Sandy beaches and romantic gardens make for stunning wedding ceremony backdrops, but an outdoor wedding may leave you wondering what you should wear on your feet. Sinking heels are a no-go when battling grass, sand, or uneven surfaces. We’re sharing our picks for the ideal outdoor wedding shoes for the bride, bridal party and guests too.

Sandals

Style STEVEE, AUBREE, GEMMA

While sandals are especially perfect for a beach wedding, the flat soles are ideal for any wedding venue. Whether you change into them for dancing or are just simply not a heel girl, a pair of sandals are the foolproof solution to any wedding shoe catastrophes. Choosing a pair with added jewels will help keep the look chic while adding some bling. Tying the knot in the sand and want to ditch shoes completely? Foot jewelry  is a pretty finishing touch.

Flats

Style TYME, AVIE, ANTONIA

Similar to sandals, flats are a top choice for all day comfort, especially for a more formal event or venue. The absence of a heel makes mingling around the reception and twirling around the dance floor a breeze!

Wedges

Style ETTA, SHYLA, FRIEND

Looking for a little added heel height but don’t want to compromise on built-in stability? Wedding wedges keep you above ground for the day-of. They offer the allure of a heel but the comfort of a flat. The flat platform will help you better navigate around uneven surfaces and keep you from sinking in. And best of all, with so many options to choose from, you’ll find a favorite with details fit for a formal (think winery) or more casual (like a backyard) affair.

Block Heels

Style KAYA, CALE, RISSA

You can never go wrong with a trendy block heel! The thick heel offers more balance and makes walking in them so much easier than a pair of sky high stilettos. Where a thin heel risks sinking into the grass, a block heel will keep you stable and makes walking across an outdoor venue easy and effortless.

Heel Helpers

If you are totally a pump or heel girl and can’t bear to part with the perfect shoe for your gown, we totally understand. Place a cap on your heel for minimal sinking and for some added support. The Solemates heel protector (available at your local store!) makes uneven surfaces stable and grassy lawns impenetrable. Win/win!

The style options are endless when it comes to finding the perfect pair of shoes for your outdoor event! With so many different styles, you don’t have to compromise on the look you are going for. For more inspiration for your outdoor wedding shoes, our unconventional bridal shoe guide has even more possibilities to offer! Find these styles and more at your local David’s Bridal or shop with us online at davidsbridal.com!

The post The Best Shoes For An Outdoor Wedding 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 and finding their wedding dresses to the special touches and surprising moments that made their celebrations completely one-of-a-kind. Today’s real wedding feature comes from Tabitha & Chadin. These two soulmates tied the knot in a sweet, fall wedding in Tennessee. To see more from their love-filled day keep scrolling!

Briefly tell us how you and your fiancé met!

Chadin and I met at a bar/restaurant called Macados. I was out with a girlfriend and he was out with all of his friends. He had been walking around when I noticed him and knew I just had to talk to him but was too scared to try! Coincidentally, he and his friends got sat at the booth behind us. One of his friends came and sat at my table because he didn’t have room at their booth. This friend got up at one point and that’s when Chadin started talking to me.

How did you know that he was the one?

I knew he was the one when we could stay up all night talking & spend every day together. He would do little things every day to show me he cared for me and loved me.

Tell us your proposal story!

I had family come in from out of town for the Fourth of July. We were all at my grandparent’s house going outside to get ready to shoot off fireworks. I remember I went inside to get a drink and when I came back out, everyone had their phones and cameras out. My brother is the one I remember most, he was grinning ear to ear. I walked over to Chadin and he gave me a kiss and said, “If I could have everyone’s attention. I couldn’t think of a better time to do this other than with all the people she loves so much and who love her.” He proceeded to get down on one knee and ask me to marry him!

How did you both decide on your wedding day look?

I’ve dreamt about my wedding for years, so I had a pretty good idea of what I wanted. I wanted something elegant but fun, specifically something with sleeves and lace. The most important piece to my look was that I had to be able to move and dance. I actually danced a little in every dress I tried on to make sure I could!

For Chadin and his groomsmen, we ended up renting their looks and adding a personal touch. Chadin wanted to include his favorite college football team in some way and found Tennessee Power T bow ties! They were the perfect addition to his wedding day look.

Do you have any shopping advice for future brides?

Try on all kinds of styles. You never know what you might actually like. Having the dress on versus seeing it in pictures or on someone else is very deceiving. Take the people closest to you that you know will speak the truth about anything you put on but also support you in whatever you decide. Trying to find a dress and feel comfortable and beautiful in it is very hard, but with the right support, it is so much fun!

How did you feel when you knew that you #foundtheone?

I knew it was the one because the second I put it on I had butterflies, and kept imagining saying “I do” to Chadin. I also couldn’t stop smiling.

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

One of the most memorable things for me was the private dance we had while everyone was setting up for the send-off. We were able to have that time to just be in each other’s arms laughing, talking, just spending time with each other. It was a nice and relaxing time. We hardly even danced, we just kind of swayed and talked.

Is there something you wish you had known before the big day?

One thing I wish I’d realized was you can’t please everyone, no matter how hard you try. Another thing I wish I had known was how fast the day actually goes by. It really does fly by. I felt like I had just blinked and it was gone!

What was your favorite DIY or personal touch?

