We’ve come a long way since PRIDE was first celebrated 50+ years ago, and merging LGBTQ+ couples and weddings is another milestone to honor & celebrate. Many couples, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender, etc are searching for unique ways to showcase their love at their wedding and it’s safe to say, all rules are out. A wedding is all about celebrating love between one another, so let’s toss out some traditions, bring in personalities and ruffle some feathers. Here are some ways we can reinvent traditions for LGBTQ+ weddings, now and forever. PROPOSAL + ENGAGEMENT RINGS For some couples, the traditional proposal where one proposes to another is still quite common. But for others, each may want a chance to ask for a hand in marriage, whether it happens on the same day or not. And for some, they just decide together that they want to be married and no proposal happens. More and more same-sex couples elect to buy engagement rings for eachother, in turn, allowing both to wear their own ring before the wedding. You can decide to choose matching rings or matching wedding bands, or go completely customizable to showcase each one’s style. COMBINED PRE-WEDDING CELEBRATIONS You may find you and your significant other with a lot of friends in common, so feel free to mix in and combine them all into any or all pre-wedding parties. You can name the parties whatever you’d like, and invite whoever you like without regard to gender or wedding party side. Whether it’s a couple’s shower or bachelorette/bachelor party, include them all because the more the marry(ier)! WEDDING PARTY Forget about being all matchy-matchy in terms of a wedding party and consider asking a variety of people that support you and your relationship. The traditional gender-specific roles of best man and maid of honor and bridesmaids and groomsmen can now be a mix of genders, sexual orientations, etc. WALKING DOWN THE AISLE Let’s face it, you both have to walk down the aisle eventually, so get creative with how you want to do it that makes sense to you. You can opt to walk down the aisle together, or you can each walk down separately with a parent or friend, or you can both be standing there to greet all of your guests when they walk down the aisle. Whatever way you choose, will make the most sense to you and no one will know the difference. CEREMONY VOWS Make your vows your own - it’s your chance to be creative and declare your love for one another. Consider expressing why your partner is special to you, why you want to marry them, and express your love and commitment with no boundaries. CHANGE YOUR NAME The question of who takes who’s name after the big day is one of the biggest traditions you can change. Some couples decide to keep their own name, and some decide to hyphen names, but some decide to blend the two names together to create a customized new name that is unique and special to you. Whatever way you choose to go, just needs to be the best decision for you. WHO PAYS Traditionally, the bride's parents are financially responsible for the wedding, however now, more and more couples are paying for their own wedding themselves, or both sets of parents are chipping in equally. We encourage you to have this conversation early on, so there’s no surprises or tension down the road. DO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY! At the end of the day, your wedding should be a celebration and it doesn’t matter where, how, who, why, what you decide to do to honor and showcase your love to each other. Just remember and know that you can choose to spin the “do’s and don’ts” and you can opt to customize your own traditions and rules. Photography: @mainsqueezephotography | @kirstenhollidayphoto

Whatta man, whatta man, whatta man, whatta mighty good man! Gotta say it again now! It’s an easy assumption that the wedding is all about the little girl who’s been dreaming about her wedding since she was 10 years old or the always a bridesmaid, but now a blushing bride. Much to our surprise, a wedding can also be a man’s man’s world. We’re here to give a shout out to those guys in the wedding world, to the little boys who grew up to be a groom and husband. Let’s acknowledge and incorporate their style, their personality, their hobbies and their wants into his perfect wedding day! THE SHARP DRESSED MAN The groom’s wedding attire doesn’t have to be basic and boring - it can make a statement, bring personality and represent him on the most important day of his life. Whether you are selecting a classic tux, a casual suit, a laid back pressed jean look, there’s plenty of accessories that can drastically change the vibe and look of the attire. Not only can these add to your overall look, but your photographer will love capturing these items for detail shots! ​ Neckwear - A tie is the simplest way to jazz up a man’s attire and is almost a must-have when it comes to your overall wedding look. The options are endless when it comes to fabric, color, style, patterns, themes, etc.If you're all about sporting bold groom accessories, a statement or novelty print will take your suit to the next level. Cufflinks - small, but mighty and can be as simple, traditional and classy as can be, or you can find the perfect novelty pair to highlight your personality. Socks - a must-have item in your wedding wardrobe and one of the easiest ways to add your own personal style to your look. And as socks are easily hidden, you can get as wild as you want with them by showcasing your favorite sports team, superhero, food, pattern, etc. (plus it’s a super easy gift to give to your guys!). Additional Accessories - a few other accessories that you can wear on your wedding day include suspenders, belt, shoes, pocket knife, pocket watch, wallet, tie clips, pocket square, hat, etc. BOYS WILL BE BOYS! Weddings don’t have to be stuffy and boring - now is the time to make bold statements and incorporate some unique trends that will be sure to stand out and allow for some fun and games to come into play! Flower Boys | A new wedding trend that we can’t get enough of is flower boys. Unite your college boys, hand them a fanny pack filled with flower petals, and let them set the stage for your wedding by dancing their way down the aisle to you & your forever! Backyard Games | A little friendly competition never hurt anyone, so gather up some of your favorite tailgate games and bring them to your wedding. Guests will love the interaction and breath of fresh air by tossing around cornhole bags, stacking up jenga and throwing some dice at yardzee. Garter Toss | Football fan? Then toss the garter on a football for a creative twist on the tradition Cigar Roller | Once all of the traditions are complete - the vows, the formal pictures, the dinner, the champagne toast, the first dance, the cake cutting, it’s now time to toss those jackets off, roll up the sleeves & roll up some cigars! A live cigar roller makes for the perfect ending to a memorable wedding that guests will remember for years to come. So grab the guys & enjoy some fresh premium cigars under the stars! Getaway Car | Make a statement and ride away in style! There’s several options beyond a limo, including a vintage classic car, an antique truck, a pedi-cab, an electronic moped or a horse drawn carriage! “THE WAY TO A MAN’S HEART IS THROUGH HIS STOMACH” Two of the must-haves for an enjoyable wedding reception are catering & cocktails, so let’s incorporate some fun and unique options for both the bar and bites that showcase the groom! Bar Ideas “His Signature Drink” - These should be all about what you enjoy most, whether it’s tequila, tea, bourbon or basil, feel free to get fancy with those signature cocktails and don’t forget the custom cocktail name, speciality glassware and garnish to put the perfect touch on your porch pounder! Personalized Ice Cubes - Freezing and popping up everywhere are customizable, personalized & monogrammed ice cubes that can be served in your cocktails! It’s super unique and a wow factor, and we guarantee your guests will love it (and will be going back for another)! Tasting Flights - A lot of drinking is done on the wedding day, and another way to take that bar to the next level is to offer tasting flights during the reception. You can choose beer or whiskey (or hey, even wine) and it’s a unique way to showcase and sample some of your favorites (and maybe even local favorites) for you and your guests​. Food Ideas Grooms Cake - A traditional wedding cake is usually a continuation of the wedding day’s theme or aesthetic, but a groom’s cake is all about the man of the hour! Designed with ONLY the groom in mind, a groom’s cake is the best way to honor and showcase his interests, personality and favorite flavors. It’s not a must have, but it’s a real winner in our books! Late Night Snacks - aka the Taco Bell 4th meal (ok it doesn't have to be Taco Bell), but offering a late night snack for guests to munch on after a few rounds of drinks, is a great end to the night! Whether it’s pizza, honey butter chicken biscuits, fries, breakfast tacos, etc - spoil that hubby by including his favorite guilty pleasures! Photography: Tim Waters | Feather & Twine | Moodyography | Two Pair Photo | Andy + Carrie | The Teagues | Sarah KJ Photography | Tolman Media | Dani Quiroz ​

