{Real Weddings} Keith & Lauren

Thank you guys so much for all of your awesome book recommendations yesterday, I can’t wait to dive in!  Actually I’m kind of dying, I wish I had the time to start now.

I get all sorts of wedding submissions… big parties, small parties, venues where everything is pre-planned, elopements that were planned in 3 days… there’s no one formula for a beautiful wedding.

But in the end, what really gets me are the emotions.  The bride dancing with her father… the first time the groom sees his bride… the pure joy on each and every person’s face.  That’s the best part…

Here’s the story straight from the bride…

Keith and I met through a sorority sister at UCF, who somehow knew “we were meant to be” and that we were perfect for each other. And sure enough we are. Keith and I love being outside, boating, beaching it up, and other fun things. We dated long distance for a while which was hard, but we some how managed to make it this far.

He proposed simply on April 9th in my bedroom. I think he tried to get my little beagle Lucy involved somehow but she wasn’t cooperating with him. Aka, I found him under the bed trying to get her to come out moments before the proposal.

I will move to wellington fl once I graduate. We are pretty simple people and love to have fun.

Photographer: Root Photography / Venue: Longboat Key Club

Happy Friday!

It seems that while I was out, fall crept in.  In fact, I’m slightly suspicious that it may have followed me home.  Hot humid days have given way to crisp fall mornings and the bluest of skies… and folks, that is just fine with me.

The only odd thing about fall in Frederick is that our county fair, which to me (have I mentioned I was once a fair and rodeo queen? that might be a story for another day) will always be synonymous with the hot summer sun, doesn’t take place until now.

But the more I think about it… caramel apples, apple dumplings, fried things on sticks… all of those things are totally appropriate for fall.  And the fair is always fun, no matter when you go.  Which if you’re us is multiple times (what? you don’t spend the whole week there?).

I hope you’re enjoying the crisp fall air and feeling the spirit as much as I am… it’s just about time to start firing up the apple cider and pulling out the pumpkins!  Not to mention the fact that it’s just about time for my wedding (!!).

Here are a few things I’m loving this week…

This DIY couple’s Maine wedding and engagements.

The audience — who booed.

Five fresh (and yummy looking) fall salads.

Chelsea and Tec’s anniversary film.

Plums in wine and honey.

Jose, with a hasselblad, in Malaysia.

One last dose of summer.

Boxes and baskets — fall feels like a time for getting things organized.

{Real Weddings} Kelsey & Josh

And speaking of bucking tradition… today I have, hands down, one of the prettiest elopements I’ve ever seen.

No.  Contest.

Here’s the whole story, courtesy of Kelsey and Josh’s fantastic photographer, Alea…

What a great story. I posted on my Facebook page that if anyone wanted to elope, I had a great idea for shooting it. Little did I know that my dear friends Josh and Kelsey were on the cusp of eloping themselves, and they allowed me to be a part of the process.

Their wedding was so fun and unlike any wedding I had ever been to because it was so “fly by the seat of your pants.” There were no concrete plans (in a great way!), and it was just so intimate. Their vows just blew me away with how special and personal they were to each of them. There were so many inside jokes and things that were meaningful to them — I loved how they didn’t stick with tradition.

They like to make furniture, so Josh made the altar they stood at and the table they ate at. They also handmade plates for their guests for the dinner they would have by the fire. It was southwest-themed, so the couple, who live in Texas, traveled to Phoenix for the affair, near where Josh’s dad, the officiant, lived.

It was really a treat to be able to be there with them. I wish every wedding could be so intimate and focused on love and the couple.

What do you think?  Would you consider an elopement?  Especially if it was as pretty as this?!

Mark and I actually considered it very seriously, but ultimately decided that we wanted to celebrate with more of our family and friends.

Photographer: Alea Lovely Fine Art Photographer / Location: Lake Pleasant Campground / Hair Stylist: Carla Calderon / Floral Designer: Victorian Gardens / Dress Designer: Ann Taylor / Makeup Artist: Makeup By Jen B.