On my bouquet, I had a “todo mi amor” charm, which means all of my love. My family started a tradition where we would make a keychain or necklace out of beads and each bead represented a person we always want with us. My grandparents weren’t able to come to the wedding, so my mom made me a “todo mi amor” for them to put all their love into. Even though they were not able to be present it still felt like they were there!

What advice do you have for brides that are planning their weddings right now?

Here are a few pieces of advice I’d like to share with future brides and ones planning now:

1. Include your significant other as much as possible
2. Book the big vendors first
3. Set a reasonable budget
4. Start an idea board
5. Ask your officiant to move before your first kiss
6. You can’t please everybody. The day is about you and your significant other, no one else. Do what makes you two happy!
7. Splurge on a photographer and videographer
8. Make sure to set aside some time to spend with just you and your husband during the day
9. Something will go wrong, nothing is perfect. Don’t stress about it!

More Details:

Wedding Date: October 9th, 2021

Location: The International Storytelling Center, Jonesborough TN

Dress Style: Illusion Sleeve Plunging Ball Gown Wedding Dress

Wedding Song: “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” by Frankie Valli

Photographer: Chasing Lux, Macie Humphrey

Love this fall wedding in Tennessee? 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.

Planning a wedding? Sign up for our Diamond Loyalty program—it’s free! Follow us on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for more real wedding inspiration, or click here to book an appointment.

The post Real Wedding Tabitha & Chadin 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 and finding their wedding dresses to the special touches and surprising moments that made their celebrations completely one-of-a-kind. Olivia and her now husband Brandon officially tied the knot with a rustic outdoor wedding in Delaware. Keep reading to see all the details from their special day!

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

I met my husband in high school! We met our freshman year, started dating in the beginning of our sophomore year, and have been together ever since (10 years!). I knew that he was the one when I realized that we are complete opposites! He’s the opposite of me in nearly every aspect, but I think that’s why we’ve made it nearly a decade together through some of the hardest times of our lives. We balance each other out. On top of that, he truly is my best friend. I couldn’t imagine life without him. 

Tell us your proposal story!

We got engaged in September of 2019 at a local lavender farm, Lavender Fields. It was our 7 year anniversary and the entire thing was a surprise! We stood under a beautiful gazebo surrounded by tons of flowers and butterflies and he propped his phone up on a bench to take a picture… little did I know that the camera was actually recording and he got down on one knee and proposed right there! 

How did you both decide on your wedding day look?

When deciding on what we envisioned for our wedding day, we both agreed that we wanted something comfortable and nothing super fancy. During the original planning, we knew immediately that we wanted food trucks! We’re two very laid back people and we truly wanted our wedding day to be a true reflection of us and our relationship. 

Do you have any shopping advice for future brides?

The best piece of advice I can offer to any new brides when dress shopping is this: try it all on! Even if you love it or hate it on the rack, it almost always looks completely different on! For example, my wedding dress was a gorgeous sheer Galina Signature dress with a super pretty over skirt. I specifically remember pulling that dress off the rack and thinking that a dress that had a nude bodysuit underneath was crazy! I laughed and put it back on the rack and tried on 5 to 7 dresses that I thought I might like. I left that day with no dress and felt a bit discouraged. Later that day, when I got home, I was back to looking on David’s website and stumbled across a picture of that very same Galina Signature dress. This time, it was actually on a person and not just hanging on a rack, and I absolutely LOVED it. Right away, I made an appointment to try on that dress. As soon as I put it on, I knew. It wasn’t at all traditional, but it was me. 

Tell us about your wedding day!

Our wedding was beautiful. We got married at a historic barn just five minutes from where we live. Decorations consisted of some twinkle fairy lights to light up the barn, candles, burlap, & white flowers with some eucalyptus. From start to finish, our wedding day was the most relaxed I’ve ever been at a wedding. It just felt intimate and comfortable for everyone. We even had Mister Softee show up as a surprise for our guests!

I think the highlight of that entire day was the ceremony itself. Our ceremony was outside, just beside the barn. The weather was sunny & gorgeous and we were lucky enough to have perfect clear skies all day, giving us a dreamy golden hour ceremony followed by cotton candy skies that made for some AMAZING photos. It was better than any of us could have imagined! Even four months later, I still catch myself flipping through pictures in awe of what a beautiful day it was. 

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

Something I wish I knew before the wedding: how fast it goes! I know that’s the number one thing everyone tells you and to try your best to really be present. They weren’t kidding! It’s definitely easy to get overwhelmed especially as the big day gets closer and closer but try not to sweat the little things. 

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

Covid unfortunately affected nearly all aspects of our wedding, but it all ended up better because of it! For example, to keep things “Covid friendly” we had individually wrapped freshly baked cookies to hand out instead of cake. We had a beautiful outdoor ceremony & the reception was in a huge barn with big open doors to have fresh air. We didn’t want Covid to take over, but we did make a few other small changes along the way to keep our friends and family safe. 

Did you have a first dance song?

My husband and I had our first dance to “You’re My Best Friend” by Queen. Brandon and I are HUGE Queen fans! We struggled finding a song up until the week of the ceremony! When someone suggested “You’re My Best Friend” it became obvious that that really summed us up. It’s not a traditional song at all, but it’s us. And it’s cool that it’s a pretty popular song all these years later and it’s fun to catch it playing when we go out sometimes. Not only is it a great song but it also reminds us of such a special day and of course, each other. 

What flavor was your wedding cake?

