Weddings can be a big investment. That is how my (now) husband and I saw it because this was likely the only time all our friends & family would be together. We had people traveling from all over the US, including ourselves. Planning a wedding from out of state is stressful but I was so lucky to have great family and vendors to support us. This wasn't just “MY big day”. It was about having fun and sharing love with our favorite people, and this is how we made it possible. This page contains affiliate links, If you click and purchase I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you. I only recommend products I have personally used.
When it comes to weddings and elopements in this era, there are so many vendors and expenses that fall into your lap. I am a huge supporter of hiring local business owners, but sometimes that's out of budget. Luck for you, I have had to put together a bouquet and boutonniere a handful of times as an elopement photographer. Here are my favorite places to find florals around the greater Portland area and all the things you'll need to put together a stunning floral arrangement for your wedding/elopement!
Looking for something for that wedding, I've got recommendations for garden/outdoor, beach formal/cocktail and city weddings? I've got you! Plus Size Edition.
Planning a wedding and realizing the gift table is basically an afterthought until someone asks where to put their card. I spent way too long figuring out how to make a card box that didn't look like a shoebox with a slit cut in it. If you're deep in wedding planning and your Pinterest board is giving you anxiety, here's everything I actually used and bought to pull off a gift table that guests complimented all night.
If your sister is like mine, the lucky in love Vegas theme is perfect for the bachelorette party theme! These are the hottest decorations and party favors to fit the theme
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!
Some of my favorite finds for wedding events as the bride. I'm excited to share some of top contenders for my upcoming wedding! I have so many favorites that I am having trouble deciding. I have picks for my reception, bridal shower, bachelorette party, rehearsal dinner and more. I even have accessories I am considering. Feedback on favorites is welcomed!
I love all the personalized unique gifts you can get on Etsy and you are also supporting a small business. I feel like I put so much more thought into the gifts I give
I’m a wedding photographer who shoots across the U.S. and internationally. This is the exact gear I depend on to capture weddings - from camera bodies to lenses, flashes, and all the small essentials that keep things running smoothly! 🤎
Spent thousands on a dress and then panicked about storing it in a regular closet where dust settles and moths appear out of nowhere. If you're a bride who just survived wedding planning and can't stomach the idea of yellowing silk or tiny holes showing up on your gown, this is everything I actually use — figured it out through trial and error so you don't ruin yours.
My only son is getting married this June!! And this is my list of everything I used and we did to prepare. It is outside of Miami, so I'll post alll the fun places as well!!
A collection of stylish, practical, and slightly life-changing home finds that make everyday life feel easier, cozier, and more put together. Think ambient lighting, luxury bedding, smart apartment upgrades, kitchen essentials, cozy home decor, and the kind of “boring” adult purchases you suddenly become obsessed with after moving in together. Perfect for modern wedding registry ideas, apartment essentials, home upgrades, and creating a space that actually feels warm, personal, and lived in.
Planning a wedding or dinner party and realizing place card holders cost more than the actual food per plate? I spent weeks comparing bulk options after nearly dropping $200 on tiny metal clips for my sister's reception. These are the ones that fooled every guest into thinking we splurged, and most came out to 30-40 cents a piece. Grab them early because shipping times get brutal closer to wedding season.
Struggling with what to get your bridesmaids as a thank you for your being a part of your wedding? Here are some ideas that I used for my bridesmaid proposals and day of thank you gifts. I went PRACTICAL. I wanted them to be able to use these items time and time again.
Start here! Whether you're getting married, moving in together, or just want to refresh your everyday home essentials, this list is full of timeless, stylish, and practical finds. From elevated kitchenware to cozy home upgrades and thoughtful entertaining pieces, these are registry-worthy picks you’ll actually use (and love for years). Even if you're not tying the knot, it's a great place to find gift inspiration for a loved one—or treat yourself to a little upgrade.
Every December I'd panic-buy some generic ornament and write our names on it with a Sharpie — it looked terrible and my partner definitely noticed. If you're the type who wants your tree to actually tell your story as a couple but can't find anything that doesn't look like it came from a hospital gift shop, this is the list that took me way too long to put together.
A little buzz, a lot of love—this espresso martini-themed bridesmaid proposal is the perfect blend of glam and caffeine-fueled charm. With luxe neutrals, cheeky cocktail inspo, and that just-said-yes energy, it’s the ultimate way to pop the question in style.
Hi newly engaged girlies! 🤍 I’m sharing everything I used to design and plan my engagement party — from services and vendors to purchases, DIY tools, and small details that made a big difference.
We are ALL so busy- this will be a carefully curated ongoing list of beautiful gifts and party supplies from incredible craftsmen (and women, hello). Including handmade birthday banners, cake toppers, invitation & clipart designers that will save MAJOR time and money. Which we can all use a little extra of!
