Hey there! I'm a professional Portrait & Wedding photographer located in College Station, Texas that specializes in Aggie Senior/Grad Portraits and Wedding Photography. I'm sharing a list of the exact gear I own and use at every session and wedding that I photograph. I've been a photographer since 2013 and have learned so much in the last decade. If you'd like to see the beautiful image I create from using the following recommended gear, please visit my photography business website at laurylharvey.com . I hope my recommendations help you create beautiful art too!

Planning a wedding and everything looks fine but nothing looks wow? I spent weeks staring at my reflection thinking something was missing — turns out the dress is just the canvas. These are the exact accessories and details that made my bridal look click into place, for any bride who knows she looks nice but wants that stop-the-aisle moment. Took me four months of searching so you can skip straight to the good stuff.

Planning a low-key wedding and every aisle runner you find is either a gaudy red carpet or costs more than the catering? Same. We had a backyard ceremony with 40 guests and I spent way too many nights scrolling for something that looked intentional without screaming ‘prom.’ Here's everything I narrowed it down to — saved you the three weeks of panic I went through.

Halfway through planning my wedding I realized I had receipts in my email, contracts in a drawer, and a timeline scribbled on a napkin — nothing was in one place and I almost double-booked my florist and DJ on the same deposit date. If you're drowning in vendor paperwork and your engagement joy is turning into spreadsheet dread, this is everything I used to pull it together before things got worse.

Here are some ideas that I love and some that I went with for my Bridesmaids gift bags! I tried to gift a mix of cute things and also useful bits that my Bridal Party could use again.

As a 2027 bride, here are some venues we toured! Located in NJ and PA Adding some prices but can provide more info for anyone looking 🤍

From bridal gowns worthy of a “Love Story” moment to guest outfits fit for the VIP tent, this is your one stop wedding guide event for the event of the decade!

I have a boutique business where I make all kinds of items. Like tumblers, shirts, wind spinners, pens, etc.! Here are some files I've purchased personally and would recommend!

I’m on a mission to learn how to make crepe paper flowers for my wedding decor. I plan to make the flowers for table decoration, chair posies and to decorate the cake. My dad owns a printing business, so paper has oddly been a big thing in my life. From helping him when he brought work home (e.g. stuffing envelopes, glueing photos and binding calendars) to asking him to bring paper home for me to draw on. The art of paper flowers is a beautiful but personal incorporation into my wedding day. Of course, if I had the budget I’d rather not do the manual labour but wedding tax is real 🤣. Creating this list for anyone starting out the new hobby!

Welcome to Bridal Must-Haves by Benable, where we curate the perfect collection for newlyweds embarking on their journey together! Dive into a world of bridal essentials, from stunning wedding attire and accessories to elegant home decor and honeymoon must-haves. Our handpicked selection ensures that every bride finds something special to make her big day even more memorable. Whether you're searching for the dream wedding dress, personalized keepsakes, or practical items for your new life together, Benable has you covered. Say "I do" to our curated bridal finds and start your happily ever after in style!

Editable Canva templates for itineraries, invites, games, etc. to make bach or bridal shower planning fun and easy, or easier ;)

Whether you're planning your dream wedding or shopping for the perfect gift, these are the vendors, decor finds, and planning tools I'd personally recommend to any bride!

You can find anything for your upcoming wedding on this list - shoes, veils, decorations and more!

dresses perfect for any big event this fall catered to every tax bracket

Planning a wedding and drowning in mass-produced veils that all look the same stiff, shiny, costume-y mess? Same. I spent weeks scrolling through options that photographed beautifully but felt like craft-store tulle in person. This is the lineup of handmade veils that actually drape the way you picture in your head — soft, romantic, real. If you want that windswept bridal moment without fighting your veil all day, start here before your date creeps up.

I LOVE the look of mismatched bridesmaid dresses, and even though I’m married already, I want to help you source your dresses! 💕 This list is PINK dresses, including gorgeous ditsy florals! Follow along for some great finds 💄🌸💍

Vibrant theme for July/summer bridal showers with a patriotic twist. I Do BBQ, Let Freedom Ring, She's a Firecracker, etc. USA military and patriotic holidays.

