The couple decided to get married in the bride’s hometown of Cincinnati. Their venue The Monastery was built as an observatory in the 1800’s and boasts original artwork that’s been lovingly restored, including touches of bright gold that light up the space. This and the late fall date of their wedding inspired the look and feel of their gold bridal party.

“Since I was getting married in November, I knew I wanted to stray away from any summer or spring colors! I narrowed the palette down to a dark navy blue or gold but ended up going with a gold bridal party to match our venue.”

Keep reading to learn more about Courtney and Kyle’s big day, including the process of finding the perfect gold bridesmaid dresses for their ten bridesmaids!

DB: Did you do a bridesmaid proposal? If so, include details on how you asked your maids to be in the wedding!
CS: I made a cute monogrammed box for each of my ten bridesmaids and put a personalized card, ring dish, and compact mirror from David’s Bridal in each!

DB: Did you go for a mix and match, or uniform bridesmaid look? What made you decide on this?
CS: I went for a mix and match! It was SUPER important to me that each bridesmaid felt comfortable so I created a large powerpoint of about 20-25 gold bridesmaid dresses from David’s and let each girl select the one that they wanted. 

DB: What was your favorite detail about your bridesmaids’ look?
CS: I loved how the gold colorway played off of my wedding dress! I went with a more champagne colored dress than bright bridal white – so it was perfect!

DB: Where did you get inspiration for your gold bridal party?
CS: Pinterest! Truly Pinterest is a bride to be’s best friend. I am so thankful for all the inspo they have on there! 

DB: What made the morning of your wedding special? Is there anything you did with your bridesmaids that you will always remember while you were getting ready for the big day?
CS: The morning of was super calm and so much fun! I made sure to make a getting ready playlist of all my favorite songs and have tons of food and champagne available for the girls. We also got ready in a spacious Airbnb over the bridal suite at our venue which made it easy for us all to spread out and talk!

DB: Who was your maid of honor? Did you differentiate her dress from the rest of the bridal party?
CS: I had three! My sisters were both Matrons of Honor and my cousin Kelly was the Maid of Honor. I didn’t purposely differentiate their dresses, but the dresses they picked definitely stood out! 

DB: Do you have any bridesmaid dress shopping tips for future brides?
CS: Let your bridesmaids be comfortable! Make sure during the try on’s that each girl feels good in her dress and don’t try to force anything on anyone!!

Couple: Courtney Seamon & Kyle Moore
Wedding Date: 11/26/2022
Wedding Location: The Monastery in Cincinnati, OH
Bridesmaid Dress Styles & Colors: Gold bridal party with a mixture of styles
Photographer: Olga Polo | @olga_polo_weddings
Bride IG Handle: @courtandkelly 

Planning a wedding? Sign up for our Diamond Loyalty program—it’s free!—and find local wedding vendors with Pearl by David’s. Follow us on Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, and Facebook for more wedding inspiration and book an appointment to find your dream dress!

The post Courtney & Kyle: A Gold Bridal Party to Match a Historic Venue appeared first on David's Bridal Blog.

Real weddings are so inspiring! To get you in the mood to plan, we asked real brides to spill the details on everything from getting engaged and finding their wedding dresses to the special touches and surprising moments that made their celebrations completely one-of-a-kind. Wise men say only fools fall in love, and we couldn’t agree more. Sweethearts Stephanie & Eric tied the knot in an epic vintage-inspired Las Vegas elopement. Read for more details about their burning love!

Briefly tell us how you and your fiancé met! How did you know that he was the one?

Eric and I met eight years ago. He’s from Canada and I grew up in Massachusetts. The summer before I went to college, Eric lived with a family in my hometown to play hockey. We met at a bonfire and the rest was history! We were long-distance for a long time. It wasn’t always easy, but we knew we wanted to be together.

Tell us your proposal story!

Eric planned an amazing day for me that started with him dropping me off at The Beverly Hills Hotel for a massage early in the morning. Afterward, he then surprisingly picked me up in a vintage Cadillac (that’s when I knew something was up that day). From there, we checked out of our hotel at The London in West Hollywood and drove over for a lunch at the Chateau Marmont. After that, we took the most scenic drive out to Malibu where he booked us a fabulous room at the Malibu Beach Inn overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Finally, we drove over to Point Dume where he popped the question with the most beautiful sunset in the back, all photographed!

How did you both decide on your wedding day look?

I was really inspired by looking at elopements on Pinterest. I browsed online and tried on a few dresses but hadn’t found anything that really resonated – until my mom got a Facebook ad for my wedding dress from David’s Bridal. She showed me the photo and said “I think this is your dress.” I made an appointment the next day. I knew from the moment I put it on that it was my dress. When I found the shoes (also at David’s), that really sealed the deal!

Do you have any shopping advice for future brides?

My advice is to try everything! I initially thought I wanted a short dress for my elopement, and it was discouraging when I couldn’t find anything I really truly loved. The minute I put my dress on, I felt like a bride and knew I had found the one.

What was your favorite detail about your look?

I loved the way my dress showed off my blue shoes! The dress felt fun and light for an elopement, but it still felt very much like a wedding dress, which was important to me.

How did you feel when you knew that you #foundtheone

When I found the dress, I could feel all the wedding details fall into place. I could picture myself saying “I do.” We planned our elopement in secret and over just a couple of months, so everything had to come together pretty quickly. It was so much fun saying “yes” to the dress, making a wish, and ringing the bell at my appointment.

Tell us about your wedding day

We did a true elopement, meaning it was just the two of us – no guests! We started the day by picking up a 1970 Buick convertible. From there, we drove to get our marriage license and pick up our wedding cake. We chose to get ready at the Jackie Gaughan suite in the El Cortez. The room is vintage Vegas at its finest: Pink carpets and walls, a pink marble tub, a full bar in the living room! The glam team from Set and Fury made me feel so comfortable and excited, it felt like getting ready with my girlfriends!

