You’re engaged! Everyone’s congratulating you and there’s excitement in the air! Annnd right after you make the announcement to all your friends and family, the next question always seems to be “when are you getting married?” Now, slow down, take a deep breath and really consider when you will be setting your wedding date. Be flexible, be open and follow some of these great tips, so that your special day will indeed be special and meaningful for everyone involved.

Etsy

 {Season} One of the first things you may want to consider when setting your date is the season. Do you want to be hot and sweaty or cold and shivering? Not only is this important for you and your bridal party but your guests as well. The season will also help determine whether it can be an indoor or outdoor wedding.

{Military Schedule} This one is very, very tricky. It can be extremely difficult to set a date when one or even both parties are in the military. We have featured several weddings where dates had to be changed – even at the last minute – because of transfers and deployment escalations. If in the military, consider keeping your date flexible. Which, in turn, means your planning needs to be flexible. How? It would be easier to change the date of a backyard wedding than that of a formal venue. And if a fixed date is not possible… there’s always eloping! (Just thoughts to keep in mind.)

Photo by Abby Grace Photography

{Venues} If you have your heart set on a particular setting at a venue, then the venue sets the date. Popular venues can book as far in advance as 12-18 months. I suggest that you keep yourself open to other venue choices when setting your date. Don’t settle on a mid-January date because that is the only date left open if you never wanted a winter wedding to begin with. Be flexible!

{Photographers} Popular photographers book early and far in advance. (Though we’ve heard many are choosing not to book farther than 12 months out.) Just like venues, your date may be dependent on the availability of the photographer, especially if he/she is the only one you want photographing your wedding.

Photo by Mary Dougherty Photography via Bridal Musings

 {Guests} While setting your date should be about your schedule, please do consider your guests’ schedule. If many of your guests will be traveling from out of town consider whether your date is around a holiday or other heavy seasonal travel times. Traveling on holidays can be cost prohibitive for your guests, not to mention stressful as a result of delays (both highway and in the air) due to weather and general traffic. If you plan your wedding on a Sunday because the venue is less expensive, travel may be cheaper, but your guests might not be able to get additional days off.

{Destination} When choosing a date for a destination wedding, you will definitely want to consider the season, especially in tropical regions, including our southeastern coast and outside the US. There always seems to be a rainy or hurricane season. I’ve heard of many weddings that have ended abruptly due to an unscheduled hurricane or tropical storm, leaving you and your guests scrambling to escape or even having to hunker down instead.

Photo by Luminaire Foto

{Health} Life happens. And health issues, whether sudden or something that’s been coming on for some time, may also determine your wedding date. The health concerns of the bride and groom as well as any significant family members is a deeply personal and oftentimes emotional journey. If it is very important to ensure that all those guests who are significant in your life be at your wedding, then set a date that will accommodate that wish. If situations that are beyond your control come up, remember details can always be changed. It might be difficult, but if you enlist the right help, it can always be done.

{Pregnancy} On a happier note, a pregnancy may dictate when you set a wedding date. Whether it’s the bride or even a bridesmaid that is expecting, pregnancies are not always planned. If known before the date has been set, you can choose (or have your bridesmaid choose) to sport a baby bump or not, or maybe you want the adorable newborn available for photographs. The choice is up to you and/or whoever the pregnant one may be. One thing I do know, never, ever make a bridesmaid feel bad that she has become pregnant after you’ve set your date or after you’ve asked her to be part of your bridal party. Never. Dresses now can be beautifully designed (even altered) to fit any wedding style or any size baby belly :)

Photo by Dana Duncan Photography via Heart Love Weddings

{Holidays} They are a wonderful time to get married. On the plus side, your family might be coming into town anyway, so that rather than being an extra expense, the travel cost is already planned, and attending a wedding would be a wonderful bonus rather than a burden. If you’re setting your date around Christmas, you might find that many ceremony sites and venues are already decorated, resulting in you saving money on extra flowers and/or decor. On the negative side, dates may be very difficult to schedule without long term advance planning. The expense may also skyrocket for venues and for food especially.

