As a recent bride and local photographer, I know a thing or two about planning a wedding in the tri-state area. These are the vendors I recommend time and time again, and some I've even used myself!
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’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!
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.
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 🫶🏻
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
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.
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.
Bring warmth and charm to your summer or fall wedding with the Yellow Sunflowers Watercolor Wedding Collection. This beautifully coordinated collection is the perfect inspo or idea for couples seeking a fresh seasonal look for their special day. Each piece features digitally painted watercolor sunflower blossoms that gracefully frame the corners on a crisp white background, creating a design that's both elegant and inviting. This collection includes everything you need for your wedding or bridal shower, from customizable invitations and RSVP cards to save the dates, thank you notes, favor tags and even party favors. Whether you're mailing out traditional printed invitations or sharing them digitally as downloadable files, these designs offer flexibility to suit your planning needs. Ideal for outdoor weddings, rustic venues or sunflower inspired themes, this collection sets the tone for a joyful and unforgettable celebration. Personalize each item to reflect your unique style and create a cohesive look that your guests will love.
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!
As a recent college grad, engagement season is coming at me from every direction. These are some of my favorite finds for putting together a thoughtful gift for the engaged girls in your life!
I had so much fun putting this list together, I want to get married now! Let one of these designer wedding invitations inspire your creativity! I love looking at wedding theme ideas, and I am definitely drawn to the more luxurious deeper color palettes. The themes that feel cozy, but rich, and sometimes colorful and eclectic! I imagine these weddings would be romantic, at night, maybe in the fall or winter, and definitely romantic! My personal favorite is the first one, with the rustic poppies and parchment paper. I imagine a evening fall wedding with lots of fairy lights and mulled wine. All of these themes are represented by an invitation. These invites are all found on Zazzle.com, a wonderful website for personalized stationary, cards and invitations. If you are looking to save a few bucks on wedding stationary and decor, you can order from collections and personalize everything yourself. Awesome!
I got engaged back June 2024. It was in beautiful Banff, specifically Emerald Lake. It was so unexpected and I was so shook because we had just seen a black momma bear with her cubs. Any who, I just recently got married and was engaged for over a year and a half. So I wanted to created a list for my engaged girlies !! This is an amazing and fun season ! Enjoy every second of it as the next chapter will be even better ❤️❤️
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.
I've photographed over 380 weddings over fifteen seasons as a wedding photographer (and before that, I was an assistant TO a wedding photographer from 2004-2009 - so we've done a ton of weddings!) As my clients, you get access to this list of my favorite local wedding vendors. We've worked together and enjoy working together - they're whom I would pick for my own wedding or a close family member's wedding!
As a 2025 bride who did a bunch of DIYs but also doesn't love the "look" of a DIY here are the things that absolutely saved me leading up to the big day.
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!
A 2025 survey by theknot.com found the average wedding cost is an eye-popping $33,000! The good news is you and your significant other can have a nice wedding for far less money. (Hey, my husband and I got married for less than $5,000.) Here are resources to help you save money and have a wonderful wedding. If you make a purchase through my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
Bachelorette party must haves for your bride tribe and for your bride! Most of these have been bought for a Bach I’ve been on and the others were on the list to buy!
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!*
In honor of my upcoming nuptials, I want to share a few of my most coveted perfume recommendations. Whether you prefer floral, fruity or anything in between there is something for you on this list.
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.
In 2025, wedding themes are trending toward personalization, immersive experiences, and intentional design, reflecting the way couples want their celebrations to feel as unique as their love stories. Themes like celestial, Regency romance, and fairy-tale fantasy tap into the desire for magic and escapism, while sustainable, eco-friendly, and micro-weddings reflect conscious living and meaningful connections. On the other end of the spectrum, bold looks like maximalism, retro disco, and royal jewel tones celebrate joy, color, and extravagance after years of minimalism dominating wedding culture. Meanwhile, futuristic tech-infused weddings show how innovation is shaping modern events, and natural styles like desert boho, garden party, and tropical luxe highlight the ongoing love for outdoor, organic beauty. Altogether, these trends speak to a generation of couples who want their weddings to be deeply personal, visually striking, and memorable for both themselves and their guests
Several of the items I used at my daughter's wedding. The products are beautiful and they added some much to the decor of the event. Many of the items listed are being used at Engagement Parties, Bridal Showers, Weddings & Baby Showers. My Event/Parties Business allows me the freedom to try some many items to add to the experience.
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.
As a recent bride these are items I loved or items I wish I had!! Every bride deserves to be celebrated and feel so special throughout their wedding season! This list includes Bridal accessories to fully embrace being a bride as well as bachelorette party shenanigans and must-haves!
Wedding season? Sorted. This list is packed with elegant, guest-appropriate dresses that balance style and sophistication—whether it’s a beach ceremony or a black-tie ballroom affair. No awkward ‘too white’ or ‘too revealing’ moments here—just flawless fits you’ll love long after the last dance.Pro Tip: If the bride’s dress is minimalist, go for bold florals. If it’s dramatic, keep it sleek!
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 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:
A hand-picked collection of rich burgundy wedding finds with timeless vintage charm. Deep wine florals, antique gold accents, candlelight, and heirloom-inspired textures.
