Real Wedding | Katie + Dan

Katie is truly a vision to behold in her gorgeous Vera Wang wedding dress. The strapless gown with soft tiered layers flattered beautifully, and the sparkling jeweled belt showed off her perfect shape. This elegant gown set the tone for her sophisticated city wedding…classic and timeless, yet current and stylish. Don’t miss Katie’s convincing (and humorous) argument for selling your wedding gown. Who could keep a dress this amazing locked away?

Katie + Dan | October 15, 2011 | New York City

The ceremony

We had a traditional Jewish ceremony at Capitale.

The reception

Our reception was black tie, featuring dinner and dancing  with the Hank Lane Band, at Capitale.

How Katie found her dream wedding dress

I started my dress search with no particular style in mind, and ended up finding the one on my first day looking!  The runner-up was a fitted, tiered lace Rivini gown, completely opposite style.

How she felt in her wedding dress

Glamorous, modern, confident.

Why she decided to sell her wedding dress

After considering framing it in a shadow box to hang in my potential future huge closet like one of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills did (no one was too supportive of that plan), I admitted to myself that I would never actually wear it again and decided I would be happy for it to have a new life and make another bride feel as amazing on her wedding day as it made me feel on mine.

Katie’s wedding dress: Vera Wang, Diedre

Photography: Shira Weinberger Photography

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Real Wedding | Josie + Titus

The joy and happiness of Josie and Titus’s California wedding is simply contagious! I love the little details and stylish choices that make their celebration so special. After a sweet and sentimental ceremony, this bride and groom got loose with friends and family at their “movie” themed reception. A mariachi band and photo booth added to the fun. The expression on Josie’s face says it all…a love that lasts, and a celebration to remember!

Josie + Titus  | October 16th, 2011 | Sacramento, California

The ceremony

Our ceremony was held in the ballroom of The Citizen Hotel. We had my Uncle, who is a Pastor in Fresno, marry us. It was everything I dreamed of…very intimate and romantic! My favorite part was when my Uncle said “You may now kiss the Bride” ;)

The reception

Our reception was so much fun! We did a movie theme so each couple entered the Terrace dancing to their favorite movie theme song. My husband pushed me in on a luggage cart to the song from Night at The Roxbury, “What Is Love” and of course we did the head bob! We danced our first dance as Husband and Wife to Adam Sandler’s “I Wanna Grow Old With You” from The Wedding Singer. Our guests enjoyed hors d’erves and dinner, while a mariachi band serenaded them over candlelight. We had a photobooth, which is the BEST thing EVER! So much fun! Everyone loved it! Even our grandparents were putting on props and jumping in to strike a pose! We ended up dancing the night away while most the wedding party kept requesting the DJ to play LMFAO and Black Eyed Peas. Such a great time!

 How Josie found her dream wedding dress

I knew I wanted a very soft, flow-y, romantic dress. After trying on at least 100 dresses, and almost giving up hope, looking through every wedding magazine I could get my hands on, I found my dress on the cover of “Bride” magazine and knew right away I had to have it! So I went to the only bridal salon in the area that carries Enzoani tried it on…and fell in love!

The way Josie felt in her wedding dress

Stunning, Elegant, and HAPPY!!!

Why she decided to sell her wedding dress

I absolutely LOVED my dress! And it would be a shame to just keep it trapped in my closet. I want someone else to have the joy of wearing it and hopefully it will make them feel just as stunning as I did!

Josie’s wedding dress: Enzoani, Fabi

Photography: Travis Hoehne

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Real Wedding | Angela + Derek

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

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Real Wedding | Katie + Jeff

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

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