It was so surreal going to A Little White Wedding Chapel, meeting Elvis and standing in line with the other couples. The King of Rock and Roll fastened Eric’s boutonniere, handled our paperwork, grabbed a microphone, and met us outside in the drive-through!

We held our ceremony in a pink Cadillac. Elvis sang and took us through some special Elvis vows, and then we danced while he performed “Burning Love.” From there, we drove down Freemont Street to see the lights.

We went back to the El Cortez for cake and champagne, and got ready to head out for the night! The historic Golden Steer steakhouse was the perfect spot for our wedding night dinner. We sat in the Rat Pack booth. My favorite part was their amazing tableside cherries jubilee dessert (and more champagne, of course!). We ran around Freemont Street all night, popping into all the casinos and rolling the dice. Everyone was congratulating us, betting on us, and giving us marriage advice. We were surrounded by so much love from complete strangers! It felt like a movie.

Was there a highlight or most memorable moment of the day?

A Little White Wedding Chapel’s tunnel of love is so beautiful with its painted ceiling, and we had never seen anything like it. You can really feel the love there, it is the most special place for so many people. We never thought we’d elope in Vegas, and that made it even sweeter when we promised to spend the rest of our lives together in such an iconic place.

Did anything funny or unexpected happen?

Las Vegas in August is HOT. Like 109 degrees hot. When we picked up the vintage convertible the morning of our wedding, we learned it did not have air conditioning. We still had to pick up our wedding cake and had a 20-minute drive back to the hotel. By some miracle, the cake did not melt! I was definitely sweating – literally and figuratively.

Is there something you wish you had known before the big day/while you were planning the wedding?

I wish I had known how amazing eloping in Vegas would be! I always pictured myself getting married in a very traditional setting, so I was a little nervous about tying the knot in an unconventional way.

What was your theme?

Eric and I were really inspired by Elvis and Priscilla’s wedding in fabulous Las Vegas, and by vintage weddings in general. We spent the summer listening to old love songs from the 60s and 70s and watching old movies like “Viva Las Vegas.” We chose horseshoe wedding bands, just like Elvis and Priscilla. Aimlee Photography shot our wedding on 35mm film and Super 8 video, which really set the vintage vibe.

What’s your best wedding planning advice?

Do things your way! Traditions and trends are wonderful for inspiration, but the thing that made our wedding special was that it felt true to us.

More Details:

Date: August 30th, 2022

Wedding Dress Style: Mikado high-low wedding dress

Wedding Song: “Burning Love” by Elvis

Cake Flavor: White cake with buttercream icing and chocolate buttercream filling

Photographer: Aimlee Photography

Inspired by this Las Vegas elopement? Read more real wedding stories here!

We know how important your wedding day and special events are to you and we are doing everything in our power to serve you! You can shop with us 24/7 at davidsbridal.com or come see us at your local David’s Bridal. Plus we are here for you to help guide you through your wedding planning! See tips for starting to plan your wedding at home, shopping for your wedding dress online with confidence, and more on the blog.

Planning a wedding? Sign up for our Diamond Loyalty program—it’s free —and find local wedding vendors! Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, and Facebook for more real wedding inspiration like this Las Vegas elopement, or click here to book an appointment.

The post Real Wedding: Stephanie & Eric appeared first on David's Bridal Blog.

Real weddings are so inspiring! To get you in the mood to plan, we asked real brides to spill the details on everything from getting engaged and finding their wedding dresses to the special touches and surprising moments that made their celebrations completely one-of-a-kind. In the midst of planning your own backyard ceremony? Get ready to take some major inspiration from Kayla & Marcus’ special day. Read on to see more from this backyard wedding in Georgia.

Briefly tell us how you and your fiancé met! How did you know that he was the one?

Marcus & I met during our freshman year at The University of Georgia. I knew he was the one because of how supportive and kind he was to me. I felt the sparks instantly.

Tell us your proposal story!

I didn’t see the proposal coming at all. Marcus tricked me into thinking we were just celebrating our anniversary. He proposed at the Atlanta Treehouse and it was gorgeous. A few of our family & friends were there and that made the moment even sweeter.

How did you both decide on your wedding day look?

Since we were having an outdoor summer wedding, we wanted to use light & airy colors. After doing some research on Pinterest, we found exactly what we were looking for. The men wore tan suits and the ladies wore desert coral.

Do you have any shopping advice for future brides?

The best advice I could give is to take your time. Listen to yourself and don’t rush to find your dress. You’ll know when you’ve found the right one.

What was your favorite detail about your look?

It was my hair for me. I did a curly updo with a few rig-lets streaming down over my face and it really gave off that whimsical look I was going for.

Tell us about your wedding day!

Our wedding day was a whirlwind. I didn’t have a wedding planner or day of coordinator so my maid of honor & bridesmaids really stepped up to make sure everything was on point. From setting the tables to doing my nails, all hands were on deck. After the setting up and getting ready phase was over, it was time to do our first look. We met up with the fellas at an old church in our neighborhood. I was so nervous for Marcus to finally see me all dolled up in my dress but he loved it and even shed tears. We embraced each other and cried tears of joy. Next, we took all our photos with our wedding party and then headed back home for the ceremony.

Was there a highlight or most memorable moment of the day?

The most memorable moment was hearing Marcus read his vows. They were so beautiful and passionate. We almost kissed at the altar before it was time!

Did anything funny or unexpected happen?

After our first kiss, all our family and friends started shouting and my puppy Marshmallow started barking too and ran down the aisle to us. It was the cutest thing ever.

What’s your best wedding planning advice?

Write down all your must-haves at the wedding before you begin looking for inspiration on Pinterest or finding a wedding planner. It’s really good to have a list to reference what’s most important to you when making those big decisions. Stay true to your heart and do what makes sense for you and your partner.