{Real Weddings} Martin & Nina

This super fun German couple worked hard to make sure their day was a perfect representation of themselves, and nobody else… even shunning the idea of a traditional wedding cake in favor of mincemeat pie!

I couldn’t possibly say it better than the bride, so I’ll let her tell you all about their beautiful DIY day…

Get married? No way! Should it still happen some day, then by no means in a white wedding dress. That was my staunch and constant conviction. But then finally came my dream prince, and the dream wedding followed.

In our relationship things are a bit different. The proposal was not made in the traditional way by my boyfriend, but by myself. For the two of us it was clear from the outset that we were going to have a big wedding party – with all our good friends and the entire family. We started planning our wedding two years in advance by opening a “wedding account.” Initially that was all.

We did not want to have our party in a city venue but somewhere in the countryside and so we quickly opted for the cozy Café del Sol, which is situated near the Rhine in an idyllic nature reserve. The owner’s last name was “Sunshine,” and so of course we decided in favor of his place.

… We started collecting old vases: big, small, medium-sized, simple, trashy, broken or still intact. It did not matter. We only wanted them to have charm and fit the occasion. At best they were meant to give our guests a feeling of having a history of their own. We also collected all sorts of empty bottles: wine bottles, champagne bottles, ketchup bottles. We decorated them with bright ribbons, roses and laces. Additionally we filled marmalade jars with brightly colored lemonade tablets.

… Despite rainy weather it became the most beautiful day in our lives.

… Though my husband and I are quite sweet, we did not want a sweet wedding cake. Knowing our meat-loving friends, we wanted to delight them with something more solid: a minced meat pie with onions. Many of our guests told us afterwards that the pie was THE highlight of the evening.

I think our wedding was a real success.

Photographer: Britta Schunck / Venue: Café del Sol / Bride’s Hair and Makeup: Engel & Helden / Groom’s Hair: Oliver Undorf / Dessert: Café del Sol / Flowers: DIY / DJ: Rainer Lucas / Veil and Headpieces: DIY / Rings: Trauringschmiede Düsseldorf / Jewelry: Heirloom / Schuhe Braut: Siemes / B.A. Star / Groom’s Suit: Peek & Cloppenburg / Groom’s Shoes: Lloyd / Stationery: DIY by the Groom (Matteng.de) / Button Machine: Ever Green

Who wants to have a potluck?

As the summer quickly fades (stop already, August!) I find myself more and more in need of a really good backyard BBQ.  Of course, Mark and I have only a little pittance of a back yard, so we might need to get creative, but never you mind… what I’m really craving is this…

These shots make me long for a potluck… good friends sharing their favorites.  How come those aren’t as popular as they used to be?  Just the word evokes images of June Cleaver dresses and JELL-O molds.

That’s right, with the big JELL-O letters those molds.

But maybe it’s time we brought it back.  And not just the practice, but the word.  Maybe it’s time we had a good old fashioned potluck.

Who’s in?

Photos: 1, 2-3, 4, 5-6, 7, 8, 9, 10

{Real Weddings} Matt & Leah

Not only are Leah and Matt beyond gorgeous, this bride and groom are also obviously a ton of fun.

Wondering what the heck I’m talking about? Just scroll a little. There’s kind of no way you’ll be disappointed.

Oh, and just in case you’re not already completely in love? Here’s a little story…

As a teenager, Leah warned her parents that when her wedding day came… she was going to need one very specific thing.

A bouncy castle.

And since her dad isn’t one to break a promise… well…

Could you possibly love them more?

Here are a few more details from Matt and Leah’s talented photographer, who captured the day so beautifully…

It was a cloudy overcast day, but you would have never known due to the pure joy that these two had for each other. These two were literally just jumping and giddy the whole day. They had been engaged for just under a year and were more than ready to finally make a commitment to each other. From the bouncy castle that her dad promised her from when she was a kid, to sneaking onto a rock quarry overseeing the Fraser Valley it was an exciting day! The day wrapped up at The Secret Garden at Woodbridge Ponds where the reception was decorated with vintage details and chandeliers!

Beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing, Luke!

Photographer: Luke Liable Photography / Ceremony Location: Hougen Park / Reception Location: The Secret Garden at Woodbridge Ponds / Dress: Galina / Groomsmen: Outfitted by The Bay / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Zara

{Real Weddings} Buddy & Autumn

Oh you guys… the gorgeous simplicity of this wedding really gets me.  A gorgeous location, a stylish bride and groom, and the most joyful guests… there is truly nothing better, and nothing more you need.

Except maybe a little neighborhood bike ride.  Tell me — when have you ever seen a cuter group shot?

I can’t thank Buddy and Autumn’s photographer enough for sharing these shots.  They really made my day!

Photographer: Veronica Lola Photography / Dress: J. Crew / Groom’s Attire: J. Crew

Our Engagement Shots: Part 2

We took these shots in what has to be one of the most beautiful, but totally deserted, spots in Agoura Hills (meticulously scouted out by our photographer, Steve Steinhardt, who I swear read my mind) in between cake tastings, food tastings, and a million other little details and appointments.  After all, we had just one trip out to California to get everything down.

With all of our prepping and planning still swimming in my head, I was worried that slowing down and posing for the camera might feel awkward (then again I’m not sure I really need the added stress to feel awkward posing… that’s kind of a given) or something might go wrong, but I think it’s pretty obvious from a few of our shots, laughing my butt off (oh man, if only I could bring myself to share the outtakes… I was in full form, that crazy laugh of mine) that we had a ton of fun.

Within just a few snaps, Steve had us laughing and totally relaxed… and honestly, the whole experience kind of felt like a little getaway from the hustle and bustle of our trip.

Thank you to our amazing photographer for capturing this happy little moment in our lives.  I know, without a doubt, that we will cherish these shots forever.

And just in case you missed it, be sure to check out part 1.

Photographer: Steve Steinhardt

Our Engagement Shots: Part 1

Okay, I’m guilty. I meant to narrow these down to just one post… but it’s just too hard.

I’m not going to say that I love myself in every shot… because really, no matter how gorgeous the pictures, a gal can always find a flaw. But still… the light…

Steve doesn’t have to go far to remind me exactly why we chose him to photograph our wedding… it’s in every little detail of his work. The simple location where we took these shots just shines.

I can’t get enough.

And in case you feel the same, I promise won’t make you wait long… in fact part 2 will be up later today! So be sure to check back.

Photographer: Steve Steinhardt

{Real Weddings} Chris & Autumn’s SmogShoppe Nuptials

Happy Monday!  I hope everyone had a lovely father’s day weekend.  Austin’s first concert-going experience was a raving success, and his proud papa enjoyed a relaxing dad’s day, barbequing with friends and family and then enjoying a quiet evening at home… watching the final round of the Open.  It’s around these times that I wish I lived closer to my own dad, but I’m thankful that at least we’re able to get together as frequently as we do.

I’m excited to share an extra special treat this Monday, straight from one of my favorite photographers and one of very favorite venues… the SmogShoppe.

If you don’t know about the Shoppe, it really did begin as a smog-check center in the 80s, and has been transformed into a 100% solar-powered haven for desert plants, vertical gardens and straight up gorgeous vintage furnishings. In fact, it’s one of the most sustainably designed urban spaces in the United States… and it throws a rockin’ good party.

If you’re planning a wedding in LA, I highly suggest you check it out.

Chris and Autumn are the perfect fit for this super cool venue.  Orchids, clay tile favors, and a ton of personal touches made their day that much more special.  And rather than light a unity candle, these two music lovers chose to sing… striking their first notes together in harmony.

Thank you so much to 39 East for sharing!

Photographer: 39 East Photography / Reception Venue: SmogShoppe