A thoughtfully curated collection of First Holy Communion ideas to help you celebrate this sacred milestone with beauty and intention. From invitations and prayer cards to meaningful gifts, keepsakes, and party details, this list brings together elegant and faith-filled finds to honor your child’s special day. Whether you’re planning a simple gathering or a more elaborate celebration, you’ll find inspiration here to make it truly memorable.

I've curated this collection of super unique wrapping paper and gift wrap for weddings, bridal showers and wedding party gifts!

Planning a party doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. These are my go-to essentials for everything from kids’ birthdays to bridal showers and weddings. Decorations, hosting must-haves, and little details that make events feel special — without overspending or stressing out.

Planning a reception on a budget felt impossible — every venue photo online looked like a magazine spread and my tables looked like a sad potluck. After three events and way too many returns, these are the tablecloths that actually made guests ask who my event planner was. If you're coordinating a wedding, shower, or party and refuse to settle for plastic covers, save yourself the trial and error.

PLUS SIZE GIRLIES UNITE!! I KNOW how hard it is to find a cute white dress that doesn’t look like it’s for an old lady. This is what I found that doesn’t cost a fortune and looked so cute! And TRUST me I looked EVERYWHERE!!

As a Swiftie it's fun to imagine what her wedding would look like so this list includes her wedding dress, his suit, venue, cake, decor, bridesmaids dresses, and everything in between!!

Because they’re family too. This collection includes must-have essentials to make your dog’s role in your wedding day effortless and picture-perfect — from elegant accessories and ceremony-ready outfits to comfort must-haves and smart gear for the big day.

Planning an Italian themed bridal shower with lemons as your accent? This list of recommendations was curated with the Italian summer in mind. I hope you find it as stunning and inspiring as I do.

I went to SO many weddings this past year and have a lot coming up! These are my favorite dresses and shoes that I have reworn countless times! #affordable #weddingguest #weddingattire #amazonfinds

Fall in love with your fall themed bridal shower - shop my selection of fall bridal shower outfit ideas and matching party decor for an elegant autumn bridal shower.

Find the perfect dresses for little girls attending weddings, from elegant guest styles to adorable flower girl gowns. Designed for ages 0 months to 12 years, these flowing dresses are comfortable, stylish, and picture-perfect for the big day. Most people choose these timeless looks to let little ones walk with grace, whether as a flower girl scattering petals or a young guest dressed to shine. 🌸🌹🪻🌺🌻🌷 #FlowerGirlDress #GirlsWeddingGuest #KidsWeddingFashion #BabyToTweenStyle #ElegantGirlDress

AFFORDABLE wedding decor I purchased from AMAZON/SHEIN to make your special day beautiful 🤍 All recs will have actual photos of the items I purchased and used on my wedding day!

Looking to add personal touches to your wedding? Here's a list of thing we used at our wedding to add unique charm and individuality to our day. From fun ideas like a message in a bottle guest book, polaroid photos, cheesecake cake with fun cake topper, and DIY buckeye favors, below is everything we used to stay in our decor budget of under $2,500.

Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue... Gift I have given to my girlfriends who are recently engaged.

Trying to spice up your wedding? Want to think a bit out of the box? Here are some of the things I plan to do/use at my wedding that are not necessarily conventional, but are aesthetic&adorable

Items that are must haves on the big day!! After being a bridesmaid one too many times, I’ve learned a thing or two. Some of these items are no brainers but some of them were a lesson learned because the bride was searching for the item the day of. So it’s better to have them ready so that she has a smooth day :) All of the links are the cheapest price found online to help make things easier. You’ve got enough to worry about prepping for the big day! Most of these are from Target so you could do a mass pickup order if you wanted to.

Pink themed bat mitzvah party decorations, invitations, and favors with personalized name over the white Star of David. Lots of cute desserts and welcome signs with your photo. Favorite pink dresses at the bottom of the list.

I'm turning thirty-fun this year & bringing the whimsy with me 🦋

Since I have an upcoming wedding ceremony next year, I often find myself looking at the wedding jewelry sets that I will wear on that day. So… without further ado, here are some of the wedding jewelry sets that are elegant, expensive-looking sets but are not going to break your bank!

