Whether it’s on a white sand beach or a remote mountaintop, elopements are on the rise for modern couples. Perfect for the couple who thrives on spontaneity, elopements are a great option for a non-traditional wedding. We’re breaking down more about elopements and sharing the perfect elopement wedding dresses for the adventurous bride-to-be, all under $500.

What is an elopement?

In the literal sense, to elope means to run away. In the wedding world, to elope suggests a couple is forgoing a formal wedding (and all its complementary events and traditions) and opting for a small ceremony and party somewhere other than their hometown. Some may elope in secret, while others inform and invite an exclusive guest list. In both instances, an elopements have a fun and intimate energy.

Elopement Wedding Dresses

No matter the elopement details, from guests to location, the bride deserves to wear a beautiful dress for her special day. Elopement wedding dresses are often more casual and carefree, mimicking the intimate affair. Plus, you’ll want to look for packable fabrics and easy-to-wear silhouettes, for that throw-it-on vibe.

SDWG1126 – $329.95

Perfect for an outdoor ceremony in a cool climate (mountaintop elopement, anyone?), this dreamy A-line wedding dress has long, billowed sleeves that add an ethereal touch to a classic design. A pleated waistband and a surplice bodice add elegant shape that flatters any body type.

SDWG1135 – $109.95

An ideal choice for beach weddings, this high-low wedding dress is crafted of allover lace and detailed with spaghetti straps and a flattering V-neckline. Pair it with a pair of bride sandals (or go barefoot!) for a chill bridal look that will still wow your future spouse.

SDWG0815 – $149.95

Looking for something classic and feminine for your elopement? Sleek, simple, and sexy, this slinky stretch jersey sheath dress is simple enough for a casual ceremony but delicate and figure-flattering enough to feel bridal. Our favorite detail? The lace-trimmed slit that add a dash of romantic allure to the look and shows off your bridal shoes.

DS152140 – $169.95

Whether you’re on the beach or in Vegas, this dazzling top is perfect for a fun and casual elopement. 3D appliqued flowers, beaded applique straps, and an alluring sweetheart neckline elevate this from “going out top” to “bridal wear,” especially when paired with a white tulle skirt, but we won’t blame you if you decide to re-wear it with your favorite pair of jeans!

The possibilities are endless when it comes to elopement wedding dresses! No matter how big or small the ceremony is, you still deserve to feel and look your best in the dress of your dreams.

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 Effortless Elopement Wedding Dresses appeared first on David's Bridal Blog.

How to Find a Wedding Venue: 7 Tips

1. Pick an Alternative Wedding Day

Wedding venues book up quickly since most couples are requesting a Saturday wedding date. By expanding your search and hosting your event on an alternate day, you might have more luck in choosing your dream venue. In recent years, more and more events are being held on a Thursday or Friday evening or even Sunday afternoon, making Saturday no longer the only day to consider. Beyond just considering alternative days for your event you should consider hosting a morning wedding or a brunch event. Having a weekday wedding not only might help you find a venue but can also be a budget saver as well.

2. Look for Non-traditional Wedding Venues

Museums, historical buildings, libraries, colleges, and yachts are all just a few of the alternatives to traditional wedding spaces that can work well for weddings. By considering a non-traditional wedding venue you significantly increase your chances of finding a wedding venue with availability. Locating a venue that is unique and special will also make it a memorable day for both you and your guests.

3. Research Off-Season Hotels + Resorts

Many destinations such as ski resorts will open their doors for weddings in the summer months. Since it is off-peak from their regular services this makes it a great option for availability. Another great resource to investigate is summer camps. These spaces often host weddings in the fall and spring months before their high summer camp season.

4. Consider a Private Residence For Your Wedding

There is a chance you can find your dream wedding venue in your own backyard or at a private residence. Check-in with friends or family to evaluate your options. Another great idea is to check out a popular rental listing site such as Airbnb or vrbo.com. If you do rent a house for your event, you will first just want to make sure hosting an event at the location is permitted. Along with that, it is important to see if you need insurance or paperwork to ensure no hiccups along the way.