Wedding planning comes with lots of details to discuss and requires lots of decisions to be made, and some of those choices are easier to make than others. Deciding whether to invite children to your wedding is one of the most challenging guest list questions that many couples face. There can be a variety of reasons not to invite kiddos to your wedding day, and if you are wanting a child-free celebration, you are entitled to get that as your wedding guest list is ultimately up to you. It can certainly become a tricky (and even an awkward) conversation starter and finding the right words to say can be a daring task. We’ve gathered some important etiquettes of what to do (and what not to do) and how to bring up the topic to those on your guest list. We’ve also compiled some of our favorite statements to simply ask for a kid-free wedding day. What To Do! Do Properly and Carefully Address Your Wedding Invitations Make it clear and bold from the start that your wedding is adults only. How? Address each invitation to exactly those invited, otherwise some guests with children might assume their whole family is welcome. If you're sending out more formal invitations with both an outer envelope and an inner envelope, you can be extra direct about the specific people invited. The outer envelope features the guest's mailing address, while the inner envelope includes the title and last name of each guest. If you don't have an inner envelope, you'll need to be as clear as possible on the outer envelope. You can also go the extra mile and write in their exact names on the response card (the same way you addressed them on the outer envelope). Then all they'll have to do is check "will attend" or "will not attend" on the RSVP card. That way, it will be obvious only "Mr. and Mrs. Texas" are invited. If you are using an e-RSVP, allow the drop-down button only for however many are invited, rather than allowing guests to select their own RSVP count. Do Mention It on Your Wedding Website Your wedding website is a place to share important wedding info, including the basics and additional details such as registries, transportation options, dress code and more. That makes it a welcoming place to add in a note about keeping your day adults-only before Some couples go the extra mile for their friends and family and find alternative services for the littles, so if you are recommending any babysitting options in the area or have made prior arrangements, (which is a very thoughtful touch), you can add those details to your website as well. Do Have a Flower Girl and Ring Bearer at the Ceremony (If You Want TO AND If It Makes Sense To You) Even though you may not be inviting additional kids to your wedding reception, you may still decide to have flower girls, ring bearers and junior attendants at your wedding ceremony. The tricky part is then, if you want them at the ceremony and not at the reception, they'll feel like they're missing out on the fun part (they're kids after all). In that case, it's good to come up with a plan to treat them after the ceremony or cocktail hour. You could hire a professional babysitting service to supervise in a nearby space or separate room at your wedding reception site. You can then encourage your sitter to plan special activities, games, foods, etc to keep those kids entertained all evening long. Do Reach Out Personally To Anyone Who May Assumes Their Kids Are Invited It's normal to start hearing from friends & family members who are questioning why their kids and your younger cousins, nieces and nephews aren't allowed to come. It can become a sticky subject, but by addressing the issue right away, you can be direct and explain the situation. Unfortunately, you can't invite everyone you'd like. You may opt to blame it on budget and venue constraints, which could potentially avoid hurt feelings. Just remember, you don't have to give a lengthy explanation and let’s face it, you're not going to please everyone anyways, but it's okay to say a kid-free wedding is a personal decision you've made, and leave it at that. Hopefully at the end of the day, your friends and family members will honor your request without the drama. What NOT To Do! Don't Just Print "Adults Only" on the Invitations You shouldn't feel guilty for keeping your wedding a kid-free zone, but you may want to sugar coat your request rather than just explicitly making it the front & center of the invitation. Requesting to have a kid-free wedding can be a very sensitive issue for some invited guests, especially out-of-town family members, future in-laws and close friends with littles. For a more respectful and direct approach, ask your immediate family, wedding party members and friends to spread the word to guests by word of mouth so they have lots of time to secure childcare. If you think your friends and family members will need additional time to find alternative assistance for their children, mention it to them earlier on via phone or email, or send out your wedding invites a little earlier on so there’s plenty of time for all. Don't Make It an "Adults-Mostly" Reception While you can have children in your wedding party and still have an adults-only reception, be mindful not to bend the rules for other people with children. If you let some loved ones bring their families and not others, it might look like you hand-selected which children were and weren't invited, which could lead to a pretty uncomfortable situation. Inviting all children only to the ceremony probably won't work either, since they might get upset having to say good-bye to their parents or if they see other guests going to the party when they have to go home. If you can get away with not having any children in the wedding completely, that may be the simplest and straightforward way, so there’s no red flags on the day of. Don't Back Down Even if you've properly addressed the invites, spread the news by word of mouth and posted a request on your website, be prepared to get some pushback. Just remember, like with other decisions you're making, this is your wedding day and you and your fiance get to decide who's invited to the wedding—end of story.. If there are upset parents, address their concern with sensitivity, but don't back down. If you have a truly angry guest on your hands (and their happiness means a great deal to you), it's a kind gesture to look into hiring a babysitter to watch their children at home for the duration of the entire wedding, ceremony included. At the end of the day, the best you can do is be thoughtful and helpful to those guests with kids. Our Favorite Short & Sweet Statements Please join us for an adult reception. Adult (18 and older) reception to follow. We respectfully request no children under 18 (or whatever age you decide) at the reception. Although we love your little ones, this is an adult only celebration. The couple requests that this be an adults-only reception. Please celebrate with us at an adults-only reception immediately following the ceremony. Unfortunately we cannot accommodate children – thank you for your understanding. Our Favorite Space & Budget Is Limited Statements ____ amount of seats have been reserved in your honor. Please let us know if you will be joining us! Due to limited venue space, adults only please. Due to budget/space limitations, we are unable to extend the invitation to children Although we love your children, we regretfully cannot accommodate them at the venue due to restricted numbers. Although we adore your children, due to budget/space constraints we ask that only adults attend. Regrettably our chosen venue is unable to accommodate children. Professional babysitting will be provided at the hotel (if that’s what you decide to do). Our Favorite Personalized & Parents Need a Night Off Statements We’d love to have (you can add in their kids names) there, but unfortunately we’re limited by budget/space constraints. We hope you can still make it. To allow all wedding guests, including parents, a night of relaxation and uninhibited revelry, we respectfully ask that no children attend the reception. We love your kids but thought you might like a night off. Adults only please! To give all our guests the opportunity to celebrate without having to worry about little eyes and ears, we politely request no children. We hope you will understand our decision to make the wedding children-free, and take the opportunity to let your hair down and celebrate in style! To allow all guests to relax and enjoy themselves, we have chosen to make our special day adults only. We thank you for your understanding. Our Favorite Immediate Family or Newborn Only Statements Children of immediate family only please. Respectfully, an adult occasion (18+). Infants under 12 months welcome. Due to limited numbers, we hope you appreciate that children are only invited if named. Unfortunately we are only able to accommodate children in the wedding party at our reception. We wish we could include all children, but are unfortunately only able to invite immediate family. Due to necessity rather than choice, it is children of immediate family only. We hope you understand and enjoy your night off! Unfortunately due to space limitations, we are having an adults-only reception. The only children attending are those who are part of our wedding party. If anyone needs help with making arrangements for child care, please let us know and we will do our best to assist. Photography: @barefoottim @caitlinrosephoto @sarahtribettphoto @marisavasquezphoto

