Draped Outdoor Reception Entrance

Outdoor weddings are some of my favorites. Gorgeous weather, stunning landscape, head-over-heels couple, what's not to love?

If your venue is like a lot venues though, it's sometimes hard to make that grand first entrance into your reception as husband and wife. Many times there might not be a spot to line up your bridal party before you get announced in. Check out this for a solution:

Draped Outdoor Entrance via The Wedding Chicks

They created their own draping! I love this!! It looks beautiful tied back as well, prior to the grand reveal.

Draped Outdoor Entrance via The Wedding Chicks

You could have it tied back like the above picture while your guests are finding their seats and then have your wedding planner, or someone specially designated, release the drapes when you are ready to be announced in officially. 

They would be a great DIY project with major impact!

How are you making your first appearance as newlyweds? 

Chalk Board Photo Booth

I always love a great Chalk Board at weddings. They can be dainty, casual, informative, quirky, and always completely original.

When I saw this though, my photo booth loving heart skipped a beat!

Chalk Board Photo Booth Backdrop via The Bridal Closet

I think that it's fun with that perfect touch of elegance! And the quotes are spot on - "True love stories never have endings" and "A kiss to build a dream on!"

They come from a company called Chalk Shop I came across on The Bridal Closet.

Thank You Sign via The Bridal Closet

Are you head-over-heels for these chalk boards too?

Gorgeous Zinnia!

When I think of Zinnia, I think of my grandmother's garden. She lined all her walkways with Zinnia every year. They were gorgeous, bright and happy flowers in rainbows of colors with butterflies flitting in and out of the blossoms.

I just love the idea of using them for your wedding bouquet! 

Zinnia Bouquet via Alexan Events

They make such a beautiful addition to a wildflower grouping, or used by themselves. You could pick them as your main flower and carry them throughout your whole event. Here they are used on an invitation:

Zinnia Invitation via Esty

They fit with so many color schemes and arrangements. I think they're perfectly lovely! 

How about you? Are there any flowers out there that just make you smile when you see them?

Saving a Seat for a Loved One

Do you have a loved one that is too special to be remembered with only their name in your ceremony program? I saw this and thought it was so touching.

Chair for a Loved One via Grey Likes Weddings

It's such a simple, but perfect way to honor them.

Interesting Ombre' Wedding

The Ombre' effect is such a popular element in weddings right now, for good reason. I came across this bouquet and was in complete Ombre' Heaven!

Ombre' Bouquet via Grey Likes Weddings

First off, I loved the non-typical color choice - corals and bright orange - stunning! Plus, I thought it was such a unique way to execute an ombre' effect. I love how the color flows throughout the bouquet. You usually see the effect used with the bridesmaid dress color or on cakes, linens, etc. I thought this was really pretty and different.

Check out how their table centerpieces mimicked her bouquet:

Ombre' Tablescape via Grey Likes Weddings

Gorgeous, right?

Polka Dot Bridesmaid Dresses

Happy Monday everyone! While nursing my tootsies after our Gator Homecoming Wedding (pictures coming soon!) on Saturday, I was having tons of fun working hard catching up on some of my favorite blogs and wedding trends. I came across these completely adorable bridesmaids dresses and knew I had to talk about them.

Polka Dot Bridesmaids via Grey Likes Weddings

The bride wanted to bring back the feel from her grandparents' wedding photos. All that great vintage, timeless style was reflected in all the fashion for their day. Her dress came from a vintage shop in her home town, circa 1950's and the groom got in on the action with his gorgeous white tuxedo coat and bow tie.

Polk Dot Couple via Grey Likes Wedding

I just love these dresses though! I think they capture the feel the bride was going for and create such a unique and classic look as well.

Polka Dot Bridesmaids via Grey Likes Weddings

Are you up for prints for your ladies, or do you like the look of solid gowns better? Comment and weigh in!

Gator Tailgate Wedding!

"Something Old, Something New, Something Orange & Something Blue!"

Gator Bride via The University of Florida

We are SO incredibly excited about our wedding this weekend! Our amazing University of Florida Alumni couple, Dena and Andy, are breaking all traditions and having a Gator Homecoming Wedding!

Yes, you read that right! :) They will be getting married out on Paynes Prairie early Saturday morning and then having a Tailgate reception over at the Vet School on campus. If that wasn't enough, the newlyweds, with most of their guests, will be headed over to the game to cheer for the Orange and Blue!

The University did a spotlight story on their upcoming wedding:

When you watch the video, keep an eye out for their amazing "Alligator - Wedding Edition" invitations. Dena created them herself! Complete with the story of how they met, directions, Gator traditions, and tips for what not to wear ("It is strongly suggested that guests refrain from wearing vermilion, or any shade of red, to avoid appearing to support the opponent...) - they are completely adorable and perfect for them!

We simply CANNOT wait for their big day! We'll be sure to share all the amazing pictures from Russell Martin Photography and video from Gator Bride Videography with you soon!

In the meantime, Go Gators! Beat the Ragin' Cajuns!

DIY Candy Apple Favors

What's more quintessentially Fall than candy apples? Even better - how are these for a great favor for an intimate Autumn wedding?

Candy Apple Favors via Intimate Weddings

I love how simple and pretty, not to mention delicious, they are! The contrast between the branches and the delicate white plate is the  perfect combination for a Fall wedding; rustic and classy simultaneously.

And you can make them yourself!!! We found these easy to follow DIY instructions on Intimate Weddings Blog. Click here for all the step-by-step instructions.

There's a small list of inexpensive, easy-to-find, ingredients. You will need to have a candy thermometer for this recipe.

Candy Apple Steps via Intimate Wedding

You might not want to make 200 of these as wedding favors if you're having a larger wedding, but they would make a great addition to any dessert bar in that case.

What do you think? Are candy apples the perfect Fall wedding favor?

Fall Cake

It's obvious that all the malls and stores want us ready for Christmas now that Halloween is over. Fall is my favorite time of year though and I'm not ready to give up on it yet! I don't know about you, but I'm still holding out for Thanksgiving!

That's why when I came across this cake on Dream Day Cakes baker's blog,  it put me immediately in the mood for pumpkin pie, turkey and gorgeous fall weather.

Fall Cake via Dream Day Cakes

I love how whimsical the design is and all the bright fall colors. The initials in the tree are adorable!

Fall Cake via Dream Day Cakes

It's the perfect cake for a beautiful fall wedding!

What do you think? Are you ready to move on to Christmas or are you savoring the last month of Autumn too?

Dancing Coasters

"Don't take my drink... I'm dancing!"

Dancing Coasters via Every Last Detail

I came across these on a blog that I completely love, Every Last Detail, and thought that they were the coolest touch!

You've had that happen to you too, right? You leave your drink at the table for a dance and then when you get back, it's been cleared away. Now, your guests won't have to worry about their drinks while dancing the night away at your wedding! Plus, it lets your guests know right away that they are in for a super fun night!

It's something small, but something I'm sure guests will remember.

Would you use these at your wedding?