5. National Parks

If you are planning to elope or want to have an epic outdoor wedding, National Parks are a great option. Many National Parks offer spaces to host a wedding making it both convenient and beautiful all at the same time. Often, you’ll find that these breathtaking backdrops are hidden gems. They have endless potential to create a personalized, unique wedding theme and event space.

6. Read Trusted Wedding Blogs

Utilize the internet and online sources when you can! Trusted wedding blogs have a wealth of information and can provide unique ideas for a wedding venue. Many highlight specific locations, cities and off the beaten path venues that may just be the ideas you have been searching for. These blogs focus on seasonal and trendy options that you might not otherwise consider. The blog ideas can be helpful alone and/or get your creative mind thinking of perfect options for your wedding day venue.

7. Ask Friends and Family

Lastly, searching for anything, even a wedding venue is easier when you enlist the help of friends and family. Start spreading the word about what type of venues you are looking for and you might be surprised at the number of suggestions that start flooding in.

A Final Tip for Finding Your Perfect Wedding Location

Take the stress out of planning your wedding venue by being open-minded and creative. Some of the most memorable weddings take place in the most non-traditional places. Be flexible if you can and you might be surprised to find your dream venue available in off-season or during the week. Guests are getting accustomed to weekday weddings and understand the challenges of venue availability. Venue options for your style and budget are possible and keep in mind many venues can be personalized to create your dream wedding event setting. So, start searching to create the most memorable day of your life and let the wedding planning process begin!

Planning a wedding? Sign up for our Diamond Loyalty program—it’s free —and find local wedding vendors!

Searching for the perfect wedding look for you and your party? If so, shop wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses,  gifts & decor, and accessories online at davidsbridal.com!

Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, and Facebook for more wedding inspiration, or click here to book an appointment at your local David’s Bridal.

Featured Image: @emilypradaphoto

The post How to Find a Wedding Venue When It Seems Impossible 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 to finding their wedding dresses to the special touches and surprising moments that made their celebrations completely one-of-a-kind. Tiffani and Alex postponed their big wedding for next year but still wanted to make things official. Read on for their lowkey micro-wedding in Indiana.

Briefly tell us how you and your fiancé met!

We met at a Halloween party in college in 2015! I never dated many guys growing up because I am so picky and a hopeless romantic. I was ready to date him not even a week after we met and that’s really how I knew he was the one.

Tell us your proposal story!

We love to travel together and planned a trip to Dallas, TX. I had told him If we were going to be that close to Magnolia that I wanted to make a day of that and so we did. He proposed in Waco, TX on a bridge!

How did you decide on your wedding day look?

I’ve always wanted sleeves, so that was a must for me! And since I’m still saving my original dress for a larger celebration later this year, I wanted something very different than that!

Do you have any shopping advice for future brides?

I feel like there’s a lot of pressure to cry or feel like you just know right away that that’s “the one” but don’t put that pressure on yourself. Just have fun and acknowledge things you love about each dress and how it makes you feel about yourself.

What was your favorite detail about your look?

I’d say the train or lace detailing!

Tell us about your wedding day!

It was stress-free and intimate. We got to spend more time taking photos + more time talking to family than we will probably get at our bigger wedding and reception.

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

I would say, reading vows. We decided last minute to do this. I always think it’s so sweet when people do but never wanted to do it in front of 250+ people, as I knew I’d be nervous and wouldn’t make it through. However, when we had to postpone our bigger wedding we decided to do it. Still didn’t make it through without crying but it was super sweet.

Did anything funny or unexpected happen?

Everything went pretty perfectly, at least that I was aware of! But if anything, I’d say crying during my vows. I made it one sentence in…not sure if everyone made out what I was saying after that. HAHA

Did you have to make any changes to your wedding plans because of Covid?

Because of COVID, we are actually having our big wedding on New Year’s of next year! So, we just had 25 of our family members and had a small ceremony and a little dinner! I got a new dress, we chose a different venue, and cut our guest list to 25 people!

What was your favorite DIY or personal touch?

My grandmother was one of my favorite people ever and she passed 1.5 years ago. She had a blue ring and I tied it to my bouquet as my “something blue” and something to remind me that she was there with me. She loved Alex!