So everything about your wedding day is planned right down to the last detail. You have the venue, the dress, the first dance song, the table assignments, the rings, the registry, the vows (okay, maybe you're not entirely done with the vows). But, before you head toward the finish line, there's one thing that even I, as a wedding planner, at my own wedding, almost forgot. A thank you gift for the people who've been there since day one - your parents. A wedding gift is one of the best ways to thank your parents for everything they've done to help get you down the aisle - their wisdom, guidance, support, and perhaps even their wallet. Of course, there's no right or wrong way to say thank you. Honestly, it truly is the thought that counts. But because you know them best, you can choose a personal and meaningful gift, whether it relates to their interests and hobbies or is something more sentimental. Not sure where to start, how much to spend, or when to give the gift? Here are a few gift ideas that are perfect for any parent and guaranteed to make saying "thank you" a memorable event. ​​ ​ 1. PERSONALIZED (DAY OF WEDDING ACCESSORIES) Whether you want them to have something to wear to your wedding to enhance their wedding day attire or want to give them an accessory they'll wear forever, there is a wide range of options to choose from: For the Moms - personalized handkerchief, necklace, earrings, bracelet, jewelry dish, robe, ornament, silk pillowcase. For the Dads - personalized handkerchief, cuff links, tie patch, tie clip, watch, wallet, golf balls, fishing lure.​ 2. FRAMED FIRST DANCE LYRICS A sweet way to commemorate your first dance together. Etsy has a variety of options to choose from; whether it's just the lyrics and wedding date, or the lyrics written in a silhouette of you and your partner, it's a memorable gift that, upon admiring, will transport you back to that moment. 3. FAMILY TREE Now that you and your partner will be a part of each other's families, giving a family tree is not only a token of appreciation but a tangible gift that expresses the history and future of the growing family. 4. FAMILY PHOTO CALENDAR Weddings bring families together, and now you'll have an assortment of pictures to create your very own photo calendar - perfect for the entire year. ​ 5. FRAMED PICTURES FROM THEIR WEDDING There's something about watching your kids plan their wedding that brings all the memories of your own wedding day come flooding back. Dig through those memory boxes and gather up a few of your favorite pictures from their wedding, and before they walk you down the aisle, help them take a walk down memory lane. 6. CUSTOMIZED KITCHEN ITEMS Whether it's wooden spoons, a cutting board, a wine board with wine glasses, or a whiskey decanter with rocks glasses, there's always a wide range of options to choose from, perfect for any parent. 7. WINE SUBSCRIPTION It's a gift that keeps on giving and one that you won't have to keep up with because the wine subscription service does it for you. Perfect for parents who like to enjoy wine and perfect for those who like to host. 8. PICNIC BACKPACK Let's face it, your parents probably need a date, so let's take the planning out of it and make it easy on them (okay, easy on dad) by giving them a picnic backpack. It's perfect for an afternoon away to the park or an evening listening to live music. Fill it with a bottle of bubbles and some local meats and cheeses. 9. SMART DISPLAY FOR HOME If your parents are anything like mine, technology is not their friend, and anything "smart" confuses them beyond belief. Having your parents just a click away makes them feel like they are still a huge part of your life, even though you are married now. ​ WHEN SHOULD I PRESENT THE GIFTS TO THE PARENTS? There are a few options when it comes to the timing of giving them your gift - the rehearsal dinner, while getting ready for the wedding, or after the ceremony. The rehearsal dinner can be an ideal opportunity, especially if you are comfortable presenting the gift in front of others. You can choose to make a toast and give the gifts to them. Another option is while getting ready - you can set aside some alone time with your parents, maybe before your makeup is complete (especially if you think you'll shed some tears), or sometime before or after slipping into your dress. If you follow tradition and choose not to see your groom before the ceremony, you'll have to give the gifts separately to the parents. Presenting them your gifts either at the rehearsal dinner or before the ceremony is perfect, especially if you selected a gift you want the parents to wear or have for the wedding. Otherwise, you can choose to give the gifts after the ceremony, or even after the wedding day. You can choose to present them at brunch the following day, or perhaps when you return from your honeymoon (especially if you need some time to collect those amazing photographs). HOW MUCH SHOULD I SPEND? The value of the gift should be meaningful - don't focus too much on the dollar amount. Parents will appreciate and treasure the gift, no matter the cost. However, if you are concerned with the price, and have this as an option, think of a joint gift you can give your parents as a couple instead of as individuals. Also, keep in mind that the gift should not reflect your feelings on how much or how little a parent contributed during the wedding planning process. ​ Photography: ​Moodyography | Bear Moose & Fox | Britni Dean Photography

ASHLEY: TELL US THE GIST OF YOUR PROPOSAL! Jeanna: "My husband Jason was active duty military during for our entire relationship. He was an Army Ranger stationed in Columbus, Georgia and we did long distance since I met him on leave in 2016. Jason would come visit me in Austin or I would meet him in Atlanta, but the weekend before Thanksgiving 2018 we decided to visit my mom in California to celebrate the holiday early. In my typical family fashion we spent it at a winery in Temecula and while taking photos at the highly sought after golden hour, Jason got down on one knee and proposed. He had flown to Texas the weekend before to ask my father’s permission (after the cute factor of this set in, I was so upset he was in Texas and didn’t even see me) and hadn’t even told my mom about it because he didn't think that she could keep a secret. It was perfect. She was actually videoing for some reason and got the whole thing on camera and once she realized what was going on she dropped the phone and the only thing we got was her freaking out in disbelief between cussing at her shock and crying happy tears! We popped champagne right then and there and now it gives us every excuse to go to the winery every time we visit!" ​HOW INVOLVED DID YOUR FIANCÉ WANT TO BE IN THE PLANNING PROCESS? "Wow, these questions are really hyping you up Ashley! So my fiancé I’m sure (eye roll) would’ve loved to be involved, but he actually was deployed in Afghanistan the entire time we were engaged SO Ashley was my stand in for literally everything. She tried food with me, everything. I’m not sure why I’m complaining about Jason’s lack of involvement because I got everything I wanted without the argument. If I wasn’t sure on something or wanted to make sure his wants were met I would give him a 24 hour window to respond, since we were on a 12 hour time difference and then finalized the decision. He has great taste OBVIOUSLY *hair flip* so pretty much all of his choices were similar to mine." "I wanted my wedding to be unique because a lot of the weddings I was attending was giving me lists of things not to do. I wanted none of the traditional stuff: no bouquet toss, no garter retrieval, no dollar dance. Yuck, BUT that’s just me. Ashley actually helped me come up with a lot of the unique ideas I had." AFTER GOING TO WEDDINGS POST-ENGAGEMENT, WHAT DID YOU BOTH WANT TO DO TO ENSURE THAT YOUR DAY WAS DIFFERENT, OR EVEN SIMILAR? "I wanted my wedding to be unique because a lot of the weddings I was attending was giving me lists of things not to do. I wanted none of the traditional stuff: no bouquet toss, no garter retrieval, no dollar dance. Yuck, BUT that’s just me. Ashley actually helped me come up with a lot of the unique ideas I had; my favorite hands down was the face painter. If you haven’t seen Ashley as a cat, you’re missing out. I loved that she was involved in my wedding as a planner and a friend because she quickly became family as the planning went on." LET'S TALK VENUE... WHAT MADE YOU HAVE THE “THIS IS IT” FEELING? "Everything! I was definitely not your typical bride and a Texas barn wedding was the opposite of what I was looking for. The charm of The Union on Eighth had me hooked the first time I saw it. I loved the story of it having been a blacksmith shop and an automobile factory in it’s past life. The open rafters with measurements still chalked in the worn wood were so beautiful I knew I could totally skip the decor if I wanted and it could stand on it’s own. I could just picture the clear giant garage doors open as my guests danced the night away and the airstream was the cutest grooms suite to ever exist; and it also doubled as my photo booth. Morghan was so amazing and helped me pick a super unique floor plan to accommodate my odd thinking brain. They also had one of the best deals price wise for the amount of time I wanted and an open weekend so soon (we had a 10 month engagement) that worked with Ashley’s schedule as well. It was fate!" YOU CAN READ THE STORY HOW THE UNION CAME ABOUT HERE! TELL US ABOUT YOUR OUTFIT! DRESS, EARRINGS, SHOES, HAIR, MAKE UP, INSPIRATION, RINGS, ETC. "So to say I am an over planner is an understatement. I knew soon after I met Jason it was just a matter of time before he was going to put a ring on it so I had Pinterest boards, Instagram folders, and the works, all ready to go. I wanted to look back at my photos and remember the day as a small gathering of my friends and family that really focused on welcoming my new husband back to the states, as he just had come back about a month before we got hitched! I wanted everything to feel intimate and very AUSTIN. After all, Austin it is the greatest city and I wanted the unique feel and weirdness of my hometown to be seeping in every detail. We did a hippy moon covered in pompous grass for my ceremony backdrop that my father in law actually made