{Work/School} Your work or school schedule may very well dictate when you can have your wedding, and should definitely be taken into account when planning. If you are a tax accountant, getting married anytime between January and April will present a challenge. If you are a law or med student, studying for boards and/or exams AND planning a wedding could be very cumbersome. If you are a teacher, planning a wedding during the school year might not be the best idea. That is not to say that people can’t or haven’t planned a wedding during their busiest of times, we’re simply stating ways that could make it easier for you. Planning a wedding can be very stressful, why add unnecessary stress? Relax.

When you go to dip that first big toe into wedding planning, remember setting your date should be one of the first things you see to. Many other aspects of your wedding planning are integrally connected to this first step, helping things to go smoother as you get in deeper.

Are you ready? Go! I mean, Set! Your date that is…

xoxo

One of my very favorite things about the wedding you are about to see is the brilliant pops of turquoise seen throughout the details of the day. The peachy cream roses of the centerpieces and bouquets are offset by chocolate hydrangeas and surrounded by turquoise alstroemerias. The bridesmaid dresses, the vests and ties of the groom and groomsmen, the cake, custom soda pop bottles, and many other details… all turquoise! And let me tell you something, it ROCKS! The colors, the love between the bride and groom, the sparkles on the bride’s wedding dress and shoes, all brilliantly captured by Mirelle Carmichael Photography!

Jesse and Colleen first met at a barbecue through mutual friends. Colleen thought he was just another “one of the guys” but very attractive with his piercings and tattoos. Jesse was bummed that Colleen wasn’t exactly single at the time. They stayed in touch though, and soon began courting each other a couple of months later.

They went to a movie for their first date, but can’t remember which one. Nor can they really recall the details of their first kiss, funnily enough. They think it happened a couple of dates after their first date. They’d decided to watch a movie at his house, it was getting late, and as she was getting ready to leave, something magical happened. It wasn’t love at first sight for these two, but they swear it was love at first kiss.

Their first Valentine’s Day together was both the best and worst moment of their relationship so far. They’d had such a romantic evening, and really enjoyed their time together. But when they returned to Jesse’s house, something changed. He gifted her an adorable teddy bear holding a red heart, and then promptly proposed right then and there. They’d only been together five months, and because Colleen wasn’t ready, she turned the poor guy down! He took it rather well. He let her keep the ring, they never celebrated Valentine’s Day again, and it took him another five years to garner the courage to ask her again.

On their five year anniversary, Jesse proposed…again! He’d come home early from work and was immediately shooed into the house by a surprised Colleen who was still setting up his anniversary present (a new golf bag). After giving it to him, she figured they’d leave right away for dinner and followed him to the garage. But Jesse, who had other plans, changed direction and headed into the bathroom. Slightly annoyed, Colleen went to wait for him on the couch.

The next thing she knew, he was sticking the ring in her face, saying,” So…Will you marry me?” Her shocked response: “Are you serious?” was quickly followed up by his: “What? Of course, I’m serious. I want to marry you. Will you marry me?” Then…she said yes! Finally :)

He later told her that he didn’t actually have to go to the bathroom, but needed to get her off his back so he could think of some creative way to ask her. He wound up blurting it out instead. Not the most romantic of proposals, but it was real, and quite funny too.

{From the Bride} We remember so much of the wedding day, many memorable moments! But it does seem like a blur at the same time. I worked for months to get the decorations, music selections, rentals, flowers, etc. figured out. Always with Jesse’s input, of course. The day before the wedding, my bridesmaids, family and I went to the venue to set up, decorate, make bouquets, centerpieces, and such; while Jesse took his groomsmen, family and friends to the golf course.

When the big day arrived, the girls got started on their hair and makeup, while I oversaw a few last details before delegating the rest to trusted family and friends. I heard at some point that the groom was in the building and that he and the boys were getting ready (phew!). Once we were all beautiful, and the amazing Mirelle was on scene, Jesse and I stole away for our first look session. We aren’t superstitious, and honestly seeing Jesse before the ceremony was the best treatment for all of the butterflies and nerves that I had.