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

It was very hard to do considering the circumstances, but I kept reminding myself that it was out of our control and we would still have a beautiful day surrounded by loved ones and that’s what REALLY matters. Also, that we are really getting the best of both worlds getting two weddings.

What’s your best wedding planning advice?

Know that some things may not go as planned but you will probably be the only one to know that so don’t stress the small stuff!

More Details:

Date: November 6th, 2020

Location : Red Barn Acres (Fremont, IN)

Dress Style: Floral Lace Long-Sleeve Dress

Photographer: Haley Macciomei Photography

Love this intimate rustic micro-wedding in Indiana? 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.

The post Real Wedding: Tiffani & Alex 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 to finding their wedding dresses to the special touches and surprising moments that made their celebrations completely one-of-a-kind. Jordan and Alfonso planned their intimate California elopement in 90 days! Read on for more mini wedding inspiration!

How did you and your fiancé met! How did you know that he was the one?

Alfonso and I were talking on the phone and texting nonstop before our first date. I think we both knew that this was something special. We spent over four hours in this restaurant! Talking about everything under the sun, so many laughs, and lots of flirty smiles. It honestly felt like we knew each other for years. We felt so much comfort with one another. We never experienced anything like this before. It wasn’t too long before we were spending several days together and going on constant adventures and trying new things. Over time, we learned so much from each other and grew together not only as individuals but as partners.

Tell us your proposal story!

It was intimate and sweet. Just the two of us. On Christmas Day, we spent the morning in our Christmas pajamas and opening up presents with our 8-month-old puppy. We were so happy and relaxed, sipping coffee. It was honestly the perfect moment. The next thing I know, he disappears and a tiny little red box in his hands. Lots of happy tears and kisses were shared as we opened up this new chapter in our life.

How did you decide on your bridal look and how did you feel when you #foundtheone?

I knew I wanted something unique and not super formal. I wanted to look gorgeous but also relaxed! Honestly, this was the first dress I tried on. I felt like ME!  The top piece was my favorite. The beadwork was exquisite and unique. I felt 100 percent comfortable. I tried on a second dress afterward as I had at least six others picked but I knew instantly that the first one was THE ONE!

Do you have any shopping advice for future brides?

Go with your heart. I guaranteed that you will know as soon as you see yourself in the dress!

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

My wedding day was planned in less than 90 days. We were originally planning for March 2021 but as the pandemic continued to get worse and planning became more and more difficult, we decided on an elopement ceremony. The most memorable moment was the first look – when he first opened up his eyes and saw me in my dress. We were able to have an intimate and loving moment before our ceremony. It is a memory I will always cherish.

Did anything funny or unexpected happen?

We did a brief champagne toast after our ceremony and a close friend and family member prepared a tiny speech during that time. Unexpectedly, almost every single one of our family members started coming up to say a speech. It was so unexpected and spontaneous. It was a circle of tears and so many laughs as both our families bonded over our love.

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

Despite us skipping the traditional wedding route and going for a minimony, there still was a lot of detail to consider! I would say get organized on the vendors, their contact, their deposits, etc. It was definitely a lot to keep track of and definitely have a designated person on the wedding day as well. Luckily, my friend took over to help take care of the administrative stuff during the wedding so I did not have to worry.

What was your favorite DIY or personal touch?

I created my own bouquet from scratch!

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

Lots of deep breathing. I made sure to get lots of sleep before the big day as well!

What’s your best wedding planning advice?

Get a good photographer – it’s worth the money. I knew I needed a photographer that was able to take pictures without us posing and allow us to be our natural selves. When you are in the moment, all you can think about is marrying the love of your life, not necessarily posing, lighting, etc. Our photographer knew exactly what she was doing.

More Details

Date: October 23, 2020

Location: Parq West, San Diego, CA

Dress Style: Embellished Top & Chiffon Full Circle Skirt

Photographer: Katie Iredale Photography

Love this intimate California 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.

The post Real Wedding: Jordan & Alfonso appeared first on David's Bridal Blog.

