the trends we have seen the most, but the biggest reminder we have for you is that this is your wedding and trends are fun to keep up with, but they are not required to follow. Make sure your wedding is a representation of you and not the year you are getting married in.

The 80’s are back

As someone who has always loved fashion, I grew up looking at my mom’s wedding dress and mocking her for her big hair and even bigger balloon sleeves on her wedding dress. Before I realized how much trends truly do always come back I never imagined the possibility of seeing a dress like hers again. Now that is the most up and coming bridal trend in 2023. Puffy sleeves come in all shapes and sizes from chiffon, tulle and lace, off the shoulder, on the shoulder, or anything you could imagine. 

Even if you go more basic with your neckline, dresses in general are starting to take a turn for a more modest look with classic laces. Think appliqués, tulle, and beading rather than soft lace and textures.

More is more

Similar to the bigger sleeves on the dresses, you will be seeing more of everything in 2023. This is especially true for florals. Many celebrity weddings last year had an increasingly lavish amount of florals and I have been seeing more and more conversations about covering your wedding completely in flowers but at a non-celebrity price point. You will be seeing floral chandeliers, full table garland rather than simple centerpieces, and aisles that look like gardens. 

This trend will relate to many parts of the wedding party. Instead of taking the simple route with any details, over the top thrill will be put in place. You may notice other details being cut in this place though. Not every couple is choosing to follow every tradition, but the ones they choose will be done to the best of their abilities.

Party over romance

Many people that are getting married in 2023 are doing it out of a choice to bring all of their favorite people together to celebrate their love for each other. A wedding is no longer an obligation for family to see the couple dedicate their lives to one another, but a celebration of their continued commitment. Ceremonies are now just a break in the party for tradition, surrounded by a welcome party, reception, after party, and Sunday brunch. Brides still want the beautiful dress (because why not!), but it’s not all just for mom and grandma to feel satisfied. 

Candid photos

Personally, I have a love/ hate relationship with this trend. Looking at wedding photos, we all know that the portrait style photos are necessary and they get the best details and everyone of importance will get a photo. In this social media age, it’s the candid photos that make the biggest impact though. They show personalities and tell the best stories. Blurry photos are even becoming the preferred story to tell in a singular moment in time captured. Can you imagine just a few years ago asking a professional photographer to take and send you blurry photos of your wedding?? My only problem with these candid photos is that in the past they have only shown my personal insecurities, and I can imagine that I’m not alone in those feelings. On your wedding day, just try to remember how special the story is that these photos are telling. (At least that’s what I’ll be telling myself!)

Are you a 2023 bride? What is your favorite trend that you will be incorporated into your big day?

Lauren Allen, Author

Lauren is a bridal consultant and self-published author, with a background in celebrity styling and bridal make up artistry. You can find her with an oat milk cappuccino in the morning, and a glass of Cabernet at night, her real passions. Lauren is based in Kansas CIty and her book “How to Be 23” can be found here

Florals designed by Wedding Events

Lauren here! Raise your hand if Pinterest is an overwhelming hub of options and inspiration…. Same. And I never fully realized until planning my own wedding that so many options that you see on Pinterest do not live in reality. There are so many inspirational photos that are just not feasible unless you are a Kardashian or President Biden’s granddaughter getting married at the White House! But you know you can always come to us for realistic wedding advice and today we wanted to share with you a few unique ways to decorate your aisle at (almost) any budget. 

Grounded Flowers

These have been a huge conversation in the wedding world recently. Just like the name suggests, this simply means that your flowers will surround you from the floor. Typically this included tall branch style flowers, some fuller greenery, and a variety of sizes of your signature wedding flowers. This look is particularly good if your surroundings are beautiful like the beach, the mountains, or a unique wall working your venue. 

Floral chandeliers

These are another update to a wedding arch (which are still very popular and beautiful). This idea can come across more formal than the grounded flowers technique just for the added complication of hanging a full oversized flower arrangement. Using a floral chandelier will bring the eye up and depending on the size will either hide a ceiling or bring focus to it so I would make sure you know what your end goal is if you go this route! Many times this floral arrangement will include wisteria hanging out of the arrangement as well as full greenery and your choice of florals to give it dimension and make it your own. 

Candlelight

If you (like me) are trying to keep the cost of florals down, surround yourself with candlelight! You could always replace flowers with a traditional chandelier (which are easy to rent!) or instead of grounded flowers just surround yourself with different size and shape candles. There are plenty of good options these days for battery powered candles if your venue does not allow for fire hazards. 

Book shelves

Another great option that can be rented or thrifted. This is a great way to add height and fill up space without the hefty price of full florals. You can fill the shelves with scattered flowers, candles, or other things that might be sentimental to you as a couple. You could even go as crazy as putting actual books on the book shelves! 

Your wedding day is a day to surround your friends and family in your personal style, so make sure you are picking decor that tells a story of who you are as a couple. Which of these options sounds most like you?

Lauren Allen, Author

Lauren is a bridal consultant and self-published author, with a background in celebrity styling and bridal make up artistry. You can find her with an oat milk cappuccino in the morning, and a glass of Cabernet at night, her real passions. Lauren is based in Kansas CIty and her book “How to Be 23” can be found here

Wedding prep isn’t just about ordering your outfit on time or booking vendors, it’s also about preparing yourself. Mentally, of course, but also physically (and we’re not referring to body size here).

In today’s post we’re talking skincare so you can GLOW on your wedding day, feeling your absolute best walking down that aisle. And there’s no better person to give us all the tips than Jillian Gottlieb: a hilarious actress, talented singer, and the TikTok skincare queen. But before we dive in to all the extra things you should do and when, it’s important that you already have your daily skincare routine locked in. Let’s go over that first:

Sample Morning routine

1. Cleanse

   (or skip this and go right to toner if you have dry skin)

2. Tone

3. Vitamin C Serum*

   You always want to pick a Vitamin C with the L-Ascorbic Acid between 10-20%. My fave is Skinceuticals CE Ferulic, or budget friendly Timeless, Maelove Glowmaker, or Makeup Artists Choice are also great.

4. Moisturizer

5. Eye Cream

6. Mineral SPF*

*The most important morning products are your Vitamin C Serum and SPF so pay special attention to those!

Sample night routine

1. Cleanse

2. Tone

3. Some nights AHA/BHA/PHA (chemical exfoliant pad / serum)*

4. Alternate Nights retinol or your prescription retinoid*

5. Eye Cream

6. Cover both with moisturizer

*At night, your retinol or prescription retinoid are key alternated with chemical exfoliants

Regardless if you’re getting married or not, having a regular morning & night skincare routine is important for keeping your skin looking and feeling its best! Be sure to start this as soon as you can and keep up with it post-wedding. Remember that everyone’s skin responds differently so starting early will be helpful in determining which products work/don’t work for you, and give your skin time to react.

3-4 weeks pre-wedding

If budget isn’t an issue (or you want to splurge) a laser treatment like Fraxel Dual or Clear and Brilliant, or a chemical peel will be sure to give you the wedding-day skin you dream of. All of these things I would schedule for 3-4 weeks before the big day. That will give you ample time to heal, but you'll still have that post-laser / post-peel glow!

Don't want an in-office treatment? I recommend getting Olga Lorencin's Red Carpet Facial in a Box and using it a few nights a week up till your wedding. This is glowy skin in a box, and I absolutely swear by it! Plus, it’s a great budget-friendly option.

2 weeks pre-wedding

If you already do Botox (and/or fillers) two weeks before your wedding is a perfect time for your touchup appointment! If you're a bruiser, this will give you ample time for swelling to go down and everything to settle beautifully.

If you're new to Botox (and/or fillers) and want to start doing these things before your wedding, then I recommend starting at least 6 months before the big day, or more if you can. You want to try these things out with ample time before your wedding so you can get acclimated to how it looks and feels. And if you don't like it - it'll be gone by your wedding! Highly recommend NOT getting botox or fillers for the very first time right before your wedding if you can't commit to doing a few "practice runs" months before.

