This is what I had in a travel bag just in case i needed for the day of. I didn't use all of it but it's definitely worth having since every wedding is different and unexpected things can happen.

we are officially just under 4 months until our wedding day and yes, i am a perfectionist! a firm believer in “if you want something done right, do it yourself” so here is a list of some of the tools, vendors, crafts and ideas that have helped me along the way thus far from an engagement dinner to the big day and every special event in between. from custom printed paper goods to party favors and decor. i hope that you find this list helpful and please feel free to reach out in you are in need of a designer! (i am an artist with a knack for this and have been designing all of our own custom invites, menus, programs, stickers, etc.) best of luck! xo

As wedding photographers, we often get asked what products our couples can buy in order to make sure that they get the best exit photos. Here are some of our best tips and recommended products!

Here’s some things I used to plan my wedding! I’d like to help out some other ladies by recommending BUDGET FRIENDLY options. :)

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!🥂

When registering for items to create your lives together you always think about what you're currently missing, but not about how the quality will stand up over time. This list has items that we have been using for years now as well as what we wish we had registered for in the first place.

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but with the right tools, it doesn’t have to be! This curated collection of wedding planning templates is designed specifically for DIY brides who want to stay organized, reduce stress, and enjoy every moment of their planning journey. I am sharing with you my list of templates I recommend a bride to use.

Finding the perfect wedding guest outfit can start as super fun trying on such beautiful dresses then turn stressful to see how much they can end up being. These are some options that have the best of both worlds, beautiful and affordable.

Everything I actually use & love from my wedding registry. PLUS the things I bought myself—but WISH I would have put on my wedding registry. Let’s go!

I spent over 10 years working as a wedding photographer, and in 2024, I got to experience my own special day. Here, you'll find the wedding dress inspiration I once searched for, and I hope these stunning gowns inspire you too!

As a 2025 bride, I am massively in my bridal era. I have found it a little overwhelming so I thought it would be good to log all of the things I have loved, found useful, or good places to buy things!

Here are some of my favorite wedding favors lately!

Here are some of my favorite recommendations for items I have given as gifts.

My style is a blend of vintage and simplicity. I love gemstones and mix gold with silver—my wedding band is gold, while my engagement ring is white gold. In this guide, I’ve curated rings that are both eye-catching and timeless.

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.

Think midnight skies, constellations, soft metallics, candles, and a magical glow everywhere.

I have made a list of some of my favorite venues that I have had the pleasure to officiate some amazing wedding at!

Sharing my favorite wedding guest dress finds- these may work for a rehearsal or bridal shower too! Lulu’s is usually my go-to for wedding related dresses.

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.

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.

Because Sanctuary Boudoir LOVES our Bridal Boudoir Babes! (Even though our favorite look is nothing but the veil from our Client Suite in studio!)

Would you like to be engaged, but curious on the current engagement rings trends? Check out this curated list of trending engagement rings for Summer 2025. I would always encourage you to physically try on engagement rings in person. A design may look great in a video, but take into account the shape of your fingers, the length, comfort and day to day activities.

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!

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.

My full face and all the little details that helped make me look and feel my best on the big day 🥰

You have enough decisions to make. I've compiled some easy and fun gift ideas to give your bridal party.

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!

Here you will find bridal shoes of your dreams. As a part of wedding morning, I have quite a selection of bridal shoes. These are the most popular!

Sorry in advance for all of the Taylor Swift puns. For real though, where are all my Swifties at? I don't know about you guys, but I am over the moon excited for my dear friend, Taylor Swift (haha). Seriously, though, this is MY royal wedding. To celebrate, here's a mood board for the wedding. And Taylor, if you see this, I'd LOVE an invite!

I was just in my best friends wedding, which was formal and I love hunting for the perfect dress. I know have 3 more weddings this summer, so I thought I'd save you some time on the hunt for either the perfect bridesmaid dress, or the perfect wedding guest dress for summer weddings or fall weddings.