Here's our list of recommended wedding vendors in the Central Virginia area! We don't get any kick-back for recommending them - we just know that they serve our couples well, and make for some beautiful and stress-free wedding days!

Gold decor is so classic and trendy for a wedding, but the problem is, where to find interesting pieces that won't break the bank? This is your list, there are so many creative, girly, classic pieces that would function beautifully for a wedding from Hobby Lobby, Amazon, Shein, Walmart and so forth.

2026 bride over here! I’ve compiled lists of items I will be using (or want to be using) that I want/need for the next year or so. Here’s to being the future Mrs Jennings!🥂

Step into a world of 80s luxury, Madonna‑level glamour, and unapologetic main‑character sparkle with this “She Found Her Mister Right” bachelorette theme. This list is packed with bold decor, iconic bach bag fillers, and outfit ideas that channel the Material Girl herself — think gold accents, lace, and just the right amount of attitude. It’s all about celebrating the bride with big hair, big energy, and even bigger love.

A wedding detail box is a MUST. As someone who has photographed many weddings, the details are so necessary to making your wedding photos so special. Here’s things that will make your wedding photographer life easier:

A list of Valentine’s gifts meant to spoil your favorite person and put a big smile on his face!

I put this list together because planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, and it helps to have all the little details in one place. These are the pieces that I think truly make a difference for a bride — from beauty and style to comfort and peace of mind. Some are practical must-haves, like an emergency kit or comfy shoes, while others are special luxuries, like bridal lingerie, jewelry, or a signature perfume, that make the day feel unforgettable. Altogether, this list reflects the mix of essentials and meaningful touches that help a bride feel prepared, beautiful, and fully present on her wedding day.

Dressing nicely at a wedding reception is important because it shows respect for the couple, adheres to event etiquette, contributes to a festive atmosphere, and boosts confidence.

I’m hosting a little bachelorette at my house! Our theme is “Last Sail Before the Veil” We’re going on a little tiki boat ride and a beautiful sunset dinner. Here’s to our bride!

I have had the joy and honor to officiate hundreds of interfaith Jewish/Christian ceremonies and this is my curated list of elements you may need for your ceremony!

Celebratory graduation goods - graduation announcements, graduation party invitations, grad party decor, thank you notes and more

Our grand exit was supposed to be magical — instead half the guests couldn't get their bubble containers open and the other half blew sad little drips onto the sidewalk. If you're planning a wedding send-off and don't want your photographer capturing confused faces instead of floating bubbles, I tested a ridiculous number of options so you can skip the trial-and-error phase.

Birthdays don’t have to be over the top to feel magical. This kit is filled with simple, reusable, and affordable items that turn any birthday into a special memory. From morning traditions to keepsakes you’ll treasure for years.

Disco Cowboy, The Last Hoe Down, Her Last Rodeo Bachelorette Outfit Examples for fall so you’re not too hot or cold

Spring and summer weddings are the perfect excuse to bring out bright colors, soft pastels, and flowy silhouettes. Whether you love soft blues, fresh greens, blush pinks, or bold shades like purple, yellow, and orange, there’s a wedding guest dress for every vibe and venue. I rounded up my favorite dresses by color to make shopping easy—just pick your palette and find the style that fits your mood.

Everything needed for a smooth, relaxing day for not only the bridesmaids but the bride! Included are items that I have received as gifts being in multiple weddings

I started developing this kit when I was planning my wedding; truly a “just in case everything goes wrong” bag for any small day-of emergency. It became one of the best ideas and creations I've had, so much so that I began making and giving them to my friends on their wedding days. Now, I keep one in my desk at work, one in my gym bag and I pack a “mini” version for travel. It's a simple solution for massive peace-of-mind (and it makes as a GREAT wedding day gift!!!).

I worked as a bridal stylist for years, which means I’ve seen it all- happy tears, panic sweats, and moms with opinions 🙃 When it was my turn to be the bride (pre-mom life!), these are the things I actually loved! My tried-and-true bridal favorites. ❤️ I started working in Bridal when I lived in South Fl, got engaged while working in PDX boutique, and got married in Golden, CO. So I have lots of recs all over!