4-5 days pre-wedding

If you want a gorgeous pre-wedding glow on a budget - schedule yourself a facial and add-on microdermabrasion or derma-planing. You can find great deals for this in NYC for about $150, so out of NYC this should be cheaper.

A little note to remember as well: many external factors will play a role in your skin health such as diet, sun exposure, make up, and smoking or alcohol.

If you want more info on anything we’ve gone over in the blog post, here are a few links to my TikTok:

Wedding Timeline Video: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRxMkdSG/

My fave Chemical Peel: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRxMHDbe/

Why You Need Vitamin C Serum: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRxMk2J2/

Starting a Skincare Routine: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRxMrSph/

What is Dermaplaning: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRxMf8kW/

How to alternate nighttime retinoids and chemical exfoliants: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRxMAo2e/

Brand New to Skincare and confused?:https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRxMkag9/

Everything you need before and after laser treatment: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRxMkuJy/

Everything on Vitamin C can be found in my "Vitamin C playlist"

Retinoid info - "Retinol/Retinoid" playlist

Derma-planing and facials - "dermaplaning/facials" playlist

Other playlists include : Fillers. Botox. Chemical Peels. Sunscreen. And Skincare Routines which is all about how to use your products and apply them, and detailed morning and nighttime routines.

If you’re not following her already, Jillian can be found on TikTok @jilliangottlieb (main platform for skincare tips) and Instagram @jillian.gottlieb. For questions or collabs, you can email her at skincare@jilliangottlieb.com or check out her website www.jilliangottlieb.com.

Jillian Gottlieb, Author

Jillian is the master of combining skincare tips with comedy, gaining over 200k followers on TikTok. She’s based in NYC, but her acting work has brought her all over the country through theatre, commercials, and TV shows. She has a passion for books, cheese, and not taking herself too seriously

We all know that a man’s best friend is his dog. But a couple with a fur baby?! Nothing can come in between that family! Sometimes that connection can be lost while planning a wedding, but we want to make sure that you can include all of your important family members on your big day whether it’s in person or in the details. So let’s get into a few ways you can do that:

Give them a job

1. Have your four legged baby be the ring bearer by tying the rings to his collar and let them him strut down the aisle. 

2. Include your pet in the wedding party and have her stand with one of them. 

3. Any sort of meet and greet with the guests is always appreciated (and if it’s not you have invited the wrong people….kidding but not). And just remember that’s it’s OK to hire a dog sitter for the day so your pup can come and go as needed for the day to make sure that everyone is happy!

Stationary & decor

1. Have an illustration of your furry friend made and include that in your invites, on custom napkins, or topping of drink stirrers. Etsy is a great place to find all of these customization options!

2. Include your pet in the cake topper either alone or showing off the whole family!

3. Have your live painter paint your pet into the day whether or not they could attend the actual wedding

The life of the party

1. We all know that you have canceled or avoided plans with people so you could spend the night at home with your pets at least once, so make sure they are unmissable at the reception by naming your signature cocktails after your fur babies. 

2. Take over the dance floor with a large cutout of your pet to pass around the dance floor. Or include a cutout of them as a photo booth prop!

You also can’t forget the endless options of framed photos of your pets at the wedding as table numbers or just scattered around the venue. No matter what you do, we want to know how you have included your pets into your wedding day!

Samantha Shammas, Author and Owner of SamiaLynn

As the world learned of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, the UK’s longest reigning monarch, it got me thinking about royal weddings.

(Fun fact: when Queen Elizabeth married Prince Philip, they had a 9 foot tall wedding cake that weighed 500 POUNDS!)

British royal weddings are not only seeped in tradition, but there’s also quite a few rules that the engaged couple must abide by for their big day. Little by little these have been adapted to the times over the years (see: being allowed to marry non royals, being allowed to marry divorced persons, etc), but these 6 major ones have seemed to have stayed around a while:

1. You need the Queen or King’s approval

This rule applies to many things, beginning with the engagement. The Royal Marriages Act of 1772 requires approval of the couple before the groom can propose. This act was actually appealed in 2013 by the Succession to The Crown Act which states only the first 6 royals in line to the throne need permission. The Queen/King also must approve the bride’s dress, the final guest list, and the tiaras (only married women are allowed to wear them).

2. The rings are made from Welsh gold

It’s tradition that the wedding rings are gifted from the Queen/King (since 1911!). Since the original Welsh gold mine has shut down, that gold is now in limited supply, making it even more exclusive and expensive.

3. The wedding party is made up of children

Royal British weddings don’t do “wedding parties” of groomsmen and bridesmaids. Instead they have a gaggle of little flower girls and page boys participating in the wedding ceremony. The old rule was all the kids must also be royals, but recently weddings have incorporated kids from both sides if the bride or groom is not of royalty.

4. The wedding dress designer must be British

A nod to the monarchy, brides having a royal wedding will get their dress designed by a British designer. See: Megan Markle’s dress by Claire Waight Keller, Kate Middleton’s dress by Sarah Burton, and Sarah Ferguson’s dress by Linda Cierach.

5. Royalty training is a must

If a royal is marrying a non-royal (or a “commoner”), they must go through training. This prepares them for their new life as a “working royal”; learning expectations, social traditions, and even security protocols for their own safety.

6. Rules for Guests

Just because they’re guests, doesn’t mean they’re exempt. A couple examples being: 1) Female guests must wear a hat (not too big), 2) Only married women can wear a tiara, and 3) Men are not allowed to wear a tuxedo.

As much as everyone loves a good royal wedding, knowing these tidbits (and these are just a few of a many) of what they go through is almost exhausting. If you enjoy following traditions, that’s wonderful! But hopefully a bit more flexibility will be available for future couples down the line.

Samantha Shammas, Author and Owner of SamiaLynn

Ok, real talk: I know very (VERY) little about flowers.

I’m the odd Millennial that is as far from a plant lady as they come (hello faux plants), but like most people, I love floral decor! The way they can completely transform a space is incredible and it’s amazing the different varieties and colors they all come in. Floral designers are definitely in an art category all their own. So this post is for all my fellow “flower lover not flower knowers”. It’s the biggest gap in my wedding knowledge so I asked Haley and Allison of Cedar & Lime Collective to help with a few floral tips for fall:

1. Decide what YOU want!

Not your mom, not your best friend; just you and your fiancé. Hop on Pinterest or your favorite wedding blog and take the time to gather inspiration as a couple and find something that feels like *you* and goes with your overall wedding theme. Florals is where your color palette will really pop so make sure you are the one that truly loves them

2. Choose seasonal blooms

Just like produce, it’s best to pick what’s in season. This will look different depending on where you live, but for most of the US, fall is when dahlias shine! Dahlias come in every color imaginable and each variety is unique and beautiful. They make for a stunning focal flower and elevate every arrangement they're in!

3. Lean in to fall colors

This doesn't mean you need to stick with the traditional fall colors across the board, but pick one or two as a base and build the rest of your palette around it. Love yellow? Add a little orange and red if you want traditional fall colors, or soften it up with white and peach if you want something a little more subtle! Muted greens and darker accent flowers also read more “fall”

4. Don't be afraid of dried goodies!

Grasses and foliage begin to dry and brown in the fall and it can be a great way to add texture to your pieces. You can also mix in dried flowers with fresh for a unique fall look or “alternative” grasses like pampas or tail. Not everything needs to be fresh (and dried lasts longer too!)

5. Trust your florist!

At the end of the day, your florist will always know what to do. Come to them with a broad vision of what you like and let them fine tune the details of how to make it happen. They're professionals and you're hiring them for their talent and expertise!

