This sweetheart of a wedding comes to us from Oakland, Maryland and is packed full of thought provoking details!  Angela + Derek knew they would have lots of loved ones coming from out of town, so they made sure to pick a ceremony spot that would really showcase the natural beauty of Oakland with a waterfront ceremony complete with a mountain-lake view.  Continuing with a country-chic ambiance, today’s featured couple accomplished an elegant, unique, yet laid back barn reception in a venue that donates a portion of the rental proceeds to a charity of the couple’s choosing.  Keep reading to learn about Angela and Derek’s choice of charity, ways they went “Green” for their reception and Angela’s vintage inspiration for her wedding outfit.

Angela + Derek | June 11th, 2011 | Deep Creek Lake State Park, Oakland + Ridgeview Valley, McHenry, Maryland

The Ceremony
Our wedding ceremony took place on the waterfront of the beautiful Deep Creek Lake in western Maryland.  We selected this site because we had many out of town guests who were visiting the area for the first time, and we wanted them to be able to experience the beauty of our home.  Joined by our closest family and friends, we exchanged vows overlooking the water.  The aisle was lined with hydrangeas, which really complimented the mountain lake setting.

The Reception
We wanted our reception to be unique and elegant but at the same time laid back and fun for our guests.  We selected Ridgeview Valley because it was a beautiful natural setting.  The barn was decorated in shades of blue, green and ivory with hydrangeas and white lights creating a country chic ambiance.  We also hung ivory Chinese lanterns from the rafters to decorate the dance floor.

 It was important to us that our wedding was as green as possible, so we did not use anything disposable.  Each guest selected a blue or green glass as he or she entered the barn to use for the evening and keep as a favor.  The colored glass not only helped with our goal to “go green” but also contributed to the beauty of the space.  Ridgeview Valley donates the majority of the money paid to rent the venue to a charity of your choice.  My husband and I selected the Dove Center, which is a local shelter for women and children.  

Angela’s Dress Search
Before I began shopping for my gown, I knew that I wanted to find something that was unique and beautiful with a vintage feel.  My engagement ring is a family heirloom and I wanted my gown to have that same timeless elegance.  I knew the moment I saw my dress that it was the one.  It is stunning; the sash and exquisite detailing set it apart from any other gown.  I enhanced my vintage style by wearing an antique diamond bracelet and a brooch in my hair.  

Why Angela Decided to Sell Her Dress
I have decided to sell my gown to give another bride the opportunity to feel as gorgeous and classy as I did on my wedding day.  Please contact me if you are interested.  

Angela’s Dress | KENNETH POOL
Photography | BRIAN PRICE

If you’ve been dreaming of a romantic garden party wedding, today’s Real Wedding is sure to inspire. Katie and Jeff said “I Do” in the gorgeous formal gardens at her family home. Then the celebration continued at a local hunt club, where the reception tent was transformed into a magical setting, thanks to a fabric draped interior and chandelier lighting. Most magical of all was the bride herself, absolutely stunning in a strapless gown, adorned with beautiful fabric roses, reminiscent of the amazing atmosphere in which they celebrated. How perfect!

Katie + Jeff | July 16, 2011 | Gates Mills, Ohio

The ceremony

Our ceremony was held in my parents’ formal garden. We had a large outdoor tent that sat in my parents yard, right in front of the garden.

The reception

The reception was held at the Chagrin Valley Hunt Club. We had a large outdoor tent outside of the terrace. They truly transformed this tent into a beautiful room.

How Katie found her dream wedding dress

I started my dress search with a lace mermaid-style dress in mind. I ended up purchasing a dress that was entirely different than what I was looking for!

How Katie felt in her wedding dress

When I was in my wedding dress, I felt beautiful, extraordinary and amazing!!!

 Why Katie decided to sell her wedding dress

I decided to sell my wedding dress so another bride could feel as magical as I did on my wedding day.  