Your wedding day can get so stressful and you want to make sure you have nothing to worry about! Here are some things that saved me on my wedding day

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!

As a September 2024 bride these are the gifts I gave to my bridesmaids and tbh… I think I killed it! I know it may look pricey but I’m telling you… START SAVING NOW! I was able to slowly save up for over a year to #1 be able to afford this #2 not have to touch my wedding budget for these gifts!! If I can afford it so can you!!

Calling all beautiful brides-to-be! 💍✨ Are you ready to find the wedding dress of your dreams without breaking the bank? Look no further! I bring you a carefully curated collection of gowns that perfectly blend minimalist charm with designer allure all under $1000.

My husband and I Eloped in Paris, this is everything you’ll need for your Elopement Abroad!

As a 2027 bride these are my DIY needs that you may want to use to help with saving some $$$

A strapless wedding dress in the right cut looks great on everyone. I have curated a great list of strapless wedding dresses for all.

This list has so many family-friendly Halloween invites that you can send digitally by text, email, or social sharing! You don't even have to figure out Canva or any design software because all the editing is done for you in 24 hours or less! Just order, get your awesome video and share with your guests! A wide variety of Halloween designs you won't see anywhere else! They're perfect for kids, teen and adult parties, as well as church events, office parties and community gatherings! Save time and money by going digital and impress your guests with one of these memorable video invites!

This collection is made for brides and grooms who want their big day to feel like a love story set to music. Think soft pastels, vintage-inspired details, sparkling accessories, and heartfelt touches that make every moment unforgettable.

One thing that our couples are always looking for are great Rehearsal Dinner Venues. Here is a list of some of the best in Charlotte, sectioned out by area!

My sister is getting married so I am finding myself needing to get cutie dresses for all the events! See my list below for outfit ideas for bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, and wedding guest moments.

My top crafting companions to complete DIY designs for weddings and special occasions.

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

Ideas and inspirartion for a Roaring 20's party theme. So bring the 1920's into the 2020's, and see how they partied 100 years ago.

Fall weddings are so beautiful! Here are a few dresses I will be wearing this fall and other options as well!

no one wants to get caught off guard and add stress to their wedding day! here's what I'm keeping in my kit <3

every 2026 it-couple's dream registry. ranging from many previously owned goodies to some of the more highly coveted ones. for the couple with great taste and style, building a chic home together, there is something for everyone on this list. inspired by our own personal wedding gift registry and we hope that it can help to inspire yours as well. (still in progress)

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! 🤎

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.

Simple, meaningful ways to connect with your spouse while keeping Jesus at the center. Whether it’s prayer, conversation, or just slowing down, these ideas are all about love rooted in faith. These are my favorite date night ideas for couples who want something meaningful, intentional, and faith-filled (but still a little fun).

This list covers my recommendations for wedding anniversary gifts for couples that they will both appreciate. I include the traditional and modern gifts by year.

Looking to give a wedding gift that wows but doesn’t just sit in a cabinet? This curated guide is packed with luxury gift ideas that are equal parts stunning and seriously useful — perfect for couples who appreciate both form and function. From premium kitchen must-haves like a pizza oven and stand mixer, to beautiful and practical home upgrades like a robot vacuum mop or digital photo frame, these gifts are sure to be cherished (and used!) long after the honeymoon. Think: statement-making and smart — espresso machines, heirloom-quality chess sets, high-end cookware, smart calendars, and more. Whether you’re the generous guest, family member, or part of the wedding party, this guide takes the guesswork out of gifting.

Invites, thank you notes, decorations and gift ideas for the milestone anniversary party

Get inspired for your wedding day. Cute bridal bags I can see paired with your wedding dress that will fit all your essentials!

✨ Getting ready for the big day ✨ I’m on the journey to find the one — the dress that feels just as unforgettable as the moment itself. 💫 Here are the stunning Anthropologie bridal gowns I’ve added to my shortlist… and trust me, they’re all worth falling in love with. 💖

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

All things wedding! Currently planning my wedding and it has been stressful! Here are some helpful recommendations so you don’t have to search as hard as I did!

