This list is full of resources for professional photographers, from camera gear to printing services and other essentials. I've been a pro-photographer for nearly 20 years, so everything I recommend has been tried and true.
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.
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.
Are you a bride, newly engaged or soon to be?! I have been loving these items. Some fave engagement must haves, bridal era goodies, white outfits etc.! It is such a fun time to be celebrating and enjoying being a fiancé!
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.
For all the 2026 brides-to-be, here's my list of potential welcome party dresses. I've been scouring the internet for months trying to find unique and fun dresses for the weekend!
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
Choosing a theme for a bachelorette party is hard! Whether you are the bride and looking for ideas for yourself or the maid of honor planning it all out; I made the perfect guide to a pink beach theme bachelorette party with decorations, outfits and themed gifts!
Celebrate your Valentine's Day engagement with gifts that capture the magic of the moment, from heartfelt keepsakes to cozy comforts. This list has something to make your love story even more special.
The perfect blend of Boho and Farmhouse charm for my dream wedding with my handpicked recommendations and favorite finds, with weathered wooden signs, and vintage-inspired lace accents. Elevate your tablescape with a mix of greenery and babies breath florals. My collection includes a boho-farmhouse vibe.
Engaged the same time as Taylor Swift? We're so lucky!! Here's a list of amazing dress options for all the wedding occasions you'll need a new outfit for. Engagement parties, Bridal Shower, Bachelorette, Rehearsal dinner etc. broken down in different price ranges! As well as some accessories, a few casual options anddd honeymoon outfits at the end!! Let me know if you'd like to see more!
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.)
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!
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.
I loved my wedding, but the planning was not for me. Keeping it as budget friendly as possible was super important to me! I found so many cute wedding gifts/ accessories for myself, my bridesmaids & groomsmen that didn’t break the bank!
Make a statement with red or accents of red! Deep sumptous rich dark reds to bright hues to really make a wedding pop! So enjoyed finding these stunning items. Happy to guide you too if you need more assistance.
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!
This is a list of dresses you can wear to your formal event or wedding without breaking the bank AND still looking like a million bucks. I love originality and wanted to link pieces I necessarily haven’t seen before!
Althought I'm not getting married for at least 4-5 years, here is everything I can NOT wait to buy for my wedding (that I've been planning since I was 12)!
Many wedding invitations look the same, and it can be difficult to find the perfect one for you when you're looking for unique ideas. So, I've compiled this list of invitations that are a little bit different, unusual, and original. ( sometimes quirky )
Choosing a theme for a bachelorette party is hard! Whether you are the bride looking for ideas of the maid of honor trying to start planning… you know your bride best! Here I gave outfits, decorations and gift ideas all thought you in advance to make your planning process either! This theme is for cabins, camping, outdoorsy, national park loving people and there is endless opportunity with this theme!
This playful coastal theme mixes crisp blue and white stripes with pops of red and fun lobster details for a look that’s equal parts classic and cheeky. It’s fresh, summery, and perfect for celebrating the bride in a way that feels light, festive, and a little bit nautical.
Full service caterers for your big day. Make sure to check against your venue's preferred vendor list to ensure they are allowed to work in your space.
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?
Her Final Act” is a circus‑themed bachelorette celebration with all the drama, sparkle, and show‑stopping flair of a grand finale. This theme leans into playful vintage circus aesthetics — think bold colors, whimsical details, and a touch of over‑the‑top glamour that makes the bride feel like the star of the entire show. From decor to bach bags to outfit inspo, every element is designed to feel theatrical, fun, and perfectly extra for her last big performance before the main event.
As more couples opt for intimate weddings and meaningful experiences, elopements have become a popular choice. This collection of elopement cards features designs with and without photos, cards with custom announcement messages, and some with wedding reception/after party invite details, so that all your needs are covered!
Need ideas for your registry?? Here are the gifts from our wedding registry that we’ve loved the most. From kitchen staples to cozy home must-haves, these are the things we reach for every day (and guests will love gifting, too!).
Sammie Pac | Fashion Finds, Party Planning & Mom Style
As someome who has attended at least 5-6 weddings a year for the past few years, here is the current in my clost list of recommendations. It's been so hard to find a balance in your 30s on what your style is! Im a lulu's girly, what can I say.
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.
Everything I gifted my 5 bridesmaids in their proposals!🥰 I spent a total of $389.40 on the supplies and each box is valued at $76.15 as there were a couple extras left💕
This is your sign to plan the destination wedding you've been thinking about. I just planned my destination wedding and I'll be sharing all the tips I learned here.
Whether you're printing your own invites, or just looking for a way to add some style to your printed invitation suite, these simple ideas will take your invites up another notch!
I bet that year has flown by. It is worth a celebration, so here are my ideas, whether you are the husband or wife, or you are buying something for family or friends, happy 1st wedding anniversary
Nobody warns you that six hungry, nervous women in robes will absolutely spiral before the ceremony if you don't feed them properly. I planned a gorgeous wedding but almost forgot the morning-of fuel — cue one bridesmaid nearly fainting during photos and another snapping at the makeup artist. Took me way too long to figure out the right spread, so here's everything I'd buy again in a heartbeat.