More Details:

Date: August 27th, 2022

Wedding Dress Style: Low- Back Soft Lace Wedding Dress

Wedding Song: “Find Someone Like You” by Snow Alegra

Cake Flavor: Carmel & Oreo

Photographer: Rena Durham

Inspired by this backyard wedding in Georgia? Read more real wedding stories here!

We know how important your wedding day and special events are to you and we are doing everything in our power to serve you! You can shop with us 24/7 at davidsbridal.com or come see us at your local David’s Bridal. Plus we are here for you to help guide you through your wedding planning! See tips for starting to plan your wedding at home, shopping for your wedding dress online with confidence, and more on the blog.

Planning a wedding? Sign up for our Diamond Loyalty program—it’s free —and find local wedding vendors! Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, and Facebook for more real wedding inspiration, or click here to book an appointment.

The post Real Wedding: Kayla & Marcus appeared first on David's Bridal Blog.

Real weddings are so inspiring! To get you in the mood to plan, we asked real brides to spill the details on everything from getting engaged and finding their wedding dresses to the special touches and surprising moments that made their celebrations completely one-of-a-kind. Dreaming of a summertime wedding? We can’t get enough from this timeless summer wedding in Georgia. Keep scroll to see more details from Kayla & Michael’s special day.

Briefly tell us how you and your fiancé met! How did you know that he was the one?

We met on the dating app Hinge! It was during Covid so the only real way to meet people was online. I knew he was the one when we went on our first vacation together and even though he was around his friends and strangers he would still yell out to me how beautiful I was and how I was his to everyone at the beach. I never felt more special.

How did you both decide on your wedding day look?

I had seen photos on Pinterest and loved the color scheme we chose. From there, it was easy to put him in blue and me in some sort of white/blush combo.

Do you have any shopping advice for future brides?

Everything will look different on you than on the women you see online, but that’s okay! I thought I wanted A-Line with straps and ended up with a strapless mermaid. Just be open-minded and let the stylist help you.

What was your favorite detail about your look?

I absolutely loved the blush lining. It gave it a nice touch rather than just being plain white. The detailing on the veil and hairpiece the stylist suggested were also stunning and helped tie the whole look together!

How did you feel when you knew that you #foundtheone?

It was the first time I cried in a dress. When you know, you know. Until that point, I just thought they were all pretty dresses, but not for my big day.

Tell us about your wedding day!

It was the best day of my life. All my favorite people together on one day to watch and celebrate the love of my life and myself. I got ready with all my bridesmaids bright and early and had a great time catching up with them as most live in other states. The ceremony was magical. It took place in my home church that I had attended since I was four years old. Michael is not an emotional person so seeing him tear up when I walked down the aisle melted my heart. Once the ceremony ended, we headed to the reception down the road at a country club. Michael is a big golfer so having the dinner and party overlooking the golf course was a huge deal for us. We had the best time dancing and eating with our closest friends and family.

Was there a highlight or most memorable moment of the day?

My favorite part was taking pictures with Michael after the ceremony and before we were announced at the reception. It was a time for us to be together, all dressed up, and take these breathtaking photos that truly captured the magic of the day.

What was your favorite DIY or personal touch?

Our friend Christie made our welcome sign, koozies, and personalized tumblers for Michael and me. She crushed it! We also put together a memorial table for the family members who are no longer with us so that they would still be a part of our special day.

What did you do to stay stress-free on your wedding day?

It was great having all my friends there to keep me in a good mood, but it also helps to have amazing vendors who know what they are doing and keep everything on track for you. Plus, my mom is an angel and handled everything she could while I was getting ready. There is no way I would have had such a great day without her!

What’s your best wedding planning advice?

Just have fun! Things will go wrong. Photos will get missed. But at the end of the day, it’s about you two and your commitment to each other. Everything else will work itself out. 

More Details

Date: June 11, 2022

Location: Dunwoody, GA

Wedding Dress Style: Lace Applique Mermaid Strapless Wedding Dress

Photographer: Spark Weddings

Inspired by this summer wedding in Georgia? Read more real wedding stories here!

We know how important your wedding day and special events are to you and we are doing everything in our power to serve you! You can shop with us 24/7 at davidsbridal.com or come see us at your local David’s Bridal. Plus we are here for you to help guide you through your wedding planning! See tips for starting to plan your wedding at home, shopping for your wedding dress online with confidence, and more on the blog.

Planning a wedding? Sign up for our Diamond Loyalty program—it’s free —and find local wedding vendors! Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, and Facebook for more real wedding inspiration, or click here to book an appointment.

The post Real Wedding: Kayla & Michael appeared first on David's Bridal Blog.

Real weddings are so inspiring! To get you in the mood to plan, we asked real brides to spill the details on everything from getting engaged and finding their wedding dresses to the special touches and surprising moments that made their celebrations completely one-of-a-kind. Outdoor weddings have our hearts, and this wedding is no exception! Alexis & Loren tied the knot in a beautiful outdoor wedding in October. Read on to see more details from their ranch wedding in California!

Briefly tell us how you and your fiancé met! How did you know that he was the one? 

We first met after a show at our community theater four years before we started dating. The time in-between we would run into each other on campus, but didn’t start dating until swiping right on bumble! (Yes, we are a bumble success story!) I knew he was the one after realizing he truly was my best friend and I could tell him anything.

Tell us your proposal story! 

We had been together for almost four years, the last year and a half of which was long distance (nothing too crazy…just 1,500 miles). The day he proposed was honestly just a random, normal day, but I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. I came home from work and he was showing me a 3-D printed lantern that he made using photos of us. The last photo said “will you marry me?” and after that, he got down on one knee!

Do you have any shopping advice for future brides? 

You don’t need to pick a dress the first time you go dress shopping. Try on all the dresses you want and take a lot of photos! Then later look back at those photos and see what you like best – the dress you wear will be in every photo so if you don’t like it in a try-on photo, it probably isn’t the one! 