One more thing to add: depending on what you’re looking for (especially out of season blooms), many florists import plants from out of state or out of country. Therefore, it’s always recommended to start the process a year in advance (as you would for many wedding vendors), but 6-8 months also works as well.

Haley, Allison, and the whole team at Cedar & Lime do gorgeous work to make your wedding vision a reality so be sure to check them out on Instagram @cedarandlimeco and if you’re in the DMV area looking for a florist you can reach out to them online at www.cedarandlimeco.com

Haley Tobias, Author

Haley is the founder and lead floral designer of Cedar & Lime Collective and is based in the DC area. Her love of plants encompasses not only work, but her own flower and veggie garden as well. Her favorite flower is the Icelandic Poppy and she also has a background in ballet and modern dance!

As we are currently in a wedding boom, it is getting harder and harder to book a venue less than 2 years out. If you are looking for a Saturday wedding at a traditional venue I hope you are willing to wait a while because that is going to be the next availability. However, if you are looking for inspiration that is a little out of the box you have come to the right place!

We love the idea of finding an untraditional wedding venue that speaks to you both as a couple rather than simply what the first page of Google tries to sell you. Make sure that every step along your wedding journey feels like you. It can be easy to get pulled into what is expected as well as what #weddingtiktok shows you, but everything from your venue to your cake cutting (or lack thereof) has to feel genuine.

Are you aiming for an intimate celebration or even an elopement?

If you are already skirting around tradition you might as well go the extra mile and step outside of your cell phone range for your nuptials. Get yourself a dress that you can crumple into a backpack and hit the trails. All you need is your fiancé, an officiant, a photographer and a witness or 2 to have the most incredible wedding. Your backdrop could be the top of a mountain, the depths of a rainforest or even the back of a waterfall.

Oftentimes these “venues” are free (or very cheap) making this the most cost effective route to go for wedding planning (and believe me, your photos will be INCREDIBLE)

Sharing your day with your loved ones?

There are plenty of places to host your soiree that aren’t an event room or barn (no offense to either of those venues, they are classics for a reason). Think about locations that mean something to your relationship:

• Was your first date a 6 pack of local beers in a park because you met during the shutdown? Rent out a brewery

• Do you bond at outdoor music festivals? Go with a large campsite for the weekend and make the wedding a multi day party with music, food, drinks and so much love (Cause We Can Events, featured in a previous blog post, can make your festival wedding dreams a reality!)

• Were you long distance for a while? Consider a train station for your movie moment. Many train stations still have the beauty of a black and white love story filled with gorgeous architecture and all the space you could need

• Do you both have a fascination with history? You could do libraries, museums, or even monuments!

• Did you get engaged under the stars? Tie that in with a planetarium, where weather is not remotely a concern and the stars are guaranteed to always be twinkling

There are so many options for you to personalize your wedding, so why not start with the venue itself? Look into private beaches, boats, rooftops, or any of the options above! Whatever you choose, make it YOU. What’s your dream wedding venue? Let us know in the comments!

Samantha Shammas, Author and Owner of SamiaLynn

The dress (or jumpsuit), jewelry, your mom's veil that you've loved for forever…and don't forget shoes! Styling your wedding look, or for the other wedding events, can be overwhelming (hello wedding planning) and sometimes you need a starting point. Lucky for you we have professional fashion stylist, Yoko, here giving all the tips to help make your special outfit as unique as you are.

How to start building your wedding look:

Your main outfit is #1 (dress, jumpsuit, etc). After that should be the veil (if you’re choosing to wear one) as the dress and veil go hand in hand. Determining if you’re wearing a veil will help you in deciding your other accessories. As a general rule of thumb, the jewelry style should match the dress. Example: if your dress has pearls on it and no crystals/rhinestones, then skip the diamond earrings and go for pearls or simple metal pieces

Speaking of veils:

If you choose to have a veil or cape, think of it as an enhancement to your style on the big day. This means picking something that compliments the vibes of your dress without overshadowing it. Also, consider your hair style since that will determine where the veil will start or what part of your cape/dress will show (it would be a shame for a gorgeous, detailed back to be covered by long hair). Try on as many different veil styles as you need to see what works best with your dress (pro tip: if you’re choose a long veil, make sure it extends past the train of the dress). Cape vs veil? Definitely pick one or the other, wearing both doesn’t work well together.

Get personal with your style:

It’s always fun to add your own personal flare on your special day (I mean, this day is about you). This can come in many forms but a few examples would be hats, statement jewelry, choosing a jumpsuit or mini dress instead of the traditionally long dress, fun sunglasses, or going for sneakers or flats instead of heels. And feel free to custom these things too, like getting your name down the back of the shoes, initials as earrings, or a quote across the veil (Hailey Bieber style).

Peep the examples below!

Maybe you don’t want ALL the things:

And that’s ok! If you get easily overwhelmed by accessories (or just don’t like them in general) the best thing to do is base your pieces around the dress. Most importantly, the neckline. Understanding the style of the dress is really helpful and can be a natural guide to balancing out your look to prevent everything from clashing. The diagram below is my favorite!

For the minimalists:

It’s all about the details. Choose shapes and clean lines that are flattering and make you feel your best. It’s fine to have some embellishments that you want to stand out! Perhaps it’s a bow detail, a veil, or a cape. For accessories and shoes, pick something classy and comfortable since you’re going to have everything on for the better portion of the day! The shoes can also be your statement piece, but you don’t have to go too minimal. Have some fun! If something like a tiara or headband is something you’ve always admired, go for it

For the maximalists:

For the bride that’s more “extra”, the key is figuring out which piece is the one thing you want to stand out most, then build everything else around that. For example the dress: is it the silhouette? The sparkle? The intricate beading or lace? Maybe you want a clean dress and the accessories are the statement. It could be anything, but make sure there’s a good balance

If you’re wearing an heirloom piece:

Find ways to incorporate the piece into your wedding look (instead of building everything else around that piece) works best for many people. Especially as heirlooms can come in so many different forms. If it’s a gown you can have it restored or use just a few pieces from it. If it’s jewelry you can choose a gown with a neckline that will make it stand out properly, or you can decorate your bouquet with it! If it’s a shawl/shrug, wearing a more simple gown would compliment it beautifully. Another idea is to incorporate the heirloom into one of your other looks like for the rehearsal dinner or day-after brunch

Yes, you can have a stylist on your wedding day:

You can have a stylist help you from the start of the process, all the way to the big day. They will accompany you to every wedding salon appointment and help select the perfect gown and accessories. They’ll can be with you on the day of too, or hire them for just the wedding day only. A day-of stylist will be there to steam, bustle, and save the day from any fashion emergencies (believe me it happens). Similar to a stylist at a photoshoot, we’ll be there to assist through out photo time, holding your train so it stays in pristine condition for the ceremony, and ensuring you look picture perfect. You should feel like you’re being taken care of and catered to for the entire day

Yoko has worked as a stylist on some amazing campaigns with big fashion brands, celebrities, and editorial shoots. Her content is definitely something that will liven up your social media feed so be sure to follow her on Instagram @iamyoko.j and click here to check out her website.

Yoko J, Author

Yoko is a fashion stylist born and raised in Philadelphia, but you might as well call her a New Yorker. Starting out in the industry as a model, she realized she loved styling more. When she’s not running from photoshoot to photoshoot, you’ll catch her in a pair of converses binge watching anime with her cat, Mina.

Bridal veils have been around longer than any of our family wedding albums that are currently collecting dust at your grandparent’s house. There is just something about adding a veil to a white dress that SCREAMS wedding. What’s not talked about enough though is the brides that want a more subtle nod to the tradition. As wedding professionals who have worked with many brides before, we have heard time and time again that a veil just doesn’t feel right when tried on with the dress (or they just don’t like the concept all together). Today we wanted to share some alternative options to a veil that will still make a statement without necessarily blindly following tradition.