I have been happily married to my partner for three years now. We had so much fun planning our wedding and I wanted to share some of the pieces that made it feel extra special. Maybe this will help give inspiration for future newly weds!
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.
If you’re as obsessed with TSITP as I am, you’re surely hosting a watch party at some point this season to celebrate (and grieve!!) the end of such an incredible series. This list has everything you need, from TSITP decor to favors for your besties. ps team Connie baby forever 🤪❤️
I got married in 2023 to the love of my life! We planned our wedding to be in the Central Pennsylvania area, and had to include our dogs. We wanted everything perfect for us, but not break our bank. These are some of the items that we used to make our day special and affordable!
NJ Wedding Officiant Andrea Purtell, For This Joyous Occasion Officiating Services
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.
Has she found her main squeeze? Then check out these zesty finds that I used (and a couple I couldn't make room for) for my little sister's #mainsqueeze bridal shower this summer!
Being a bride is such a short, sweet season, so soak it up with all the fun finds! This is your one-stop list for all things bridal! Here is your curated list of bridal essentials and extras like dresses, shoes, prep favorites, and all the little things that make being a bride so special.
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!
Prepping for you wedding is so fun but can feel super overwhelming - putting together my favorites in different categories to help you during your bridal era
Spent three months trying on bridal earrings that looked like mini chandeliers or costume jewelry under venue lighting — all I wanted was a gentle sparkle that didn't compete with my dress. If you're the bride who keeps whispering ‘too much’ at every jewelry counter, this is the lineup that finally clicked for me.
Planning your bridesmaid proposals or bachelorette? Start here!
Consider this your quick guide to the all-in-one bachelorette gift bag or the perfect starting point for your bridesmaid ask plans.
These are all of the faves I've purchased for our 2026 wedding in Brazil!! Some of the items that ALMOST made the cut had to end up on this list too - they're too good to pass up!
Planning a wedding on limited time or low funds? This is the list for you! As a 2026 Bride who planned a small wedding in a week, these are the things I would recommend getting! You don't have to break the bank to make your dream wedding happen!
These gowns are not only elegant and classy but also trendy and affordable. I know how important it is to find the perfect dress without breaking the bank, and that's why I’ve handpicked these stunning options just for you. Each dress on this list blends sophistication with modern style, making sure you look and feel incredible on your big day. Whether you’re dreaming of a timeless classic or a contemporary chic look, there’s something here for every bride. I hope you find your dream dress and feel as beautiful as you deserve. Happy wedding planning!
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.
Wedding guest dressing is an art: festive but never upstaging the bride. These 10 dresses cover every dress code — garden party to black tie — and all re-wear for other occasions. Bookmark this before wedding season hits. #weddingguestdress #weddingdresscode #guestdresses #weddingoutfit #dressguide
Everything you need to throw a memorable Island-Themed party! We throw a lot of these at our home because we built a tiki bar in our backyard as our pandemic project the summer of 2020. We even had a tiki-themed rehearsal dinner for our wedding this year!
Are you getting married at the beach? Then check out this list for all the best outfit inspo for your beach wedding! Beach weddings are some of my favorites to photograph and the bridal outfits are the most fun to find inspo for!
Looking for the perfect birthday gift for your boyfriend, girlfriend, best friend, or life partner? Here’s a curated list of 15 charming, handmade, and heartfelt gifts from Etsy that say “I care” in the most special way. Whether it's cozy, personal, or a little romantic, these finds are sure to make them smile!
I just exited my bridal era with a wedding in Fall 2025 and loved every minute. Here are some of my favorite picks for anyone entering their bride era! 🤍👰♀️💍🕊️
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!
My bachelorette party was themed Last Trail Before the Veil. We stayed at the cutest cabin in the Red River Gorge. If you are looking at a similar theme such as Camp Bachelorette or Last Trail Before the Veil I hope this gives you some inspo. Some of it's decor. Some of it is gifts for your bridesmaids and friends.
I'm Sarah Azkadyna, and these are (in my opinion) the best wedding venues in Virginia Wedding Richmond & Hampton Roads Area. They photograph spectacularly and have wonderful service!
Step into the enchanting world of fall weddings with our carefully curated collection of guest outfits. This season, we've gathered a range of styles that effortlessly capture the essence of autumn's beauty. From rustic elegance to layered sophistication, our outfits are designed to ensure you shine as a guest while celebrating love amidst the changing leaves. Rustic Elegance: Fall's warm and earthy tones take center stage in this collection. Think deep burgundy, rich emerald, and rustic mustard - colors that harmonize with the season's backdrop. Textured fabrics like tweed, lace, and velvet provide a tactile charm that complements the rustic wedding themes often seen in autumn. Layered Sophistication: Fall weather can be unpredictable, but our outfits have you covered. Explore tailored blazers, shawls, and wraps that transition seamlessly from outdoor ceremonies to indoor receptions. With layered sophistication, you'll stay comfortable and chic, no matter the venue or temperature. Browse our fall wedding guest outfit collection and embrace the elegance of this magical season.
