Today's real wedding is one that I love to feature - not only because it's beautiful and filled with lovely DIY creations, but because the bride herself emailed to share her wedding with me. The wedding of Kelly and Wayne {high school sweethearts} took place just a few weeks ago on July 6th in New Jersey. Their vintage Americana wedding was inspired by the Fourth of July and Kelly's grandfather {who had worked for Coca Cola for nearly 40 years}. Even though her grandfather is passed, Coca Cola remains a huge part of Kelly's family so it seems only fitting to incorporate that into their wedding. Continue reading for much more on the wedding itself and even more gorgeous photos from Rebecca Watkins Photography.

Kelly and Wayne's entire outdoor wedding used the color scheme of ivory, navy, burgundy and baby blue. It also included, of course, lots of the old time coke a cola glass bottles. As, Rebecca the photographer wrote: "Kelly and her bridesmaids had spend months creating all of the details, but left it to the boys to put them in place that morning. With a little guidance, Wayne and the guys did it perfectly. Who said boys were bad at arts and crafts?!" Don't you love that?

All of Kelly's jewelry along with the jewelry for her bridesmaids were handmade from artists on Etsy.com and her hairpiece was even made from her Mom's wedding dress. To wrap up the reception, Kelly, Wayne, and the entire bridal party had a surprise for the wedding guests . . . a fun choreographed dance {I will see if I can get a clip of the dance}.

you can see even more photos in the gallery below . . .  {click on each for a larger version}

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Wedding Vendors:
Flowers - ShopRite of Chews Landing, NJ
Bride's dress - David's Bridal
Bridesmaid dresses + Shoes {hello darling wedge in navy} - Mod Cloth
Wayne's suit - Banana Republic 
Cake - Diane's LaPatissere in West Berlin, NJ
Video - 23 Circles by Kevin and Danielle Malone 
Invitations - PaperSnaps 
Program Fans - Simply Inviting in Collingswood, NJ 
Necklace - Zafiriena on etsy
Bracelet - borrowed from grandmother
Earrings - Modern Designs by VKG on etsy
Hairpiece - Brass Boheme on etsy {made from Mother's old wedding dress sleeve}

Ahhhh, there's nothing quite like the sounds of the ocean and a sunny day at the beach. Having just returned from our summer vacation on Cape Cod - today's wedding from Chatham, MA on the Cape was submitted at just the right time. The photo below captures the Cape Cod landscape perfectly.

Today's couple, Michelle and Craig, are from NYC, but their love of Cape Cod brought their friends and family together to celebrate their marriage. After marrying in the quaint town of Chatham at Holy Reedemer Church, the bride and groom traveled to Chatham Light House and Main Street. On our latest trip to Cape Cod, we drove thru Chatham for the first time and fell in love with it. The main street had so many shops and eateries and when we approached Chatham Light House the fog had rolled in and while we couldn't see the ocean as a result - we just knew the view must be spectacular. If anybody can recommend a house to rent {without bugs} in Chatham, please do share.

Michelle and Craig's wedding was filled with many personal touches including homemade jelly by the bride's mom and handmade pashminas from India by the groom's mom. The bride's cameo necklace was her grandmother's and worn by her mom at her very own wedding to Michelle's dad. The bride's uncle designed her wedding gown, as well as her veil, purse and even the attire for both the mothers and maid of honors.

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Wedding Vendors:
 Photographer: Shoreshotz1 Photography 
Floral Designer: Fancy Flowers 
Musicians: Cape Cod Harpist 
Reception Venue: Chatham Bars Inn 
Lighting: Boston Event Lighting and Films 
Makeup Artist: Lisa George

This charming fall wedding of Whitney and Jordan took place in Texas at the Old Glory Ranch. The photos by Julie Wilhite Photography are just beautiful and I'm loving the hot fuschia for the bridal party dresses. The purple, pink, ivory and green flowers are simply stunning. A preview of the wedding is below and you can see many more photos in the slideshow.

​Wedding Vendors:
​Photographer: Julie Wilhite Photography 
​Venue + Flowers: Old Glory Ranch 
​Videographer: All Occasion Video
​Caterer: Fritz's Catering
​Cake: Classic Cakes by Lori 
​Band: Platinum of Austin
​Departure Vehicle: Carey Limousines of Austin

I have a special treat to start your week with today. Boston-based event planner, Lo McShay, of LoLo Event Design, has created her top tips for stress free wedding planning and is here to share them with you. And, she's also sharing a gorgeous backyard wedding that I know you will love. Just think . . . fire pit and s'mores to end the night with . . . yum!