A Cape

Capes come in many shapes and sizes these days. The traditional twist to this is that almost all capes are made of tulle just like veils! Some capes clasp in front of you and cover your shoulders, some attach to the straps of your dress like wings. The details options on your bridal cape are endless, you can stick to plain tulle, or add anything from sparkles to lace to feathers

Caesar Style Veil

This is technically still a veil, but with a twist! Instead of one comb at the base of your head, this has two separate combs, but with tulle draping between the combs and down your back

Flower Crown

If you are a nature/BOHO type of human a flower crown is for you! Often times your florist can actually create this for you using the actual florals from your wedding. This is a great way to incorporate your wedding colors into your bridal look. You also have control over how dramatic this look becomes with how voluminous the crown is (and if you have long hair you can weave a few flowers in!)

A Birdcage

A birdcage veil is the perfect way to add a vintage spin to your wedding day. The veils came into popularity during war times in the 40’s due to a lack of fabric, but is a distinguished style from the Old Hollywood era which is where you will find the inspiration all over Pinterest!

A Statement Bow

Bows in all forms are probably the hottest bridal trend right now. Many brides have opted to let a bow be their hair piece rather than a veil that covers the back of the dress. Many are still tulle, but others are covered in pearls or made out of other unique fabrics.

Tulle Hair Scarf

This inspiration feels very much like a beach wedding or a romantic Greece getaway. Just like you would use any silk scarf to hold back your hair and add the finishing touches to an outfit, a tulle hair scarf will work just the same! And the best part is that this could easily be a DIY project with a few strips of ivory tulle

Are you a veil person, or will you be incorporating one of these veil alternatives into your wedding look? If you do, we want to see your pictures so tag us on IG! Reminder: SamiaLynn does offer a custom design service. Whether you’re looking for a cape or your version of a veil, this can be made for you.

Click here to learn more!

Samantha Shammas, Author and Owner of SamiaLynn

We all know that wedding dresses are “supposed” to be white. But what happens if we push boundaries a little bit to make your wedding even more one of a kind? It is common now to see shades of champagne and nude lining in lace gowns. This works to create a background for the lace to pop and be seen in pictures.

The new look for wedding gowns is anything on a scale from bright colors to black and we’re not just talking underlays. Even lace and beading are getting a modern update! We love seeing how these trends are ever evolving in bridal and we love sharing them with you even more. Would you push boundaries and wear a colorful wedding dress down the aisle?

Check out these gorgeous options:

1. PAsTels

Pastels are great for spring and summer weddings as a way to pull together a fun color palette in a more subtle way. This is also great if you know you don’t love yourself in white/ivory!

left to right: Ines Di Santa Edith gown, Ines Di Santo Romina Gown, Monique Lhuillier Petal Gown

2. Colorful florals

Still like the idea of a white gown but want to mix things up a bit? Stick to an ivory base and let the floral lace/print make a statement like the piece of art these wedding gowns are

left to right: Monique Lhuillier Amalia gown, Monique Lhuillier Sicily gown, Natalie Wynn Bridal

3. Bold colors

Make your guests head spin with a dress so bold they will be talking about it for years to come. What color would you choose?

left to right: Maggie Sottero Zander, Sottero & Midgley Alera, Marchesa Resort 2020

As you can see, once you add color to the mix, the possibilities are endless! Make your personality and individual style really shine on your special day by wearing whatever YOU want to wear. At the end of the day, it’s about your comfort and happiness.

So, would you add color to your wedding day look? Let us know in the comments!

Samantha Shammas, Author and Owner of SamiaLynn

Shopping for a wedding dress can be an exciting and also daunting process. There are countless options out there and so many stores in every town, how do you narrow down and pick just one to say yes to? We are here to help with a 5 step plan to help you successfully find your wedding dress with zero stress and all of the fun!

Before that though, it’s important to remember that this is your experience and you need do what’s best for you. That means not letting the blogs (hi!), your family, or what you see on television sway you away from what is right for you. Our only hope is that is you can take these few steps into consideration, your bridal appointment will be one to remember forever.

1. Pick your budget

Before you can begin looking at dresses, you have to know how much you would like to spend on your wedding gown! To have a large assortment of options, a budget somewhere in the realm of $2000-4000 will give you access to many of the main stream designers

Don’t forget: budget INCLUDES alterations, shoes, and accessories so be sure to take all those into account

2. Timing is everything

Wedding dresses are special ordered to your size and can take up to 8 months to make. This means that you should choose your gown about a year before your wedding. On average you should expect 6 months for delivery and 2 months for alterations. It’s never too early to find your dress because will love it for the next 50 years as much as you love it the day you found it! There are also plenty of options available is you have less than 6 months to find the perfect dress, so just work with your store to find exactly what you need

3. Do your research

Choose the store you shop at carefully. Make sure you read the reviews on every store you’re interested in and see what designers they carry. Google the price points of each designer and make sure that the designer you are most interested in is in your price point. Don’t know what designer you like? Make a Pinterest board of dresses that excite you, most of the time you will find a trend. From there you can simply google what their price point is typically (or you can ask the company and/or wedding salon)

4. Location Matters

Be sure to take into account the location and/or time of year you’re getting married. If you’re having a beach wedding, you’ll be much more comfortable in a light and airy dress as opposed to a giant satin ballgown. Or for the colder months, remember to add a jacket or faux fur stole into the budget. We’re all for wearing whatever you want on your special day, but remember that your comfort should definitely be factored in

5. Follow your gut

FOMO is a trickster when it comes to wedding dresses. If you have already picked your budget, and done your research, there is no reason that you shouldn’t find your dress in your first day of shopping. None of this “it’s only my first time shopping” excuse, because deep down you know what you want. But, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, that’s totally normal! Your stylist will help you bring your dream to life by finding out what you like and don’t like in a dress, and pulling you the gown that checks all of your boxes. When you’re twirling in the dress, smiling, and picturing yourself on your wedding day, follow your gut and say yes to the dress!

When it comes to wedding dress shopping you should obviously be trying them on in person, however, there is so much research you can do before even setting foot in a salon! This will save you a ton of time and frustration, plus when you do finally go in for your first appointment you’ll be extra prepared and have a more productive shopping experience.

Samantha Shammas, Author and Owner of SamiaLynn

Photo by Melissa Stimpson Photography

Wedding entertainment can be as elaborate or as simple as you want to make it and can come in many forms. For most people, they want their big day to have unique elements that their guests will enjoy. I mean, the whole purpose of booking entertainment is for your guests right?

My particular service is illustrating live and I’ve been doing it since 2018. I’ve had couples reach out with many of the same questions about hiring a live artist so I’m going to answer them all below!

1. What is live illustration?

A live illustrator or artist is someone that comes to the venue itself and creates artwork on the spot. Depending on the artist, this can come in many mediums such as painting, charcoal, markers, or more and can be done on canvas, paper, or products. Everyone’s process is different so be sure to do a deep dive into your artist’s work and offering before putting down a deposit.

2. Who is the illustration made for?

There’s 2 different options: individual sketches for the guests, or one big illustration for the couple/client. Guest illustrations are usually done quickly within minutes (varies from artist to artist) while one big piece is done for the couple to take home at the end of the night, or shipped to them post-wedding. If this is a corporate event, some clients like to have a full scene done to commemorate a venue or special date.

Note: some couples choose to have both! A piece for them and sketches for their guests. This option, of course, requires 2 artists.

3. What’s the difference between digital and paper?

Paper sketches are exactly how it sounds: illustrations drawn on paper with markers/pens/pencils (or whatever medium that artist uses). I use 5x7” (13 x 18 cm) paper and put them in plastic protectors. Digital sketches are still hand-drawn, but emailed to guests the next day. I also provide a link for guests to be able to purchase a physical print to be shipped to them if they’d like to order one. I can sketch at the same pace for both mediums, so the preference is really up to you and what will work best for your event!

