Mo+Boy Tie the Knot: We’re So Vain

Like most post-brides, I have some regrets. One regret is the family portraits, because if I had known the magnitude of what our parents wanted, I would have booked a photographer just to take portraits and have everyone and anyone arrive hours earlier…like at daybreak. I think given all of the portraits that were crammed in roughly 1-2 hours, our photographer did a great job managing the throngs of people. And I managed to keep my head on straight and didn’t yell at anyone. Score!

The tent at night? Absolutely gorgeous. Perfect backdrop for our toasts to start off the party.

Our ceremony was 7 minutes long. I know that it was 7 minutes long because my Uncle recorded it and the entire video lasts 15 minutes. That means that it took longer for everyone to walk down the aisle than it did for the actual ceremony! It was short, sweet, personalized, and our good friend officiated. Perfect.

After our first look and a quick glance at everything in the tent, I went back in hiding to the bridal trailer, aka, dumping ground for all my crap and place where I could silently freak out. I typically read about people wanting to come and see the bride before the ceremony and the bridesmaids having to shoo them away, but I actually didn’t have that problem at all and had a good amount of time all by myself. Luckily my two girlfriends and sisters kept me company up until the venue coordinator came by and told me “It’s 5 until the hour, but not that many people are here. What do you want to do?”

After our first look, I took a quick walk-through of the tent, looked around, and just stood in awe. Everything I had planned for was set-up. I pointed to one of the tables and said “Oh, wow! That looks so nice!” and my cousin turned to me and said “Well, you should like it! You picked everything out!” Good point cousin–but I hadn’t seen it yet. It had all been hypothetical. Seeing everything come together was a big deal.

We all made it to the venue, and the boy eventually got his tie. While everyone was setting up, we had our first look.

When our photographer showed up at 2 PM sharp, my hair and makeup were already done and I was picking up trash from lunch while The Runaway Bride was airing continuously on TBS. I think “wedding” and see visions of white peonies, velvet furniture, a gaggle of bridesmaids, someone very official holding a clipboard and a headset, perhaps a harp player, and a large window streaming in light so that the bride can bask in its warmth before she goes and whispers those romantic two words: “I do”.

While I’m on the topic of regrets, I regret not publicizing the photo station enough. There was a sign, and a large fabric backdrop that was visible, but guests later told me that they thought the area was reserved for only close friends and family. Whoops, my bad. (See, that bull horn would have come in handy here too!)

While we had our family portraits, the cupcakes were getting their pictures taken too.

A unique symbol of your love and commitment, we are head-over-heels for fingerprint wedding bands from Brent & Jess. Featuring metals, finishes, and designs to fit every couple’s individual personal style, each band is a custom designed piece, imprinted with you and your partner’s fingerprints as the ultimate sign of devotion. With craftsmanship and an attention detail that is second to none, Brent & Jess handcraft each of their beautiful fingerprint wedding bands from ethically sourced materials. In addition to gorgeously one of a kind wedding bands, there’s also a stunning collection of custom designed jewelry, including the prettiest pendants that can be inscribed with your wedding vows! I personally love this dainty rose gold band that boasts not only your partner’s fingerprint wrapping along the inside, but also a shimmery little diamond. So pretty!

We have raved before, and we will rave again!  We think Bows-N-Ties is the icing on top of a ten-layer wedding cake. They have thousands of ties, cufflinks and handkerchiefs to choose from for your wedding day needs, and they can even be sorted to match specific wedding colors from J. Crew, Alfred Angelo, David’s Bridal, and just recently, Bill Levkoff! Today we’re showing off some of our very favorites, inspired by the looks of our own featured brides and grooms, so prepare to swoon!

There’s no denying how fabulous Etsy is. Anytime I’m in need of some art, jewelry, or anything handmade, it’s definitely my first stop. So, I went on a hunt on Etsy for some indigo jewels and I’m thrilled with what I found! Check out some of my favorites:

Inspired by Provence and the French countryside, this beautiful bridal fashion shoot designed by MMD Events is so glamorous and elegant!  I adore the simple and classic hair, makeup, and jewelry paired with the gorgeous gown from The Dressing Room – when you have fabulous skin and shoulders, you don’t need to load up on the accessories, let your beauty shine through!  The bouquet created by Amanda Allen Designs features one of my favorite eye-catching blooms, anemones.  Loving each little detail and the beautiful images from Caroline & Evan Photography!

I love the delicate, romantic feel of ombre elements, and this gorgeous inspiration shoot from Eventity Inc highlights ombre in the most beautiful way!  The Darlington House in La Jolla was the backdrop for a beautiful bridal look and tablescape in a classic pink, white, and sage color palette. The fresh, clean tabletop features flowers from Sweet Pea Flower Company and soft ombre menus and place cards from Cali Cards, and to top it off there is the most amazing cake from Hey There Cupcakes! Sit back and enjoy the fabulous images from Bryan N. Miller Photography!

{Catch up on all of Mo’s previous recaps here}

We just returned from a fabulous week in NYC for Bridal Fashion Week, where we were introduced to new collections and offerings from the best of the best in wedding fashion. One of our favorite new lines? Lillian Wild‘s “Create” Collection- a customizable collection that is the epitome of modern, classic simplicity. With a set of gowns each named after peonies (swoon), the Lillian Wild lookbook showcases separates, underlays and overlays, and dresses, designed to flatter every bride. Select from five laces, three linings, and multiple cuts and styles, to create a bridal look as unique as you are! The collection is expected to arrive at retailers all over North America in the new year, and is now available in the Lillian Wild Bridal boutique in Kelowna, BC. See the entire lookbook here!

Tammy and Stan’s breezy and impossibly romantic San Diego engagement session is the perfect farewell to summer! As the CEO and founder of FitChick, Tammy travels around the globe for work, and a business trip to the south of France presented Stan the perfect opportunity to surprise Tammy by popping the question. Upon their return home, the couple decided to recreate that magical afternoon with a pretty St. Tropez-inspired engagement session! HauteFetes designed a perfect sunset picnic against the backdrop of the picturesque California coastline, complete with a white kite, market tote, and the cutest naked cake from The Crimson Cake. A mod bikini from Bare Necessities (complete with floppy hat, naturally!) and gorgeous blooms from Blooms by Breesa Lee add to the romantic, French mood. Each image from Booth Photographics is simply irresistible!

It’s safe to say that we are completely smitten by Allure Bridals. Featuring impeccable design and craftsmanship, their gowns are the epitome of the romantic, elegant style that we love (EAD brides love them too, check out all of the amazing real weddings featuring Allure gowns!). Their Spring 2015 collection is all that and more, showcasing modern silhouettes with exquisite detailing like stunning lace, embroidery and beading. These gowns are a fresh take on classic bridal design, pairing dramatic backs and floral appliques with on-trend features like illusion necklines and pretty cap sleeves. If you’re looking for a truly remarkable gown that will look as fashionable today as it does in photos decades from now, Allure Bridals will have you feeling like the belle of the ball on your wedding day!

Bridal portraits are a great way to get comfortable in your gown, reveal how it photographs, and get a beautiful collection of timeless images to boot! Inspired by the old adage “First Comes Love, then Comes Marriage”, this bridal sessions features a stunning Watters gown from Here Comes the Bride. We are mesmerized by the beauty in this Magnolia Grove bridal session from Katie Grant!