Plan and get excited about your 25th Wedding Anniversary glamour event, from invitations, gift ideas, decor to silver attire. Go all out in sliver with this silvery shining selection.

Check out some of my posts from my Las Vegas Wedding! In this list are tips, a wedding centerpiece DIY, and a Vegas wedding favor DIY too! I also have links to the beautiful Vegas Wedding Venues I visited and some fun Vegas wedding items that can make your big day extra fun!

Whether you're the one planning the bachelorette party or one of the ready-for-fun attendees here are some top recommendations for your bachelorette packing list. For more bachelorette party inspiration check out my detailed guides: https://www.globe-gazers.com/?s=bacheloretteNote this list may contain affiliate links through which I'd earn a small referral commission at no extra cost to you! All recommendations are thoughtfully curated

I helped host my Sisters baby shower and these items were amazing quality and made the event so cute!

I’m constantly shopping online for good deals but also good quality. Some will be great for a casual and cute wedding, others will be great for a formal/black-tie wedding. I will always be updating these lists as I have a lot of weddings coming up!

I’ve picked out the most affordable bride jewelry options that don’t sacrifice style! From stunning earrings to elegant necklaces, these pieces are perfect for brides who want to look gorgeous without breaking the bank. Check out these budget-friendly bridal jewelry ideas for your big day!

Valentine's Day cards that celebrate passionate and romantic love. Please skip the dollar store this year! It feels so nice to receive a beautiful and meaningful card from your partner on Valentine's Day! I found some awesome designer cards that express romantic love in a cool way, so you don't have to go looking yourself! :)

This theme is a great option for mixing beach and a touch of carnival. I love the pastel colors and the inclusion of stuff like carousel horses and cotton candy, while still being beachy. Such a great blend.

Super sweet decor I've come across--no particular theme here, just stuff that's adorable. Weddings, showers, etc.

These are my random wedding details that I’m hoping will help other brides

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!

Sharing my favorite cameras, accessories, and must haves in my camera bag. As a wedding and event photographer, these are what I cannot live without!

✨ Step into the spotlight with our Life of a Showgirl costume and party ideas guide! Whether you’re planning a Vegas showgirl–themed party, a dazzling burlesque night, or looking for the perfect showgirl Halloween costume, this list is packed with glamorous inspiration. Discover sparkling costume ideas, feathered accessories, DIY showgirl looks, and party décor that will turn any event into a dazzling performance. Perfect for bachelorette parties, themed birthdays, or Vegas-inspired celebrations, these showgirl ideas will make your night unforgettable

Never let them wonder who gave them the gift! Personalize everything you give and make it that much more special.

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.

Sail through wedding day wardrobe malfunctions and other minor mishaps by having these quick fixes at the ready. Get them all in one Target run–a quick one stop shopping list for time-saving pickup or delivery.This list contains affiliate links. If you click on one and make a purchase, we may receive a commission, without any extra charge to you.

Beautiful, budget-friendly, and everlasting! These faux flowers are giving us the autumnal wedding look we were looking for - without the hefty price tag. A perfect way to save without sacrificing style! All the flowers included have been tried and tested by me for my own wedding!

Sage green is all the rage for 2025 and 2026 weddings! Whether you're a bride shopping for her besties or a bridesmaid-to-be, these gorgeous green picks will have you saying yes to the (bridesmaid) dress! I included plus size options for size inclusivity so all your girls are feeling their best on your big night.

Wedding gifts that blend timeless classics with modern to suit a variety of tastes and lifestyles

Planning a bridal shower with a charming farmer’s market twist? This “She’s Off the Market” themed list is filled with fresh, fun, and stylish finds—from rustic-inspired invitations and floral decor to produce-themed favors and signage. Whether you're going for casual and cozy or chic and elevated, these affordable yet aesthetic picks will help you throw a celebration that’s sweet, memorable, and totally on theme. Perfect for outdoor garden parties, spring and summer showers, and brides who love a fresh, farm-to-table vibe!