How did you feel when you knew that you #foundtheone? 

It just felt right! Before I went dress shopping I was dead set on (1) no strapless and (2) no train…and look what I ended up with! A gorgeous strapless dress with a long train. I only tried it on when I was dress shopping because it had a similar shape to the one I was looking at online. “The one” may not be anything you expected, but you’ll know when you try it on!

Did anything funny or unexpected happen? 

When it was time to say our vows, we didn’t plan on or know who should go first – so we played rock, paper, scissors – winner went first!

What was your theme? 

Our theme #oncloudwines was all about US! All of the details and vendors are part of our story as a couple. We used our favorite songs during the ceremony, catered from our favorite date spots (@bakersfieldpizzaco @vidaveganco), and had our favorite drinks at the bar (spicy margaritas). We also made sure we had an espresso bar setup since we are extreme coffee enthusiasts and wanted everyone to have the energy to dance the night away!

What was your favorite DIY or personal touch? 

My favorite DIY was making MilkBar Pie. I love to bake and it was really special being able to do it myself. Loren’s favorite DIY was making our cake toppers. He 3D printed Holly Warbuton’s animated characters from Honne’s album “no song without you.” That album was released in the middle of our long-distance stretch and it was the soundtrack for that period of our lives.

What did you do to stay stress-free on your wedding day? 

After the ceremony and photos, our wedding planner took us for a ride around the ranch. This gave us some quiet time together before we joined the party. The moments of stillness and quiet really helped re-center what the day was about: celebrating love.

What’s your best wedding planning advice?

Hire a wedding planner and if that isn’t in the budget, then at the very least get a coordinator for the day of. Trust any recommendations your planner/coordinator makes—they’ve been in the business for a long time and know who they work well with! The last thing you want is a vendor team that doesn’t come together. 

Also, when it comes to wedding planning, go with your gut! If you want to do something, do it. If you don’t, don’t. We wanted pizza for dinner, so we did! Some wedding “traditions” didn’t make sense to us, so we didn’t do them. Many people will have opinions on what you should or shouldn’t do, and who you should and shouldn’t invite – but the reality is, it’s YOUR day and you should feel free to celebrate in the way you and your partner want. Have fun and celebrate your love!

More Details:

Date: October 30, 2021

Location: Riverbluff Ranch in Bakersfield, CA

Wedding Dress Style: Beaded brocade embellished mermaid wedding dress

Photographer: Loretta Mae Photo

Wedding Planner: Oh So Purdy Event Coordinating & Design

Inspired by this ranch wedding in California? Read more real wedding stories here!

We know how important your wedding day and special events are to you and we are doing everything in our power to serve you! You can shop with us 24/7 at davidsbridal.com or come see us at your local David’s Bridal. Plus we are here for you to help guide you through your wedding planning! See tips for starting to plan your wedding at home, shopping for your wedding dress online with confidence, and more on the blog.

Planning a wedding? Sign up for our Diamond Loyalty program—it’s free —and find local wedding vendors! Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, and Facebook for more real wedding inspiration, or click here to book an appointment.

The post Real Wedding: Alexis & Loren appeared first on David's Bridal Blog.

Real weddings are so inspiring! To get you in the mood to plan, we asked real brides to spill the details on everything from getting engaged and finding their wedding dresses to the special touches and surprising moments that made their celebrations completely one-of-a-kind. Surf, sand, and summer-loving: we can’t get enough of this tropical wedding in Florida! Read on to see more details from Tiffani & Thimas’ special day.

Briefly tell us how you and your fiancé met!

My fiance and I met during my first year of college at East Tennessee State University. As pre-med students, we naturally were in similar classes. We began talking to each other over a school-related question and became friends shortly after. We were friends all throughout college but we did not begin dating until I had finished graduate school and he was entering his third year of medical school.

How did you know that he was the one?

I knew he was the one when I finally decided to introduce him to my parents. My family is very close but also very protective and I knew that I was not going to introduce just anyone.

Tell us your proposal story!

At the time Thomas was in graduate school completing his MPH at Yale and I had gone to Connecticut to visit him. We decided to go on a hike that weekend which was odd because he isn’t the biggest outdoorsman, but I was thrilled. We drove about 20 minutes outside of downtown to Giuffrida Park in Meriden, CT, and started going up. He was in such a rush to get to the top, seeking out all of the shortcuts, while I wanted to take the scenic route up!

When we arrived at the top, it was a beautiful view of the surroundings so I began taking landscape shots. I made a comment about the vast beauty to which he responded “it really makes you think about all of the possibilities for the future doesn’t it?” Stunned by the very philosophical response, I replied, “Um.. yeah sure! I guess so!” As I continued to try to get a couple more shots in he said, “Well, are you ready?”

I turned around and said, “For what?” Only to find him down on one knee. He asked the classic, “Will you marry me?” and I was in shock. It felt like a dream. I snapped back to reality as I heard the clicks of a camera off to my left. Thomas had hired a photographer to catch the moment. I said Yes! And then we had a photo session on the top of the mountain.

How did you both decide on your wedding day look?

After we decided on our colors, we actually split ways for looks. We decided we wanted this marriage to start off as equals so I did not know what he was wearing and he didn’t know what I was wearing!

Do you have any shopping advice for future brides?

Don’t sweat the small stuff! Also, don’t overwhelm yourself. The day is not about the dress, it’s about how you feel! Several people try to think about what dress is going to be best for the location. I say, “Girl, what’s going to be best for YOU!” It’s your day, beautiful is defined by YOU & only YOU!

Tell us about your wedding day!

