Fresh, fun and flirty! That’s how I would describe Erin and Alexander’s Lake Tahoe wedding. At the reception, unique details like their San Francisco Giants themed cake and monogrammed corn hole game created a festive atmosphere for guests to let loose and celebrate. But my favorite elements of this lakeside wedding are the charming bridesmaids’ dresses (different than any I’ve seen) and Erin’s gorgeous gown. A dramatic necklace and lovely veil were the perfect compliments to her Rosa Clara dress. Truly beautiful!
Erin + Alexander | July 15, 2011 | Lake Tahoe, California
The ceremony
We knew we wanted a wedding in Lake Tahoe because we both love to ski and love the out doors. We got really lucky to have a sunny and warm lake side wedding at the Ehrman Mansion (it had snowed only two weeks earlier). We had a very relaxing ceremony with lemonade and champagne served as the guest were seated. The most important part of the ceremony for us was having our parents perform the blessing of the rings. We wanted to bring some catholic traditions into our wedding so we had a dear family friend marry us who used to be a priest. Instead of unity candles, we used sand from the beach by our San Francisco home because we couldn’t use open flames and the bride walked down the aisle to Ava Maria.
The reception
The reception was just up the hill from the Lake at the Ehrman Mansion. To keep with our festive Mexican theme we served burritos, fajitas, and mexican hot chocolate. We got lucky with a full moon that was mirrored off the lake as we danced the night away.
How Erin found her dream wedding dress
I was on a mission to find a beach style dress that flattered my large bust and apple shape. I found that with this gorgeous Rosa Clara gown. The craftsmanship and structure of this dress nipped and tucked in all the right places and gave my short torso the nice lean look I needed.
How Erin felt in her wedding dress
Stunning, Classic, and Comfortable
Why Erin decided to sell her wedding dress
I know the feeling of trying on a million strapless dresses and they all were so unflattering for someone with a large bust. I would be happy if this dress made another large bust bride feel just as amazing as I did.
Erin’s wedding dress: Rosa Clara, Marcela
Photography: Tara Sierra Photography
Miranda and Joseph were marriend in the city they both love, showing off all that Detroit has to offer. The beautiful riverside ceremony and elegant restaurant reception made guests feel right at home. I’m loving the bold pop of color from Miranda’s unique bouquet and the way she carried the color through at the reception – so cool against the sophisticated black and white table linens.
Miranda + Joseph | September 17, 2011 | Detroit, Michigan
The ceremony
My husband and I both have a great love for the city of Detroit, so it was very important for us to have our wedding downtown. Detroit has such a rich history and makes for a beautiful backdrop for photos! We were lucky enough to have a beautiful day in mid-September. Our ceremony was at The Roostertail on their outdoor patio overlooking the Detroit River where we exchanged vows as boats passed by.
The reception
After the ceremony, guests were ushered indoors and right into cocktail hour. Our style is very clean and modern. We used a combination of black linens with black and white damask to add some texture with gorgeous fuchsia orchids for a pop of color. My brother is a personal chef who helped design a menu for us an add a personal touch to our dinner. One of our favorite parts was our late night snack, White Castle’s passed on silver platters! Definitely crowd pleaser!
How Miranda found her dream wedding dress
When I started the search for my wedding dress, I knew exactly how I wanted to look and feel. I knew mermaid was the only way to go! It was sleek and sexy, showing off my best assets.
How Miranda felt in her wedding dress
Beautiful, glamorous, chic
Why she decided to sell her wedding dress
I knew right away I wanted to sell my wedding dress. It is so beautiful and looks so amazing in photographs! I want for another bride to be able to feel the way I felt on my wedding day.
Miranda’s dress: Winnie Couture, 9127
Photography: Wally Spice Photography
Sandra’s amazing vision of a Vintage Floral Fantasy came true at her exquisite summer wedding. I’ve never seen more beautiful flower arrangements at a wedding – they set the scene and created an elegant, ethereal atmosphere. From the unique centerpieces at the reception, to the sweet mixed arrangements lining the pews at the church, flowers made all the difference at this celebration. If you are planning a “dreams come true” wedding, let today’s Real Wedding feature be your inspiration!
Sandra + Rodrigo | June 25, 2011 | Hollywood, California
The ceremony
The ceremony was located at the Holy Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church. It was a very traditional elegant ceremony. The church walkway was covered with my favorite flowers!
The reception
We chose The Taglyan Cultural Complex to host our wedding because to us, it represents a timeless elegance that we associate with weddings. When you first enter the ballroom, it just feels like a place where weddings should take place. The picturesque landscape, the elaborate ballroom, the magnificent glass ceiling all helped to convey a certain ambiance for the guests to enjoy.
For us personally, the most enchanting part of our wedding was the flowers and the décor. The theme was a Vintage Floral Fantasy! Everything from the wedding dress, bridesmaids’ dresses, invitations, place cards, cake, dance floor, centerpieces reflected the floral dream that was the focal point of our wedding. I chose lavenders, petal pink and ivory because I thought the colors were romantic yet traditional. The flowers were vignettes going all the way down with an extensive amount of candlelight, high and low centerpieces and refluxed rose heads. The room looked like a romantic garden!
How she found her dream wedding dress
From the moment I got engaged I knew what kind of wedding dress style I wanted. Elegant, strapless, and BIG ball gown! Although I tried other styles, I knew I wouldn’t feel like a true bride if I wasn’t in my own version of a princess gown. Although I wanted a traditional look I felt like the Sunday Rose dress still had a modern edge to the traditional wedding gown. It also fit with my floral fantasy wedding theme. Till this day people still ask about my wedding gown and tell me how unforgettable it was!
How Sandra felt in her wedding dress
Glamorous, Princessy (is that even a word?), Elegant
Why Sandra decided to sell her wedding dress
I decided to sell my wedding dress because I wanted other girls to have the same experience I had, but for a fraction of what I paid. Right now my wedding dress is in its preservation box in top condition waiting for that special bride to enjoy her special moment!
Sandra’s wedding dress: Monique Lhuillier, 32278335
Photography: Couture Foto
This gorgeous California wedding has me dreaming of Spring! With chic modern decor, and a delightful green and white color scheme, this celebration just feels fresh and fun. I love the flirty green bridesmaids dresses and the elegant table settings at the reception. Don’t miss Leah’s story about finding her dream wedding gown. She offers some great advice!
Leah + Gene | July 16, 2011 | Pasadena, California
The wedding
Our ceremony and reception were held at the Pasadena Museum of California Art. Our ceremony and reception decor was green & white, clean and simple, elegant, modern.
How Leah found her dream dress
I started my dress search as soon as I got engaged by looking through bridal magazines. From the magazines, I noticed I leaned towards A-line silhouettes. When I finally tried on dresses, I was open to all silhouettes but ended up with an A-line just like I had envisioned. I visited two bridal shops before finally purchasing my dress at Kleinfeld Bridal Salon. Here is my advice to brides: be open minded because in the end, the dress chooses you. The dress I ended up with I did not like at all on the hanger. On the other hand, the dress that I loved on the hanger looked terrible on me.
The way Leah felt in her wedding dress
Beautiful, radiant, and whimsical. I felt like I was floating in my dress!
Why she decided to sell her wedding dress
My husband and I are moving to a new house and we are trying to de-clutter. Though I really love my dress, I’d rather have someone else make good use of it instead of collecting dust in the garage. Though it was sad for me to list the dress for sale, I’ll always have my pictures to reminisce.
Leah’s wedding dress: Lazaro, LZ 3962
Photography: Steven Lam Photography