I think destination weddings are so beautiful.  There is just something about wedding vows set against such a natural (and breathtaking) backdrop.  Honestly, how lovely is the circle that Allison and Scott stood it for their ceremony.  Truly, no other decor was needed.

Allison & Scott | June 18, 2010 | Maui, Hawaii

How he proposed
Scott and I had a very long courtship.  After several years together, we were living in NYC  (now living in Portland, OR) and he surprised me with a beautiful ring one snowy evening in at home.  I was in my pajamas and was a total wreck, but he loved me anyway.

The ceremony
We were married in Hana, HI at the Hotel Hana Maui.  The ceremony took place on the afternoon of June 18, 2010 with about 35 of our closest family and friends in attendance.  The ceremony site was on the bluff area overlooking the Pacific ocean and was along side a beautiful horse pasture.  We had a fairly traditional wedding ceremony with small pieces of Hawaiian culture mixed in.

The moment Allison will never forget
One of my favorite moments at our reception was when my father gave a very moving speech.  He is not much of a public speaker, so it really meant a lot to me that he got up there and spoke from his heart.  He had everyone in tears!!

I also very much enjoyed our first dance.  It was unexpected because it was not the song or the time we had planned for it, but it turned out beautifully and was truly memorable.

Splurges and Savings
The biggest splurge was definitely my dress and our reception.  We saved by cutting down on the amount of flowers at the ceremony and also a few DIY items like our welcome bags, guest gifts, and family history boards.  We also didn’t have a DJ which saved us quite a bit.  We just hooked up an ipod to a stereo system.

Why she decided to sell her wedding dress?
I decided to sell the wedding dress because I know it can be difficult to keep a dress preserved and I am often moving around the country.  I also know how expensive weddings are and no matter how much you save and cut back, you always end up spending more in areas than you expected.  If I could go back in time, I would seriously consider buying a pre-owned wedding gown.  You save so much money and can often get the same exact dress you would find in the bridal salon for much much less.  You have to alter a new dress to fit you anyway, so why not buy used and save that money for your honeymoon or a downpayment on a home?!

Her advice for other brides
My biggest tip is to enjoy your day and if you’re a destination bride (like I was), enjoy the extended time with your family and friends.  And try not to sweat the small stuff.  I know it’s hard…trust me.

Allison’s Wedding Dress: Lela Rose The Barn
Photography: Punam Bean

Have you been dreaming of creating beautiful DIY wedding invitations but feel overwhelmed by the prospect of designing and assembling the perfect card? e.m. papers makes it easy and economical to create your own wedding and/or rehearsal dinner invitations at home using their “printables.” Printables are DIY cards that you can download and print on your home computer. e.m. papers offers sophisticated styles that you print onto heavy cardstock or custom stationary paper (this can be purchased at your local craft store). Check out a few of my favorites below.

The traditional Monogram (above) invitation has classic appeal. The rich golds and browns would be lovely printed on cream cardstock and perfect for an autumn wedding. The 5×7 flat invitations print two per page.

Bold and colorful, whimsical florals decorate the Morning Glory (above) wedding invitation. Order this design individually or order as a set ($65). Set includes invitation, save-the-date, response card, wedding program, menu card, place cards, table numbers, seating list and fold over thank you notes.

Here’s a deal that seems too good to be true…but it is! e.m. papers is currently offering a free vintage, black and white printable wedding invitation and correspondence set. The simple yet elegant Bike design would be charming for a day or evening affair. What a deal!

Each invitation and set comes with a template and text which you simply overwrite with your personal information. Also included is a detailed how to guide which provides clear step by step instructions for creating each item in the set. DIY made easy – how sweet!

I just can’t get enough of this beautiful wedding.  First the utterly romantic elopement.  Then the super chic NYC reception with the jaw dropping dress.  AMAZING.

Laura & Jason | April 3rd & April 17th 2010 | Turks and Caicos and New York City

How he proposed
He proposed during an excursion (to a secluded island for a picnic)while in Turks and Caicos. He wrote “will you marry me” in the sand and was down on one knee with the ring sparkling in the sun.

The ceremony
We had the ceremony on the beach (1 1/2 years later) at the Grace Bay Club in Turks and Caicos with just our immediate family (16 people including us)
we returned to NYC to have the reception with 100 of our closest friends and family.

The moment Laura will never forget
The most memorable moment for me was when my husband (by his point for an entire hour) sliced his toe open on conch shell on the sand and had to be rushed to the hospital. I was thankful that he ended up getting a bunch of stitches and was okay but also that it happened right after we were finished with the pictures. So we have all of those beautiful shots. There are even some great pictures with that shell in them.

The reception
It was at raw loft space called the Xchange in Manhattan.
We brought in everything, divided the space up so that we can have a cocktail hour in one area and then open up the seating and dance/lounge area afterwards. We had a buffet style dinner with an open bar all night. During the cocktail we had a slideshow (to music) played for all of our guests to view the actual wedding in Turks and Caicos.

I believe having the wedding and ceremony the way we did was the best way. We were able to share a very intimate moment with our family members in a more secluded quiet ceremony which allowed us to really appreciate the moment. Returning to have the post wedding reception made for such excitement to share with all of our friends….and just have a huge party with no worries, ( or least less worries, ha)

How she knew her wedding dress(es)! were “The Ones”
The wedding dress for the ceremony was easy. It was the fist one I tried on. It was by Morgane Le Fay. I passed by her store in downtown Manhattan and knew she would have the perfect island getaway , beachy wedding dress and she did.

For the reception I tried on two different dress. I knew that The Vera Wang was the one. I actually saw it online and made an appointment specifically because of the Deirdre dress. I think I had a moment of hesitation because it felt so magnificent on and while walking around in it, and the color (natural) was just absolutely amazing. But it only took me about an hour to know that it was the one. It just felt too right. I wanted a dress that was more extravagant because the beach dress was light and airy with sheer layers….the Vera Wang wedding dress was completely the opposite.

Her advice for other brides
I think for all those brides you have to go with your what your gut instinct tells you. Don’t doubt it. I think woman are so dead on with their instincts but we sometimes doubt them..just go with it and everything will fall into place.

Laura’s reception dress: Vera Wang Diedre
Photography: Cindy Johnson Photography

This is the last week to enter our giveaway to win 5 pairs of earrings from Amelia Rose Jewelry –earrings that would make a perfect gift for your bridesmaids!

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