me, which is now in Ashley's rentals! Pizza was served from my favorite pizza place in the world- the one and only, VIA 313, and cookies and ice cream from Tiff’s treats & Amy’s Ice Creams. We had ALL of the Austin staples. I wanted a hang out area for cigar smoking around and the photo booth in an airstream. I covered the ceiling in greenery like you were walking through the green belt and that neon sign was exactly the hint of 6th street that every drunk tourist wants to see in the distance! I found my dress on accident when my mom wasn’t there, BUT I did FaceTime her after. It was the second dress I ever tried on and fell in love. I went to Blue Bridal in South Austin and Katie seemed to already know me and what I wanted as soon as we started talking about my vision. I got my earrings from Mignonne Gavigan and they were something everyone was asking about. They are a bit pricey but when you’re looking for something that will be worn on the most photographed day of your life, I’d say it’s worth it. If you haven’t checked out their jewelry, you should! It was so unique and truly made my outfit. I knew I wanted everything about my wedding to be unique so shoes were no different. I went with a white alligator skin pointed toe ankle boot that were TO DIE FOR! Everyone was complimenting them and they weren’t super high so my feet weren’t killing me all night, which is a win on any night. I found my HMUA on Instagram, Kate Kubala is a hair genius! I knew I wanted old Hollywood finger waves and she nailed it." WHAT WAS YOUR INSTRUCTIONS ON WHAT YOU WANT THE BRIDESMAIDS TO ORDER WEAR, AS WELL AS THE GROOMSMEN? "So here is where you see my OCD side. I knew I wanted my girls to wear the color beige, in different outfits so I scoured the internet and put a PDF file together of about 50 dresses that I liked and sent it to them. If they liked any, great - and if not, they knew my vision of what I was looking for and sent options for my approval. The guys were a little easier. I found the perfect forest green pants on ASOS.com and they ordered from the link I sent. I got their bow ties on Amazon - pack of 10, baby!" WHAT DID YOU GIFT TO YOUR BRIDESMAIDS & GROOMSMEN? "For my girls, I got them each jewelry that matched my theme and their outfits. I also did their getting ready outfit which was the fake bikini oversized shirts, SO CUTE! The guys got bottles of liquor that they liked which, let’s be honest, is the best and easiest thing for guys because they honestly don’t care. Jason also got them mini bottles of liquor to wear in the pockets down the aisles which was such a cute picture and we also toasted right after walking out! It was a great photo op and memory with my brand new hubby and the guys who mean the most to him." DID YOU DO A FIRST LOOK? WHAT DID YOU LIKE ABOUT IT? WOULD YOU RECOMMEND IT? "We did! And I’m SO glad we did. I knew I wanted to have the moment Jason saw me for the first time to be private. I always love seeing the groom's look as the bride walks down the aisle, but I wanted it just for me because I’m selfish like that. We wrote our own vows and read them to each other during this time and actually recorded us on Ashley’s phone in his jacket pocket. AGAIN, that is her going above and beyond for her brides! It’s such a sweet reminder to listen to us say those words we swore to one another on that day and feel the emotion in our voice and the laughs in between the tears, that you wouldn’t get on paper or photos. It also saved a ton of time on photos being able to get the wedding party shots before hand and that way we could focus more on Jason and I and getting photos of us after the ceremony. We got to hang out beforehand and love on each other with just our closest friends and it was such a special memory before the craziness began with having to chat with all the guests. Moments between the two of you alone are few and far between on the actual day, so take advantage!! I always recommend a first look. I did one with my dad and it was so special to have the moment with him as well." ALSO, CHECK OUT OUR FORMER BLOG POST ABOUT THE PROS & CONS OF A FIRST LOOK! LET'S TALK PLANNING... WHAT WOULD YOU SUGGEST WAS THE BEST INVESTMENT AS FAR AS VENDORS? "I know I’m doing this interview for you Ashley but on the realest of reals, you were hands down the best thing I invested in for my wedding. I hope everybody reading this has already realized they’d be a dummy not to hire this angel of a planner but if not, DO IT NOW. Otherwise, it would be my photographers! HANDS DOWN. I knew I wanted A Sea Of Love before I even got engaged. Their style is artistic, fresh, and unlike the typical wedding photos you see and that's exactly what I wanted. Do yourself a favor, and check them out - you will not regret it! But if I had to choose a second, it would probably be the face painter. It was such a hit (and also Ashley’s idea; again, she’s amazing and creative and a God send for everything my crazy brain wanted." WHAT GAVE YOU THE MOST “STICKER SHOCK” WHEN IT CAME TO SEEING THE PRICE PEOPLE PAY FOR THINGS AT WEDDINGS? "FLORALS. The damn thing that dies the quickest is also the most expensive. Luckily, Ashley knew that ACC’s floral college trains their students with actual weddings and they gave us the best deal. I liked knowing that the people who were perfecting my day were students who were on their way to graduating, and starting their career. It didn’t hurt that the second I met Rafael, he had such great ideas that made my vision come to life and I knew I had made the right choice. I mean, did you see that moon?? And the ceiling?!" AUSTIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE'S, FÊTE, IS AVAILABLE FOR YOUR CUSTOM WEDDING FLORALS! WHAT WAS THE BEST WEDDING GIFT SOMEONE GOT YOU GUYS? "We did a cash only registry, which if you’re not doing one, you’re crazy! Who doesn’t want money to spend on things you actually need and want? We went over budget (which is totally normal) and it was nice to be able to pay for groceries or go on a Wednesday date night with the wedding fund we got. Also, it pretty much covered the entire cost of our honeymoon - very clutch decision. If you need all the kitchen appliances and home goods, then a registry is the way to go, but we didn’t need too much of that and with the cash, we could buy the things we did at our own time and leisure." WERE THERE THINGS THAT YOU WORRIED ABOUT DURING PLANNING THAT ENDED UP BEING FINE? WERE THERE THINGS YOU WISH YOU WORRIED MORE ABOUT? DO YOU HAVE ANY REGRETS? "Of course! If you’re not a little bridezilla at times and worry when you shouldn't, then you’re probably on a high dose of Xanax. Again, I cannot stress enough to have a good wedding planner so that she takes care of things for you. That’s exactly what I told Ashley; if something happens, deal with it and tell me later! Which of course, it did happen and she handled it without a hitch and no one knew. Including me. Way to go Ashley! I can honestly say it was the hands down best day of my life and it was 100% due to Ashley and her help and control." ​ WHAT DID YOU DO WITH YOUR WEDDING DRESS & BOUQUET AFTER THE WEDDING? "So my seamstress that did my alterations is AMAZING! She made my boobs look like a dream without a bra; truly a feat! But she had the great idea to shorten my dress to midi length and wear it on our year anniversary and anniversaries to come! Granted, not every dress can have this done, but mine worked perfectly and as much as I paid for it, it’s so nice to be able to wear it more than once. I ended up drying and keeping my bouquet. I should have done something more keep sake-ish, but I’m lazy and there was too much going on afterwards and that was okay with me!" ​BEST ADVICE TO GIVE TO A BRIDE WHO IS IN PROCESS OF PLANNING HER WEDDING? "I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again - get yourself a wedding planner; they know who to hire and who not to. They know the tips and tricks that you’d never think of. She handled my tips at the end of the night and called my Uber to leave (that's another fun story) and even packed my bag for me. She bustled my dress, fed me pizza and got me a drink as soon as I got off that aisle, which she is an angel for. She sheep herded my guests and family and made sure things were on schedule. She was an extra me that handled all the shit so I could have fun on the best night of my life. Also, get a great photographer. Don’t go cheap here, this is what you will look back on forever and as Ashley says, these pictures will be shown at your funeral so make sure you look fabulous. You want someone who makes you feel comfortable and beautiful and captures the things that are important to you. I wanted photos of my friends and family and I loved that they felt so included in the night and had great photos of themselves." SO THERE YOU HAVE IT! JEANNA MCKINNERNEY WAS THE BEST BRIDE TO INTERVIEW AND IT WAS SUCH A FUN MOMENT TO TAKE A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE. NOW DO YOU WANT TO KNOW MY FAVORITE MEMORY, FROM THE WEDDING PLANNER'S PERSPECTIVE?! So I promised Jeanna as the night went on that I would call her an Uber LUX. A few hours before the send off, I realized that Georgetown was WAY too small to even have the option available. I kept trying and trying to get one reserved and at a last minute save, I just had to order them a regular Uber. Again, they had no idea so after I packed the car and they walked through their sparkler exit I gave them a hug goodbye and we all laughed as they got in their non-bougie Corolla. Fast forward to less than six months post wedding, I blew this picture up on a giant canvas and dropped it off at her house. It now hangs in their living room, with one of the best stories!