We had a small cake for us to cut at the reception which was a small “naked cake”. It was a Lemon Blueberry pound cake & it was amazing!

What was your theme?

Our theme was very rustic and casual! The Historic Penn Farm is a real, functional piece of history in the town where I grew up and it’s not typically a wedding venue. It didn’t take a lot to give it that real rustic feel since it’s an actual real barn! 

What was your favorite DIY or personal touch?

My favorite part of the decor was the huge, wooden hexagonal arch that my dad built by hand for us to stand in front of for the ceremony! It was decorated with macrame, flowers & gorgeous white fabric that blew in the wind. All of the decor was DIY and on a budget. My parents dedicated so much time and effort into all of the little details to give us a wedding that was more than we ever could have dreamed of. I couldn’t have asked for anything better. 

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

The best advice I can offer to anyone who’s planning a wedding right now is that you don’t have to spend tons of money to have an amazing wedding! Think of all the weddings that you’ve been to in your lifetime and think about all the most memorable aspects of each. It most likely wasn’t the fancy decorations or the super expensive venue that you remember most. It’s the atmosphere and the love story that you get to be a part of. Your guests are not going to remember that you chose the super fancy centerpieces, but they are going to remember how happy you and your partner looked that day and how much fun they had celebrating the two of you. Try not to focus too much on things that won’t matter when you look back. Months later, our wedding guests still compliment us on how comfortable and relaxing our wedding was! It was cozy and intimate and even with a guest list of over 150 people, nearly everyone commented on how great the overall vibe was & how it just represented us. That’s the best you can ask for! We are so blessed to have been able to share that part of ourselves with our closest friends and family! 

Anything else you’d like to share?

One more thing I want to add that was one of my favorite parts of the whole day was that my dog, Winnie got to be a part of everything. From walking down the aisle in a little suit on a pearl leash, to being in the officiants arms as he announced us as husband and wife, to being in Me and Brandon’s arms at the end of the night dancing with us- he was there every step of the way! Anyone who knows us knows that we love our dog as if he were a real human child so it was such an amazing thing to be able to have him there.

More Details:

Wedding Date: 10/01/2021

Wedding Location : Historic Penn Farm New Castle, DE

Wedding Dress Style: Embroidered Floral Illusion Bodysuit Wedding Dress

Photographer: Jen & Katie Photography

Love this rustic outdoor wedding in Delaware? 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.

Planning a wedding? Sign up for our Diamond Loyalty program—it’s free! Follow us on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for more real wedding inspiration, or click here to book an appointment.

The post Real Wedding: Olivia & Brandon 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 and finding their wedding dresses to the special touches and surprising moments that made their celebrations completely one-of-a-kind. Under the beautiful South Dakota sun, Katie & Darius married in a dreamy outdoor fall wedding. Keep reading to see more details from their special day!

Briefly tell us how you and your fiancé met!

Darius and I met in July 2016 while we were downtown with friends. We were at a dance club when I asked his friend to dance with my friend, as she thought he was cute. His friend agreed to dance with her if I danced with Darius. The rest is history! Despite him traveling frequently for work and being informally/casually dating on and off for months, we couldn’t stop coming back to each other and made it official in July 2017.

Tell us your proposal story!

We rented a cabin with his sisters near our local ski hill in Lead, SD, for Christmas 2020. His family was all there to go out to a nice dinner after a day of snowboarding. While we were all taking photos before dinner, his sister slipped him the ring behind my back and he proposed.

How did you both decide on your wedding day look?

I actually used to work at David’s Bridal in college! I’d been following along on Instagram and saw a dress I had to go see in person. I went in to try it on and didn’t love it. My sales associate, an assistant manager named Paula, pulled other dresses for me to try. Once I put my dress on, I never wanted to take it off. I knew I had to have it!

Do you have any shopping advice for future brides?

Don’t go in with any expectations other than having fun. Keep an open mind, because so frequently brides go in with their vision and walk out with something COMPLETELY different! I definitely did.

What was your favorite detail about your look?

I added beautifully beaded straps and I was obsessed.

Tell us about your wedding day!

Our wedding day was perfect. The weather was sunny and 70 degrees. We live in the Black Hills in South Dakota, so the fall colors were absolutely gorgeous. We got married in front of a huge tree which my florist decorated with floral arrangements for our altar.

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

The first look was amazing. I was so against one for a long time, but for time purposes we decided to do one. My husband is NOT an emotional guy, so I had no expectations. He cried and it made the moment so special.

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

It goes by so fast. People told me that, but I didn’t really fully grasp just how fast. I feel like I didn’t get as much time with my husband as I’d like, as we were both so busy seeing and talking to everyone. I should have taken more time to make sure he and I were together.

What was your theme?

No real theme – simple yet elegant. Jewel tones for bridesmaids and gold décor.

What was your favorite DIY or personal touch?

My cousin’s significant other makes jewelry out of stones she finds in the Black Hills. Our three-year-old daughter was our flower girl, so she and I had matching handmade rose quartz necklaces.

What’s your best wedding planning advice?

Don’t stress the little things. No one cares about the décor or what things look like. They care about you and your fiancé, and as long as you’re all together, that’s what really matters!

MORE DETAILS:

Wedding Date: October 1st, 2021

Wedding Location: Piedmont, SD

Dress Style: Beaded Brocade Embellished Mermaid Wedding Dress paired with Allover Beaded Applique Detachable Straps

Wedding Song: “Lady May” by Tyler Childers

Photographer: Katie Mary Photography

Love this dreamy outdoor fall wedding? 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.