Outfits and accessories for all of your bridal events! Engagement shoot, bridal shower, you name it!

LGBTQ+ Wedding + two brides are better than one. I'm not going to lie, the wedding industry has not evolved enough for queer couples. Hopefully my list will give you all the right places to look. #lesbianwedding #wedding #lgbtqwedding #loveislove #winterwedding #weddinginspo #pride

Outfit inspo for all of the big bridal events you may have during your bridal era!

p.s. save this list if you like it because i'll be updating it occasionally with new dresses! let's face it, these sites have hundreds and hundreds of pages of clothing, and it's a nightmare to sift through. but i stand by the fact that you don't need to be spending hundreds of dollars on a dress, AND that you don't need to be wearing the same (plain) dresses as other people. i've searched through hundreds of dresses to find ones that are $100 and unique. both are also they're typically fairly quick and have a great easy return policy so i can order a bunch to try on and return.

Celebrate another fabulous year with Aging Like Fine Wine birthday party ideas—featuring chic outfit inspo, wine-themed decor, classy cake toppers, balloons, table settings, and photo-worthy party details. This board is packed with elegant, trendy finds for milestone birthdays, girls’ night celebrations, and luxe wine-inspired parties. Perfect for women who want a stylish, Instagram-worthy birthday aesthetic that feels classy, fun, and confident.

Turn your 70s-themed birthday bash into a disco garden party extravaganza with our custom party supplies! Perfect for milestone birthdays like a fabulous 21st, our collection features pastel-colored original artwork of cute flowers, disco balls, and clever disco lyrics. From personalized invitations to tableware and decorations, we have everything you need for an impressive event right here. Whether you're planning for yourself or someone special, our retro-chic supplies will set the stage for a groovy celebration. Shop now and let the disco fever begin!

Hey brides! Here is a list of some go-to bridal event dresses, transparently separated by budget. Planning a wedding can be stressful, but looking cute while doing it doesn't have to be!

A wedding reception is a great time to relax and celebrate after exchanging vows. The couple can hang out with family and friends, eat food and party. Here are some festive decorating ideas as well as acccessories and favors, to help make the festivity as memorable as possible. (Some of these would make great bridal shower gifts!)

From a bow-themed birthday party to a “She's Tying the Knot” bachelorette party, here's a roundup of the best the bow-themed decor and party favors!

With so many people, including half of Hollywood (we see you Taylor and Travis), getting engaged lately, there are many weddings in the future. As a future 2027 bride myself, I wanted to put together a collection of wedding guest essentials to help you through all of these events. Whether it's the perfect outfits for you and your partner, or a pair of shoes that you'll wear over and over again, I thought I would share all of my favourites here!

Whether you're headed to a tropical destination or an adventurous escape, this curated list of honeymoon must-haves ensures you're prepped for every romantic moment. Let the post-wedding magic begin!

Check out these Disney-inspired wedding accessories! 👰✨ From magical touches to whimsical details, these accessories are perfect for adding a fairytale charm to your special day. Create a wedding as enchanting as your favorite Disney stories! 🌟💍

Started this the week after our wedding because I knew I'd forget what year we got that awful couch. One photo per anniversary, captions we actually wrote ourselves, and now it's the thing guests flip through before they even sit down. If you're a couple who keeps saying ‘we should do something with all these photos’ but never does — this is the laziest, most meaningful version of that. Took me four anniversaries of procrastinating to land on the right supplies, so steal my list instead.

Meaningful keepsake ideas to help you remember and honor the ones you’ve lost. From personalized jewelry, memory boxes to thoughtful storage solutions and handmade mementos. This guide offers inspiration for preserving the love and legacy of those who remain forever in your heart.

I feel like it is just wedding SEASON lately and I have perfected the wedding guest guide! This folder has all the wedding guest necessities and looks that you need for inspo!

I’ve been in 10+ weddings in some capacity or another and have gathered some tips and tricks. These are the tried and true items I continue to use and buy again

LOVE LOVE this trend of brooches as boutonnières for the groom and groomsmen. Did you notice them at the 2026 Oscars! They are budget friendly. Last forever (nice keepsake) And so much easier to attach to your suit than pinning on a flower-that gets crushed with every hug.