4. What event can I hire an artist for?

If you don’t choose to have an artist at your wedding, most couples have a few events aside from the big day. This includes bridal showers, engagement parties, rehearsal dinner or welcome party, bachelor/bachelorettes, and day after brunch. All of these are a perfect opportunity to wow your guests with a fun and unique favor for them to remember your special day or weekend.

5. How does it all work?

I can’t speak for other artists, but this is how I do it:

• I arrive at the venue 30 minutes prior to set up

• When someone wants an illustration, I have them put their name/email on a sign up sheet

• After they sign in, I take a photo of them (so they don’t have to wait around and can enjoy the event)

• I complete the sketch in the order on that’s on the list

• They come pick it up at the end of the night, or if the sketches are digital I will email it to them the next day

• If the couple/client chooses overtime, the guest will receive it after the event

6. You mentioned overtime, what is that?

I can only sketch so many people in the designated hours, so once my sign up sheet is full, I will cut the list off for the rest of the time that I’m there. Some quotes may include a limited amount of overtime. If the couple decides they’d like more guests to get drawn, they can pay a per sketch rate or have me stay additional hours. I will complete overtime illustrations after the wedding and ship it to the couple within a week or two from the invoice payment (US addresses only). All sketches will have guests’ names on them for reference.

Pro tip: put the overtime sketches in your thank you notes for distribution!

7. how long does this all take?

For individual guest sketches, most artists work at relatively the same pace which is 5-15 minutes per illustration depending on how many people are in the sketch and how intense their outfits are to draw. This works out to around 6-8 people (or 3-4 couples) per hour. For this reason, I do recommend hiring more than 1 illustrator if you’re having over 75 guests.

For a full scene illustration, it usually takes a minimum of 5-6 hours or more depending on the size and intensity. Some artists will finish by the end of the night and some will complete it post-wedding and work off a photo.

Hiring a live illustrator is the perfect way to memorialize your special day. Regardless if they’re sketching individuals or a big scene, your guests will love to watch the process and remember it for years to come. If you choose to have guest sketches, they’ll be leaving the wedding with a favor that they truly love, as it was made JUST for them. If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Interested in live illustration? Click here to fill out the form and I can send you a quote! I will travel to wherever your event is (I love to travel!), however, please be aware that anywhere outside of Boston, DC, and NYC will have additional travel fees.

Check out these live illustration reviews!

“Samantha is an incredibly talented artist! I was lucky enough to have Samantha at my wedding in Red Bank, NJ for live illustration for my guests and she was fantastic! She has great communication throughout the planning process and even found another amazing sketch artist to join her for my wedding to accommodate the amount of guests I had. She is easy to work with and open to all of my ideas, even sketching the first dances! My guests have not stopped texting me raving about Sam and how much they love their sketches. This was the perfect addition to my wedding, to give my guests not only a memorable experience but a custom illustration that will last a lifetime!”

- Sarah, 2023 Bride in NJ

“Samantha was super friendly and great to work with for our Bloomingdale's Spring Fashion event. She was efficient in creating sketch illustrations for our guests! During the planning process, she was quick to respond and an overall great vendor to add to our list. Looking forward to doing more events with her in the future!”

- Karen, Event Coordinator for Bloomingdale’s in VA

“Samantha is nothing less than amazing!! She was one of our guest portrait artists at my wedding in 2023, and I have only positive things to say! She is so warm and friendly and her portraits all came out perfectly. We used these portraits as our guest favors and our guests couldn’t stop talking about how cool they were and loved their photos! 100/10 would recommend Samantha for any event or portrait you’re looking to get!”

- Kate, 2023 Bride in GA

“Samantha was great to work with while planning to bring her talents to our wedding day. At the wedding, guests raved about her beautiful sketches! She was a hit and we are so honored to have had her at our big day!”

- Ashley & Bob, 2023 couple in PA

“I cannot say enough good things about Samantha, or recommend her highly enough for any event! We were looking for an artiist to do live sketching at our wedding, and we found her website and impressive work online. Samantha was very responsive and so easy to work with before the big day, and on the day itself, she was truly one of the hardest working people at our wedding! Our guests raved about how they loved getting her sketches of them, and Samantha did a sketch of my husband and I as well, which we are currently having framed! Her sketches are incredible and were such a unique and special part of our day. She's the best!”

- Andrea, 2021 Bride in NY

“I had her at an event over Valentines day weekend and she was FANTASTIC. Rave reviews by all. She was the hit of the event. Thank you!”

- Brian Curry, event in DC

Samantha Shammas, Author and Owner of SamiaLynn

Oh yes, it can be done! And as more and more people are becoming increasingly eco-conscious, second hand is definitely the way to go. Even for your wedding. Today on the blog we have Carmen, the face behind Loudoun Thrift, who creates social media content about thrifting in & around Loudon County, VA. With over 30 years of thrifting experience, she shows others where to go, how to thrift, and what they might find. She loves helping others find unique items, save money, and support sustainable style! Be sure to also check her out on Instagram @loudounthrift and here are her tips on how to thrift for your special day:

Oh, wedding season is upon us! Which means it’s time to go thrifting for your wedding.

Wait, what? Yes, I know those are two words that we don’t commonly hear together- wedding AND thrifting, but I’m going to let you in on some ways you can actually thrift amazing items for your wedding, save some money, and showcase your unique style with secondhand items. Here are my favorite four:

1. Thrifted Bridal Gowns

Ok, I know. Maybe this wasn’t the first thought when I mentioned thrifting. Not every thrift store will have bridal gowns, but generally the larger stores will. With a lot of people purging or downsizing nowadays, bridal gowns are sometimes the first things to go. Most times, you can score a gorgeous vintage gownfrom the 60’s, 70’s, or 80’s. Even if the gown is not quite your style or size, you may be able to have it altered and tailored specifically for you. In the end, you’ll have a beautiful, one-of-a-kind gown that’s all you

2. Thrifted Bridesmaids Dresses

Now we’re talking! Almost every thrift store, even the smaller ones, will have a year-round selection of bridesmaid dresses or similar formal wear. If you’ve even been a bridesmaid (3 times as maid of honor for me!), then you know that these are often donated dresses. If you have a small wedding with one bridesmaid, then finding a thrifted dress will be simple. If you have a larger party, think outside the box. Each bridesmaid wears the same/similar color but in different dress styles. Or try a mix & match color theme- half the bridesmaids wear one color & the other half wear another color (be open to mixed dress styles). It will definitely make for some insta-worthy pictures!

3. Thrifted centerpieces or decor

We love décor, right? The options can be endless when shopping for wedding décor. Do some homework before you shop and look for stores with a large housewares section. You will usually find vases galore, but other wedding décor items I often spot are lanterns, glass bottles, faux flowers, wreaths, mason jars, and canvas art. With the explosion of canvas word art and shabby chic looks in mainstream retail, you will often find a large amount of this in the thrift stores. Think about small art for places like the cake table or guestbook area. Larger pieces can be peppered throughout the reception area for a unique look with words that speak to you and your groom!

4. Wedding favors

Everyone likes a gift to take home! And now, you can thrift for favors without breaking the bank. Think candles, small glass votive holders, mini vases with flower buds. A favorite I once spotted in a magazine used thrifted spoons dipped in chocolate (just the spoon part), then bagged and ribboned to be used as coffee or hot chocolate dippers. Again, these can be somewhat non-traditional ideas, but they are unique, sustainable, and budget conscious.

So, now that we’ve discovered that we can thrift for weddings, which one would you try out first?  Let me know in the comments below!