Planning a wedding? Sign up for our Diamond Loyalty program—it’s free! Follow us on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for more real wedding inspiration, or click here to book an appointment.

The post Real Wedding Katie & Darius 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 and finding their wedding dresses to the special touches and surprising moments that made their celebrations completely one-of-a-kind. Today’s real wedding comes from soulmates Sandy & Mariel, who finally tied the knot in early fall 2021. Their special day was filled with love and joy for the beautiful couple. Keep reading for all the details from their intimate October wedding.

Briefly tell us how you and your partner met!

Sandy: It was the day before an exam and I had begrudgingly agreed to meet a friend at the tutoring center (even though I didn’t need extra help). I was so focused on studying that, at first, I didn’t even notice my future wife! I was placed at Lizbeth’s table, who happened to be one of Mariel’s best friends. Liz and I hit it off right away, but unbeknownst to me, she was trying to find out if I was interested in Mariel. After a few visits to the tutoring center, I started to develop feelings for her. Eventually, Liz and Mariel came up with a plan to get my phone number, and now the rest is history!  

How did you know that she was the one?

Mariel: Sandy felt familiar as if I knew her before. Right away I felt comfortable and at peace being in her presence. Also,  e had similar stories, interests, morals and so much more so it was very easy talking to her. And finally, she chose and loves me for who I am and has always fought for what we have. She’s my best friend.

Tell us your proposal story!

Sandy: I knew I wanted to propose to Mariel first. She makes me feel like the most special person alive EVERY single day, so I wanted her to have a day that was all about her. I planned her proposal for over 6 months! I wanted it to be grand, yet intimate and have sentiment. We’ve shared so many beautiful memories, so for her proposal, I decided that I wanted to take her down memory lane; visiting the places we love!

Throughout the day I gave her cards with clues and we visited some of the most memorable places we had been to. I took her to a nice restaurant where we got to watch the Disney fireworks from the rooftop…but I didn’t propose there (to cliche)! At the end of the night, I blindfolded her and we headed to our last destination, which was actually our home. I gave my amazing sister a key the day before and she spent hours decorating the place with roses, rose petals, candles, and a sign that read “MARRY ME”. As we walked into the apartment we were both in tears. I barely got through the speech that I prepared before I got down on one knee. Best day ever.

Do you have any shopping advice for future brides?

Sandy: Be open to trying on all styles! I went into DB looking for a long sleeve fitted dress. All the styles I told my stylist I wanted ended up not being the right fit. Then my amazing stylist told me to trust her and that she was going to pull a style for me that might work. When I saw the dress I didn’t think I was going to like it. It was strapless and had a lot of tulle (not what I was looking for at all), but I tried it on anyway and instantly fell in love. So my biggest advice would be to not limit yourself and trust your stylist!

What was your favorite detail about your look?

Sandy: I loved the detachable, off-the-shoulder straps offered by David’s Bridal! It really elevated my ceremony look and made me feel like a princess. I loved that I was able to remove them so I could dance the night away during the reception!

How did you feel when you knew that you #foundtheone?

Sandy: I started to cry and my bridesmaids were also crying! I didn’t purchase my dress the same day, I wanted to think about it for a few days and I really couldn’t get that dress out of my head. When you know, you know!

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

Sandy: By far it was the ceremony and the moments leading up to it. I was cool and collected the whole time before this. Mariel and my bridal party kept asking if I was nervous and I really wasn’t. But then we did the first touch and I lost it. I couldn’t stop crying. I tried to pull it together but as I was walking down the aisle I saw Mariel was also crying and it took everything not to start sobbing. She just looked so beautiful and I couldn’t believe that all the people we love most traveled to come to witness our union. It was so emotional and definitely the most memorable moment of the wedding.

Did anything funny or unexpected happen?

Sandy: My veil partially flew off as we were walking out after the ceremony! It was really windy so I’m actually surprised it didn’t fly off sooner. I ripped it right out, threw it on the floor, and continued walking down the aisle with my new wife.

Is there something you wish you had known before the big day?

Sandy: I wish I knew how fast the day was going to fly by! Everyone says it but the 12+ hour day truly felt like it went by in the blink of an eye.

What flavor was your wedding cake?

Sandy: We had a vegan vanilla cake with a raspberry filling and white chocolate buttercream. Mariel actually doesn’t like cake so we had a donut tower and it was a big hit. Definitely recommend donuts at a wedding!

What was your favorite DIY or personal touch?

Sandy: I was a DIY bride so we had so many personal touches at our wedding. I think my favorite one though was the seating chart. It was a cheap mirror we found at Goodwill. We restored it, painted the frame gold, and applied a removable vinyl. On the day of the wedding, it was framed with a gorgeous garland. We love it because we have since removed the lettering and it now sits beautifully in our home as a reminder of the most amazing day.

What’s your best wedding planning advice?

Sandy: The best advice I have is to start now! Even if you think it’s too early, trust me it’s not. Time is deceiving when planning such a momentous event. I thought I had all the time in the world but I was literally cutting out the menu cards the morning of the wedding. Other than that, make the day about you and your partner. That’s truly all that matters anyway. Try not to let anyone else’s opinions or traditions get in the way of what you want to do. We thought the garter toss was a little awkward…so we left it out! Parent dances? Nope, didn’t do those either. I walked myself down the aisle and while my mom wasn’t the happiest about it, it was so empowering. Do whatever is going to make you happy and have fun!