A bride needs something old, something new, something borrowed, and most importantly….YOU! There’s no doubt that you need a bride tribe by your side on your wedding day, but before the girls say “I Do” to your bridesmaid proposal, we’ve put together a list of duties & responsibilities the ladies should be aware of. Your girls will be filled with excitement and joy, but it can also be overwhelming, both work load wise and financially, and we want everyone to be well informed of the responsibilities at hand in order to show up and be the best I Do Crew! It’s a commitment that occurs before, during and after the wedding day but if everyone can follow these guidelines, everyone can slay together and stay together! PRE-WEDDING RESPONSIBILITIES HELP PLAN FOR THE BRIDAL SHOWER (AND BE PREPARED TO PAY) It’s common for the bridal shower to be a shared responsibility between the maid of honor, parents & family and often the bridesmaids, so offer a helping hand with the planning portion, but at the very least, plan on attending the shower and bring a gift for the bride to be. SHOP FOR BRIDESMAID ATTIRE (AND BE PREPARED TO PAY) You may be asked to go as a group or just individually shop for your bridesmaid dress, but it is super important to be supportive and give sensible feedback only if requested. You should show up on time, and be present with your information, measurements and decisions, and most importantly, be prepared to pay for your own dress, jewelry & shoes. Remember, what you wear as a bridesmaid isn’t always your decision, but be a great friend, give a smile and be there to compliment the bride and her overall vision. HELP PLAN FOR THE BACHELORETTE PARTY (AND BE PREPARED TO PAY) The maid of honor is typically the main party planner for the bachelorette party, but there ain’t no party like a bridal party, so again, offer to lend a hand wherever possible. This might include some research, assistance in organizing travel plans, the guest list & itinerary and decor. It’s also important to split up the costs between all of the bridesmaids so the bride’s expenses are covered for her bachelorette party. BOOK TRAVEL & HOTEL RESERVATIONS Plan ahead and start reserving your travel & hotel accommodations early on for the big wedding weekend. If transportation is needed at all during the weekend and it isn’t provided, come together with the other bridesmaids and figure out a plan beforehand on how to get from place to place. ATTEND ANY OTHER PRE-WEDDING EVENTS Be present at any other pre-wedding events, such as engagement parties, couples showers, DIY get-togethers, bridal dress shopping/alternation appointments, etc. ATTEND THE REHEARSAL & REHEARSAL DINNER If a rehearsal is conducted prior to the wedding, it’s imperative that the bridesmaids are there so they know what to expect, where to stand, and have a general overall idea of the wedding day. It’s also important to be present at the rehearsal dinner and honor the family that’s hosting this occasion. A lot of brides are now asking for toasts/speeches to take place at the rehearsal dinners rather than at the wedding, so it could be the perfect opportunity to pre-congratulate the newly married couple. ASSIST WITH WEDDING PLANNING TASKS Bridesmaids are talented and individual talents might be asked during the wedding planning process. You may find yourself stuffing envelopes, making DIY decorations, alphabetizing escort cards, learning how to bustle a dress, whatever the task that’s asked of you, be a team player and help your girl out. BE HER SUPPORT She’s got the engagement rock, but she also needs her rocks aka, her besties, her family, her friends. Wedding planning can come with incredible joy & pure happiness, but it can also come with stress and an overwhelming to-do list. Check on her during the process, ask what she needs, ask what you can do to help, and be there for her. If you are the type that she can bounce ideas off of, that’s a pretty cool position to be in, but also stick to your opinion and don’t be pushy or judgy on her overall decisions. Also, be there to support the maid of honor, because not all MOH are natural planners and may need and want some assistance. BUY A WEDDING PRESENT Check out the couple’s wedding registry and send a gift directly to their address (rather than having to bring a gift to the wedding venue day of). Or if all of the bridesmaids want to go in on a big-ticket group gift, it’s a perfect opportunity to give the couple something they really want but might not be able to purchase for themselves. If you are creative and can customize something for them, that’s always a great way to personalize a present. SAVE THE DRAMA FOR YO MOMMA! A group of bridesmaids come from all different parts and times in a bride’s life - some may be family members, some may be lifetime friends, some may be sorority sisters or work friends, but you all have one thing in common, the bride. It’s natural for conversations & experiences to be misconstrued and personalities to clash, but play nice, be kind and don’t leave it up to the bride to be the middleman. WEDDING DAY RESPONSIBILITIES GET READY WITH THE BRIDE It’s wedding day, yay! Wherever & whenever the girls are gathering to get ready for the big day, come on time and come with all of your gear (dress, shoes, jewelry, makeup, undergarments, etc). You may also consider coming prepared with an emergency kit for the day (super glute, bobby pins, hairspray, tide pen, safety pins, eyelash glue, etc). While getting ready, check on your girl - make sure she’s eating and staying hydrated, answer any logistical questions/calls on her behalf, pour her a drink and keep her calm, smiling & laughing. She will also most likely need assistance getting into her dress, attaching her veil and accessorizing herself so be ready for when she needs you. FEED HER! It’s crucial on wedding day to have plenty of drinks and snacks available (and bubbly of course!) so if arrangements for food & beverages haven’t been previously arranged, consider contributing with some quick & easy (and possibly mess free) apps & sips. BE PHOTO-READY After everyone is glammed up and ready for their close up shot, make sure the bride has everything she needs for her photos and for the ceremony which can include rings, bouquet, vows, veil, water, touch-up lipstick, cell phone, tissues, etc. And of course, make sure you are ready with your bouquet and your smile. BE THE BRIDE TRIBE Being a bridesmaid is almost like the concept of a support crew - not only should you be focused on the bride and her needs, but you should be able to serve as a point of contact for guests. Ya, maybe you don’t know all of the details, but you can still be helpful by making sure guests know where events are taking place, showing guests where the gift & guest book table are, and double-checking that members of the wedding party are set and ready with the appropriate bouquets, corsages, flower crown, boutonneiere, etc. LEAD BY EXAMPLE You should also mingle and be friendly with the other guests (besides just the other bridesmaids and the couple). Participate in guest related activities, sit down for dinner when asked, witness (and even photograph) special dances, cake cutting, bouquet toss, grand exit, and be out on the dance floor even if no one else is! Oftentimes the guests don’t know what to do, but if they can follow the lead of someone who’s a part of the wedding party, it can make the day go by flawlessly. Set the mood & keep the energy up, and most importantly, drink responsibly! BE A BATHROOM BUDDY & KNOW HOW TO BUSTLE Bridal gowns are all stunning in their own way, but sometimes, they come with some challenges, especially in the bathroom category. If the bride's dress is extremely form filling, or the complete opposite and is full and fluffy,, they may need some assistance in the little girls room. You may also be asked to know how to (or at least assist) in bustling her dress so pay close attention to those small details. Or if the bride is changing outfits completely, we find it more comfortable for the bride to have a familiar face assisting in that process. BRIDESMAID FOR A DAY, BUT A FRIEND FOR LIFE Before the night ends, there’s still a few things you can do to assist in a perfect wedding night. You can start by making sure all of your personal belongings are together and out of the bridal suite and that you’ve cleaned up as much as you can. You can also assist in gathering up items that the bride will need to take home, such as getting-ready clothes, decor & signage, gifts & cards, any personal items, her bouquet, the top tier of the cake, leftover alcohol, some left over food or late night snacks, etc.You can also assist in making sure all guests find a ride home, whether they are getting on shuttle buses or are calling Ubers. You also may be responsible for making sure the couple has their overnight bags in their hotel room before heading to the after party! POST-WEDDING RESPONSIBILITIES HELP WITH RETURNS Congratulations, you did it! But before you hang up your bridesmaid hat, offer to help with any returns, such as leftover items back to the hotel or to their house. Or if there are any rental items that need to be returned, you can offer assistance in that. Most couples will head out on a honeymoon after their big day, so by putting some of those after-wedding to-dos on someone else’s plates, helps them tremendously. SHARE PHOTOS We know you took some selfies with your girl and snaps of the wedding day and nothing is more fun that reliving those special moments. Get with the other bridesmaids and create a shared file of pictures and videos and send them to the couple. It takes some time to get the professional pictures and videos back, so any sneak peak of behind the scenes memories, will just re-spark their happily ever after. Photography: @daniiiiquiroz | @theteaguesphoto | @madisonkatlinphotography | @honeygemcreative