These are all the things I loved having and leaned on after I got engaged and leading up to our wedding (and nothing that I didn’t bc there is a LOT of stuff you really don’t need, I promise)
Planning a destination wedding can get overwhelming fast. For my Panama wedding on 26-2-26, these are the decor pieces, guest favors, bridal details, and wedding extras I bought or seriously wish I ordered earlier.
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'm getting married soon, and have been focusing on taking care of myself even more so that I can have an extra glow on my wedding day. These are products i'm loving for wedding prep, some provide immediate results and others are products i've been using overtime leading up to our big day!
If you have a wedding on the calendar and nothing to wear with the dress yet, this is your shortcut: pearl and crystal earrings, small beaded clutches, hair pieces and bridesmaid gifts from Kendra Scott, Mejuri, Etsy and Anthropologie. Pick one statement piece, one pearl piece and one hair accessory, and the outfit is finished without a single extra shopping trip.
One time bride, 3x bridesmaid. Use this as inspo or a checklist for your big day of what you need to pack before you head out. Both for your bridal suite, as well as for your maid of honor/bridesmaids to carry around for you. I ordered the clutch section in order of most to least important. If you can only take some, I suggest the top 5.
Elegant wedding guest dresses for women over 50: draped satin, velvet, lace and feathers from Valentino-level ateliers like Oscar de la Renta, Elie Saab, Victoria Beckham, Safiyaa and Brunello Cucinelli. Mother of the bride and black-tie looks, edited by a creative director.
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.
✨ 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. 💖
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.
Hey, fellow bridesmaids! Summer wedding season is here, so let me help you out with all the essentials you need for the special day. From the perfect elegant dress to longlasting lipstick and everything in between, I’ve got you covered. I’ve gathered my top picks and personal tips all in one place, so you don’t have to stress. With summer wedding season right around the corner, now’s the perfect time to get your bridesmaid kit ready!
This list was inspired by my bestie getting married. I've already been through the makeup, the shoes, the perfume… this endless process. Now, I'm bringing you your ultimate checklist for your big day as a bridesmaid
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
Weddings move fast — your gear has to move faster. This list is packed with the tools I rely on at every event to capture clean audio, smooth video, flattering light, and all the moments that happen in between. Compact, reliable, and creator-approved, these essentials help you work efficiently while delivering the cinematic quality couples actually feel. Whether you're shooting BTS, vertical content, or full wedding films, this is the kit that keeps you ready for anything.
Planning a party can feel overwhelming, but trust me, it doesn’t have to be! As someone who loves hosting, I’ve tried countless party products, and I’ve curated this list of my absolute favorites to help make your next celebration unforgettable. From stunning decorations to thoughtful party favors, these are the pieces I swear by to elevate any event.
I've always dreamed of having a unique yet classy engagement ring! From gorgeous bands to unique stones, I love scouting for the perfect ring! This list is a collection of rings that are sure to stand out in all of the best ways!
Plan an epic, elegant bachelor party with our curated list of personalized black-tie poker night invites, decor, and unique favors. 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.
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)
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 things my fiancé and I will be adding to our wedding registry. From things we need around the house, to things that would just be special in our home 🫶🏻
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.
The 10th anniversary is traditionally tin/aluminium (strong, flexible, built to last) — so these ideas either use those materials or nod to the theme in a fun, modern way.
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
Looking for a way to give back to your girls in a way that’s meaningful? Here’s what I’m putting in my gift bags for my Palm Springs bachelorette in May!
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.
What I have added to my personal wedding registry! We have already lived together for almost 5 years so it was a little tricky to start this. Hope this can help you ⛪️💍
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:
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.
Here is my guide to the perfect witchy event down to the cobweb 🕸️🐈⬛
This was the perfect party as a September Libra celebrating with an October Libra ♎️
Great buys for others in your life! One of a kind or customized for your loved ones! These shops have given such high quality work and great communication!
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.
Planning a wedding with a tiny flower girl who has strong opinions about what she carries down the aisle? My four-year-old niece refused every basket I showed her until I started digging through handmade shops and found ones that actually made her squeal. Whether your little helper is picky, shy, or the type to dump petals in one dramatic toss — this list has something that fits. Save yourself the last-minute panic I went through.
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!
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.
These wedding day essentials include elegant bridal accessories, bridesmaid essentials, getting-ready items, jewelry, hair accessories, slippers, and wedding day must-haves — all budget-friendly and perfect for brides who want a beautiful, stress-free wedding.
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.
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.
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!
Get ready to raise a glass (or three) because this Margs & Matrimony bachelorette party is serving up tequila, tacos, and unforgettable memories 🌮🍹💍. From salty rims to spicy dance floors, it’s all about celebrating love with laughter, late-night cheers, and just the right amount of chaos. One last fiesta before the forever after!
Planning a Christmas or winter wedding? This list features elegant red velvet wedding stationery with evergreen branches, frosted pinecone, crimson berries, and subtle gold accents. From wedding invitations and RSVP cards to menus, place cards, favor tags, and thank you cards, these coordinated designs bring a warm, festive touch to your special day. Perfect for romantic December weddings, classic Christmas celebrations, and sophisticated winter receptions.