Everything shines a little brighter around the holidays…and Jill and Greg’s gorgeous Christmas Eve wedding was no exception.  Family and friends gathered around (literally) the happy couple as they said I do. The celebration continued with dinner, dancing and, much to the children’s delight, a visit from Santa himself! And…as the little ones opened presents around the tree, it was obvious that the greatest gift Jill and Greg gave and received this year was love!

Jill + Greg  | December 24, 2011 | Dallas Arboretum , Dallas, Texas

The ceremony

Our ceremony was held in the Camphouse at the Arbortetum, in front of the fire, on Christmas Eve. We were literally surrounded by our families and friends.  Getting married during the Christmas season was so fun, it was as if the whole world was celebrating with us!

The reception

Our reception was also in the Camphouse at the Arboretum.  The house was already decorated for Christmas with tons of wreaths and Christmas trees – it was already really beautiful.  We had a bag pipe player, yummy hot chocolate, a kid dance off and a surprise visit from Santa with gifts for everyone – it was such a great way to spend Christmas Eve!

How Jill found her dream wedding dress

I knew I wanted something very simple and elegant.  My husband is Scottish, and wanted to wear a kilt in the family tartan (so he already had a lot going on with his attire!). I ended up buying a slightly fancier dress than I had intended, but it was still simple in shape and design. I think we looked great together!

 

The way Jill felt in her wedding dress

Beautiful, elegant, and comfortable.

Why Jill decided to sell her wedding dress

I know that if I am lucky enough to have a baby girl, she’ll want to choose her very own style, just like I did.  And, the idea of such a beautiful gown never being worn again seems so wrong – I hope it can make another bride feel as beautiful as I did!

Jill’s wedding dress: Rivini, Airabella

Photography – Apryl  Ann Photography 

Ceremony / Reception venue – Dallas Arboretum

Event planning – Tara Gilkeson (Dallas Arboretum)

Floral design – Kristee Rouse, En Fleur

Cake – Delicious Cakes

 

You know what your mom says about an ounce of prevention…

Between the economy and the fact that so many couples pay for their weddings themselves and its easy to understand the appeal of overseas wedding dress manufacturers.  However, just watch this story on ABC News and you’ll see why knockoffs are just too big of a risk. Improper finishes, cheap materials and poor fit are just some of the problems you can encounter when buying one of these gowns.

BrideClick.com has created a list of known counterfeit sites.  Please take a look if you are considering an overseas purchase!

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Set sail for an elegant and romantic affair at today’s nautically inspired Real Wedding. Relaxed and charming, Rachel and Jon’s seaside wedding and reception was full of little details that gave a nod to the Maine coast where they celebrated. I love the hand painted wooden signs welcoming guests, the recycled glass jars filled with fresh arrangements decorating the aisle at the ceremony, and the nautical flags suspended from the ceiling along side magical twinkle lights. Cheers to this adorable couple, as they embark on a lifetime of love and laughter.

Rachel + Jon | August 27, 2011 | Peaks Island, Maine

The ceremony

Our wedding was meant to be whimsical, rustic, fun, and chock full of Maine flavor. My wedding planner, Meagan of Maine Seasons Events created a design that reflected the natural feel of the coast of Maine, with a natural, relaxed, nautical feel. We used locally grown organic flowers, recycled glass votive holders, driftwood, mussel shells and rocks sensitively gathered over the winter after storms. We were married at the waters edge with Casco Bay as our backdrop. 

The reception

Our reception was all about our wonderful family and friends and celebrating their role in our lives. Dinner and dancing took place at Peaks Island at Trefethen Evergreen Improvement Association (TEIA). Originally built in 1912, TEIA is a lovely wooden boathouse with a large maple floor once considered to be “the best dance floor this side of Boston.”  Guests arrived on “The Islander” ferry and danced the night away.

How Rachel found her dream wedding gown

I had always thought I would wear a vintage gown.  I love antique lace and fine details. However, I fell head over heels for Monique Lhullier’s elegant designs. Her cuts are so flattering and she combines a vintage elegance with some more modern silhouettes.

The way Rachel felt in her wedding dress

Gorgeous, elegant, comfortable

Why she decided to sell her wedding dress

I had looked at lots of vintage dresses and other designs, but after I tried on my wedding dress, there was no looking back. I have never felt more comfortable or beautiful. I feel so lucky to have been able to wear my dream dress and I would love another bride to have the opportunity to wear such a special gown on her big day.

Rachel’s wedding dress: Monique Lhuillier, Ingrid

Photography: Andrew Davis Weddings

The rewarding thing about asking a bride how she felt in her wedding dress, is how often those three words are a perfect depiction of her entire day.  And for Sunny + Patrick, their summer Santa Barbara wedding was just as the bride had described: elegant, classic and beautiful. So let us count the ways today’s Real Wedding was adorned with the most exquisite details…a rose petal and lemonade sipping ceremony, saying “I do” under a lace canopy complete with a hanging chandelier, lush floral arrangements and a sprig of lavender on each place setting…and Sunny’s subtle and flowing veil that perfectly compliments her Amsale gown. JUST PERFECT!

Sunny + Patrick | July 22, 2011 | Bacara Resort, Santa Barbara, California



The Ceremony
Our ceremony took place on the lawn at Bacara Resort in Santa Monica overlooking the ocean. People sipped on lemonade and enjoyed the view.  The aisle was done in a rose petal arrangement and the arch
 was full of pink and white flowers. It was breathtaking.



The Reception
We ate dinner outside and then moved inside to the Bacara ballroom for dancing. We had a huge band that played all night long, a photo booth, a gorgeous cake and an outdoor lounge. We danced all night long (and the dress never weighed me down!)

Sunny’s Dress Search
I knew from the start that I wanted something that was classic yet comfortable. I wanted to be myself, but I also wanted to see what was out there. I went to so many stores and tried on simple, poufy, strapless, sleeves, etc. As soon as I found this dress I knew it was the one. It was simple but regal, didn’t weigh me down, and had the perfect belt to make my waist look tiny. When I walked out, everyone was like “that’s it, that’s the one!!”

How Sunny Felt in Her Wedding Dress
Elegant, Classic and Beautiful.



Why Sunny Decided to Sell Her Wedding Dress
Both my sister and my mom saved their wedding dresses because they thought that someone down the line would wear it…but no one ever did. I thought it would be great for someone else to be able to feel how I felt on my wedding day!

Wedding Dress: Amsale | Photography: Yitzhak Dalal Photography | Ceremony Venue: Bacara Resort | Reception Venue: Bacara Resort | Event Planning: Kelly Clark Leonard at Event of the Season | Floral Design: Joni at Hearts Bloom | Cake: Bacara