Thinking about a smaller, more intimate wedding but not sure where to start? Minimony, micro wedding, or elopement, no matter what you call it, we know not everyone wants their big day to be a grand soiree for 300, and we’re here to help! We asked Pearlice Diggs, founder of P3 Weddings & Events in Atlanta, to share her best small wedding ideas.

1. Limit your guest list

“Guest count is everything,” says Diggs, because it determines the amount of invitations, tables, centerpieces, food, and other related expenses. “Make sure the people you’re inviting are the ones you have a close connection with. Think about who has been a part of your journey, both as individuals and as a couple.”

2. Change up the calendar

With fewer people’s schedules to work around, you might try tying the knot on a day other than Saturday, the day that books up the quickest. “You can get a better deal if you go with another day of the week,” Diggs says.

3. Choose a multipurpose venue

For a logistically simple wedding, “pick a space where you can host both the ceremony and the reception,” says Diggs. “It’s convenient, and you’re saving money by not shuttling guests all over the city.”

4. Repurpose flowers and decor

Another plus of hosting the whole day in one location: You can easily reuse ceremony flowers and decorations at the reception. “Use altar arrangements at the head table, and place bridal attendants’ bouquets in vases for centerpieces so you’re not paying twice,” says Diggs. “It’s economical!”

5. Splurge on what matters

Hosting a smaller wedding lets you direct more funds to high-priority elements, like a good photographer, that special dress, or even your honeymoon. “Put your money to the items that mean the most to you,” suggests Diggs.

If things start to get out of control, keep in mind that “with a smaller event, you get to see snapshots of the couple’s personality,” says Diggs. “It really keeps the focus on the bride and groom.” Friends and family who come to celebrate also get more attention. The planner recalls one pair she worked with who had more than 200 guests: “To this day, they don’t remember everybody who was there!”

Feeling inspired by these small wedding ideas? Get started today by shopping in-store or online at davidsbridal.com! Plus, keep all your planning organized using our free online wedding planning toolkit!

Featured photo by @LakenWilcox

The post How to Have the Best Small Wedding: 5 Ideas | Pearl 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 to finding their wedding dresses to the special touches and surprising moments that made their celebrations completely one-of-a-kind. Read on for Jordan and Tylar’s chic boho elopement at Joshua Tree.

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

We started dating when I was a junior and he was a senior in high school and we’ve been inseparable ever since! Conveniently, we had the same school in mind and went to James Madison University together. We lived together our senior year and then after graduating, we moved to California together! I knew he was the one before I even turned 18. Our love was cosmic. We were perfect for each other. Our first date was the first time we’d ever spoken to each other but it felt like we’d known each other our whole lives. As cliche as it sounds, it was truly love at first sight!

Tell us your proposal story!

In our first year of college, we went to California to visit my brother for a summer vacation. I’d been once before and insisted on taking him to see the sunset in Laguna Beach, so when we went it was absolute magic. Apparently, at that moment he knew he’d bring me back to that same spot one day to pop the question. Fast forward five years, he got our mutual friend and photographer Rohn to ask me to do a photo shoot for my blog one day, so I just assumed he was in town for work and wanted to create together. I drove to Laguna without a clue of what was about to go down. I literally wore a wedding pantsuit because I thought I was just shooting some looks for Instagram. So embarrassing!

When we got down to the beach, Rohn handed me his phone to watch a video of Tylar telling me he loved me and that he wanted to ask me a question. On the beach were four lanterns, each with a folded up love note on the inside. Each love note ended with a line of this poem that Tylar ends all of his love letters with. When I walked around the corner after reading the last note, he was standing there beside the same flowers he left on my porch the night he asked me to be his girlfriend in 2012.

I walked over to him, he grabbed my hand and told me how he wanted to love me forever, and got down on one knee. I’m not going to lie, I kind of blacked out a little bit because I was so nervous, but I embraced him immediately and said yes! On the inside of my engagement ring, he engraved the last line of the poem he ends all of his letters with: “but never doubt I love.”

How did you decide on your wedding dress?

I tried on a ton I thought I liked but cried when I tried the one on (a beaded V-neck sheath from the DB Studio collection)! I didn’t expect to want something so classy and traditional, but it was perfect. The beading in the center is shaped like a diamond and I love the open back! I felt excited, emotional, and like a bride when I found the one!

