A Thomas Center Engagement

We couldn't be more excited about Allison and Shivan's wedding coming up in a few months! But really, how could we not be super excited with gorgeous images like these to swoon over from their engagement session by Footstone Photography?

Kristin and Paul did such an amazing job capturing how much fun these two are! They are so adorable together and are seriously one of the nicest couples we've had the privilege to work with!

Their engagement session was at the picturesque Historic Thomas Center here in Gainesville, Florida. The gardens and architecture are some of the most beautiful here in town, making it one of our favorite places for weddings.

Allison and Shivan actually met in a fencing club at the University of Florida, so they incorporated that into the session too!

All Images by Footstone Photography

So cool, right?!

I can't stop smiling when I look at these! A HUGE thank you to Footstone Photography for sharing the images!

We can't wait for the big day!

Where are you taking your engagement pictures?

Statement Necklaces

We all know that a bride's jewelry can really make her outfit, and one of the biggest trends right now is for a bride to tie her look together with an amazing statement necklace!

There are so many different types to choose from, allowing them to be incorporated with any style of dress or wedding. They really can help make your bridal look completely your own and fantastically unique!

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Pearls are a timeless wedding jewel, and this pearl necklace could be the perfect accessory for the classic bride. Simply stunning!

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We love this piece for more of a vintage bride! This necklace could be perfect for a dress with a nod to old-time glamour. The combination of the sparkles with the pearls is breathtaking.

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All about the glitz and glam? This diamond statement necklace could really "wow" at your wedding!

What kind of accessories are your favorite? Do you like the classic, vintage, or glam?

Save The Date Ideas

On the note of wedding stationary, there are so many cute and unique ways to send save the dates to all of your guests! These can allude to the theme of your wedding, the kind of relationship you and your fiance have, or be just a fun, personal touch to the wedding.

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Having a vintage or rustic wedding with unique touches such as Scrabble letters? Think about something like this for your save the dates!

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More of the Old Hollywood types? Put your save the date information on a movie theater marquee and you have a save the date that is all your own!

Also think back to the balloon save the date idea we shared a few weeks ago!

If you could have any save the date you wanted, what would it look like? Would you use any of these unique ideas?

Stock the Bar Party!

One of my fantastic couples recently told me about their plans for their upcoming engagement party and I couldn't resist telling you all about it as well - they're having a "Stock the Bar" party!

Basically, instead of typical engagement gifts, your guests bring items for your wedding bar - bottles of wine, beer, liquor, etc. Then, you save everything for your big day!

Here's our favorite Stock the Bar Party invitation we found:

Via  Lily Pad Boutique, LLC on Etsy

Super cute, right? There's tons of options out there too. 

I love this idea! You save some money on liquor costs for your cocktail hour and reception and your guests are guaranteed to find their favorites at your bar. You could even have a cute sign at the bar with an extra special thank you for your guests. Win-win for sure!  

Via Dreamstime

It wouldn't have to be just for engagement parties either. The same theme would work out great for bridal showers, and bachelor/bachelorette parties as well.

What do you think? Would you have a Stock the Party?

Gator Tailgate Wedding Photos!

I promised they were coming and here they are! Check out the amazing images by Russell Martin Photography from Dena and Andy's Gator Tailgate Wedding extravaganza! Russell's pictures completely capture how much fun the day was. I couldn't pick my favorites - there were just too many great pictures and fun details to share with you all. Take a look!

Dena got ready in a gorgeous motor home from Luxury Motor Home Rentals right at the Vet School where their tailgate reception would be. Kick-off was at 12:20, so that meant an early ceremony and start time for everyone!

Their first look was out at Paynes Prairie before guests arrived. It couldn't have been more beautiful with all the trees and fantastic morning light.

Dena and her family made all the wooden details you see in the pictures, from the "Wedding" signs to the little Gators for their centerpieces!

Dena collected all kinds of Florida Gator goodies for a Fan Station for guests. They wanted to make sure everyone had plenty of Gator spirit when they headed over to the stadium.

Celebrations Catering served up super yummy Cajun food in honor of the opponents and Dream Day Cakes created the fantastic Gator Bride and Groom and Cupcake Tower.

Then it was off to the Swamp for the game! Dena went in in her gown and changed into a cute orange and blue sun dress later on.

Being the HUGE Gator fan that I am....I must say, this was the best ending to a wedding, ever! :) To top everything off, the team came back to win in the fourth quarter as a special wedding present for the newlyweds!