The ceremony is the blurriest. Everyone was up there waiting for me. My veil was blowing all over the place and my Dad had to hold it under his arm so I could see where I was going. But once I got up there, no one else existed. It was just me and Jesse. That is until I couldn’t repeat my vows and had to literally read them off the paper. Luckily, we were married by Jesse’s stepdad, so it was very informal, and quite the comedic routine. It was so flawed, it was perfect!

Everything was perfect, even when it wasn’t. The one thing we did not know or expect is that after all the planning, stressing, trying to make things match, creating, and losing sleep, nothing but being there together with all of our family and friends mattered. The day was perfect! I got to marry the nicest guy I know, who also happens to be my best friend. We smiled and cried all day, it was all so overwhelming and so, so amazing. Our family and friends from both sides blended together like one, big happy bunch of people (a family), there to celebrate our love that day.

{Advice for Couples} TALK TO EACH OTHER. Everyone says communication is key, and they’re right! Share your day with each other, even for just 15 minutes. When something bothers you, say so, no one can read your mind, and if you don’t say anything, you’ll only bottle it up and explode eventually. Never go to bed mad at each other and always kiss goodnight. Say I love you whenever you feel like it. (We say it so much you would think we’d just fallen in love!) If you’re wrong, admit it, there is no pride in a partnership! We’ve been together seven years so far, and these are the things we live by.

Congratulations, Jesse and Colleen! May your future together be filled with nothing but love and laughter. Thank you so much for sharing your love story with us. A special thank you also to Mirelle Carmichael for sharing their very special day with all of us today! xoxo

A picture is worth a thousand words . . .

One Photographer. One Snapshot. One Quote.

One-thousand words and emotions.

“I’ve fallen in love many times … always with you.” – Author Unknown

Photo by Emily March Photography

Brides, brides-to-be, and ladies dreaming of their weddings someday… let’s go shopping at BHLDN! We’ve created four beautiful looks that we believe are simply swoon-worthy, and all exclusively available at BHLDN. Each look is unique in style, beauty and price. And because we know everyone loves to window shop, we’re inviting you to come shop with us, and see our vision for each beautiful dress’s wedding day. Each one is dreamier than the last, I promise.

{Karin’s Pick} This bridal style is reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn – classic, stylish, short, with a little sass. The gorgeous lace has a peachy nude layer underneath, adding subtle color giving the vintage vibe a modern twist. The shoes add the perfect shimmer, the jewelry, the perfect sparkle. This ensemble would be a wonderful choice for a small, intimate wedding or even elopement. I thought a late morning ceremony followed by a brunch, including mimosas and crepes, would be the exact wedding reception that would enhance this gorgeous look.

Persephone Shift {$400} | Half-and-Half Heels {$260} | Blooming Waterway Bracelet {$165} | Baltic Amber Earrings {$120}

Total Look: $945

{Karin’s Pick} With its skinny straps and appliqué flowers, this dress reminds me of an easy, breezy relaxed beach wedding, one of my favorites!  I see shrimp, fresh fruit and vegetables piled high on long tables decorated with gorgeous orchids reflecting all the lushness that inspires beach weddings. Warm breezes, palm trees swaying softly, and waves crashing on the shore make for the perfect backdrop. Can you hear it? The beach is calling!

Greenhouse Gala Gown {$1,400 – on sale $800} | Brilliant Axis Sandals {$150 – on sale $80} | Sakura Halo {$200} | Les Temps De Fleur Earrings {$165}

Total Look : $1,315

{Alexandra’s Pick} I don’t think I have ever seen a dress as romantic as this. The first thing I thought when I saw it: a midsummer night’s dream! I imagine a garden ceremony filled with elegant details… chandeliers in the trees, rose petals sprinkled along the grassy aisle, an arbor covered in the prettiest of flowers and soft, sparkly tulle, wooden tables and chairs, candlelight, twinkle lights, mini cupcakes and pretty, pink champagne in the most elegant of flutes! I think it would be… a dream come true.