Anything else you’d like to share?

Sandy: Truly the easiest and most stress-free moments of the wedding planning process were centered around my interactions with David’s Bridal. I found my wedding dress unexpectedly because of an amazing stylist at my local DB. I thought finding bridesmaid dresses was going to be difficult because all my bridesmaids had different body shapes, heights, skin tones, etc. We were able to find styles that flattered everyone in a beautiful neutral shade that worked for each bridesmaid.

I also found my mother’s dress at my local DB. This was pretty tricky as she was away for a few months leading up to the wedding and had to find a dress two weeks before. There was such a wide selection of styles in her size and we were able to walk away with a dress that day and get it altered in time. Lastly, DB saved the day when it came to my flower girl’s dress! We ordered the wrong size and by the time we went to exchange it, her size wouldn’t have arrived on time. The manager, Chris, was amazing and she called other locations, pulled some strings, and the dress was delivered to me the next week.

More Details:

Wedding Date: October 1st, 2021

Wedding Location: Saint Cloud, Florida (The Royal Crest Room)

Dress Style: Sheer Lace and Tulle Ball Gown Wedding Dress paired with Lace Applique Detachable Swag Sleeves

Wedding Song: “Lover” by Taylor Swift (First Dance Remix)

Photographer: Imagery by Lu

Love this intimate October wedding? 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.

Planning a wedding? Sign up for our Diamond Loyalty program—it’s free! Follow us on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for more real wedding inspiration, or click here to book an appointment.

The post Real Wedding: Sandy & Mariel 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 and finding their wedding dresses to the special touches and surprising moments that made their celebrations completely one-of-a-kind. In early fall, sweethearts Andrea & Dylan tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony surrounded by their closest family and friends. Keep reading for all the details from their September ranch wedding in Oklahoma.

Briefly tell us how you and your fiancé met!

My sister knew Dylan through mutual friends and introduced us in 2019. June 2020 came around and we started talking a little and Dylan asked me on a date. On the date, he was respectful the entire time and made me feel like he didn’t want the date to end. We ended up texting every day after that. We took things at our own pace and everything just flowed effortlessly.

Tell us your proposal story!

I went to the bedroom and started to lay down to watch a movie and he came in the bedroom and leaned over at the side of the bed. I looked at him and asked what he was doing, and he just smiled. We knew he had every intention of waiting for a large proposal, but neither of us could wait. Dylan asked me to marry him right there at one in the morning in the little one-bedroom apartment. Of course, I said yes!

How did you both decide on your wedding day look?

I asked Dylan questions about how he envisioned our wedding day. Did the vision in his head include me wearing a veil? Did he want the first time seeing me be when I was walking down the aisle? Those questions helped a lot! I did not wear a veil and we didn’t do a first look and we have absolutely no regrets.

Do you have any shopping advice for future brides?

Absolutely go with your gut no matter what. If you don’t feel like the most beautiful woman in the world in the dress you’re considering, trust yourself. Of course, we all take our closest friends and family with us when we go shopping for our dress and while their opinion matters, how you feel is ultimately the most important. Don’t let other opinions influence you away from your gut feeling about how you want to look on your big day.

What was your favorite detail about your look?

My dress was so unique and stunning. I personally have never seen a dress even remotely like it at any wedding I’ve attended or on social media anywhere. I absolutely loved the mesh detailing from the deep v-cut to the long sleeves and 3D floral detail throughout.

How did you feel when you knew that you #foundtheone?

The dress I wore on my wedding day was not my original first dress. I said yes to the dress in January (still at David’s Bridal). The first dress was everything I thought I wanted; a chic seamless look with minimal detail – something timeless. I went to my first fitting in my first dress and knew that I needed to keep looking. Sadly, I didn’t feel as beautiful as I imagined I would in that dress. So, I went dress shopping again and tried on a handful of dresses. I liked all of them, but I felt like a beautiful woman when I put this dress on. Any insecurity I had in the original dress was gone in this dress. It was still slim fitting and had a beautiful train and had sleeves like I originally wanted. I was and still am absolutely obsessed with my wedding dress!

Tell us about your wedding day!

September 16^th arrived, and it was everything I expected. There were things that did not go as planned, like the bakery leaving out the strawberry sauce for the cake and the officiant forgetting to do the ring exchange. Honestly, though, none of these minor issues even phased me. If it weren’t for others mentioning them to me, I truly wouldn’t have realized they happened.

At the time, nothing else mattered except for saying “I Do” with my best friend. He looked absolutely perfect. I saw him waiting for me at the end of the aisle and knew at that moment that everything we planned and envisioned together, came true.

Did anything funny or unexpected happen?

We forgot to exchange our rings at the ceremony! I truly didn’t even think about it and Dylan didn’t even realize. We were just so happy and wrapped up in the moment that it still flowed so naturally.

Did you have a theme?

Simple yet elegant. We used dusty rose, gold, and navy for our colors and added eucalyptus for décor.

What’s your best wedding planning advice?

Make a list of everything you envision for your wedding. Take your fiancé’s wants and desires into consideration and accommodate him, too. Remember to keep your fiancé in the loop and delegate things to people if you can. And if your budget allows for it, hire an event coordinator. Most of all, enjoy your wedding day because it will fly by.