Do you have any dress-shopping advice for future brides?

Go in open-minded! You never know what you want until you try it on. I thought I wanted something super boho with lace and bell sleeves. But that style ended up being super unflattering on me and I ended up with a fitted, beaded, Gatbsy-looking dress!

Tell us about your wedding day!

We got married in Joshua Tree, just the two of us. My brother officiated the wedding, which was really special. Tylar was waiting for me in the desert as I rolled up in a vintage white mustang. Once I got over to him, he turned around and cried when he saw me for the first time. We exchanged our vows, cried a lot, and then made it official! It was super easy and super simple, but it was absolute magic. After we finished the ceremony and the photos, we hopped in the convertible, blasted classic rock, and drove to Popeyes to end the night!

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

Tylar’s vows were everything to me. People get caught up in the location, the guests, the bridal party, and all that jazz but all I needed was to hear him promise himself to me. We both wrote our own vows and his were the most romantic thing I’d ever heard. He could literally give Nicholas Sparks a run for his money.

Did anything funny or unexpected happen?

I almost forgot my bouquet. Ty left for the desert first so that he didn’t see me in my dress and my brother drove me there in the mustang after. The mustang wouldn’t start at first, and when it finally did I realized I forgot my bouquet when we were halfway there so we had to turn back around and get it.

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

Honestly, it went so well. I highly suggest eloping because it went exactly as planned and was stress-free!

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

I listened to my favorite songs all day to distract my mind!

What’s your best wedding planning advice? And what advice do you have for brides that are planning their weddings right now?

Get eloped! It’s so special having the ceremony for just you and your partner. Even if you celebrate or have an official ceremony later, I highly suggest taking a day for just you two. There was something so magical about being alone in the desert with just our vows and promise of infinite love. It was easy going, relaxing, special, intimate, romantic, and perfect.

MORE DETAILS:

Date: September 25, 2020

Location: Joshua Tree National Park, California

Dress Styles: Beaded Sheath V-Neck

Photographer: @hannahdeklephoto

Love this chic boho elopement at Joshua Tree? 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.

The post Real Wedding: Jordan & Tylar appeared first on David's Bridal Blog.

Gone are the days when an elopement is considered to be rebellious or taboo. Today, elopements are viewed as an opportunity to celebrate your love with an intimate ceremony for reasons that are personal to you! Whether it be for reasons of sentiment, timing, or financial, you’ll probably find that friends and family will be understanding of your decision, even if they won’t be there! So, if you are considering a destination elopement, we enlisted the help of our friends at Sandals Resorts to share ways that you can stay true to your wedding plans without guests.

Create a Wedding Website

A personalized wedding website is a perfect opportunity to share your love story! Make it completely your own with all the details about your big day and if you’d like, share some details about why you wish to celebrate with a destination elopement.

Also, friends and family will want to know how they can celebrate you with a gift! Take some time to build your perfect registry with all your must-have newlywed essentials or honeymoon add-ons. Making this available on your website is key and is an easy way for friends and family can show they love and support.

Go Dress Shopping with Friends & Family

While you may be eloping, that doesn’t mean your friends and family can’t be a part of your traditional wedding planning festivities. Make plans to take your friends and family with you to your wedding dress appointment so they can help you find your dream dress! While they might not be there when you tie the knot, you both will know that they played a part in making your wedding day a reality.

Plan to have photography and videography capture your moments

When you get back from your destination elopement, you’ll have so many beautiful images and visuals to show your friends and family about your amazing adventure. With a good photography package, you’ll get everything you need to capture every precious and memorable moment of your day. At Sandals, a slideshow is included with every package, so you don’t have to wait for your full edit photos before sharing with friends and family back home.

Plus, don’t forget about video! Video is the best way to relive all of the memories with your friends and family afterward and feel like they are there with you! Plus, it’s a special way for the two of you to relive the feelings and emotions of the moments captured!

For those that want to have friends and family virtually attend, explore having your wedding live-streamed using the high-quality, no interruption service at Sandals! Your guests watching the stream will be able to see the groom waiting at the altar, the bride walking down the aisle, the couple’s first dance, and even cake cutting – it’ll be almost as if they’re right there with you!

