Since the wedding ...(which I am still waiting on all the photos... the anticipation is killing me!) I have had a lot of time to reflect what makes a great wedding *great*!
Here are my thoughts:
5. A great venue. This is irreplaceable. It creates the over-all feel that will set the tone for what kind of vibe you want to create. An outdoor space is a lot more versatile than an indoor. You can essentially create a room the way you want it. Check these venues out. I love a great outdoor space.
4. Party people. Love is meant to be shared. How could a wedding ever be a *great* wedding without the ones you love partying it up with ya?
3. Personal and well-thought out details. There is an English garden wedding on Style Me Pretty right now that explains this point perfectly. There is a chandelier in this wedding that is made of 700 tea bags. Yes. That's right. Totes amazeballs. Check it out here. Something that is original is a plus but inspiration must come from somewhere, right? If it has been done before but is specific to the bride and groom I say do it, to it! Here are a few more that I think are special.
This couple took jars of jams and sweets and wrapped them with a silhouette of them two of them.
2. Meaningful moments. A tribute of photographs to family members that have passed that you wish could be there. A special toast from an unexpected guest. Vows written by the bride and groom themselves. New "traditions" that the couple create for themselves. Anything that is creative and unique to the folks that are getting married always wins with me. It shows that the ceremony and the relationships with the guests are the focus. I just love that. Speaking of meaningful moments, our fab photog, Kelly Hornberger posted an entry on our wedding & a moment between Trey and his mom. It is so sweet and something that moved Kelly. Check it out here.
This couple lit a candle under their chuppah during their evening wedding. How gorgeous is this shot?
1. Two people who are in love & will change the world with their love. This part of the wedding is why two people decide to take the leap and nothing is more moving. Disregard the details, the ambiance, or the free food and booze. If the two getting hitched are people you love but know they won't last or they shouldn't be getting married, there is no thing or accoutrement that can make that wedding prettier. I saw a tweet once (that I favorite-d) from @BrideTide that said "A happy marriage is the union of two good forgivers :)" and I couldn't agree more. It takes deep, enduring love for marriage to work. In my extensive experience ;) of 21 days of wedded-ness I can say this is so true.
May there be more weddings out there with these elements to make them *great* weddings and *great* marriages!
xoxo
Julie