Everything happened so fast! We had a morning wedding on Memorial Day Weekend. Family and friends were flying and driving in up to two days before. The wedding party stayed at the Hotel AKA at a fabulous set of AirBnbs. Thomas’ fraternity brother and state representative, Torrey Harris, officiated our wedding. Wedding Bells and Seashells were in charge of the ceremony planning & decorations. After the ceremony, we had a simple and small get-together at Paradise Cove Shelter on the beach with a stellar view!

Was there a highlight or most memorable moment of the day?

Walking down the aisle and seeing Thomas at the end was truly wild. It was the last time I would see him as my fiancé before becoming husband & wife!

Did anything funny or unexpected happen?

Rob, our photographer, was a blast and kept us laughing the entire time! At one point he threw himself on the ground to “get a better angle” only to admit upon getting up that it was just to get us laughing. It worked!

What was your favorite DIY or personal touch?

My parents and I made the bouquets for everyone in our wedding party! It was a fun, stress-relieving DIY, and also a nice bonding activity.

What’s your best wedding planning advice?

Remember all of the little stuff is not as important as the significance of that day. You are marrying your person. When you realize that is the most important thing, everything else can roll off your shoulders!

More Details:

Wedding Date: May 28th, 2022

Location: Crandon Park in Key Biscayne, FL

Wedding Dress Style: Beaded Scroll and Lace Mermaid Wedding Dress

Wedding Cake Flavor: Vanilla Rum Cake with Guava Filling

First Dance Song: “Made to Love Ya” by Gerald Levert.

Bridal Beauty: Hair – Humberto Romero Make-up – Regine

Photographer: Solo Mio Photography, Rob Lo

Inspired by this tropical wedding in Florida? Read more real wedding stories here!

We know how important your wedding day and special events are to you and we are doing everything in our power to serve you! You can shop with us 24/7 at davidsbridal.com or come see us at your local David’s Bridal. Plus we are here for you to help guide you through your wedding planning! See tips for starting to plan your wedding at home, shopping for your wedding dress online with confidence, and more on the blog.

Planning a wedding? Sign up for our Diamond Loyalty program—it’s free —and find local wedding vendors! Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, and Facebook for more real wedding inspiration, or click here to book an appointment.

The post Real Wedding: Tiffani & Thomas appeared first on David's Bridal Blog.

Real weddings are so inspiring! To get you in the mood to plan, we asked real brides to spill the details on everything from getting engaged and finding their wedding dresses to the special touches and surprising moments that made their celebrations completely one-of-a-kind. Aislinn & Maria tied the knot in a stunning ceremony that is guaranteed to make your heart melt. Read on to see more details from their fall wedding in Florida!

Briefly tell us how you and your partner met!

Maria and I met on Bumble! We were both teachers and that started the conversation. Talking was so easy and I found myself checking my phone often, smiling when I saw her name pop up. I was so nervous on our first date, I couldn’t make eye contact for the first five minutes. Maria was so kind and made me laugh, so I decided to relax and even ordered a second drink. She’s been making me laugh daily ever since.

Tell us your proposal story!

I knew I wanted to propose to Maria on our dating anniversary. So, I took her back to where we fell in love – St. Augustine, Florida. I reached out to her close friends and family and asked them to write her a letter about what she means to them. I wanted Maria to feel so loved that day. There were nine letters in all. Each letter also had a clue that would lead Maria to a special spot in St. Augustine that held a memory for the two of us.

It started with coffee and a letter from her mom and ended at the spot where I knew for the first time I loved her – St. Augustine beach – where I gave her the final letter, mine. She said yes! We drove home the next day, but I had one more surprise left. Waiting at home was all the family & friends who wrote letters and together we had a surprise dinner. Maria showed off her ring and I held her hand all night knowing I was going to spend the rest of my life with her hand in mine.

Of course, I still wanted “my moment.” Maria knew that, so she planned a proposal all on her own and it was one of the best days of my life. She took me to Bahia Honda Beach in the Florida Keys and proposed Thanksgiving weekend. Then the wedding planning really began!

How did you both decide on your wedding day look?

We are two very practical people so it took us a long time to decide on what our look would be. Maria went with a custom suit, and I said yes to the dress at David’s Bridal.

Do you have any shopping advice for future brides?

Sit in your dress, try to pick something up off the floor with your dress on, dance in your dress, look at your dress (or take pictures) from the side (remember this is how your guests will see you at the altar), etc. Remember you will have the time of your life on your wedding day, so you want to be comfortable! To avoid regret, get the dress that is right for YOU.

How did you feel when you knew that you #foundtheone?

I’d never dreamed of my wedding dress, but I knew I wanted this day to be special and that’s really all I could tell the associate. She found five dresses for me to try based on my likes and dislikes. I did not cry or have this moment but I knew the dress was mine because it felt like me – it felt like I could walk right out of the store wearing this dress and have the most magical day ever and that’s what I wanted for my wedding. It was perfect.

Tell us about your wedding day!

Maria and I wanted to plan a day for our friends and family that would be memorable and filled with details about us. We are very proud to say we saved for the wedding ourselves (with some help from family as well) and were able to pay for our wedding without any debt! It was hard work, but worth it.

Was there a highlight or most memorable moment of the day?

There are three things to come to mind.

• Our guestbook: At each table, there was a book and a bottle of champagne that held a special purpose. These were our “guest books.” My friend gave a speech to let everyone know to sign the book with a message to us to read on our monthly anniversary. For example, table 1 signed the book with a 1 on it and we read it on our first month anniversary. Each month we open that table’s champagne and sit together and read the messages our loved ones wrote to us. So far we have laughed, shed a few tears, and have been able to relive our day each month as we read the books.

• Our dessert: One of my favorite things in the world is dessert. We had a wedding cake made by a local baker along with macarons. For a special surprise, we also had an ice cream truck come. It was a big hit!