Host a gathering after you return

Hosting a gathering after your return is the perfect way to make your friends and family feel special! Whether formal or informal, it’s the perfect way to get together, pass pictures around, and share your experience with everyone! You can even use this celebration as an opportunity to re-wear your wedding dress so your friends and family can see you in your full bridal glory!

With Sandals Resorts, find a destination that can help you create amazing memories to share with a custom destination elopement package. With customizable wedding options and a wedding entourage to help you plan, your destination elopement will be one to remember with so many ways to have your friends and family feel like they are a part of your special moments.

The post How to Include Family & Friends in Your Destination Elopement 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 to finding their wedding dresses to the special touches and surprising moments that made their celebrations completely one-of-a-kind. Read on for Megan and Robert’s romantic forest elopement!

How did he propose?

Throughout our relationship, we have always liked visiting Hocking Hills, whether by ourselves, with our dogs, or with a group of friends. In January 2019, we rented a cabin in Hocking Hills for our anniversary. There was a huge snow and ice storm that week, and most of our hiking plans were changed. We attempted to hike to Old Man’s Cave, but the ice was too much and very unsafe. Apparently, Rob had the ring with him and had planned to propose on the hike! I, of course, didn’t know that and insisted we return to the cabin because of the conditions. He later proposed that night. After putting on the movie Die Hard, lighting the fireplace and pouring some wine, he surprised me by proposing! I was totally not suspecting it, but it could not have been more perfect. Who knew that changes in plans would become an apparent theme for us!

How did you decide on your wedding dress? What did you love most about it and how did it make you feel? Any dress-shopping advice for future brides?

On a whim, I decided to go dress shopping the week after getting engaged, and said I was just going to “look”, as I am sure many other brides tell themselves as well. We didn’t have a date or venue yet, so I told myself I was going to wait. I went with my mom, sister, and two best friends. My stylist was amazing and picked up on the vague words I was trying to spill out about what I was interested in trying. The first two dresses were gorgeous, but something wasn’t perfect about them. As soon as I tried on the third dress, I immediately started crying, which was totally unexpected. I couldn’t explain why I was crying, but I just felt emotional because I loved everything about it. It made me feel so pretty and was exactly what I wanted.

My advice to other brides would be to try a few different styles of dresses. Even the ones that you think either wouldn’t look good or aren’t your style. I was surprised with how I actually liked a little bit about the other dresses I had tried, even though I wouldn’t have picked them out myself. And trust your stylist! Be honest about what you want to feel and look like, and give honest feedback about what you like or dislike about the dresses you try. That helps so that they can guide you to the dress of your dreams.

Tell us about your wedding day! We know you had originally planned a larger ceremony and reception with over 100 guests!

The night before the wedding, I stayed at my parent’s house. Even though we were eloping, Rob still wanted to keep it somewhat “traditional” with us being apart for the night before and getting ready separately. I still wore my satin robe I had planned to wear to feel a little extra special while getting ready. My friend, Augist, came over to help me getting ready and into my dress, and drove me down to Ash Cave. Rob’s friend John drove him down to the park as well, where they stood as witnesses to our ceremony. I spotted Rob across the parking lot and was taken aback by how handsome he looked in his suit. That’s when it really set in that we were doing this – we were actually doing it! We opted to do a first look, about halfway down the trail. I wore duck boots due to the mud and gave up on keeping the dress pristine pretty quickly! Our ceremony was very intimate and we were both just filled with excitement. Due to the rain, and the Coronavirus, there weren’t many people out and about which was nice. We had the cave nearly to ourselves for a portion of the ceremony and most of the pictures. After we wrapped up, we picked up our “reception” dinner and had our friends Augist and John over to celebrate.

Did anything funny or unexpected happen?

Our officiant, Windi, was about to pronounce us husband and wife, and was stepping back to avoid being in the picture, and fell off the rock we were standing on! After confirming she was ok, unharmed, and laughing, she yelled, “you may kiss the bride!” And we, along with the group of strangers that had gathered to spectate our nuptials, bust out laughing.