Fashion Icon Iris Apfel once said, “You can put your money into accessories and you could create a million different looks." The same is true with bridal accessories, but with so many options available, it could be a little intimidating. After all, the bride is *the* center of attention at every wedding. It’s a wise decision to decide on bridal accessories after you’ve said yes to the dress - if you have a flashy dress, you may want to go with simple accessories, but if you have selected a simple dress, you could and should go wild with the accessories! Keep reading for some fun bridal accessories you can incorporate into your big day - and don't worry stylish grooms, we'll have a blog for y'all soon, too! You may be asking yourself, why do I need bridal accessories? Isn’t the dress enough? Bridal accessories add a touch of elegance that can enhance even the simplest wedding dress. They can also connect your wedding ensemble with your wedding theme, or even better, your unique personality. While some bridal accessories were created out of tradition (cue the veil), some brides forgo the original meaning and go straight for the aesthetic values of accessories. But honestly, you can’t go wrong; afterall, you are the bride, it’s your look, and most importantly, it’s your day! VEILS Most would consider a veil a “must-have” bridal accessory, whether it’s for traditional purposes, or maybe there’s a veil in the family heirloom, or to embrace something borrowed or simply to showcase and complete that bridal look. Veils come in a variety of lengths, colors and styles and each one is unique to the bride, her look, her style, her day. Regardless of your reason for selecting a veil, there’s a few things to think about, or perhaps tips to consider before settling on the perfect veil. ​ ​Tip #1 - who are you as a bride? Would you consider yourself more simple and practical? Then go with a short to medium length veil. Would you consider yourself more glamorous? Then you may decide to choose a long veil. Do you see yourself being committed and wearing your veil for both the ceremony and reception? Or do you want the freedom to move around and dance your heart out and only wear your veil during your ceremony? Tip #2 - what style venue have you selected? Believe it or not, but your wedding venue plays an important factor in your big day vision, including your veil. A few questions to ask yourself when considering your veil are: Is the ceremony inside or outside? How will the weather and temperature be? How long is the walkway to your significant other? Are you walking on concrete, stone, grass, hard wood floors? If having an outdoor ceremony and there’s a long walkway to your ‘I do’s”, you may consider a shorter veil; one that’s easier to wear, walk in, and one that won’t get stuck while your walking down the aisle (but if it does, don’t turn around, just keep walking!). ​Tip #3 - what does your dress look like? Let’s face it - the wedding dress is everything (well to most brides it is!), which is why you should find a veil that compliments your dress, and not one that competes, covers or takes over. If you have a simple dress, maybe go for that sparkly, dramatic veil that adds a little glitter and glamour. If you have a backless dress, perhaps select a veil that’s a little shorter & one that shows off that back detail. Also, don’t think that the veil needs to match the dress perfectly in style and color - but they will be in plenty of pictures together, so make sure they compliment each other, and don’t clash. You can always ask your bridal dress consultant which veils would look best with your dress, and allow you to try on a few different styles, shades & length so you can feel confident with your selection. Tip #4 - taking it off Whether you are simply wearing the veil for the ceremony, or have decided to be dedicated to it the duration of the reception, you’ll want to consider how and when the veil will come off. Most brides just wear the veil for the ceremony and a few pictures, so it’s important to choose a hairstyle or headpiece that allows for quick and easy removal (without ruining your bridal hair). If you have selected to do a trial run for your wedding hair, we suggest bringing your veil with you, so your hairstylist can know prior to wedding day the best and easiest way to apply & also remove your veil. SHOES We can't hide it - we are SHOE OBSESSED. Shoes can make a perfect wedding detail picture, be your pop of color, and show your true style - but there’s a fine line between the most glamorous pair, and the most comfortable. Even if you select to have the perfect pair of stilettos for your ceremony, you may also want to invest in a comfortable pair of bridal shoes that can last the duration of the reception. Trust us: you should and deserve to go all out on your shoes to express your style - go for that bold color, the sparkle, those high heels! However, you will be on your feet probably most of the day and evening, so don’t feel bad about those flip flops, or Vans or Converse. ​Start thinking about your bridal shoes now though, because once you have said yes to your dress, you’ll want to setup dress alteration appointments, and the tailor will want you to bring your bridal shoes to your appointment (afterall, you don’t want your dress to be long or short). Also, consider your venue - will you be walking in the grass? If so, you may want wedges or some sort of heels that don’t sink into the grass. Will you be standing on concrete or stone? If so, you may want to go with that mid-heel height so you don’t walk and feel wobbly. Don’t be afraid to be unique AND, if you don’t want to wear heels all night, find a cute reception shoe (white platform tennis shoes!) so you can comfortably dance the night away! JEWELRY One of the most obvious things about getting married is that big sparkly diamond ring on your finger, but before you exchange rings, you’ll probably consider some sort of additional jewelry to wear for your big day. Wedding jewelry adds that perfect, finishing touch of elegance, personality, uniqueness to encompass that bridal look. You’ll most likely consider the overall hue of your dress before choosing between gold, silver, bold bright colorful gemstones, or you may even match your jewelry to your florals, bouquets, linens, etc. Before you head to your favorite jewelry store, you might consider asking a family member, such as a mother or grandmother for a special piece to borrow for your big day, (of course if they haven’t offered a meaningful item before now). Plus, everyone needs something borrowed for their big day! You’ll also want to consider your dress and hairstyle before selecting your bridal jewelry, such as the neckline of your dress, or whether you’ll be wearing your hair in an up-do or down with perfect curls. ​ Earrings How do you envision your hair? If you’re leaving your hair down, you may consider some sparkly studs or some drop earrings for that peekaboo effect. If you’re planning on having your hair in an up-do, you could go bold and a little more dramatic and select earrings that frame your face and stand out. Necklace Regardless of your dress, a dainty, classic necklace with some diamond or rhinestone details is simply the quickest way to add some pizzazz to your wedding dress. But if you want to make a statement, go bold with a statement necklace, heck, maybe even select one that brings out the colors in your bouquet. Layered necklaces, drop necklaces, chokers and even back drop necklaces can add a little sparkle without going overboard and stealing the spotlight from your wedding dress. Bracelet Bracelets can add some subtle glam to any dress, but do keep in mind that you’ll most likely be holding your bouquet, so your bracelet won’t be in the spotlight too much. You’ll also want to make sure the bracelet you select won’t catch or snag on your wedding dress. Ring It’s Texas, so let’s face it, a class ring is our daily jewelry accessory. You’ll want to think about the pictures you’ll have for a lifetime, and if you don’t think your college ring will make the cut in 20, 30, 60 years, maybe consider leaving it off for your wedding day. You can always swap it out with a grandmother’s wedding ring, or some dainty stackable rings. But don’t let your additional rings steal the thunder from your new wedding band! HAIR ACCESORIES + HEADPIECES Bridal hair is just as crucial as the dress, the shoes, the jewelry - a bridal hairstyle completes the entire bridal look, but why stop with just hair when you can complete your look with a hair accessory or headpiece?! After you select your wedding dress, you’ll want to start narrowing down your hairstyle look - of course, consider the venue, the weather, the temperature, your dress, your veil, etc. Here are a few questions you can ask yourself when it comes to headpiece styling. ​Question #1 - does it go with my dress and overall bridal look? There’s a wide range of headpieces, and there are some that go specifically with a theme or style. If you are considering a headpiece, you’ll want to make sure it goes with your overall look and that it doesn’t look out of place. If you are getting married in a ballroom, you may not want to consider a boho flower crown, but instead a tiara and gemstone bararete. Question #2 - will I be wearing a veil? If you have opted to wear a veil at some point of your wedding day, you’ll want to make sure your hair accessory blends well with the veil. There are some veils that can be styled or applied with a hair comb, but if it can’t, maybe select to wear the veil during the ceremony, and then add a hairpiece for the reception. Question #3 - does this hair accessory make me feel pretty and comfortable? We’ve all had those hairstyles and/or up-do’s that cause us to have a massive headache or neck ache the next day, and the same can be for a headpiece. There are some hair accessories that are trendy, look great for Instagram pictures, but are completely uncomfortable. You’ve planned every detail of your wedding day and you deserve to have the best day, so make sure whatever hair accessory you choose, you’ll be able to wear all day and night. Hair Clip, Hair Pin or Barrette These are perfect if you are planning on leaving your hair down for your wedding and they give you a little sparkle while keeping your hair in place for those picture perfect moments. Hair Comb If you are envisioning a bridal up-do, a hair comb is a perfect accent and/or can embellish a veil. Tiara Imaging that fairytale wedding look? A tiara is a glamorous crown that’s made for that princess bride, and its versatile enough to be worn by itself, or with a veil; and