More Details:

Wedding Date: September 16, 2021

Wedding Location: 810 Ranch & Cattle Co.

Dress Style: 3D Floral Applique Wedding Dress with High Slit

Wedding Song: “Another” by Adam Doleac

Photographer: Kyra Kellye

Love this September ranch wedding in Oklahoma? 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.

Planning a wedding? Sign up for our Diamond Loyalty program—it’s free! Follow us on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for more real wedding inspiration, or click here to book an appointment.

The post Real Wedding: Andrea & Dylan 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 and finding their wedding dresses to the special touches and surprising moments that made their celebrations completely one-of-a-kind. Dreaming of an outdoor wedding? This real couple created the perfect outdoor ambiance for their family & friends with elegant florals and fresh neutral tones. Read on to see more details from Chassidy & Ozei’s romantic outdoor wedding.

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

We met in grade school, in Oakland, CA. And, have known each other for over 20 years. But didn’t start dating until we were in our early 20s. To be honest, there’s not a specific moment I can think of where I knew he was the one. It was our relationship journey, the growth we both made, and the amount of love he showed me that made me know this was going to be forever.

Tell us your proposal story!

We were on a family trip with our daughter in San Diego. The three of us had the most amazing day enjoying a scenic view at Safari Park. We got back to the room and started to get ready for dinner. All of us were starving and a little tired for a long day out, so I was very excited to make it to our dinner reservations. As we were leaving Ozei, told me he wanted to stop by Balboa Park, that he read it was a super cool spot to check out.

I knew we were running behind and might not make it to our reservation, but it’s very rare for Ozei to want to visit a park. So, I agreed, and we went to Balboa Park, which I must admit was beautiful. We got out of the car and walked around for about 20 minutes. At this point, my daughter and I were ready to leave and go eat. I must admit I started to get a little hangry.

I could tell something was off due to the way he was acting but had no idea what was about to happen. We walked up to the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, Ozei got down on one knee and… POPPED THE QUESTION. I was in complete shock, I always thought I would know exactly what to say when this moment happened. But I was speechless. Of course, I said YES! It was perfect and beautiful.

How did you feel when you knew that you #foundtheone?

It was my first day looking at dresses and the third dress I tried on. I just knew right away. I felt so confident and beautiful in this dress, there was no reason to wait and try others on.

Tell us about your wedding day!

My wedding day was one of the best days of my life. I felt so much love and happiness that day. I got to marry my best friend in front of our family and friends. It also was super important that our daughter played a major role in the day, so it’s a memory that will forever be close to my heart. We had even had matching dresses (both from David’s Bridal). Our wedding took place in North Las Vegas, at a beautiful venue. Our ceremony was an outdoor evening ceremony under the trees that were filled with lights, it felt magical. Then we danced and celebrated the night away with our loved ones.

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

Walking down the aisle and seeing my handsome groom waiting for me at the altar. Another great memory of that day is presenting vows and a ring to our daughter.

Did you have a first dance song?

Yes, “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys. We actually had the most beautiful choreographed dance by our amazing teacher Reagan Griffith-Aragones (ROLPA). It’s a dance we will do every year on our anniversary.

What flavor was your wedding cake?

Chocolate with mousse filling and Vanilla with buttercream filling (multiple layers).

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

I took many deep breaths and had amazing family/friends who really stepped up and helped with everything.

What’s your best wedding planning advice?

Remember to take everything in the day of your wedding. It’s going to be one of the best days of your life and you don’t want to be stressing the whole day. Let family/friends step in and help you out.

Anything else you’d like to share?

Beautiful flowers make such a difference on your wedding day. Make sure you have a great relationship with your florist, our florist, Erica from The-Flower-Shop, was so spot on with everything we envisioned on our special day. She really brought my wedding flower dreams to life. When I look at pictures from that day, the flowers add the perfect pop.

More Details

Wedding Date: July 23rd, 2021

Wedding Location: The Grove Wedding Venue – North Las Vegas, NV

Dress Style: Organza Mermaid Wedding Dress with Ruffled Skirt

Photographer: Marisa Ruth Photography

Love this romantic outdoor wedding? 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.

Planning a wedding? Sign up for our Diamond Loyalty program—it’s free! Follow us on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for more real wedding inspiration, or click here to book an appointment.

The post Real Wedding: Chassidy & Ozei 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. Today’s Real Wedding is extra special. Samantha, our PR + Influencer Marketing Coordinator, recently tied the knot in a stunning springtime wedding. Today, we’re sharing how she brought her unique vision to life. Read on for more details of Samantha & Juan’s special day!

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

We met through mutual friends and were bound to cross paths at some point—we truly feel like soulmates! It sounds very cliché, but as soon as we made eye contact, I knew he was the one!

Tell us your proposal story!

A few weeks before our world changed from the Coronavirus, we were on vacation over my birthday week in the Bahamas. After a long excursion day, we celebrated my birthday over an intimate dinner, and he popped the question! I truly had no idea, and it was the most special surprise and early birthday gift. Looking back in hindsight, he was so nervous walking to the restaurant! We spent the rest of the trip celebrating!

How did you both decide on your wedding day look?

