Alison Phillips Photography Weddings aren’t typically synonymous with “sustainability,” but we can help change that by incorporating sustainable practices into weddings. Whether that’s during wedding planning, your ceremony, reception, or the entire process, here are several ways you can incorporate sustainable practices into your wedding.  Choose an eco-friendly wedding venue, such as one that can host a ceremony and a reception to minimize travel and carbon emissions.  Consider reusable signage options - such as chalkboard, acrylic, or glass pieces that can be reused or recycl ..read more

Photographer: Terrie Nelson We’re sure it comes as no surprise that wedding planning can be quite stressful. Between choosing your wedding venue, finding the perfect caterer, and dress shopping, wedding planning is not for the faint of heart. Hiring a wedding planner, however, can lighten the load and help take a lot of the stress off of you and your partner. Before you dot your I’s and cross your T’s, though, it’s important to hire the right wedding planner for you. So, here are several questions you should ask a potential wedding planner before you hire them.  What is the Planning & ..read more

Alexia Marie Photography Wedding planning doesn’t always have to take 12 or more months. Although having ample time to plan & prepare can ease stress and offer more options for vendors, that’s not to say you can’t plan your wedding in six months - or less! While it may be stress-inducing just reading that, you might be surprised with just how easy it can be to plan a wedding in six months or less.  Six Months Out  The Budget At the six month mark, you’ll want to figure out your budget - which includes who will be contributing to your wedding (and how much) - and to make a priori ..read more

Miya Jones Photography We all know weddings are expensive - not just for the couple but for guests as well, especially when it comes to the bridal party. And while your guests (including your bridal party) are typically more than happy to spend money celebrating you and your partner, how much is too much when it comes to spending money?  While there are no set rules for who should pay for what, it’s important that you and your bridal party are on the same page when it comes to finances. Here is a general guide on who should pay for what when it comes to the bridal party.  What Bride ..read more

Photographer: Moonstone Photography They say opposites attract - and if you’re Type A while your partner is Type B (or vice versa), it can make for a complementary relationship. Except when it comes to wedding planning…  A Type A person is typically extremely organized, inherently driven, and competitive while a Type B person is more relaxed, easygoing, and tends to go with the flow. As a result, wedding planning with these two personalities can be challenging. But it doesn’t have to be as challenging as you think - especially with these tips & tricks.  Talk Openly with Eac ..read more

We may be bias since we’re an outdoor wedding venue, but we love a garden wedding! With lots of greenery, romantic lighting and lush florals, garden weddings are a trend, we hope are here to stay. If your heart is set on a garden wedding, here are some wedding decor must-haves to include on your big day! Romantic Lighting Photography: Moonstone Photography Garden weddings aren’t complete without romantic lighting! Whether that’s during your ceremony, cocktail hour, or reception, romantic lighting is a must. Florals Galore Photography: SouthernPhotoCo When it comes to a garden wedding, there ..read more

Photographer: Moonstone Photography Congratulations on your engagement! There is nothing quite as exciting as those first few months of being engaged - between getting to call your partner fiance, starting to plan your wedding, and just enjoying your newfound status as “engaged.”  But, before you start spreading the news and begin planning, it’s important to be on the same page - here is some advice every newly engaged couple should hear before tying the knot! Know Your Partner’s Bucket List  While you’re entering into a partnership, it’s important to note that you are still your ow ..read more

Photographer: Miya Jones Photography You’re probably familiar with the traditional weddings, the elopements and the destination weddings - but did you know there are several more types of weddings to choose from? While traditional weddings are still very popular (as well as elopements and destination weddings), these four other wedding types are rising in popularity.  Before getting into the seven wedding types, just a note that these are recommendations and your wedding is an extension of you and your partner. Use these as a starting point to begin your wedding planning journey and crea ..read more

Erica Sofia Photography While there are many important aspects to your wedding day, one aspect that is equally important and fun is your wedding photography! And just like you have an itinerary for everything else on your wedding day, why shouldn’t you have one for your wedding photography?  Not only will a wedding photography timeline ensure you capture each and every moment, it also ensures you stay on schedule for your big day. It probably comes as no surprise that taking photos takes longer than you think, so having a schedule on when and where you’re having wedding photos taken will ..read more

Larissa Soroka Photography It’s a new year, and that means it’s time to look at what wedding trends are on the horizon for 2024. While some trends from 2023 are carrying over to 2024, there are a few new trends to look out for in the wedding industry. If you’re just starting to plan your wedding and looking for some inspiration, we’ve got your trend list right here!  PS - trends always come and go. At the end of the day, it’s YOUR wedding! Even if it’s not “trendy”, if it makes you and your partner happy, do it!  Those “WOW” Factor Moments  Lindsey Vanderwal Photography While ..read more