• Our after-party: The venue was a historic home that we rented so the bridal parties could stay the night with us. After the wedding was over, some of the best memories continued! I remember sitting in my pajamas in the grand room with all of our bridesmaids and their partners. We shared your classic late-night snack of mac-n-cheese and popcorn chicken. Together we laughed and told stories from the night. I looked around, with Maria’s hand in mine, at all of our closest friends and knew I would never forget this day.

Did anything funny or unexpected happen?

During the cake cutting, our wedding planner brought over some ice cream so we could get some cute photos with the ice cream and cake. The photographer asked us to feed each other some ice cream and I spilled the entire spoon of blue ice cream down Maria’s suit! Good thing she had it pressed and the ice cream wiped right off. We still laugh about it now!

Is there something you wish you had known before the big day/while you were planning the wedding?

Make sure if there is something that really matters to you, you tell someone or speak up, so you know it happens. We love coffee and wanted a coffee bar set up for our friends and family to enjoy. I gave my wedding planner notes about what I wanted to have on the table, and she did an amazing job setting it up. I would also recommend a private moment after the ceremony with you and your new spouse. My wife and I had champagne on ice in our room and we spent about 20 minutes just her and I together while my wedding planner gathered specific people for photos. This moment was so special. We checked in with each other, shared our first glass of champagne together, and just enjoyed each other’s company. We really didn’t get to spend too much time together after that, so it made it even more special!

Did you have a first dance song?

“You are my Favorite” by Heather Mae. We had a first dance and we enjoyed it, but I would also 100% recommend a last dance song! As our wedding planner got everyone outside for our bubble send-off, Maria and I danced our last dance song, just the two of us. It was a perfect moment. Our song was “Dressed up in White” by CAL.

What did you do to stay stress-free on your wedding day?

My brother was a “bros-maid” and did an amazing job at taking care of all of the little stressors or problems. If anyone needed anything he made sure to take care of it without bringing it to me. We also had an amazing wedding planner that took care of everything! We stayed stress-free thanks to those two amazing people!

What’s your best wedding planning advice?

I made a spreadsheet of everything that was important to us and what we were willing to spend on each item. I then added things that we also needed to purchase but weren’t as important. For example, I really wanted a videographer, but invitations were so important to me. I asked Maria if we could save on invites so we could have a videographer and she agreed! This day is about you and your partner so make sure you are happy with each choice and if it is something that isn’t really a big deal to you, delegate it to someone else so you can keep the important things on your plate!

More Details:

Wedding Date: November 12th, 2021

Location: Dr. Phillips House (Orlando, Florida)

Wedding Dress Style: Sheer Back Crepe wedding dress with Lace Train

Wedding Cake Flavor: German chocolate with chocolate ganache icing and Funfetti with buttercream frosting

Photographer: Lilly Pham

Inspired by this fall wedding in Florida? Read more real wedding stories here!

We know how important your wedding day and special events are to you and we are doing everything in our power to serve you! You can shop with us 24/7 at davidsbridal.com or come see us at your local David’s Bridal. Plus we are here for you to help guide you through your wedding planning! See tips for starting to plan your wedding at home, shopping for your wedding dress online with confidence, and more on the blog.

Planning a wedding? Sign up for our Diamond Loyalty program—it’s free —and find local wedding vendors! Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, and Facebook for more real wedding inspiration, or click here to book an appointment.

The post Real Wedding: Aislinn & Maria appeared first on David's Bridal Blog.

Real weddings are so inspiring! To get you in the mood to plan, we asked real brides to spill the details on everything from getting engaged and finding their wedding dresses to the special touches and surprising moments that made their celebrations completely one-of-a-kind. On a beautiful day in March, Magoma & Gakweli tied the knot in a heartfelt ceremony. Keep scrolling to see more details from their rustic wedding in Kenya!

Briefly tell us how you and your fiancé met!

We met on October 20, 2017 at my sister’s wedding! He’d been invited by his friend who was in the bridal party to come to the reception. We always joke that crashing that wedding was the best decision he has ever made. I remember seeing a fine, tall, full-bearded man and asking my friend “Stephanie, did you see that fine-looking man?” After the wedding, there was a little get-together at my apartment before the after-party and guess who rang the bell? As they say, the rest was history!

How did you know that he was the one?

I don’t think we ever really know, but the events in our lives keep reaffirming our choice. On January 29, 2021, my then-fiance (now-husband) got into a quad bike accident. When I received a phone call from his friend to tell me that he was in ICU, it hit me: I couldn’t live without him.

Tell us your proposal story!

Gakweli had been out of town for a week and I was getting jittery. It December 1, 2020; I was missing him, and I remember calling him and complaining that he’d been gone for too long. He told me he would be coming back the next week. Well, he came back that evening, rang the bell, and there he was with flowers and chocolate. As I was walking away to put the flowers in water, he called me back and was there on bended knee. I didn’t even wait for him to finish asking, I was right there on the floor with him screaming “YES, I will marry you!”

How did you both decide on your wedding day look?

We wanted a rustic theme for the wedding, so I knew my dress would have a lot of lace and the colors would be juniper and sage for the bridal party. Once we agreed on the theme, the look fell into place.

Do you have any shopping advice for future brides?

Go to the store with an open mind! For a long time I thought I wanted a mermaid/trumpet dress.

Tell us about your wedding day!

As per our traditions, the groom’s family and groom had to come to my home to pick me up in the morning to take me to the church. They came with a band that I could hear playing almost two blocks away from my home. It was lovely. I loved the church ceremony; it was amazing. At the reception, we requested our families to not to have speeches that were too long. Well, as you can imagine, we were ignored!

Was there a highlight or most memorable moment of the day?

My husband’s vows. They were handwritten and beautiful. I still have the little paper he wrote them on.

What was your favorite DIY or personal touch?

Thank you cards and Mr & Mrs wrapped mints on the reception tables.

What’s your best wedding planning advice?

Get a wedding planner you trust and start planning early! On the big day, my wedding planner had everything under control (bless you Tatiana).

