My wedding-planning days started when I was a little girl of six years old when, having quality girl time in the airport, my aunt announced to my two cousins and me that she was engaged.
“Enganged?” Puzzled, we asked her, “What does engaged mean?”
“Well,” she said, “it means that I’m going to get married. And wear a reeeeeally long dress that has a train THIS BIG,” she spread her arms out as far as she could reach, “And I will wear a veil on my head that’s even longer than the train!”
Aundrea, Erica and I gasped in delight as we clapped our little-girl hands together in excitement. We twirled around the airport atrium as we waited for Great-Grandma to arrive from Arizona. We peppered our aunt with questions, talking over each other, building with excitement with each new detail. She told us all about weddings and the planning process and gave us a crash course in bridezilla. We oohed and ahhed when we heard what our own dresses as “the most special flower girls” would look like.
And at that moment the dreams began.
For years afterward, no wedding measured up to Aunt Teresa’s. The bridal gown wasn’t as regal. The flowers were not as stunning. The music was not as beautiful. No reception could compare when I had experienced riding in a white, horse-drawn carriage fit for Cinderella during sunset.
Now, twenty years later, I’m still dreaming. But now I have the aide of Pinterest to help stretch my imagination beyond what I ever expected! I love weddings because of the significance they hold in relation to Jesus and His Bride, the Church. I love weddings because they are filled with joy. I love weddings because they are truly beautiful, and for a space of a few hours the world seems flawless.
Although the reality of a wedding is still far into the future for me, I still get a thrill when looking at anything bridal. Today I’m sharing some of my favorite finds, from Pinterest and elsewhere, in hopes of inspiring you — whether you’re planning a wedding or just ogling over confections of lace, satin and taffeta and daydreaming of “someday.”
via
Have you ever heard that first impressions are lasting impressions? It’s true. Start giving off a positive, romantic, exciting impression of your wedding immediately with your save-the-dates. While this is a great opportunity to show a more relaxed side of you and your future hubby, make sure that the theme of your save-the-date flows with the overall atmosphere you want for your wedding and the invitation that will follow.
via Ersa Atelier 2015 Bridal Gown Collection
Obviously some additions would need to be made to this gown for modesty’s sake, but I adore the full taffeta ball-gown styled skirt. The shorter train also leaves room for a cathedral length veil which would be especially dramatic. The delicate lace bodice creates enough contrast to keep the taffeta from becoming harsh, yet the combination is sophisticated, elegant and reminiscent of Grace Kelly’s timeless bridal gown as pictured below:
A destination wedding in France at an exclusive chateau? I’m pretty sure I would be OK with that!
Because really. How much more romantic could a reception setting be?
Apparently a lot more romantic, actually, because this evening reception setting is simply breathtaking! Those dancing lights underneath the moonlit sky make my heart want to spin in circles with happiness.
Maybe it’s the classical musician in me, but there is nothing better than a groom and his men dressed in classic black tuxedos or well-tailored suits at a wedding. Don’t get me wrong, I find the trendy, relaxed looks fresh and fun, but you can never go wrong with a classic black ensemble.
This whimsical bouquet though. Peonies are my favorite, but I love the idea of incorporating something a bit more wild and natural — like that wispy greenery! — somewhere within a wedding and the bridal bouquet is an ideal spot.
I have several more tabs open on my Safari browser of images that I would love to share with you, but I have a feeling we could probably spend all day having girl talk about our wedding dreams! What do you hope to incorporate into your wedding someday? Or did you already have your dream wedding and did everything turn out as you wished? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
PS: In honor of #WeddingWednesday, make sure you check out my Instagram @MissNicholeCriss for a throwback picture of my cousins and me with our aunt at the wedding that turned me into a wedding lover!