can be worn with an up-do or if you are letting your hair down. Fascinator If vintage is more your style, a fascinator gives you that captivating, elegant and luxurious bridal look. Flowers or Flower Crown Whether you are having a rustic, garden, casual, summery, beach wedding or not, flowers can add that perfect touch to your wedding look. You can choose to wear a flower crown with loose curls, a low-do or braids or you can simply add a flower or two that match your bouquet or the guys boutonnieres. Headband These are simple & easy and look great with long or short hair, and look fabulous with or without a veil. Hat We get it - your wedding day might not typically be a day you'd think to wear a hat, but if you have that retro vibe, or simply want to keep the sun out of your eyes, you may consider a cute hat, whether you wear it down the aisle or just for some pictures. WINTER BRIDAL ACCESORIES There’s one thing you can’t control in wedding planning, and that’s mother nature. Whether you are planning a winter wedding or not, the weather can be unpredictable, but that doesn’t mean you have to ruin your bridal look. There are a few winter accessories that are trendy and picture perfect, whether you end up needing to use them for practicality or just for that photo opportunity. Wraps, Bolero’s, Shawls, Faux Fur These can be used as a warmer and are great for fall and winter weddings, but they can also act as a fashion element to put together a bridal look. Typically these just cover the bride’s upper body and give a modest and romantic look. Jean or Leather Jackets Not only are these super trendy right now, but they are extremely practical because even in the spring and summer, the weather can change on a dime. You may not wear these down the aisle, but they can make for great bridal party pictures or casual couple pictures, especially if you get it customized with calligraphy or embroidery of your *new* last name!​ GARTER ​Are you still needing that "something blue"? A wedding garter might be the perfect accessory to do so with. Yes, you’ll be wearing the gather under your wedding dress, but don’t feel limited with it - you can customize it, bring your personality out with it, or simply keep it simple. If you’re the type that will want to show that garter off into pictures, you may want to select one that’s sexier or one that has more detail. So select your song, and get ready for that garter toss! ​ EXTRA, EXTRA! Still looking for those extra accessories that scream "bride"? It’s easy to add personality, lace, sparkle, color into almost everything - from nail color, to bridal hangers, silk robes, clutches, champagne glasses, etc. Personalize everything your heart desires to let everyone know that YOU JUST GOT MARRIED! And don't forget about accessories for AFTER the wedding, too! Get a customized getaway bag, lingerie, monogrammed pajamas, a bridal shirt for the plane ride, white sunglasses for your honeymoon, etc. You don't have to stop being the bride just because the big day is over! Photography: Feather & Twine | Dani Quiroz | The Teagues | Holly Marie Photography | A Sea of Love | ​Britni Dean Photography | Neva Michelle Photography | Honey Gem Creative ​Moodyography | Sarah KJ Photography

Ain't no party, like a bridal party! So you're looking for the perfect way to say "thank you" to your bridesmaids. Or maybe you're looking for the perfect coordinating look to wear while getting ready for your wedding day. Here are some matching bridesmaid gift ideas that your ladies will be sure to love!​ READY OR NOT! Every bride dreams about their wedding day, but there's a lot that happens leading up to that walk down the aisle. Of course, it all starts with who they are going to be getting ready with. And let's face it, most brides are looking forward to wearing matching outfits with their bridesmaids, popping bubbly, and taking those 'getting ready' pictures before putting on that wedding dress. So here are some ideas for that picture-perfect getting-ready look! Robes Hangers Slippers & Sleep Mask BLING BLING! Regardless of what you've decided for your bridesmaids to wear, a little sparkle is always a necessary accessory! So customize a significant piece of jewelry that will show your appreciation - plus, it's a little something your girls will have to remember your special day for years to come! Sentimental and straightforward - here are some ideas! Necklaces Bracelets Earrings Hair Clips​ MONOGRAM ME! Monograms are popping up everywhere and on everything! Here are some cute and stylish items you can monogram and make special for each of your bridesmaids! Button Down Shirts Flannels Rompers Pajama Set​ I’LL DRINK TO THAT! Wedding planning can be stressful on the bride and her squad, so whether you calm the nerves with a latte, a glass of wine, or something stronger, you're going to want something fun to sip out of, like a customized cup. These are fun, inexpensive, and unique gift ideas that scream "thank you" (and "cheers!"). ​ Tumblers Wine Glasses Mugs Flasks LET’S GET CARRIED AWAY! Do you and your girls love to travel? Are you traveling for your wedding day? Or do you need a little support carrying all of your favorite things? Bags come in all shapes and sizes, and their purposes are endless - plus, everyone can always use another bag, even the bag lady! ​ Cosmetic Bag Jewelry Case Tote Bag Duffel Bag Luggage Tags​ HITTING THE BEACH! I think it's safe to say that we are all counting down the days until we can go on vacation again, and what better gift to give than some accessories for some fun in the sun. These bridesmaid gifts are perfect for destination weddings or for you and your girls that could use some R&R! Beach Hats Beach Towel Flip Flops Sunglasses​ Matching Swimsuits SWEATING FOR THE WEDDING! Are you an athletic bride? One who has spent your engagement days getting fit for the wedding? Share the love and motivation by gifting your bridesmaids one of these ideas! ​ Yoga Mat Athletic Lounge Set Yoga Pants Water Bottle Sweatshirt AirPod Case BABY IT’S COLD OUTSIDE! Having a winter wedding, and want to give a gift that's warm and cozy? Here are some unique gift ideas that will surely warm their hearts and put smiles on their faces (and backs)! Jean Jacket Leather Jacket Faux Fur Shawl Gloves & Hats Blanket Photography: A Sea of Love | Britni Dean Photography | Dani Quiroz | PhotoHouse Films | Brooke Taelor | Marisa Vasquez Photography | Feather & Twine | Two Pair Photography | Moodyography

The Austin Area has so many amazing places to take engagement/bridal photos! Here are some tips to help you choose your location and some places we love! Let us Austin wedding planners tell you some of our favorite spots. There are a few strategies that can help you choose where you want to take your engagement photos: Take your photos where you got engaged!! You could even re-create the moment! You could even plan to have a photographer there when you get engaged if you’re the one popping the question! Think of some of your favorite places to go together. We’ve seen super cute engagement photos in a couple’s favorite coffee shop or on their favorite hiking trail. Don’t be afraid to get creative! If you love kayaking together, see if you’re photographer would be down to snap some photos on the water! Think of a location that represents you both. Do you love architecture or museums? Do you love being outdoors and surrounded by nature? Look into locations the match that! For your bridal photos you can also go a couple of different ways: Check with your venue. A lot of venues offer a free bridal session to bride’s that have booked their wedding there. You can also get creative with this! Do you love nature and outdoors? Take your bridals in a field of flowers or in the woods! There are soooo many options! *Keep in mind that some places may charge a fee and or require an appointment! You may need to schedule these photos several weeks or even months in advance! Here are some fun places to take your photos in the Austin Area!: Mount Bonnell 3800 Mount Bonnell Rd; Austin, Texas 78731 You will have to walk up several stairs to get to the top (should only take about a minute though) and you’ll see a gorgeous view of Lake Austin. Mayfield Park 3505 W 35th St, Austin, TX 78703 This location is a historic cottage, garden and nature preserve. It is known for its peacocks, yes real peacocks! You might even get lucky and have one photo bomb one of your photos! Zilker Botanical Garden 2220 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746 This is a beautiful garden with a ton of different garden areas for a variety of photos! The Driskill 604 Brazos St, Austin, TX 78701 This historical hotel is located in downtown Austin and is also a wedding venue. It has beautiful architecture that makes for stunning photos! South Congress Avenue South Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78704 Got a thing for murals and cool hangout spots? South Congress has many retail shops and restaurants with fun murals on their exteriors from local artists. Looking north, you can also get a great shot of the Capital Building in your photos! The Inn at Jennifer's Garden 1101 W 31st St, Austin, TX 78705 This is a intimate and cozy venue with a lot of history. With loads a greenery and lush gardens, you can't go wrong ith this beatiful spot! Sekrit Theater 1145 Perry Rd, Austin, TX 78721 This uninque spot feels like a hidden gem near downtown Austin. It features a gorgeous greenhouse surrounded by nature. If you're going for a fairytale vibe for your photos, look no further! Laguna Gloria 3809 West 35th Street, Austin, TX 78703 Venture through the grounds at Laguna Gloria to discover art by contemporary artists from around the world, from awe-inspiring monumental sculptures to quiet moments with art in nature along meditative wooded pathways. There are a ton of different photo oppoturnities at this amazing venue! There are obviously WAY more places to take your engagement and/or bridal photos in the Austin Area. Be sure to do your own research and then talk to your photographer. They will be able to help guide you as well as help with the best times to take your photos due to crowds and lighting. Good luck!!! Photography: @bultedaobphoto | @beginningandendphoto | @moodyography | @caitlinrosephoto | @samhughphoto | @monicadaniellephoto