Savoir Faire Gown {$2,800 – on sale $1,400} | Dewed Vines Hairpin {$140} | Auroral Vapor Heels {$350} | Flickering Festoon Necklace {$230}

Total Look: $2,120

I absolutely love this dress! It’s seriously stunning. I imagine any woman in this dress would simply float down the aisle to marry her man. Speaking of the groom, he’s in a classic tux, as are the rest of the men. The ladies in long flowing dresses of pretty pastels that float on the breeze… this is a rooftop ceremony after all. Candlelight and twinkle lights bring sparkle to the night, the smell of heavenly scented flowers perfume the air, the distant sound of city chatter somewhere far below them, everyone bubbly, everything glittery, classy, elegant, glamorous, beautiful, perfect.

Blossoming Weir Gown {$1,800} | Subtle Infusion Earrings {$160} | Subtle Infusion Bracelet {$180} | Bow-Topped Slingbacks {$310}

Total Look: $2,450

Are you ready? We know you want to! Let’s go shopping at BHLDN!

**We were not asked nor were we compensated by BHLDN in the preparation of this post. We just love shopping!**

You know what I love? Submissions from brides! We don’t get many, so that when we do, I get overly excited! :) I’m so excited to share this vintage train station and orange grove engagement session with you today! I just love the photos of these two in the train station, decked out in vintage clothing. There really isn’t anything sweeter…except maybe the photos of these two in the orange grove…they’re pretty sweet too! Jerome Park Photography did an amazing job capturing them and the love they share between them!

Tiffany met Tanner in college. Though they never laid eyes on each other on campus, the two were actually neighbors. They tell everyone that she really was the girl-next-door – how fun :)

Their love story doesn’t start off like most – it wasn’t love at first sight for these two. In fact, they didn’t have all that much in common, but they really enjoyed each other’s company. They became really close friends, and secretly developed crushes on each other; but because neither thought they stood a chance with the other, chose not to say anything. They were so different… He was the studious boy-next-door, quiet and introverted; she was the silly, talkative, extroverted, girl-on-the-other-side-of-the-fence. She actually met Tanner on a Monday night (after finals week) wanting to borrow ping pong balls for a game of beer pong with her roommates (not to borrow ‘sugar’ as one would expect from the typical girl-next-door). They never thought it would work out between them.

It wasn’t until one night – when Tiffany was throwing a house party (in her That 70s Show-inspired red garage) that she and Tanner spent the entire night talking…about all the girls she’d tried setting him up with! She knew he was a catch after all, but Tanner wanted no one but her. And so he told her, in the only way he knew how. He kissed her. On her vintage green tufted sofa with the disco ball spinning and random music the DJ had left playing. They were the only two left, and while the setting and scene were tacky, and the music was that of something you’d hear in Pirates of the Caribbean, it was one of the sweetest kisses Tiffany had ever had.

Because they were neighbors, their relationship moved rather quickly. Their roommates (consisting of three boys and three girls respectively – it was like the college-version of The Brady Brunch or something) even suspected they were dating before the two love birds announced it themselves that it was so!

While Tanner moved across town his senior year, they didn’t really face their first relationship hurdle until he graduated. They weren’t sure where they would end up if he took a job opportunity across the country. Tanner was confident they would stay together, but Tiffany wasn’t so sure. He wound up taking a job just two hours away, so that when Tiffany graduated, she moved to be with him, only to move again when a job opportunity became available in another state. They battled an even-longer distance relationship just to stay together, and made it!

They were together four years before Tanner finally got down on one knee. He had a private room set up in the back of one of their favorite restaurants, House of Tricks (a rustic cottage-like home turned into a restaurant), candles lit everywhere, and a table set up in front of the fireplace just for them. Tiffany recalls how sweet and romantic it was and that she wouldn’t have had it any other way.

{From the Bride-To-Be} The ‘vintage train station’ idea for our engagement shoot was an easy decision for us knowing Tanner’s love of all things machines, especially trains, and my love for all things vintage. It’s why we chose, Jerome. The style of photos he produces encompasses a true vintage film look, not a digitally processed look.

Thank you, Tiffany, for finding our lovely blog on Pinterest(!!!) and submitting your engagement session and love story to us! It was an honor and a pleasure and we couldn’t be happier for you and Tanner! Much love and luck to you both in the years to come! A special thank you to Jerome Park, too, for sending along the photos for us to feature! xoxo