Wedding Date: March 13, 2022

Location: Safari Park Hotel (Nairobi, Kenya)

Wedding Dress Style: Off-The-Shoulder Lace A-Line Wedding Dress

Wedding Cake Flavor: Fruit cake

Photographer: Momanyi Rodgers

Inspired by this rustic wedding in Kenya? Read more real wedding stories here!

We know how important your wedding day and special events are to you and we are doing everything in our power to serve you! You can shop with us 24/7 at davidsbridal.com or come see us at your local David’s Bridal. Plus we are here for you to help guide you through your wedding planning! See tips for starting to plan your wedding at home, shopping for your wedding dress online with confidence, and more on the blog.

Planning a wedding? Sign up for our Diamond Loyalty program—it’s free!—and find local wedding vendors. Follow us on Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok and Facebook for more real wedding inspiration, or click here to book an appointment.

The post Real Wedding: Magoma & Gakweli appeared first on David's Bridal Blog.

Real weddings are so inspiring! To get you in the mood to plan, we asked real brides to spill the details on everything from getting engaged and finding their wedding dresses to the special touches and surprising moments that made their celebrations completely one-of-a-kind. Spring is in the air, and we are getting major inspiration from this love-filled real wedding. Kaylin & Stephen tied the knot in a sweet ceremony in March of 2022. Read on to see more from this spring wedding in Monterey, CA!

Briefly tell us how you and your fiancé met! How did you know that he was the one?

Dating apps (Plenty of Fish) win! In October of 2016, we went out for sushi and drove all over the place for lack of other ideas. We just wanted to keep talking and never let the night end. He started singing the song Beast of Burden by the Rolling Stones to me shortly into the drive and I knew right then – this is the one. And if I needed any more reassurance, adopting our cat Captain was definitely it. Our first dance was of course to Beast of Burden at our wedding.

Tell us your proposal story!

He had been trying to find the perfect time for the proposal for a little while and he’d had the ring sitting on his dresser for several months. I helped him pick it and he proudly announce when he bought it. It was torture waiting for him to pop the question! On Valentine’s weekend of 2020, we went on a camping trip to Mt. Madonna. I hadn’t thought much of it since I noticed that he left the ring at home when we left for the trip. One night, we went for a night hike and it was so dark! I couldn’t see my hand in front of my face without a flashlight. Supposedly he got down on one knee (I couldn’t see) and he grabbed my hand and asked me to marry him. I cried and eagerly shook my head yes (not that he could tell). It was a funny and awkward proposal that required no ring. It was perfect!

How did you both decide on your wedding day look?

So many of my friends have had Pinterest boards and grand visions of their weddings since middle school… I wasn’t like that. I did know, however, I wanted a fairy tale wedding dress. His vision? A teal suit. I love teal so I was happy to find a theme to incorporate it. We both have a special place in our hearts for Monterey, CA and suddenly the visions of a wedding started coming together.

Do you have any shopping advice for future brides?

Try coming up with at least a few ideas before you start shopping. Google different dress styles/fits along with your body type – this really helped me find the type of dress I wanted. Next, know your budget! And, when you set that price point don’t forget to think about additional costs such as alterations, shapewear, accessories, shoes, and maybe even a reception dress.

How did you feel when you knew that you #foundtheone?

I thought it was just for the ‘gram but I really did cry when I saw myself in this dress. It was beautiful and I felt like the fairy tale princess of my dreams.

Was there a highlight or most memorable moment of the day?

Before the ceremony, there wasn’t really a great place to “hide” from the guests before my entrance… So I sat in a corner and my two bridesmaids stood on either side and fanned out their dresses to hide me. It was silly and it felt so us. Having them there surrounding me on the most exciting day of my life is something I’ll always remember.

Did anything funny or unexpected happen?

Prior to the ceremony during our first look photos, Dana, our photographer, found a ladybug on my veil! After the ceremony, my friends found another ladybug hiding in one of the tule layers of my dress. Apparently, ladybugs on your wedding day are good luck. Turns out I’m pretty lucky I guess!

What was your theme?

Spring-fresh florals, dark orange, and teal colors throughout.

What did you do to stay stress-free on your wedding day?

I made sure all things that would need to happen the day of were organized and planned the day before. Everyone kept asking me “how are you feeling”? Honestly, I wasn’t stressed or nervous at all. Just so extremely excited that the day had finally arrived. That said, all the excitement and adrenaline did eat at my stomach. It was hard but I know that forcing myself to eat throughout the day truly did help even though I had no appetite. I probably would have passed out otherwise!

What’s your best wedding planning advice?

Budgeting. Particularly when we started getting to the smaller things like accessories and little decorations. They might seem inexpensive as you’re buying them, but they really do start to add up. Keep a list of everything you buy, plan to buy, what you’ve paid for with debit/cash, and what you’ve put on credit. Know your “must-haves” so you can budget around them.

Also, finding your vendors. I honestly didn’t think it would be a big deal or take much effort to do a quick google search and hire a photographer and make-up artist. WOW was I wrong! Vendors are artists. They all have different styles and different prices and you’re not the only one on the hunt. Their books fill up fast so be sure to start your search early!

Anything else you’d like to share?

Talk to your guests – all of them. Evaluate how many there are and make initial hellos brief so that you can get to all of them. But don’t forget to have fun! You’ve spent lots of time, money, and effort to make this beautiful day come to life. Eat that dinner you carefully selected for the evening. Enjoy a special cocktail (send a bridesmaid or groomsman to get you one – it’s your day and you get front-of-the-line privileges!) while chatting with friends.

And lastly, thank the people that helped you. Thank your parents for helping you with wedding favors, your bridesmaids for bringing the party to the getting-ready party, your groomsmen for an awesome bachelor party, the staff that served and cleaned up after you and your guests, and your vendors that helped the day glow and become the cherished memory of a lifetime.