Invitations, party decor & outfit ideas for a citrus lemon themed Bridal Shower

When I was wedding planning in the fall of 2022, it was so important to me to thank the people in my wedding party and family with sentimental, heartfelt gifts. These loved ones put in so much time and effort to be there for you to celebrate your big day! I'm a huge believer that these thank-you gestures don't have to be expensive to be touching, useful, and memorable.

highly recommend eloping with the love of your life :) we got married on our 7 year dating anniversary in las vegas, a place that's very special to us. we called this time our wedding week & we spent 3 days in las vegas & then had a mini honeymoon at disneyland for 3 days. saved our money for our 2 week honeymoon in greece then a down payment for our home! :-)

Planning a teen birthday party and want it to be fun, aesthetic, and on point? This list has everything you need to throw the best teen birthday ever — from stylish decor and dessert ideas to party favors, outfit inspiration, and entertainment. I've pulled top finds from Amazon and Etsy, so everything is easy to shop and teen-approved. Whether you're planning a relaxed hangout or a full-on celebration, these must-haves will help you set the vibe and make it a party to remember.

My friends love it, I love it, my insta feed loves it. All my girlies take a look for a birthday in black & white on film!! 📸

These dresses are so beautiful and amazing quality. I love shopping showpo and they have the best selection no matter your style or size! Dive in to the sale rack or new arrivals any time and always find the perfect dress

Every veil and comb in those glossy bridal magazines looked stiff and overdone — like a costume instead of something I'd actually wear. If you want soft, romantic hair pieces that don't scream ‘prom queen 2007’ and you're tired of scrolling through thousands of identical rhinestone clips, this is the shortlist that took me four months of obsessive searching to build.

We had a destination wedding in February 2025 and while we were able to purchase most of our stuff for the wedding through the resort, there were some personalized items we brought for our own personal touches!

The most stunning wedding dresses for spring/summer 2026. I am giving you options for casual, destination and black tie.

Are you currently planning a wedding? Me too! I have made a list of all of my favorite outfits, decorations, bridal proposal goodies and more of things I used and loved all in one place (and most are budget friendly options!) Use this as a guide to planning I hope your big day is everything you’ve dreamed of!🤍

Spent two wedding seasons wearing either boring bobby pins or tiaras that screamed prom queen — there was no in-between. If you're someone who wants a little sparkle woven through a braid or updo without looking like you raided a costume shop, this is the lineup that finally nailed it. Took me a lot of returns to land here so you don't have to.

This this is the ultimate wrapping list to get everything essential to wrap your gifts year round.. I am definitely jealous of the wrap cutter. I feel like Im super disorganized with our pile of wrapping paper so lets come up with some solutions.

Planning a celebration and realizing your mismatched kitchen drawer knives won't cut it (literally) for a cake moment worth photographing? Whether you're hosting a wedding, a milestone birthday, or a baby shower, I spent way too long piecing together serving sets that looked cheap or fell apart mid-slice. This is everything I landed on after three events and one embarrassing cake avalanche — grab what you need before your next big day sneaks up on you.

First you find out your size 2 pants size is a size 8 dress, then you find out it’s pretty much not possible to spend less than 3 grand if you don’t want to look like everyone else. Wedding dress shopping has been crazy, so I temporarily ignored the price tags and here’s some of my favorite inspo (I did not buy these)

A gift guide for all of your pals who are soon to be married. Or if your a bride some little treats to ease the planning process.

Follow this list for my favorite items for a summer wedding - including bridal shower, bachelorette party, rehearsal dinner!!

I made this list because it can be SO stressful finding the perfect wedding gift. This list has a wide variety of options at all different price points.

This list is for the perfect beach wedding guest dress… no matter what the season!

It's a love story and she said yes! If you're like me, you cried finding out that Taylor would finally have her fairytale. And you also probably started daydreaming about incorporating Swiftieism into your own big day! Here are some picks to help you do just that, sorted by era. I might earn a small commission if you make a purchase with one of these links - thank you for your support <3