Carmen Corsi, Author

Carmen is an avid thrifter (30+ years!) based in Loudoun County, VA and blogs about her finds, plus tips & tricks to help you find your own second hand gems. Other passions include coffee, make up, and the fluffiest eyelashes she can find. Click here to check out her site

I have been a writer for as long as my memory serves me. I’ve always found it rather difficult to audibly express thoughts and emotions, so I write. Having been diagnosed with anxiety and depression at an early age, it has served as one of many coping mechanisms that have carried me through life in some of the most stressful times I’ve needed it most. For some, the upcoming wedding season may be just that.

From dresses to design, menus to invitations, unsolicited advice, planners and parents and long-distant cousins expecting a spot in your budget, wedding planning can quickly go from excitement to dread. 

According to the National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI), 1 in 5 adults will experience some form of mental health struggle. Despite the rising prevalence of mental illness in society, particularly over the last couple of years thanks to the stress of the global COVID-19 pandemic, we are only recently reaching a point where it is becoming far less taboo to openly discuss. Wedding planning has a notorious reputation as a cause of significant stress on couples and their families. Willing to be open with your future spouse about your mental health is crucial for not only your overall well-being, but a healthy relationship and marriage is built on a solid foundation of trust and honesty.

Caring for your mental health while wedding planning is an important step towards relieving yourself of successfully beginning your new life together, and so I’d like to share five tips to help you maneuver any obstacles on your way down the aisle:

Prioritize

Living in the Age of Social Media, we are constantly inundated with the perceived best, newest, and hottest trends from fashion to food, and weddings are no exception. Type “wedding ideas” into the Pinterest search tab, and thousands of pretty pictures will pop up reflecting your perfect fairy tale nuptials. Unless you were born with the purse strings of a Kardashian, chances are you won’t be able to afford every last dreamy detail. Start by making a list and figuring out what’s most important to you on your wedding day (aside from getting hitched to your best friend, of course). When you look back in 10 years, what are you going to care about most? If it doesn’t bring you peace of mind, leave it behind. 

Meditate

Okay, you don’t have to actually meditate, but find an activity or something else that helps you re-center, focus, and relax. It could be a special Spotify playlist, a walk in the park, re-reading a favorite comfort book, taking a bubble bath or a cool shower, or simply doing absolutely nothing in a hammock. According to Walden University, even just 30 minutes of moderate exercise has been shown to reduce stress and aid in better sleep, which in turn helps reduce depression and anxiety. Find what fits to release those endorphins. 

Hydrate

I know you’re probably sick of hearing it, but you need to drink more water! No, coffee and soda do not count. Repeat after me: w-a-t-e-r, otherwise known as H2O. According to Active.com, dehydration leads to higher levels of cortisol (the stress hormone). Staying well hydrated reduces those cortisol levels (along with bloating), thus allowing you to more calmly tackle your mother’s insistence on roses over orchids for the 3rd time this week. 

Declutter

Get ready to make like Marie Kondo and de-clutter: your mind, your home, your social circle if need be. Put away that laundry you’ve been staring at for 3 weeks, throw away the junk mail that’s been piling up on the counter, and for the love of God, clean out the fridge of those leftovers that have been growing a science experiment for the last month. You know what I’m talking about. Unsupportive friends raining on your wedding planning ideas? Debbie downer throwing a fit you’ve opted for a child-free event? Bye, Felicia – you don’t have time for any of that mess. Decluttering your life will quite literally bring you more peace of mind. 

Set Boundaries

This one is probably the most difficult to put into action. Setting boundaries in any way – with our friends, family, coworkers, even ourselves – is much easier said than done, but it’s an absolute must for a stress-less wedding (and life). Remember, this is you and your partner’s wedding. Yes, your family is important, and there is nothing wrong with wanting their opinions and finding ways to honor them if you wish, but ultimately this day is about the two of you and no one else. You don’t owe anyone an invitation, a plus-one, a spot in the bridal party, nothing. You do owe it to yourself and your relationship to set those boundaries that keep toxicity out of your life, even if others don’t agree. If it’s hurting your mental health, it needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. 

Let me be clear: I am not a doctor.

I don’t pretend to be, and I won’t say that these tips are going to be 100% effective for everyone, nor will they magically cure anyone of a more serious mental health condition. These are only some of the strategies I use in my everyday life as someone who’s been living with mental illness for almost 20 years, and someone who successfully planned a stress-free wedding of my own using these same tactics.

The most important thing I hope you remember is this: admitting you’re struggling mentally is nothing to be ashamed of, and if you’ve been implementing some or all of these tips into your life and still find you’re not where you’d like to be, please seek the help of a mental health professional. You are worthy of a beautiful wedding day, a thriving start to your marriage, and a peaceful mind. 

Best wishes to you and your partner. I hope you’re blessed with a lifetime of happiness together!

Megan Sabljakovic, Author

Megan is a freelance writer based in Texas. Aside from writing, she’s also a big animal lover and has become passionate about helping reptiles, particularly snakes. She has many of her own and now does snake education & relocation through Lone Star Snakes. Click here to learn more!

As we are still seeing stars after a week of bridal fashion, we wanted to share some of the trends that will be taking over in 2023. Even if you aren’t planning a wedding, it never gets old to see what bridal designers come up with year after year!

Reminder: bridal collections come out a year in advance, hence “Spring 2023”. It can be confusing, we know.

Just like the traditional fashion week, many of the dresses that you will see coming off of the runway aren’t exactly obtainable for the general public. What you should take from these couture gowns is inspiration for what stands out to you on your wedding day. Trends come and go, but you want to make sure that you will love your dress for years to come. Personally, we like some of this inspiration for outfits like the bridal shower, bachelorette party, and even rehearsal dinner if high fashion isn’t the vibes you are trying to give off in your bridal portraits. 

Here are some of our favorites: 

Sleeves of all types

If your arms are showing on your wedding day, do you even have social media?!? Just kidding, just kidding. (I’m a classic sweetheart neckline girl myself) if you are looking to make a statement, though, we’d recommend looking at all of the many sleeve options that are available right now. You could go with a classic fitted sleeve, a sweet flutter sleeve, or an ‘80s puff sleeve. Just be aware of your future children’s distaste for your dress until another 20 years have come and gone and then they will be asking for your preserved gown!

Colorful dresses

And we don’t just mean a champagne underlay! This season we are seeing colorful floral appliqués and your “something blue” all over. If you are getting married in a garden or just really love flowers, this is the season for you. White (or ivory) is no longer the only color option for you to walk down the aisle proudly in!

Sheer dresses

If you aren’t concerned with your conservative family’s opinions, this is for you! Many designers are skipping the lining of their gowns to really let the details speak for themselves. This blends well with the current bodysuit trend as that is typically the coverage that is available in these gowns. If you are having an outdoor destination or beach wedding where the sun will be shining behind you, a sheer dress will be the perfect way to accentuate your silhouette while still being covered head to toe in lace, beading, and tulle. 

Slits or short dresses

In the same vein as the sheer dresses, we are seeing designers showing a little leg with slits in the skirts or just short skirts in general. Many times this will include an over skirt so you can have the train and drama for the ceremony, but then rip it off and be ready to party in a short flirty dress. 

Which of these trends will you be introducing into your bridal look??

Samantha Shammas, Author and Owner of SamiaLynn

A couple weeks ago we had Jen Essex on the blog talking about cake/desserts (YUM-you can check that out here), but this week we have a different Jenn guest writing on another one of my favorite things: wine!

Jenn Carruthers is a sommelier and owner of JC Select Wines, a company she built to help expose clients to the wines that she personally enjoys, and loves sharing with friends and family. It also allows her to educate about wines that can both fit your lifestyle and elevate your next event.