You’ve said yes to the dress and now it’s time to choose your jewelry and accessories! There are so many options so we are here to help break it down for you! Keep It Simple If your dress is very detailed or intricate, it might be a good idea to keep your jewelry simpler and understated. Look for very thin and dainty single necklaces and for earrings stick to simple studs or really small hoops. This way the focus stays on the beautiful dress you’ve chosen! Low Neck or Back Line If your dress has a low neckline, you might want to consider a lavaliere or “drop” necklace to accentuate that sexy detail. There are also necklaces that have the “drop” down your back if you have a low backline. As far as accessories go, if you have a low back or fun detail on the back of your dress, you might want to skip the veil so nothing covers up that part of your dress. Go Bold Is your dress very simple, without lots of detail like lace and beading? This is a great opportunity to really spice up your accessories. You can go bold with some larger earrings or necklace. You also might want to consider some other non-jewelry accessories such as a wedding belt or sash. Other Things to Consider If you are a more traditional bri de, keep in mind your something borrowed. Consider using heirloom jewelry or a family member’s veil to add a sentimental aspect to your wedding accessories. Don’t forget to consider your wedding hairstyle when picking out your jewelry, especially any earrings you plan on wearing. If you’re wearing your hair up, your earrings will be much more noticeable. Another thing to consider is your dress material. If your dress material can get snagged easily (like tulle for example, be considerate of a necklace style th at could keep getting caught on your dress. Also keep this in mind when it comes to your wedding shoes. Shoes with gems or diamonds on top can snag a long wedding dress as your walking and that’s not something you want to be worrying about on your wedding day! Photography: Brandi Allyse Photography | Light as Gold | HER Photography | Nikk Nguyen Photography

​Congratulations, you’ve said yes to the dress! Many brides have dreamed of their wedding dress before they have even found the one they want to marry! But before the gown fits perfectly, you’ll most likely need some alternations to personalize the dress to fit every curve of your body. ​Where do you start? How much time before the big day do you need to begin the alteration process? What happens if you lose or gain weight before the wedding? Here’s some alteration advice and guidelines to follow to get that dress fitting like a glove! POSSIBILITIES, POSSIBILITIES! Almost all wedding dresses are made in standard sizes, so it’s inevitable that some sort of alterations will need to take place (let’s face it, we aren’t all ‘standard sizes!’). When shopping for a dress, ask the salesperson what alterations are possible. If it seems like you’ll want to make more changes to the dress than the simple hem, adding straps, or taking it in to fit your body perfectly, you may want to select a different dress. Tailors are truly amazing and talented, but they can only do so much to an already designed dress. If you are looking for that dime in the rough and can’t seem to find the right one, it may be best to find a designer who can customize that one-of-a-kind dress for you. RESEARCH & REVIEW! Before you go down a rabbit hole searching for a local seamstress, ask your bridal salon if they offer any tailoring services in-house. Not only can it save a considerable amount of time, but the seamstresses have most likely already worked on similar dresses, giving them an advantage on what they can accomplish. The bridal salon might even give you a small discount for alterations as well. If your bridal salon doesn’t offer alterations, they probably have a few recommendations and trusted professionals who specialize in wedding dress alterations. Whomever you decide to use, check that they specialize in bridal and formalwear alterations (not just someone who can sew a button back on a jacket)! ​SPEAK UP, HAVE PATIENCE, STICK TO THE SCHEDULE! It’s usually recommended to have at least three wedding dress fittings - starting with your first fitting at least three months before your big day (this appointment is generally about an hour). You’ll finally get to try on your actual wedding dress at your first appointment, but don’t panic if it doesn’t fit perfectly (because it rarely does!). It’s essential to be direct with your seamstress about your dress vision and look and how you want to feel in it. Be honest, ask questions and be open to hearing their recommendations and advice - it’s not their first rodeo. ​ The second fitting is typically about a month before your wedding, and your final fitting is about two weeks out (these appointments are usually about 30 minutes). If you are adding extensive customizations, you may need additional fittings, but in most cases, your wedding gown will come home with you at the final fitting! Don’t be afraid to speak up to the seamstress if something doesn’t feel right. A strap might be loose, there might not be enough support for the girls, or a zipper is poking you - you’re ultimately the one wearing the dress, and the last thing you want to worry about on your wedding day is how your dress doesn’t fit perfectly! ​ WAIT, WEIGHT? Whether you are sweating for the wedding or just stressed eating, chances are, you want to look and feel your best on your big day! It’s totally normal to start dress shopping as soon as you said yes to that bling, and that’s perfectly fine. As alterations typically don’t begin until three months before your big day, you’re not likely to experience drastic weight fluctuations between then and your final fitting. But once you start your alterations, it's important to maintain a consistent weight. It’s a major stress factor for tailors when their brides lose a ton of weight for their wedding once alterations have begun - it means alterations will have to be done twice, which is twice as pricey. But even if your weight changes by a couple of pounds, your seamstress will have plenty of time and opportunities to make that dress fit like a glove. ​SPANX + SHOES You’ve dreamed about your dress, and you found ‘the one’ - but have you thought about what shoes you’ll wear (pumps or Chuck’s), or you're going to wear under it (Spanx, bustier, a sticky bra), or with it? Before attending your first alteration appointment, make sure you bring any bridal accessories with you. Shoes & undergarments will significantly impact the fit of your wedding dress, and if you already have your veil, jewelry, belt, etc., feel free to bring all of those items with you to your alteration appointments. ​ BUDGET It’s easy to forget about the budget for alterations once inside the bridal salon, but experts suggest budgeting at least $500 for adjustments. The cost will specifically altar, depending on the alterations, ranging from a few hundred dollars to well over $1,000. The more you plan on changing the dress, the pricier the alterations will add up. Be sure to prioritize your alterations, you don't want to step on your train down the aisle, but you also don't want to have your straps falling off your shoulders constantly. DON’T MAKE IT A PARTY! ​ As much fun as it seems to bring your entire bridal party with you to your alteration appointment, it’s probably best to bring just one or two people with you. Your crew can be with you when you say I do to your dress, but too many opinions at the alteration appointment can throw the vision off and can run the risk of your voice (the most important voice) not being heard by the seamstress. At the last fitting, bring at least one person who will be assisting you in getting ready on your wedding day - the seamstress will show them how best to get you in your dress, zip or lace you up, and bustle your train for the reception. (Pro tip: Record a video of the bustle on your phone to give to your wedding planner on the day of if you have a particularly difficult bustle!) ​

It sounds stressful, but it isn't and CAN be fun! It's good to be prepared with the right questions to ask and the right places to go. To start, we recommend that you locate the types of bridal salons that you want to visit, narrow it down to two to start, and make appointments. ​WHERE TO START ‣ Do they have any trunk shows coming up? ‣ Are you looking for a certain designer? ‣ Does your budget fit in with the salon? ‣ Are you interested in a second hand dress? ‣ Do they offer custom dresses only? ‣ Are there dresses you can purchase off of the rack and leave with on the day of? ‣ Do they also offer bridesmaid dresses? ‣ Do they also sell veils, undergarments and extra accessories? BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT(S) ‣ Is there a limit on guests that you can bring to your appointments? ‣ Will there be champagne provided, or is that something that you are allowed to bring? ‣ How much time should you put aside for trying on dresses? ‣ What should you wear when trying on dresses? ‣ Are there certain undergarments that you should bring? ‣ If you don't have your shoes for the day of, would you recommend bringing a pair that could have a similar type of heel? ‣ How involved will your consultants be when it comes to offering advice to help me find the best color and style for my body? WHEN YOU FIND THE ONE ‣ Will I be leaving with a dress today, off of the rack? ‣ If not, how long will it take for the dress that I purchase to arrive? ‣ Do you provide alterations? ‣ If you don’t provide them, who do you recommend? ‣ What is the recommended timeline for alterations? ‣ How much should I budget for this? ‣ How many total fittings will I need? ‣ What is the timeline for when I need to have those scheduled? ‣ Do you have any type of refund/cancellation/exchange policy if I purchase a dress, but later find one that I might like more at your salon? POST WEDDING ‣ Do you provide services for after I wear the dress; like cleaning, preserving, and boxing? ‣ How much can I budget for preserving and cleaning my dress? ‣ If it is a second hand shop, what are you looking for when buying dresses for your salon's inventory?