I'm a local to the Joshua Tree area since March 2020. As a wedding and elopement photographer, I know all the permitted spots to get married within JTNP, along with size restrictions and all that… Here's a little info about each of the permitted spots to choose from.
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.
Planning a wedding is overwhelming and half the Pinterest stuff looks the same — if you want details that actually make people stop and say ‘wait, where did you get that?’ instead of blending into every other reception they attended that summer, this is what worked for me. Took me eight months of scrolling to find these so you don't have to.
Bridal showers cluster in the weeks before a wedding, which is exactly when a bride-to-be is running on caffeine and checklists. Build her a self-care gift basket around three moments: the getting-ready morning, the late-night wind-down, and the first week of married life. Everything here comes from Ulta, Sephora or Anthropologie and most picks land between $10 and $60, so you can mix a splurge with a few small extras.
Brides on a budget! Sharing my GREAT finds that I actually used in my 2025 Valentines wedding! I hope this saves you time in your searching and also saves you money! When you’re planning a wedding, every penny counts! :)
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!
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 a budget is stressful enough without dropping $40 per bridesmaid box from some overpriced subscription service. I had six bridesmaids and about $60 total to work with, so I figured out how to DIY proposal boxes that looked like I spent way more. Every single one of them teared up — and two full-on ugly cried. If you're engaged and trying not to go broke before the wedding even starts, steal this whole lineup before prices creep up for wedding season.
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!🥂
wedding season is REAL. when everyone around you is getting married (i literally have like 15 weddings this year), these are the looks I’m actually wearing as a guest⭐ marked with a star ⭐ are budget friendly
Wedding season is upon us and I love dropping my favorite recommendations for guest dresses! These range from cocktail to semi-formal. I also love to go between midi and long dresses for the right occasion 🌸
As a newly Bride-to-Be I am focusing on finding the things that make me feel my absolute BEST during this new season of life. Since it can bring stress in so many ways these are the things I do in my daily life to look good and feel good as I prep for the aisle!!
Have you ever thought about a wedding in the Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area? Even if you haven't here is your sign to DO IT! The views are amazing, there are endless options for entertainment from hiking, the Gatlinburg strip, The Island, Dollywood, etc. Here are some of the vendors in the area that we used and LOVED!
Some of my favorite things as a northeast Ohio native. NE Ohio will always be home ❤. My recs on food as well as wedding vendors if you're a future NE Ohio bride.
A roundup of affordable wedding guest dresses for every season — all stylish, flattering, and budget-friendly. Most are from Amazon for easy shopping, and they’re perfect whether you’re headed to a spring garden party, a summer beach wedding, a cozy fall celebration, or a winter formal. Cute, in-style, and won’t break the bank!
Planning a wedding with 150 guests and a paper seating chart taped to my fridge was a disaster waiting to happen — I moved Aunt Linda six times before I even picked the font. If you're deep in reception planning and the table assignments are making you question everything, these place cards actually made the whole process feel manageable. Grabbed most of these months before the wedding so I wasn't panic-ordering at 2am the week before.
Fall wedding season is here, and finding something polished that doesn't outshine the bride can feel tricky. I've rounded up affordable dresses, shoes, bags, layers, and jewelry that work beautifully for chilly venues and long dance floors, so you can feel confident and comfortable celebrating.
A selection of items for a gothic wedding, halloween wedding or black themed wedding including black gothic wedding dresses, matching attire for him as well as accessories, party decor and a curated selection of gothic wedding invitations.
A list of wedding guest dress options in order of color. Anyone looking for a specific color or simply a nice dress to wear to a wedding, this list is perfect for your perusing!
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.
Family and celebration go hand in hand for me. These are wedding finds I'd recommend to anyone planning a day to remember, from thoughtful keepsakes to details guests actually talk about afterward.
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!
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.
From your engagement party to the rehearsal dinner,and every special moment in between, these dresses are made to celebrate you. Curated by a bridal stylist, this list features looks that are flirty, elegant, and effortlessly bridal without being too “wedding day.” Whether you're going full glam or keeping it sweet and simple, there's a dress here for every pre-wedding event on your calendar. Let the countdown to “I do” be just as stylish as the big day itself!
Every girl dreams of their special day and making it unique to them. Here's some things I personally used on my big day or just simply loved the idea of using. Even if I can't give you exactly what you're looking for, I hope I can set you on the right path!
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.
Planning a birthday or wedding and staring at generic plastic cake decorations that scream ‘I grabbed this at the grocery store ten minutes ago’? Same. I spent way too long settling for toppers that looked nothing like us until I finally tracked down ones that actually felt personal. If you're the type who puts real effort into celebrations but keeps getting stuck on the cake detail — this saves you the three-hour rabbit hole I went down.
Planning a beach wedding or reception? We just had a vow renewal on the beach so take my advice and check out these must-haves and good ideas for a beach wedding event!
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!
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!
I'm venturing into wedding collections, which is kind of fun…This is a suite of watercolor ivory flowers and sage green leaves designs. I painted the flowers and greenery myself, so it's a totally homegrown effort!