Here are her professional recommendations on the best wines for your wedding and the food to pair it with:

Let’s talk bubbly

Champagne goes with everything, plus they’re lower in alcohol and won’t stain clothing like reds. Here are her 3 go-to’s:

• Charles Heidsieck - NV Champagne Brut Reserve

  Fun fact: it was the Champagne served on the Titanic

  Thanks to 40% of reserve wines, the blend offers a complex, elegant, voluptuous nose with a touch of freshly baked brioche, rich toasted notes and sun-drenched fruits - mango, apricot and mirabelle plum - accented by dried fruits, pistachio and almond. On the palate the texture is reminiscent of a crisp layer of nougatine on a velvety cream pastry, filled with plump red plums and ripe cherries. The selection of reserve wines gives the wine lushness. The finish unveils notes of praline and vanilla.

• La Caravelle, Cuvée Nina, Champagne, France

  This goes very well with seafood or fried chicken

  Paying homage to legendary NYC French fine dining restaurant La Caravelle, which Rita and André Jammet owned. La Caravelle, hand chosen by Rita and André, reflects the classic roots and contemporary sensibility of the brand. It's an elegant expression of Champagne. Talk about the perfect summertime pairing. La Caravelle is an elegant expression of Champagne. Think warm citrus, white flowers, perfectly buttered brioche and the most refreshing white peach.

• The Naveran Brut Vintage Reserva, Cava, Spain

  Cava = Spain’s answer to Champagne

  This grower Cava is made from 100% estate grown, organically farmed fruit with extended lees aging far beyond the minimum requirements for the Cava DO. Made by the Naveran family since 1901. This winery has a tradition of crafting Cavas that are superb expressions of clean, bright, citrus-inflected aromas and flavors with beautiful texture and weight from the extended lees contact, designed to stand up among the great sparkling wines of the world.

refreshing whites

Personally, I always associate white with seafood, but there are SO many other options! Here’s a couple:

• Mottura GRECHETTO di Civitella d'Agliano, Latour a Civitella, IT

  Great with pasta dishes (like Pâtes a La Carbonara), chicken, seafood (especially salmon), salads (Caccio e Pepe is a famous pairing) and Alfredo

  Really versatile and I'd almost describe it as halfway between a Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay in terms of pleasing those from each "side of the aisle" (pun intended). It’s really quite a brilliant wine and made by an incredibly talented producer. The Sergio Mottura Latour a Civitella is a pure expression of Grechetto from Lazio's Civitella d'Agliano IGT appellation near the Umbria border. The best grapes from five Grechetto vineyards of the "Poggio della Costa" clone, planted in different parcels, are used to make this outstanding dry white wine. This wine benefits from some brief time in oak to build texture and aromatic intensity, with preserved lemon and fresh apricot.

• Stolpman Vineyards Roussanne, Ballard Canyon, CA

  A red lovers white wine. Pairs with everything listed above but also more robust meals like pork, steak, and prime rib

  Meet the opulent and intriguing Roussanne. The varietal is extremely slow to grow and mature through the season and the conditions at Stolpman combine to allow for even, albeit late, ripening. It's also a pain in the butt to grow! La Cuadrilla takes every possible effort in the vineyard to optimize the Roussanne fruit. Most notably, in late July the leaves get pulled away from the fruit to allow direct sun penetration. A month prior to forecasted harvest, every grape cluster is rotated 180 degrees to facilitate an even sun-tan. Aromas of Asian pear and honeysuckle sprinkled with citrus tell the tale of a rich, indulgent Roussanne ready to coat the palette in full-bodied splendor. On the nose, one can almost smell the rich texture and the mouthfeel doesn’t disappoint. While opulence carries the day, complimentary notes of lychee, lemongrass, and jasmine bring a more delicate prettiness. Aromas of white flower give further lift while golden hay – the only evidence of toasty oak barrels – brings the wine to a long, luxurious finish.

getting into color

When it comes to reds, consider a blend if you’re only going to offer one red wine. Otherwise Jenn recommends having a Pinot Noir and a Cabernet. Here are all the options:

• Stolpman Vineyards - La Cuadrilla

  A very well rounded option and will go with any food you’re in the mood for!

  Blend breakdown: 70% Syrah - 15% Sangiovese - 15% Grenache. La Cuadrilla is a special wine. “La Cuadrilla” or “the Crew” is named such because it belongs to the crew. The vineyard crew (all of whom are full-time/ year-round workers with benefits) are responsible for creating this wine. Even better: ALL PROFITS from the sales of La Cuadrilla go completely back to Ruben's full-time/year-round crew. Once a year, the Stolpmans host a “Cuadrilla Party” where the crew members are each given a cheque sharing the proceeds from this wine by seniority. It’s truly amazing and I wish it was happening everywhere. The wine also happens to be delicious! It’s a juicy, everyday, any occasion kind of wine. The 2018 vintage was fantastic overall and this wine is no exception. Its base of Syrah gives it deep red fruit, making it both expressive and bold. The blending keeps it fresh and fun, perfect for any day that ends with "Y”. A crowd pleaser for sure.

• Disciples Red, Napa Valley

  Particularly amazing with BBQ. ribs, steak, venison, lamb... It's like a "red blend" upgrade

  The breakdown: 49% Zinfandel, 19% Petite Sirah, 10% Charbono, 9% Grenache, 7% Syrah, 6% Merlot. The backbone of the Disciples Red Wine comes from the Morisoli Vineyard in Rutherford and the Tofanelli Vineyard in Calistoga. The Morisoli's have been farming their plot of land for 5 generations, dating back to the 1890's. The Tofanelli's have been farming their ranch since 1929 and grow some of Napa's most coveted field blend varietals. Predominantly Zinfandel, this wine jumps out of the glass with blackberry coulis, juniper and toast. Fantastic acidity carries the wine through to a satisfyingly long, lingering finish.

• West Pole Pinot Noir by Bohème Wines, Sonoma Coast, CA

  Goes with cheese and vegetarian (classic pairing = mushrooms) dishes, poultry, lamb and beef, salmon, and hearty salads

  Twenty-nine Pinot Noir barrels from the Bohème single-vineyard program were selected for the 2018 vintage of West Pole Pinot Noir. Each component was estate-grown (including six Pinot Noir selections averaging 30% whole cluster fermentation) and aged 22 months in 10% new French Oak barrels. Notes: Starlike clarity with rosewood-mulberry hue. Slow-fired Burgundy toast aroma with black and red fruits: cranberry, huckleberry, hibiscus and Kirsch cherry. Dark fruits impress the palate in hand with bergamot, sandalwood, clove, roasted chestnut and elderflower. Fine and abundant tannins follow—the wine is structured and versatile.

• Obsidian Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon, Mayacamas Range Napa Valley

  Pairs well with anything in the meat category, especially red meat

  You might have heard of Mayacamas Range. That ridge is where this wine comes from. The high elevation provides for a great balance of grapes ranging in variety and ripeness. Really smooth, dark fruit, really well made and I just can't express how great this wine is for the price ($35). It's such a great go-to Cab.

At the end of the day this is Jenn’s go-to piece of advice for wine & food:

“Pair the wine you want with the food you like”

Want to work with Jenn for your wedding? Here’s a bit of what she can do for you:

• Tasting ahead of time to learn the stories of each unique wine

• If she’s curating the wine and not attending the wedding as your sommelier, she will provide PDFs for display explaining the wine choices and story of the wines chosen

• She also has a wine membership! (hello wedding gift)

Check these out and more on her website www.jcselectwines.com and connect on Instagram @jcselectwines.

Jenn Carruthers, Author

Jenn is a professional sommelier based in California that aims to bridge a gap between common wines and those special bottles. While wine is her hobby as well as her job, she also enjoys surfing and visiting her hometown of Toronto, Canada

As someone with a giant sweet tooth, I was so excited to have Jen Essex guest write a blog post. Jen is the owner and head baker at Ruby Jean Patisserie, a Denver, CO bakery that specializes in buttercream cakes and confections that combine premium quality ingredients and flavors with modern style. Not to mention that all of her creations are downright gorgeous! So I asked Jen how couples are supposed to pick a flavor or design for their wedding? Check out her answers below:

You’ve said yes to your favorite person, the perfect venue and all the lovely details; now it's time to create your dessert experience. Your cake and desserts should be a reflection of you as a couple and go along with the entire vision of your wedding. 