Katie’s wedding dress: Amsale, Blue Label Bijou

Photography: Jessica Johnston

Today’s featured couple looked vibrant, relaxed and in perfect keeping with their focus on having a wedding that was “warm and filled with love”. Samantha’s Vera Wang Iris gown was a beautiful choice for her and Adam’s  romantic candle lit courtyard ceremony and their banquet hall, big-party reception.  Don’t miss Samantha’s delicate pearl accessories and the subtle appearances of pearls throughout the reception decor…or the unique neckline of her ivory gown – a very special and different design that can be shaped to your preference.  Enjoy!

Samantha + Adam | March 3, 2012 | Boynton, Florida

The Ceremony + Reception
The ceremony took place in a candle lit, romantic, outside courtyard. We were going for a romantic yet earthy feel. The weather was perfect – nice and warm with a cool breeze.

It was most important to us that our reception felt like a big party. We wanted it to be warm and filled with love, and we wanted guests to really get a sense of our personalities. We had a live band to keep the party going. Guests dined on their choice of sea bass, steak, duck, or chicken. We had a blast!

Samantha’s Dress Search
I really wasn’t sure what kind of dress I wanted. I imagined myself wearing ivory instead of white and I thought I would wear strapless, but I wasn’t really sure. In my everyday, I tend to dress in flowy materials, so I was surprised when the very first dress I tried on, a fitted trumpet style dress really made me feel like a bride. I tried on a million more dresses of all shapes but couldn’t get the first one out of my mind. I went back and made my decision a few days later. 


How Samantha Felt in Her Wedding Dress
I felt happy, beautiful and glowing.

Why Samantha Decided To Sell Her Dress
I enjoyed my dress so much that I feel like it would be a shame to let it collect dust in a closet somewhere. I hope somewhere another bride can experience as much joy as I did wearing it.

Samantha’s Dress | VERA WANG IRIS
Photography | Dale Stenbroten from Artist Group Photography

Imagine meeting your favorite wedding dress designer in person…and then having him create an amazing custom gown, specifically for you! That was the dream come true for Jessica, today’s Real Wedding bride.  Letting go of her fears, Jessica had to put her trust in the Lazaro design team, as she committed to a dress she had only seen on paper. But, oh, was it worth it! Her one-of-a-kind dress stole the show at this elegant Atlanta wedding, making her the belle of the ball, and creating a lifetime of memories that she and Adam will never forget!

Jessica + Adam | November 19, 2011 | Atlanta, Georgia

The ceremony

We were married in a traditional ceremony with a trumpet cadence and organ music…Seven bridesmaids (Gun metal gray floor length dresses) and seven groomsmen (traditional black tie attire)… Eight flower girls ranging in age from three to eight (champagne dresses with silver sashes)…one ring bearer… our entire bridal party carried all white roses.

The reception

The reception was a black tie event immediately following our wedding 7:00 pm. We had cocktails upon arrival then a seated dinner with the first course served, there were entree and dessert stations, dancing to a live band and a DJ with Mexican Mariachis and sparklers for the exit.

 How Jessica found her dream wedding dress

I ended up buying the style I first had in mind. I actually got to meet Lazaro (my favorite designer), and because I had such a hard time deciding which of his dresses I liked best, he offered to design a dress specifically for me me!!!

This was scary and exciting at the same time. I was about to buy a dress that I had never seen (except in the sketch Lazaro drew for me) and that I had never even tried on! I had to trust that Lazaro was going to make the dress of my dreams… and he did!

The way Jessica felt in her wedding dress

Beautiful…elegant…like a princess

Why she decided to sell her wedding dress

I actually considered passing it on to my daughter one day, but by then she will probably have something else amazing and beautiful in mind for her big day. I want her to feel like a princess that day, like I did. But I also want someone to be able to enjoy my one-of-a-kind  wedding gown so beautifully designed by Lazaro now…so I am passing it on to the next princess.

Jessica’s wedding dress: Lazaro

Photography: Jamie @ The Pros