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!

I did the research so you don't have to! For the minimalist girl who loves simple silhouettes, a good price and that effortlessly elegant look. 🤍 I’m sharing my favorite places to find beautiful wedding dresses and simple bridal styles that feel timeless without costing a fortune. From sleek and understated to soft and romantic, these are the dresses and websites I’d check first when you want simple, beautiful, and affordable before heading to the bridal shops! ✨💍

Bridal attire that you'll want to use even after your wedding passes

I got engaged December 11, 2023 in St Maarten and we got married June 20, 2025 in Toronto at Hotel X! It gave us (aka me) a year and a half to plan the wedding and prepare everything we needed. Here is a glimpse of the things I bought and wore for the big day 🤍

Celebrate with our Happy Mother's Day Yellow Floral and Green Leaves collection, featuring customizable photo gifts and personalized stationery you can tailor with your own messages. To help you create a coordinated look, I’ve curated this set to include matching Tableware & Dining essentials, alongside beautiful recommendations like Sunflower Fields teapots and botanical bedding. Whether you are hosting a brunch or looking for a unique gift, these hand-picked floral designs offer everything you need for a memorable Mother's Day.

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?

Everything you need to host (or show up) in style—fun finds, crowd-pleasers, and little details that make any gathering unforgettable. Consider this your go-to party kit!

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.

Timeless elegance meets modern romance—bridal attire designed to make every bride shine on her special day. Looking for the perfect fit for your engagement party, bachelorette, or bridal shower? Look no further!

If you love modern, handdrawn wedding details—these are SO good ❤️ Curated doodle-style wedding and bridal shower invitations that blend minimalist design with artistic charm. From elegant black-and-white sketches to playful illustrated details, these picks are perfect for creating a cohesive, stylish celebration. Includes favorites from Etsy + Zazzle for different budgets and customization styles. This list contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase — at no extra cost to you.

Christmas products available for personalization that would make amazing gifts for others or your own family.

Things I bought for my wedding weekend that made our day a success (All linked products are affiliate links)

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 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!

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! 🤎

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

Not every shower has to throw up the theme. Here's a curated list of trending Wedding Shower themes that are tastefully done.

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

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

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!!!

I created this board for anyone planning a Quinceañera and looking for beautiful digital invitation ideas. I’m a designer myself, so I know how much time and money a good editable template can save. Here I’m collecting Quinceañera invitation websites I genuinely like, stylish, easy to customize, and practical with features like RSVP, event details, maps, and more.

These are items I bought and used in my 2025 wedding! They are great quality and I highly recommend them!

✨ As I celebrate my 4th year in business as a wedding florist here in Austin, Texas, I’ve put together a list of my absolute must-haves that I use daily in my studio. These are the tools, supplies, and little luxuries that keep my floral business running smoothly and help me bring each couple’s wedding vision to life. Whether you’re a fellow florist, a budding creative, or just curious about what goes into the art of wedding flowers, these are my tried-and-true essentials I couldn’t work without!

With how saturated the wedding market is, I highly recommend going out of your way to support local and small business owners and contractors! They will put so much more care and attention into you and your day than a big corporation. If something isn’t perfect, they will make it right and provide great customer service every step of the way. Check out some of these vendors I used for my 2023 Maple Grove, MN wedding!

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!

Everything I used for our beautiful sage green and white wedding! Most of these images are from our wedding

I got married in June of 2024, and my wedding day was perfect! My spouse and I made a lot of choices that were… different, to say the least. But I don't regret a single thing! Maybe our decisions can make their way into your wedding day too.

All the fashion moments leading up to your big day, from engagement party dresses to bridal shower looks, rehearsal dinner outfits, and honeymoon-ready pieces.

Planning a wedding or baby shower registry from a laptop at midnight felt impossible when I kept spotting things I loved while shopping in person. If you're the kind of person who finds the perfect towel set at the store but forgets the name by the time you get home, this whole list is the setup that finally made registering feel effortless. Took me two registries to figure this out so you don't have to.

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!

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

You spent months picking out your dress, and now it's the morning of your wedding and it looks like it was balled up in a suitcase. Garment bags don't prevent wrinkles. Hotel irons are terrifying near tulle. If you're a bride, bridesmaid, or mother of the bride who needs everything crease-free without the panic, this is every tool and product I actually used. Took me three weddings (two as a bridesmaid, one as the bride) to figure this out so you don't have to.

Some of the things I was loving as a 2025 bride! From funky to traditional, these items really elevated our wedding day from another generic weddubg to truly OUR special day 💞

The suite still has four wire hangers and no steamer. That is how portraits start 40 minutes late. These are the things I tell brides and planners to set up in the hotel so the dress is hung, the irons stay in the closet, and nobody is steaming over a toilet at 9 a.m. Not the day-of emergency kit. That list is shine, stains, and a dead phone.