Hi!! I often find the best places for natural/relaxed family and engagement sessions are locations that mean something to you; hence why I love photographing people in their homes and yards - especially kids. But if you're looking for somewhere a little different, then I have some suggestions below. I've also tried to include links to my blog posts in most of the descriptions, so that you can see more photos. As always, for more general info please click here - darcytroutmanphotography.com

✨ The Best Wedding Guest Dresses You Can Shop Now ✨ Looking for the perfect outfit to wear to your next wedding? This curated list of wedding guest dresses has you covered for every dress code and season. From chic cocktail dresses and elegant midi styles to floor-sweeping gowns and flirty floral minis, these pieces are hand-picked to make sure you look stylish, appropriate, and effortlessly put-together.

I personally use Shutterfly every month to print my last months photos. The app has free 4x6, just pay S&H. If you love personalized gifts and photo keepsakes, these Shutterfly favorites are always a hit. I’ve used them for holidays, birthdays, and memory-making.

Celebrate the memory of your loved one with this beautifully designed White Hydrangea Watercolor Celebration of Life Memorial Collection. Each product in this elegant series features a digitally watercolor painted design of delicate white hydrangea flower blossoms on a soft white background, symbolizing purity, grace, and remembrance. Whether you're planning a funeral service, a death anniversary, or sending words of gratitude, this collection offers a range of fully customizable items to honor their legacy. Choose from invitations, perfect for mailing or sharing digitally, order of service programs, sympathy thank you notes, funeral guest books, foam poster boards and even memorial candles for a warm, personal touch. Each item is thoughtfully created to provide a comforting and tasteful way to remember and celebrate their life. These versatile designs are ideal for in person gatherings or virtual memorials, blending heartfelt simplicity with timeless elegance. Personalize every detail to create a unique tribute that reflects their spirit and your cherished memories.

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.

Wedding planning can be stressful, and it's hard to know where to find good quality products that don't break the bank. This list outlines a bunch of affordable products that will enhance your wedding and add to the magic of your special day!

Here are some of the bits we've found amazing for decorating our Wedding Reception! Affordable decor but also great quality products to help make your venue personalised for your special day.

Wedding planning can be managed independently by the couple, with the help of family and friends, or through the expertise of a professional wedding planner. The ultimate goal is to transform ideas and dreams into a beautifully executed celebration that reflects the couple’s love story.

Getting married and worried that kids will ruin the most important day of your life? Look no further. Here are my favourite ideas of how to keep them happy. Enjoy!

Cute little gifts you can give your boyfriend or girlfriend for cute occasions or if you just want to make them feel special. With some pretty affordable options.

💍 As a 2025 bride myself, I know how overwhelming (and exciting!) it can be pulling all the details together. This list is filled with the invitations, stationery, signage, and little extras that helped me bring my wedding vision to life. Think of it as your shortcut to the pretty pieces that make the whole day feel seamless and special. If you’re in the middle of planning, I hope this saves you time, stress, and gives you a touch of inspo for your own big day!

Makeup/Fragrance/Essentials for weddings. Especially in the summer so that your makeup lasts all day and you can party all night while still looking and smelling amazing

Escape to paradise and say 'I do' in the breathtaking Dominican Republic! Exchange vows amidst stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant culture. I married on the beach, barefoot in a light blue dress, holding few yellow roses, nothing compares to that.how could I separate this list. This list is about many places in Dominican Republic that you could go to and tie the knot. You will have the best experience in DR just as I had and many of my friends.

Whether you're attending a wedding soon, or you'd just like a pretty outfit in your closet, hope you'll find your next “go-to” in my list!

I'm a professional wedding photographer and here you can find all of my photography must haves, as well as some stuff that are on my wish list.