Since I work at David’s Bridal, I see hundreds of gorgeous wedding day looks on the daily. Although I absolutely love a mermaid/trumpet gown and have always envisioned myself in one on my big day, I saw style WG4017 and told myself that I only have one day to wear the most extravagant poufy dress!

Do you have any shopping advice for future brides?

Go in with an open mind and don’t limit yourself to a certain silhouette. You may be pleasantly surprised if you try on something out of your comfort zone!

What was your favorite detail about your look?

I had envisioned my classic ballgown paired with a pouf sleeve and the alterations specialists at David’s Bridal were able to make my dream dress come to life!

Where did you get the idea to have your dress altered to add sleeves?

Pinterest is a bride-to-be’s best friend! I wanted a classic look that I could look back on in years to come and still be in love with. Pouf sleeves are a favorite of mine, and they have become a wardrobe staple for me over the years, so I knew I wanted to incorporate them on my big day. I browsed ideas on Pinterest, pulled together a mood board, and the alterations specialists at DB took my vision and ran with it!

Can you tell us about your alterations experience?

I had a great experience at my local store! The alterations specialists loved the idea, and we spent some time during the appointment playing around with and pinning the fabric until we created the structure I was looking for. I got my dress taken in, hemmed, and also added a bustle, which is essential with a ballgown style!

Tell us about your wedding day!

Every time I think about my big day, I get a rush just remembering just how perfect it was! I got ready with my mom, sisters, and best friend. Afterward, we had an amazing first look moment on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. With his back turned to me, Juan was patiently waiting for my arrival at the top of the steps.

My closest friends and family stood on either side of the steps and cheered me on as I made my way up. It was the most gorgeous day, and the weather was perfect- there was not even a cloud in the sky. I tapped him on the shoulder, he turned around, and we both started crying! We greeted our guests and then made our way behind the museum to a beautiful little garden where we read our vows to each other, exchanged rings, and sealed it with a kiss.

It was such a quaint moment that I will cherish forever. After some photos, we all made our way to our venue, where we continued the celebration by officially signing our marriage license. We made a toast and sat down for a lovely luncheon and then put our converse on to dance the afternoon away. Then, we hosted an after-party block party on our street and celebrated all night. I changed into a feather mini-dress, and we all enjoyed my favorite snack, Chick-fil-A! To end the night, Mr. Softee made a special appearance, and it was such a hit!

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

While we were exchanging vows, there were big bumblebees floating around right above us. I later read that bumblebees are a sign of good luck and symbolize the attainment of a goal.

Did anything funny or unexpected happen?

M whole wedding day was based around the unexpected. We opted out of the more traditional things like having a bridal party, bouquet toss, registry, something borrowed, etc.

What flavor was your wedding cake?

I chose a vanilla cake with chocolate buttercream for the bottom tier and couldn’t resist having lemon pound as the top tier! It sounds like a weird combo, but it was delicious! I opted for a very plain cake design. Florals surrounding the cake became an amazing focal point in the venue.

What was your theme?

I did not commit to a specific theme but kept telling myself that I was going for a modern Marie Antionette tea party, and it was exactly that!

What was your favorite DIY or personal touch?

I spent months sourcing vintage gold and brass candlesticks for each table, and I am so happy that I did because they looked perfect paired with my gorgeous centerpieces. Our favors were cigars with custom matchboxes and my best friend is an amazing baker, so she made individually bagged cookies with cute phrases on each. We set out a polaroid camera with our guest book and everyone snapped photos of themselves when signing the book! I worked with a graphic designer to create the wedding welcome sign and table numbers.

How did being David’s Bridal employee influence your wedding planning experience?

I see so many kinds of weddings while working at DB and that is the beauty of it all: everyone is unique, and no two weddings are the same. It’s fun to brainstorm ideas to make your wedding day your own. I still always see ideas that I wish I thought of for my own wedding!

What’s your best wedding planning advice?

Try to not get caught up in other people’s opinions surrounding your big day—it is YOUR special day. At the end of the day, someone will always have a different opinion or suggestion. But, remember there is no rule that states you must listen. My family and friends definitely raised eyebrows at some of my ideas but ended up loving how it all came to life. Don’t hold back on what your heart is set on.

More Details:

Date: May 15th, 2021

Wedding Song: “Hell N Back” by Bakar

Dress Style: Strapless Satin Wedding Dress with Skirt Slit

Photographer: Konnor J. Durante

Florist: Jody Work (David’s Bridal’s very own in-house Visual Stylist Designer)

Love this stunning springtime wedding? 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.

Planning a wedding? Sign up for our Diamond Loyalty program—it’s free! Follow us on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for more springtime wedding inspiration, or click here to book an appointment.

The post Real Wedding: Samantha & Juan 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. Today’s real wedding is full of romantic elements & rustic decor! From the homespun touches to the delicate lace to the delicious donut treats, Annie & Gabe’s classic rustic wedding has us swooning for days!

Briefly tell us how you and your fiancé met!

The first time we met was when we were 15, on the first day of driver’s ed during our sophomore year of high school. We were in the same friend group all throughout high school but didn’t start dating until our senior year when I asked Gabe on a date.

How did you know that he was the one?

One day we were taking a walk talking & laughing when it just hit me, I couldn’t picture my life without him.

How did you both decide on your wedding day look?

Just like most do, I have had a Pinterest wedding board since I was 13 dreaming about the big day. I knew a lot of what I wanted.

Do you have any shopping advice for future brides?