This is the lighting I actually pack for Vegas weddings and corporate events. V100 and a FlashBender on camera, AD200s off camera, continuous for speeches, and the Bowens boxes they sit in. I've tried MagMod. I didn't like it. For shooters who want one speech-light kit that already lives in the bag.

Valentine's Day 2026 bride! a list of all bridal things that i love, lust, bought, was gifted or may still have my eyes on.

The best gifts for newlyweds in 2026: an Our Place Always Pan, Night + Day glasses, a Fellow Stagg kettle, Brooklinen robes, a Barefoot Dreams throw and a Pearhead love story frame. Gifts for a first Christmas married and a new home together, from $20. Partnerships disclosed.

Starting your venue search in north NJ? Check out my list of venues as a bride who is not into the typical banquet hall aesthetic!

I have a few spring and summer weddings I'm gearing up for so I've curated a list of wedding guest dresses I'd actually wear. Most of the weddings I'll be attending are cocktail attire or semi-formal, but in this list I'll also include some formal dress options as well.

Thoughtfully curated items for your proposal or day-of gift bags. Includes gift ideas for Mum, Dad, your husband or wife-to-be, and the wedding party.

Discover a curated collection of bridal gowns that blend timeless elegance with modern chic style — all without breaking the budget. From romantic lace silhouettes to sleek minimalist designs, this board features trendy, unique, and affordable wedding dresses for every bride-to-be. Whether you’re dreaming of boho vibes, classic glamour, or fashion-forward details, you’ll find stunning inspiration and budget-friendly bridal looks that feel luxurious at every price point. Perfect for brides searching for stylish wedding gowns, affordable bridal fashion, and chic wedding dress ideas that stand out beautifully.

I put together a wedding day emergency kit for my friends wedding and this is all the things we actually needed

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 got married a few years ago and still see wedding dresses and accessories show up in my feeds. I have some friends now going through the search so here are styles we have found that we love!

These wedding day gifts for your parents say a huge thank you. They're sentimental and meaningful and are bound to make them cry.

You just got married, you're staring at a stack of mismatched towels from college and your partner's gym bag, and your bathroom looks like a dorm room. I spent way too long hunting for personalized towels that actually felt luxurious and didn't look like a craft fair reject. This is the full lineup that made our new place finally feel like a real home together. Grab these before your next set of guests comes over and judges your bathroom.

Every anniversary, same spot, same pose, new photo. Sounds simple until you realize your hair is different, the lighting shifted, your outfit wrinkles in the car, and the prints from last year already faded on the shelf. This is for couples who do the yearly photo tradition and want each one to actually look as good as the original. Took me seven years of trial and error to nail down what works.

We are having a wedding camping weekend with our closest friends and family near beautiful Lake Tahoe!

I order everything in bulk and ahead and keep the gift stuff stocked up to make all the last minute gifts ready to go!

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!!

My search continues for inclusive brands and designers with affordable bridal outfits made for curvy, mid-to-plus size women. If you are a 2027 mid-size bride like me, follow along as I curate selections of items made for our bodies. For this part of my bridal series, I've curated a list of mid-size bridal looks (size 10-16/L-XL) all for less than $200.

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

Floral wedding arches are so expensive even if they are made with fake flower and you're renting. I decided to make my own to save some money because weddings are already so expensive!! I made my own floral decor with purchases from amazon for under $250. It did take some time to put together but I was so proud of it, and it saved me so much money. I put together this list to help other brides who are trying to DIY some items! This list is everything I purchase to make my arch and a little summary of how I put everything together! I hope you get some use out of it and honestly DM me or leave a comment if you have any questions! I would be more than happy to help!! <3 Also, I was able to sell the arch for $500 to another bride after my wedding!

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!

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!

Fun dress ideas for an impromptu wedding that bucks tradition. Lots of sparkle, short dresses and metallics.

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!

When asking my bridesmaids to be in my bridal party, I had no idea where to start in curating the perfect box of goodies. As someone who has been on both sides of the bridesmaid proposal box - here are my top picks that are sure to be useful to your bridal party :)

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.

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

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

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.

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.

All things wedding for an upcoming bride. Vendor recs, planning & stationary, makeup and clothing. Whether you are DIY or hands off this is for you. Hope it helps!

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.

As i am going to pretend to be Taylor & Travis’ wedding planner, all the places and things i would want

You know that one uncle who refuses to dance, the cousin who hides in the corner, and the friend who says she hates photos? I watched all three of them fighting over a pair of oversized sunglasses at my reception. If you're planning a party and want actual candid photos instead of stiff smiles, this is the setup that turned my most reluctant guests into the life of the party. Grab these before your next event so the photographer actually has something fun to work with.