I planned a “That’s Amore” themed bridal shower and this is every single thing that I ordered! I went for a more italian country vibe (pasta, tomatoes, natural tones) than italian summer (i.e Amalfi Coast, lemons, bright blue prints, etc)
This list is for anyone planning a “Last Toast on the Coast” bachelorette party! You’ll find cute decor, pool party necessities, and fun activities to do with the girls! *This list includes affiliate links. Thanks for supporting my recommendations!*
Looking for the ultimate bridal suite prep checklist and getting ready morning essentials? From morning timeline delays and chaotic clutter to flat hair, makeup smudges, and missing photo props, the morning of the wedding sets the tone for the entire day. This curated wedding planning guide features high-impact, problem-solving bridal prep accessories, silk robes, detail-shot photo styling props, and wedding morning organizers. Discover how to keep your bridal suite organized, capture flawless getting-ready photos, and build a calm, stress-free wedding morning setup.
Everything I leaned on planning a Vancouver wedding and elopement, from the dress and the glam to decor, invites and the little keepsakes. A mix of affordable finds and the local vendors we actually loved. Sorted so you can jump to whatever you are shopping for.
These gifts for couples are all about spending more good time together, from date night games and outdoor gear for two to relationship books you can read side by side. They work for newlyweds, longtime partners and anniversaries. Pick one, or put a few together for a date night box.
Every wedding season I used to panic-buy something off the registry that ended up in a closet. After watching friends unwrap their fifth decorative candle set, I started paying attention to what actually stayed on their counters, in their kitchens, and in their daily routines. This list is for anyone tired of giving forgettable gifts. Everything here is under $30 and I've personally seen couples reach for these months after the wedding.
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.
This is how I imagine the most elegant and dreamlike wedding. These are a few pieces and touches I would add if I were designing an elaborate wedding for a celebrity friend!
Everything you need to design, print, and assemble your own stunning wedding invitations, programs, menus, and more! From cardstock and ribbons to tools and trusted print partners, this folder is your go-to guide for creating professional-quality wedding stationery at home.
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! :-)
A tropical‑meets‑bridal roundup of all the must‑haves for your Last Luau weekend — from fruity sips and beachy decor to photo‑ready party details that bring the sunshine, the sass, and the island‑vacay energy to your bride’s final fling.
Writing 150 thank you cards after the wedding felt like a chore until I found stationery that didn't scream generic. If you're drowning in post-wedding obligations and want your guests to feel like you actually meant every word, not like they got a Hallmark assembly line card, this lineup saved my sanity and my reputation. Grab these before the 30-day post-wedding window closes and you become that couple.
I guess I love sparkle as much as everybody else. Precious rings make me feel like a princess! Let's dream together. I've noticed a strong return of old-fashioned designs and am showing you some of my favorite.
Unless you ARE a DJ, just know music can make or break your wedding or event. Don't setle for guests leaving early - hire a DJ that gets your style and let them do what they do best!
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’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!
I was a 2023 Bride and I got so many sweet gifts and gave a lot of gifts. Here are some of the gifts I received, would have liked to received, or have actually given, that I would recommend. From personalized keepsakes to luxe essentials, these gifts are sure to make any bride-to-be or bridal party member feel loved and celebrated! From the bride to the groom. From the mother of the bride to the Father of the Bride. From the ring bearer to the officiant and everyone in between!
Some beautiful dress options if you're an upcoming wedding guest (but make it sustainable)! I need to be invited to more weddings so I can wear some of these!!!
This collection features illustrations of religious structures like churches and synagogues, which are perfect for wedding and christening invitations. All these clip art graphics are handmade, either with digital or traditional watercolors, and no AI art is permitted. #noai #humanmande
Showing up to a wedding with a generic blender feels wrong, but scrolling through 10,000 personalized options feels worse. I spent way too long hunting down gifts that couples actually display, use, and ugly-cry over. This is the shortlist for anyone who wants to give something meaningful without losing a whole weekend to searching.
In your bride era and ready to celebrate on the green? Look no further! This curated list of recommendations includes the best favors, outfits, and decor to make your golf bachelorette party unforgettable. Whether you're aiming for elegance or fun, these picks will ensure your celebration is a hole-in-one.
Planning a wedding on a budget felt like trying to fit champagne taste into a lemonade wallet — every Pinterest board mocked me. If you're engaged, staring at venue quotes, and quietly panicking about how to make it all look expensive without a second mortgage, this is the exact lineup I used. Took me five months of trial-and-error so you can skip straight to the good stuff.