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.
Custom wedding favor tags from a print shop were going to cost me over $400. That quote made me physically ill. So I bought a decent printer, some cardstock, ribbon, and a hole punch, then did the whole thing myself in two weekends. If you're planning a wedding on a budget and refuse to let favor tags be the thing that breaks you, scroll through everything I actually used.
Finding a gift for the groom that doesn't feel generic or forgettable is surprisingly hard. Every search returns the same boring flask or cufflink set. This list is for the best man, groomsman, bride, or parent who wants to hand him something that makes him pause and get a little misty on the morning of the wedding. Took me three weddings and a lot of trial and error to lock this lineup down.
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.
Tossing the clichéd floral bouquet and coffee mug is a necessity at this point. Moms everywhere can now get it in one guess what they will be gifted for a special occasion like Mother's Day - the horror! The last thing you want is to become so predictable that your mom is now outsmarting you! There is no time like the present to shake things up and keep her guessing about her gift, one that also has just the right touch to convey a strong "I love you to bits" message. These gift ideas may very well be on her wishlist!
Dresses for the elegant weddings in the winter months! I love getting fancy without the price tag and these are all options I’d have in my cart for a winter wedding!
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!!
When my partner and I built our wedding registry, we wanted things we would use every day for decades. Years later, some of those gifts are still the most loved pieces in our home. These are the kitchen, table, and home essentials I recommend to every engaged couple building a registry. Tell me the best wedding gift you received in the comments!
(This list contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.)
You hired a photographer, but they can't be everywhere. They miss the dance floor chaos, the kids stealing cake, the uncle doing karaoke. I scattered disposable cameras across our tables and the candid shots we got back were honestly better than half the professional ones. If you're planning a wedding and want those real, unfiltered moments your guests actually lived, grab these before your big day.
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!
Your stress-free shortcut to the coolest independent wedding pros across the U.S. Hand-picked planners, dress designers, hair/makeup artists, nail techs, photographers, and calligraphers — many women/Black/Latine/Asian/queer-owned — who over-deliver every single time. If you’re tired of the same Pinterest vendors and want real humans who celebrate every kind of love, save this list now
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
Things that make a great bridal perfume:
1) Performance - you want to be able to create strong scent memories of the day and need it to be long-lasting as well.
2) Scent (obvs) - when I think of a bridal scent, I think elegant florals. Something unique, complex, mature, classy, and sexy.
3) Bottle aesthetics - how will it look in those bridal flat-lay wedding pictures?
My favorite little amazon finds for the newly engaged couple! (many just for the bride to be!) that are perfect for an engagement party, or just because you want to celebrate their exciting news!
So many events and we always feel like we “don’t have enough options”. I’m here to give you options girlies! Organized by events. You’ll see classic beige & some colorful items as well! Some events need a good POP!
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.
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:
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.
Christmas in July parties are a great option for families who can get together to celebrate the holidays during summer or for someone who has a summer birthday that loves Christmas. Order sunny Santa Claus invites, decorations, and fun party favors.
My fiancé is going on his bachelor trip this weekend so I packed them all “adult” goodie bags as my way of saying thank you for attending. Think hangover kit meets mans needs and hobbies.
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!
My favorite decor, clothing and accessories for bachelorette parties! I'll be throwing a mini bach party in Palm Springs with a full bachelorette party next year!
This “He Popped the Question” bachelorette theme is all about bubbly energy, flirty fun, and that unmistakable soda‑girly aesthetic. Think silver accents, heart‑popping details, and a whole lot of fizzy charm inspired by the bride’s favorite drink.. It’s sweet, sparkly, and perfectly on‑theme for a crew that loves a little carbonation with their celebration. From decor to bach bags to outfits, every detail is designed to feel refreshing, playful, and totally bride‑approved.
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.
Summer is here and I am adding all of my dream coastal European wedding guest dresses to this list! Think chic and effortless elegance that will have everyone asking you,"where'd you find that dress?"
As a soon to be bride that is doing her own makeup, hair, and diy-ing most of her decor, these are some of my favorite AFFORDABLE recommendations. I’ve split it up into sections to make it easier to follow 💍
From engagement parties to bridal showers, bachelorette trips, and beyond—your bridal era deserves the perfect wardrobe! These must-have outfits will have you feeling effortlessly bridal every step of the way. Think chic white looks, dreamy dresses, and stylish accessories to celebrate in style!
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.
These are celestial themed wedding decor and other items that I happened to stumble upon. I love galaxy themed stuff, so this stuff definitely caught my eye while I was browsing.
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.
Everything I bought and used to plan my best friend's Camp Bachelorette themed weekend which had a few little naughty touches to it! This was great for a girl's weekend in the woods!
As a wedding and couples photographer who prioritizes comfort while still looking professional, these are my tried and true go-to repeat outfits! As someone who tries to be money-conscious, I do try to find cheaper options of my favorites, or buy clothes when they're on clearance from my favorite name brands.