Everything you need to host a luxe wedding on a budget and have your guests asking “YOU made this?!” (While also not going insane) ;)

I recently went to a few outdoor weddings and I realize that those are sometimes a bit more casual. BUT HONEY, we don't need to be wearing jeans and your old Van Halen tshirt. Here are some other ideas….

What an amazing weekend and great location to celebrate the last blast before the wedding! Our bachelorette weekend in the Scottsdale metro was perfect for this group of girls. Here’s why it was so much fun, including the food, drinks and planned activities that made it so memorable 🩷☀️💍

All of the wedding things that I used & needed for wedding day, including decor & bridesmaids gifts.

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.

Valentines is coming up! I know some couples roll their eyes and call it commercial, but it's still special to my husband and I. And don't let the title fool you, I LOVE chocolate (and flowers). However, I know that a little thought goes a long way. Here is a list of things that are thoughtful gifts that will hopefully bring a smile.

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

There’s nothing like dark, moody colors for a gorgeous fall wedding. My wedding was in October and these were my favorite picks!

These are locations in and around Richmond, VA that I delivered wedding cakes to on a regular basis when I made custom wedding cakes.

Based on my own wedding prep, I don't have much time or room for buying mistakes, so I compare options, read reviews, and check what other people say before I spend. I haven't tried these myself, so this is research, not a testimonial. Here's what kept making the cut for a bridesmaid proposal box, from a silk sleep mask to the card itself, plus a few small things that save the day, like blister cushions and a stain pen. Tell me what you'd add!

With spring/summer in mind all of these pj’s are perfect for a bride wanting an elevated + timeless look.

Chic graduate photo announcements plus matching graduation party decor, desserts, and favors

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! :)

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.

This Camp Bride bachelorette theme is packed with everything you need for the ultimate cozy-girl getaway — think matching camp tees, cabin decor, games, favors, and all the fun little details that make the weekend feel unforgettable. Whether you’re headed to the mountains, a lakeside cabin, or glamping with the girls, this list is full of cute, outdoorsy-inspired finds to help you plan the perfect bride’s last trail before the veil.

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.

Unsure of what to add to your wedding registry? Do you think you have everything already? Are you stumped and just don’t know what to add? This list is for you!! It’s PACKED with items for your home, appliances, memory keepsakes, adventure ideas that can be gifted!

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.

Destination guests land fried, then they hit 110-degree sidewalks and a 2 a.m. after-party. These are the things I tell couples to drop in the hotel-room bag so people actually show up on time and still look human in group photos. Not the couple’s day-of kit. That list is separate.

A stress-free, step-by-step digital checklist that turns the chaos of bar/bat mitzvah planning into a joyful, organized celebration. Designed for busy parents, you’ll honor the milestone without losing your mind.

Etsy is brimming full with great gifts, but some of the product are so same- samey! I have done the search for you! Check my most favorite shops on etsy & gifts that I think would be perfect to gift newly engaged couples, newly-weds, your wedding party, or even gift yourself!!! lots of love, Maggie

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!

Looking for some versatile gifts at a variety of price points? Look no further. Surely something, somewhere on here will be at least a little bit interesting to you. There are gifts for music lovers, friends, partners, newlyweds...the list goes on.

As a 2026 bride who doesn’t want to go into debt for a one day event, here are my favourite affordable recs that will still make your wedding day feel like your Pinterest board!

Looking for the best dress to wear to a wedding? I spent months scouring the internet looking for dresses for my nephew's wedding this spring for both my daughter and myself. There are so many options out there so this list is some of our favorites we saved. Hope you enjoy them too! #ad This list contains affiliate links.

Weddings are expensive! My fiancé and I could not find what we wanted that wouldn’t break the bank, so we decided to make our own, budget-friendly wedding decor! Don’t let yourself get too stressed. This is a beautiful time in life. Enjoy the process and allow it to bring you closer to your partner.

I’m a professional photographer, and here are my favorite gear! I do weddings, pregnancy shoots, baby photography shoots, concert photography +++ and it can be hard to find gear that works for every occasion! Therefore, I have gathered all my favorite products into this ONE list, so that you won’t have to worry about it! I hope you like this list as much as I do😍

his “Love is Brewing” bridal shower theme is filled with cozy café vibes, soft neutrals, adorable coffee-inspired details, and the sweetest touches for celebrating the bride-to-be. From chic signage to thoughtful favors, and decor, this list has everything you need to create a shower that feels warm, elevated, and effortlessly cute. Perfect for the coffee-loving bride and guests who never say no to a little caffeine and champagne.