Wedding Date: March 26^th, 2022

Location: Memory Gardens, Monterey, CA

Wedding Dress Style: Sheer Lace and Tulle Wedding Dress

First Dance Song: “Beast of Burden” by Rolling Stones

Wedding Cake Flavor: A small burnt almond cake for the two of us and mini tarts for the guests

Photographer: Dana Arnold

Spring Wedding in Monterey, CA? Read more real wedding stories here!

We know how important your wedding day and special events are to you and we are doing everything in our power to serve you! You can shop with us 24/7 at davidsbridal.com or come see us at your local David’s Bridal. Plus we are here for you to help guide you through your wedding planning! See tips for starting to plan your wedding at home, shopping for your wedding dress online with confidence, and more on the blog.

Planning a wedding? Sign up for our Diamond Loyalty program—it’s free!—and find local wedding vendors. Follow us on Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok and Facebook for more real wedding inspiration, or click here to book an appointment.

The post Real Wedding: Kaylin & Stephen appeared first on David's Bridal Blog.

Real weddings are so inspiring! To get you in the mood to plan, we asked real brides to spill the details on everything from getting engaged and finding their wedding dresses to the special touches and surprising moments that made their celebrations completely one-of-a-kind. Today’s real wedding feature comes from Tabitha & Chadin. These two soulmates tied the knot in a sweet, fall wedding in Tennessee. To see more from their love-filled day keep scrolling!

Briefly tell us how you and your fiancé met!

Chadin and I met at a bar/restaurant called Macados. I was out with a girlfriend and he was out with all of his friends. He had been walking around when I noticed him and knew I just had to talk to him but was too scared to try! Coincidentally, he and his friends got sat at the booth behind us. One of his friends came and sat at my table because he didn’t have room at their booth. This friend got up at one point and that’s when Chadin started talking to me.

How did you know that he was the one?

I knew he was the one when we could stay up all night talking & spend every day together. He would do little things every day to show me he cared for me and loved me.

Tell us your proposal story!

I had family come in from out of town for the Fourth of July. We were all at my grandparent’s house going outside to get ready to shoot off fireworks. I remember I went inside to get a drink and when I came back out, everyone had their phones and cameras out. My brother is the one I remember most, he was grinning ear to ear. I walked over to Chadin and he gave me a kiss and said, “If I could have everyone’s attention. I couldn’t think of a better time to do this other than with all the people she loves so much and who love her.” He proceeded to get down on one knee and ask me to marry him!

How did you both decide on your wedding day look?

I’ve dreamt about my wedding for years, so I had a pretty good idea of what I wanted. I wanted something elegant but fun, specifically something with sleeves and lace. The most important piece to my look was that I had to be able to move and dance. I actually danced a little in every dress I tried on to make sure I could!

For Chadin and his groomsmen, we ended up renting their looks and adding a personal touch. Chadin wanted to include his favorite college football team in some way and found Tennessee Power T bow ties! They were the perfect addition to his wedding day look.

Do you have any shopping advice for future brides?

Try on all kinds of styles. You never know what you might actually like. Having the dress on versus seeing it in pictures or on someone else is very deceiving. Take the people closest to you that you know will speak the truth about anything you put on but also support you in whatever you decide. Trying to find a dress and feel comfortable and beautiful in it is very hard, but with the right support, it is so much fun!

How did you feel when you knew that you #foundtheone?

I knew it was the one because the second I put it on I had butterflies, and kept imagining saying “I do” to Chadin. I also couldn’t stop smiling.

Was there a highlight or most memorable moment of the day?

One of the most memorable things for me was the private dance we had while everyone was setting up for the send-off. We were able to have that time to just be in each other’s arms laughing, talking, just spending time with each other. It was a nice and relaxing time. We hardly even danced, we just kind of swayed and talked.

Is there something you wish you had known before the big day?

One thing I wish I’d realized was you can’t please everyone, no matter how hard you try. Another thing I wish I had known was how fast the day actually goes by. It really does fly by. I felt like I had just blinked and it was gone!

What was your favorite DIY or personal touch?

On my bouquet, I had a “todo mi amor” charm, which means all of my love. My family started a tradition where we would make a keychain or necklace out of beads and each bead represented a person we always want with us. My grandparents weren’t able to come to the wedding, so my mom made me a “todo mi amor” for them to put all their love into. Even though they were not able to be present it still felt like they were there!

What advice do you have for brides that are planning their weddings right now?

Here are a few pieces of advice I’d like to share with future brides and ones planning now:

1. Include your significant other as much as possible
2. Book the big vendors first
3. Set a reasonable budget
4. Start an idea board
5. Ask your officiant to move before your first kiss
6. You can’t please everybody. The day is about you and your significant other, no one else. Do what makes you two happy!
7. Splurge on a photographer and videographer
8. Make sure to set aside some time to spend with just you and your husband during the day
9. Something will go wrong, nothing is perfect. Don’t stress about it!

More Details:

Wedding Date: October 9th, 2021

Location: The International Storytelling Center, Jonesborough TN

Dress Style: Illusion Sleeve Plunging Ball Gown Wedding Dress

Wedding Song: “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” by Frankie Valli

Photographer: Chasing Lux, Macie Humphrey

Love this fall wedding in Tennessee? Read more real wedding stories here!

We know how important your wedding day and special events are to you and we are doing everything in our power to serve you! You can shop with us 24/7 at davidsbridal.com or come see us at your local David’s Bridal. Plus we are here for you to help guide you through your wedding planning! See tips for starting to plan your wedding at home, shopping for your wedding dress online with confidence, and more on the blog.

Planning a wedding? Sign up for our Diamond Loyalty program—it’s free! Follow us on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for more real wedding inspiration, or click here to book an appointment.

The post Real Wedding Tabitha & Chadin appeared first on David's Bridal Blog.