Congratulations again Dena and Andy! We were honored to get to be a part of your team for such a special day! We know you'll "stick together in all kinds of weather" always!

If you haven't checked out the great trailer from Gator Bride Videography, check it out now here!

I couldn't pick a favorite detail to talk about - what's yours? Comment and tell us!

Vendors who made it all possible:
Wedding Coordinator: MasterPiece Weddings
Catering: Celebrations Catering
Photography: Russell Martin Photography
Videography: Gator Bride Videography
Cakes: Dream Day Cakes
Flowers: Prange's Florist
Ceremony Music: Eric Redmond
Make-Up: Image Insight
Hair: Salon 716
Ceremony Location: Paynes Prairie
Reception Tailgate: College of Vetenary Medicine
Motor-coach: Luxury Motor Home Rentals

Framing the Ceremony

For once, we're not talking about photography when we say "framing your ceremony" (even though your photographer will have a field day with this!). We've found some beautiful ways to add a little something extra to your ceremony and have a beautiful backdrop for such a precious moment.

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This "Love" sign is absolutely gorgeous and gives such a soft, romantic feel to this ceremony. What a great backdrop for the first kiss as husband and wife!

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 These shutters and ladder would also frame a ceremony perfectly, especially for a rustic wedding! So simple and sweet!

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A ceremony at a huge ancient tree is already very whimsical and romantic, but adding a little touch of detail with the swath of white fabric makes it even better! And we certainly have our share of majestic trees here in Gainesville to get married under!

Are you thinking about adding any details that would frame your ceremony?

Trail Mix Bar

Check this out as a great alternative to traditional favors - have a Trail Mix Bar! We came across this super fun idea by the amazingly fantastic team at Celebrations Catering and couldn't wait to talk about it here.

Trail Mix Bar via Celebrations Catering

I love the small Mason Jars for guests to fill and all the yummy  mix-ins. Your guests would have so much fun snacking on their personal mixes all night long.

Would you have a trail mix bar at your wedding?

Choosing the Troops

I love watching "Say Yes To The Dress"! But they always have that one group of ten women who each have their own opinion. I found this question map that could be really useful if you ever feel like you can't decide who should stay and who should go:

Map from: The Bridal Closet

A quick test to figure out who you should bring with you to that first dress appointment. All of those friends and family members know you love them, but you deserve to save yourself the heartache and headache. Make it a memorable time, not a dreadful one!

Do you think this will help you decide who you choose to take to the appointment and who you take to go shopping for other things?

A Fall Engagement Photo Shoot

I saw these pictures from Pure by Lindsey Photography (one of our amazing local photographers) and fell in love with the idea of a Fall Engagement Shoot! I just had to share them with you! Talk about "Falling in love!" (yes, I'm that corny - pun intended)

by Pure by Lindsey Photography

How cute are they?! I love how the leaves are falling all around them - So sweet!

Where are you taking your engagement pictures?

New Year, New Styles!

A shout out to The Bridal Closet (a.k.a. Solutions Bridal) here in Gainesville for these photos!

I've noticed that a lot of bridesmaids love everything about being a bridesmaid, but there is always a dreaded feeling when the topic of choosing a dress arises. Luckily for today's bridesmaids, there are new, more flattering options (and yes, you can definitely wear them again!). Here are my favorite looks from Jim Hjelm's 2013 Bridesmaid Collection:

Bridesmaids dress photos via The Bridal Closet

The coral pink halter-tie dress is elegant and flattering to all body types, while the purple dress is a short option with a conservative front and a very unique back. I just love both!

Solutions Bridal is a great designer shop here in Gainesville and Orlando. Stop in and check them out if you're looking for a gown.

Which one is your favorite?

Will You Be My Bridesmaid?

It's your turn to ask the question now! "Will you be my bridesmaid?" There are so many ways to ask other than the traditional face-to-face conversation. I saw these two really sweet ideas for how to ask your best friends if they will be your bridesmaid!

Photo via Pinteresting Stuff

Photo via iDoArtsyWeddings on Etsy

I just can't decide which one is my favorite! The necklace is perfect for doubling as the bridesmaids' jewelry for the wedding. She can continue to wear it long after the day is over. On the other hand, the bottle of pink champagne, is another great idea. You can enjoy the bottle together while talking wedding details and making all of those most important decisions - what shoes to wear, dress options, etc.. :)

Help me decide: Which is your favorite? Tell me in the comments!