How we start the process

When working with clients, we really like to dive deep into what your food love language is; helping us understand your likes and dislikes sets up our tastings for success. Questions we ask our clients are:

• What are your favorite flavors?

• Favorite travel destinations?

• What's your favorite ice cream?

  All of these help us create a unique dessert spread for you and your loved ones. 

Where we get our inspiration

We love to pull inspiration from all the sources. We will search your Pinterest board, your invitations, the dress, the flowers, the linens and create something unique for you and your wedding.

Examples of how we can incorporate you as a couple and details from your big day into your dessert experience…

• Maybe you are traveling to Italy on your honeymoon, so Tiramisu is a perfect thing to have on your dessert bar

• You're getting married in the mountains and evergreen is on your color palette, so we incorporate little touches of pine on your wedding cake

• The tables are the most romantic blush you’ve ever seen, so your entire cake is blush and adorned with the same flowers that are in your bouquet and centerpieces

• You fell in love with French Macarons on your first date, so gifting your guests French Macarons is the perfect little thank you. 

Same thing goes for your desserts and cake as the entire wedding, this is your day; choose things that you love. Our goal is to WOW your guests and make your events memorable.

Want to get in touch? Visit us on our website at rubyjeanpatisserie.com and be sure to follow on Instagram @rubyjeanpatisserie to see all our amazing custom creations!

Edited April 2023: Jen is no longer in the baked goods business, but she’s still a wealth of knowledge if you need any advice!

Jen Essex, Author

Jen is a classically trained pastry chef with a passion for all things sweet. When she is not baking you can find her chasing around her 13-year-old son, Liam and hanging with her husband Brandon and their two rescue puppies Olive and Teddy

Lauren here! For almost 5 years now I have been giving wedding advice through selling wedding dresses, adding to the black hole that is bridal TikTok, and assisting with writing these blogs. All of that time I was just sharing what I had learned from people around me (as well as the internet…). In reality my only wedding planning experience was in my dreams. 

That all is about to change because I got engaged last week!!

Wow, 13 year old me is still panicking that this day finally came and it was better than I could have ever dreamed of. And because I am that girl, many details of my wedding have already been planned. It also didn’t help that my now fiancé isn’t very good at keeping secrets! 

All of this to say, this blog is about to have some real life examples of wedding planning  highs, lows, frustrations, and celebrations. 

So what should you do after getting engaged?

The one piece of advice that I’ve heard before is to give yourself some time to take it all in. I am only going to be engaged once in my life, and in the grand scheme of things it’s going to be such a small period in my life. For now I’m going to sit back, gaze at my perfect vintage engagement ring, and enjoy the high that I’m riding on.  After that will be choosing a date, setting a guest list, and locking in a budget. (All of that has been done in a note on my phone for a while now because I’m me, but it’s time to add our team player to the game) 

The venue will be the first detail you want to confirm because that will determine the date and other vendors that will be necessary. Some will be all inclusive and you will just sit back and relax. Others will only provide their four walls and you will have a long road of decisions again. Our venue has already been selected (pre-proposal/pre- even meeting my fiancé ) and it’s not even a real wedding venue, so this will not be a simple process. That means more for me to share with you as I learn and possibly drive myself crazy! 

The vendors we are most excited to decide on are photographer and caterer. Those will most likely be our next decisions because it’s what we want to invest in the most. If you are in the same boat at me, I’d recommend prioritizing with your partner so that you put your money into things that actually matter to you both.

To see a full breakdown of a wedding planning timeline, check out our previous blog here 

Do any of you past brides have any advice for me, a future bride?! Let me know in the comments!

PS- Yes, the scene in the illustration is from the actual proposal! A magical Valentine’s Day night on a rooftop in Kansas City, MO

Lauren Allen, Author

Lauren is a bridal consultant and self-published author, with a background in celebrity styling and bridal make up artistry. You can find her with an oat milk cappuccino in the morning, and a glass of Cabernet at night, her real passions. Lauren is based in Kansas CIty and her book “How to Be 23” can be found here

Choosing your wedding party can be overwhelming. These people are essentially being deemed your “favorites” and the pressure to not disappoint can be a lot. If you have a small social circle or doing just family, it might be easy. However, the majority of people have a hard time trying to narrow it down between their 3 different friend groups, family members, and matching their party numbers with their fiance’s side. If you can’t decide, there’s a few factors that you should consider before making someone part of your wedding party.

But before we get into it, there’s one point I want to emphasize before anything: you are under NO OBLIGATION to ask anyone to be in your wedding party. They need to not only be your favorite humans, but also will be empathetic, focus on your vision, and be there for you throughout this whole planning process.

Support

This is #1 in deciding who is going to be in your inner circle. Your best friend can be amazing, but if they’re going to cause you more stress than help then maybe being a part of the wedding party isn’t for them (same goes for your sibling). Choose your party based on friends and family who will truly be a support system for you because 90% of couples will tell you that wedding planning is STRESSFUL and they need all the assistance (emotional or otherwise) they can get

Length of relationship

Connection is not solely based on how long you’ve known someone, but for a lot of people it works out that way as their relationship with you is more developed. That being said you should NOT create your wedding party based on who you’ve known the longest, but it’s also probably not the best idea to ask your new friend of 3 months either. Don't always look at the people you may spend a lot of time based on proximity or convenience. The best wedding party members are those that stick with you through thick and thin despite regardless of where they might physically live

Traditions

If you’re a more traditional person, or want to incorporate traditions into your wedding, then take note of those first while you put your list of people together (especially if you’re having a multi cultural wedding). For example: Greek weddings usually don’t have a wedding party at all (look at that your list is done!), while Americans include their siblings as well as their fiance’s siblings on both sides

Head Count

This is a big one. The first thing you should be doing is going over numbers with your partner. If you’ve settled on an intimate guest list, then you don’t need a gigantic wedding party. Just go down to “bare bones” like siblings or your best friend, you don’t want half of your attendees standing up at the altar with you.

Pros of having a smaller wedding party (1-5 people):

• Less people means less opinions

• It’s cheaper. If money isn’t an issue, easier to customize or give nicer gifts/perks

• Easier to coordinate

  The cons:

• You might not be able to include everyone you wanted

• Not as many people to help with typical “wedding party duties” (bridal shower, bach party, etc)

Pros of a larger wedding party (6+ people):

• More people to help and support you throughout the wedding process

• If you want to do a look of non-matching outfits, more people is the way to accomplish that

• Allows you to include all your loved ones

The cons:

• More people means more opinions and that can get overwhelming

• More people to coordinate and accommodate

• More people to add to your guest list if each person has a significant other

• More expensive

I also want to note a couple things:

1. Just because you’d like someone to be part of your wedding party, doesn’t mean they want to be in it. This can be for a variety of reasons: they can’t afford it, they have social anxiety, they don’t have the time, etc. Whatever the reason, don’t take it personally and respect their decision. The job can be a lot to handle and it’s not for everyone. That being said, it’s ok (i.e. encouraged) to make a mental backup list.

2. There are other ways to be included in the wedding without being part of the “wedding party”. Suggestions include wedding officiant, reader/speech giver, performer (if they’re a musician/singer/poet), an escort to you or someone else down the aisle, or legal witness. If you have a larger group of people in mind, simply ask them to come get ready with you!

If there’s one thing you take away from this whole post, it’s this: choose the people that will give you energy, not take it away. Because planning is stressful enough without involving outside parties. Plus, this is something that really only affects you and your partner and has nothing to do with the rest of the wedding. So remember, this your day, do what you think is best.

Samantha Shammas, Author and Owner of SamiaLynn