Winter is finally over and that means engagement season has ended and wedding season is here. Newly engaged couples have undoubtedly stocked up on the prerequisite wedding magazines and have a newfound appreciation for the serious condition that is Pinterest addiction. To help make sense of it all, Lo McShay, founder of LoLo Event Design, a premier entertainment specialist company based in Boston, shares her top tips for a stress-free wedding planning process:  

The venue search: 
​Your wedding planning ultimately starts with the venue because the venue selection is the biggest decision of the wedding planning process (a couple’s combined venue and food & beverage costs reflect on average 46% of their total budget). The venue search can be daunting but Lo McShay tries to remind couples that there’s no such thing as a "perfect" venue; the key is finding the venue that’s "perfect for you."  By prioritizing your wish list and asking the right questions, it’s possible to find your perfect venue. To help couples with their search process, McShay has compiled a list of must-ask questions in this venue questions check list. Getting the answers to these questions will aid in ensuring you stay on budget, while also ensuring your venue fits your wants and needs. 

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And, now before Lo shares more of her wedding planning tips with you, I just have to show you this backyard fall wedding - I'm totally in love with it. The couple wanted to create a comfortable and tranquil atmosphere for their wedding guests. The wedding took place at the home of the bride's aunt {a place where Erin, the bride, holds fond childhood and family memories}. Along with the location, the entire wedding incorporated their family. Their officiant was the groom's brother and instead of bridesmaids and groomsmen standing by the couple - their families stood by them. The relaxed backyard vibe was carried out thru the use of picnic blankets on the grass for the cocktail hour and there was even a fire pit for late-night marshmallows and s'mores. There was also seasonal décor that included pumpkins, gourds, cornstalks, mums and natural wood to complement the autumn wedding.

And, now back to the wedding planning tips to make your day stress-free . . .​

Design your wedding around YOU: 
​Striving to make every event truly unique, Lo McShay emphasizes to couples that their wedding is the first time they're hosting their family and closest friends as a couple, so the principles they apply to their everyday lives should translate into their wedding. McShay starts the design process with a laundry list of questions for her clients and does not stop until their vision is brought to life. "When I first engage with a couple I try to unearth what exactly makes them tick, what makes them unique," says McShay. “I ask questions such as, how did you meet, what do you like to do on a Friday night and where did you spend your childhood summers? From there we develop high-level story boards with interior design and fashion imagery to nail their personal aesthetic.” These answers fuel the event design process and truly make the wedding unique to the particular couple.

The event timeline: 
​The biggest piece of advice for clients and what LoLo Event Design spends a lot of time organizing is the event timeline. McShay’s timelines are typically upwards of 10 pages long and include all drop-off/set-up details and key points throughout the night. The timeline may go off course a few minutes here and there, but it’s key to have a plan and to have someone who’s going to help you stick to that plan. McShay always suggests keeping your guests in mind, thinking through each transition and keeping a few surprises for the end of the night to keep spirits high. “When it comes to the end of the night, you’re exhausted and your guests are too, so we suggest having your bartenders serve guests espresso and tequila shots on the dance floor. No one has to wait in line, everyone can keep dancing and this will ensure you get the most out of the last hour at your reception.”

Keep your guests relaxed: 
​To really make your guests feel welcome and that they’re special enough in your life to be invited to your big day, the key is making them comfortable. McShay suggests having cocktails ready for them as soon as they walk into the event. Whether it’s a signature drink or lemonade before the ceremony, it’s these little touches that really make your guests feel comfortable and welcome. The more relaxed your guests, the more fun they’ll have and ultimately the more fun you’ll have.

LoLo Event Design is a full service event consultation and design firm offering imaginative entertaining opportunities for discerning clients throughout New England. Ms. McShay – considered one of area’s premier entertainment specialists – is known for signature hand-crafted details and her ability to transform spaces with a custom twist. Whether it’s styling for a photo shoot, a fundraiser for the Guidance Center at the Charles Hotel, a wedding at the Chatham Bars Inn, an intimate New Years’ Eve party at Battery Wharf, or a small private dinner party for two at home, LoLo Event Design custom tailors each and every event.  For more inspiring ideas or information, visit www.loloeventdesign.com or call (617) 838-5921.

Vendor Credits for Wedding:
​Kelly Benvenuto Photography, Jules Catering, Peterson Party Center, Party Designs, New England Country Rentals, Wedding Flowers by Annette, Beaunita Bakery, Shear Illusions Hair Studio and Spa, Wedding Paper Divas, Ellas Paper, Berklee School of Music, Groove Entertainment.

It has been a long time since I featured a real wedding. So today I thought I should change that and share with you a beautiful fall wedding from Chi Photography of Charleston. Sharon and Drew were married in Charleston, South Carolina with their reception being held at Waterfront Park.

Love how each bridesmaid is wearing a dress that fits their personal style.

Such gorgeous shots of the bride and groom in the field - beautiful lighting.