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

I wish I didn’t stress myself out so much with the little details. While we are still planning on having a renewal ceremony and reception on our new date with our venue in January, I feel much more relaxed about it now. In the end, our love is the most important thing. The little details are just added bonuses rather than the big picture.

What was your first dance song?

We danced in our living room by ourselves to “Swept Away” by The Avett Brothers.

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

I just lived in the moment. I realized that this was not what we had originally had in mind, nor did our families, but we felt so strong about our decision to go through with it. It was going to be a surprise to all but a select amount of people, and eloping is something that neither of us would ever be thought to do. I just went with the flow each step of the way, embraced the excitement and spontaneity of it all, and had a smile on my face the whole day.

What’s your best wedding planning advice? And what advice do you have for brides that are going through a similar situation right now?

The best planning advice I can give is to think about what is really important to yourselves, and soak in all the good that comes of your wedding day. Lean on your friends or family to help you when you need it; don’t be afraid to ask for help. For those that are facing huge changes to your planned wedding due to the uncertainty of the world right now, try to focus on the positives. Whether that may be that you get more time to plan, or maybe that some guests that weren’t able to attend your original date will get to come on your new date. In the end, your relationship to your partner is the most important part of the big day, and you will come out of this stronger for having gone through it together.

More Details

• Wedding Date: March 20, 2020
• Location: Ash Cave, Hocking Hills State Park, Logan, OH
• Dress Style: A-line
• Photographer: Renee Freeman Photography

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 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.

The post Real Wedding: Megan & Robert appeared first on David's Bridal Blog.

Planned in 24 Hours!

Real weddings are so inspiring! To get you in the mood to plan—and party!—we asked real brides to spill the details on everything from getting engaged to finding their wedding dresses to the special touches and surprising moments that made their celebrations completely one-of-a-kind. Read on for Jaymee and Kenny’s romantic elopement in Nashville.

Tell us your love story!

We went to the same high school, and we reconnected after college when we ran into each other in our hometown one night. The rest is history. I moved back to my hometown, where I swore I would never live again, and I’ve never been happier.

Time Flies

My husband thought I changed my mind because I was an hour late. No cold feet for me—you try pulling off an entire wedding in one day and get there on time!

What happened on your wedding day?

On November 2, we decided we were done with the wedding planning craziness, and we were just going to do it. My husband called his brother and told him to drive home from his college town two hours away, and I called my maid of honor and she flew in from Florida. Bridal party: Check. The next day we headed straight to city hall. Marriage license: Check. I rushed to the airport to pick up Morgan, my maid of honor. We drove immediately to David’s Bridal and picked out my dream dress in 30 minutes. Dress: Check.

Wow! Then what?

After realizing I had nowhere to get ready, my photographer scooped up Morgan and me and brought us to her house for makeup and finishing touches. As we were driving to the venue—which my photographer picked day-of, mind you—I had a moment of panic: I didn’t have flowers! As we turned the corner, there was a flower truck right there waiting for me. We pulled the car over and picked out a Pinterest-perfect bouquet. Flowers: Check. We made it to the venue before sunset, and by 5:45 p.m. on November 3, I was a married woman. It couldn’t have been a more perfect day.

After the madness of our absolutely insane yet romantic whirlwind of a day, we came home and danced alone in our living room to Garth Brooks’ “Shameless.” Possibly my favorite memory of the entire day.

Tell us about finding The Dress.

I knew the moment I put the dress on it was the one. I didn’t want to try other dresses on “just in case.” I looked in the mirror and thought to myself, I’m going to marry my best friend in this dress. David’s Bridal pulled off nothing short of a wedding miracle and had my dress altered to perfection within an hour.

What is your best wedding advice?

Your wedding is for you. It’s not for your family, it’s not for your friends, and it’s not to outdo a wedding you saw on Pinterest. It’s about you and your fiancé dedicating your lives to one another.

More Details:

• Silhouette: Sheath

• Location: Nashville, Tennessee

• Date: November 3, 2016

• Photographer: Glenai Gilbert Photography

• Wedding Theme: Romantic Boho Elopement

The post Real Weddings: Jaymee and Kenny appeared first on David's Bridal Blog.