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.
As the owner of an award winning bakery in the Bend, Oregon wedding industry, I have an overwhelming experience working with all of the local small businesses and vendors! I’m here to verify who will impress without a doubt so you can chill on your wedding day knowing everything is taken care of!
My favorite gifts to give for any occasion: wedding, birthday, anniversary, holidays, just because, housewarming, baby gifts. I like to give gifts that you don't find everywhere.
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!
The best way to support small business! Some of my favorite purchases over the year. From special occasions, to gifts, to little treats, here's what I've been loving from Etsy.
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.
Calling all brides, bridesmaids, and wedding planners! Here's some of my top wedding items that I am considering for my own wedding - including decorations, accessories, and more.
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!
Throw the ultimate Love Island bachelorette party. 📱💌 I got a text that said you need this list packed with 🌴 tropical vibes, 🔥 sizzling outfits, 🎉 epic games, and 🍹 delicious drinks. Let’s get the party started! 💃✨
A curated list of decor, activites, favors and bridal gifts for your Veuve before Vows // Last Rendez Veuve themed bachelorette party. From champagne glasses to Veuve-themed ballon decor to Prosecco Pong, this list will make party planning a breeze! Whether you're looking to host a more luxury party or are planning on a budget, there's recommendations for everyone.
These venues are all located downtown, or west of Indianapolis, and I have personally attended weddings at each one on this list. I hope this helps out all of you Indy area brides!
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
Products I used to have long, healthy and shiny hair before my wedding day! Start using these products a year to 6 months out from your wedding for optimal results
As a self proclaimed amazing gift giver... check out my gift recommendations for the woman in your life. OR if you want ideas for what you may be wanting from your partner.
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💕
✨ 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
When wedding planning, all decor can add up so fast and Amazon has such cute wedding decor for so affordable! Here are some decor i used and am so glad i did!
I put this list together because planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, and it helps to have all the little details in one place. These are the pieces that I think truly make a difference for a bride — from beauty and style to comfort and peace of mind. Some are practical must-haves, like an emergency kit or comfy shoes, while others are special luxuries, like bridal lingerie, jewelry, or a signature perfume, that make the day feel unforgettable. Altogether, this list reflects the mix of essentials and meaningful touches that help a bride feel prepared, beautiful, and fully present on her wedding day.
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!
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.
I donned the cap and gown (many moons ago), and was I glad not to have planned the convocation ceremonies for this milestone (or, for that matter, the smaller graduation party for myself!) But celebrating graduation is a must today, whether your kids are graduating from preschool, elementary or college/university. The road to a lifetime of learning has just begun … but first, the party (and all the madness that it entails): namely, the invitations, gifts, the party favors (edible and otherwise) and supplies, and the signs. Note: This list may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission (at no charge to you) if you make a purchase using these links.
Beautiful Christmas and holiday cards I've found for 2025 that cater for everyone from families and married couples to pet parents and business owners. These ship worldwide, and some are available as instant digital downloads so you can send them via email or WhatsApp.
Finding the perfect anniversary gift can be difficult. Here are a few niche ideas, traditional to modern themed, to solve indecision—Or spark some unique ideas, at the very least
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!
I was inspired by these Pastel Boho Rainbow items and had to make a list to pull them together into a fun party plan! This theme would be so cute for a baby shower or birthday party!
Are you working a Galentine’s baggie or need gift ideas for your loved one? We’ll search no more here’s a list of cutesy and fun items to add onto your Valentine’s Day gifts. Enjoy your Valentine’s Day inside with some wine, cuddles, and joy with your favorite person/people. Whether you’re making a gift baggie or basket it’s great to add just a final thought to finish off the gift itself.
Your ultimate guide to summer wedding recovery outfits — also known as Day 2 looks. These dresses and sets are beachy, relaxed and polished enough for post-wedding brunches, recovery pool parties or coastal celebrations. Expect white, cream and crochet moments that say “I made it to Day 2… and I still look chic.”
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!
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
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!
If you are like me and struggle when it comes to finding a wedding guest dress that won't have too much white or break the bank, but still makes you feel good, this is the perfect list for you! I've compiled some of my favorite wedding guest dress under $100!
Wondering what to get your bestie now that she's engaged? Look no further, this list has a range of affordable and splruge worthy gift ideas for new brides to be.
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!
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!
Planning a wedding at the same time as Taylor Swift? You’re practically besties! If you’re a true Swiftie check out these awesome ideas for a Taylor Swift themed bridal shower to celebrate your bridal era
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!).
This is a list of fun ideas for gifts (and experiences) you can buy for a romantic couple. Little to large trinkets for both of them to enjoy, even if they already have everything they need. These gifts celebrate their love for each other, and give them another opportunity to cherish their time together. Maybe you can use this list to inspire you think about how you can celebrate your own relationship with your husband, wife, girlfriend or boyfriend. You can use these ideas as Anniversary or Valentine gift ideas. Many of these ideas are very similar to (or exactly) gifts I have purchased before. In face, I have a pair of Korean wedding ducks sitting in a shelf at my front door!