Don’t be afraid to try different styles. You might have one dress in mind, but you know what will look & feel the best on.

What was your favorite detail about your look?

I bought a hair crown, it was absolutely beautiful, I felt like a princess. I also loved how well my dress flattered my body.

How did you feel when you knew that you #foundtheone?

I was so excited. Every time I went back in for a fitting/alterations appointment, I grew more and more excited to wear the dress and fell in love with it even more.

Tell us about your wedding day!

We were sealed and married in the Ogden Utah Temple, it was a beautiful day, with so many smiles and so much happiness. After the ceremony, we drove to our luncheon and finished off the night with a beautiful reception. We served all sorts of doughnuts (they’re my absolute favorite)!

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

This wasn’t on our wedding day, but instead a couple of weeks before. We had a first look for just the two of us. It was such a special moment when he saw me in my dress. I have never felt more beautiful. On our wedding day, we were able to be sealed and married in the temple and the moment we walked out of the temple, we had our families cheering us on. It was a time of pure joy.

Did anything funny or unexpected happen?

When Gabe went to throw the garter, ALL of the boys ran away from it!

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

Don’t stress over the small things! The day goes by so fast, you should try to enjoy things while they are happening. Relax and have fun!

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

We chose to have a backyard wedding. The wide-open space allowed our friends & family to feel safe and take extra precautions if they desired to.

What was your favorite DIY or personal touch?

I created the layout of my cake. We had a TON of donuts on the bottom of the stand and the cake on top.

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

I tried to remember the reason we were doing all of this. It wasn’t really about the food, or all the people there, or the pretty dress, it was about me & Gabe. All that mattered was that we were together!

What’s your best wedding planning advice?

Don’t waste money on things you can do yourself! You can do a lot of DIYs with your family & friends.

More Details:

Date: May 15th, 2021

Wedding Cake Flavor: Strawberry & Vanilla

Wedding Song: “Best Shot” by Jimmie Allen

Dress Style: Illusion Sleeve Plunging Ball Gown Wedding Dress

Photographer: Annie Eyring

Love this classic rustic wedding? 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.

Planning a wedding? Sign up for our Diamond Loyalty program—it’s free! Follow us on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for more real wedding inspiration, or click here to book an appointment.

The post Real Wedding: Annie & Gabe 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. Delicate lace, homespun touches, and pops of greenery brought Tykeyah and Kyree’s rustic outdoor wedding in New Jersey to life. Read on for more from their special day!

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

I met my now-husband in college. We both went to Liberty University in Virginia. I was on the Taekwondo team and happened to be at team sign-ups when I first saw him for the first time. I didn’t think anything of him the first time we met. He apparently thought I was cute.  During this time I was in a leg brace recovering from knee surgery. We didn’t talk that day, but as time went on, we would talk during Taekwondo practice when we weren’t kicking each other around…literally! We would hang out on campus with our mutual friends and we became close.

One time I was sitting alone before practice and he sat by me. I was upset about something that had happened that day and he had a listening ear. At that moment I could tell that he not only cared about what made me sad but genuinely cared about me as a person. I knew at that moment that he was the one. He was always there for me.

Tell us your proposal story!

Kyree and I were eating dinner with my best friend and her boyfriend, which was completely normal. Then we took a walk to the boardwalk (we live at the Jersey Shore), we’re holding hands, and he pulls out his phone. I’m thinking he’s just taking a picture. Then he hands the phone to my best friend. Cool! I guess he and I are taking a picture….I thought. He gets down on one knee and asks me to marry him. My first response was “Wait, is this for real!?” It felt like a dream!

How did you both decide on your wedding day look?

We both love the rustic style so we knew immediately that we wanted that for our big day. I also love flowers so I wanted them everywhere.

Do you have any shopping advice for future brides?

Yes, please be open. To be honest I wanted an ivory mermaid dress and I was set on that. However, when I went to the David’s Bridal in Freehold, NJ, I started browsing. I saw some nice mermaid-style dresses but a certain dress caught my eye. It was an ivory champagne ball gown. Completely opposite from what I wanted. I decided to try it on and I loved how it looked on me. My girlfriends were with me and one of them started crying. I knew that dress was it, it was stunning!

What was your favorite detail about your look?

I love the lace on my dress. It really brings out the details in it. I also loved my shoes, which I also got from David’s Bridal in NJ. I’m super tall so I wanted to find the perfect flats and they were very comfy.

Tell us about your wedding day!

We had our wedding at a Lakehouse and it was absolutely beautiful. The weather was perfect and the sun was out and I was thankful for that. Our guests really enjoyed the scenery and the lake view. We had a cookie bar because I have a slight cookie addiction (Ky thinks it a major addiction!), The food was provided by Brick 46 and it was phenomenal. The DJ was DJ Reem, who is arguably one of the best in NJ!

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

One highlight was my dad’s memorial. We had pictures of him around and to me, that was such a big deal. My dad was my best friend and he passed away in 2015 to cancer. I always imagined him being there on the biggest day of my life. I still feel as if he was there in spirit during my wedding day.

Did anything funny or unexpected happen?

We can definitely laugh at this now but on the day of the wedding, Ky and his groomsmen’s suits were in his best man’s car at their hotel. They were all about to come over to the venue and the car ended up getting towed. This was 2 hours before the ceremony. I did some digging, found out, and freaked out! Thankfully they ended up getting the car with the suits and made it back before the ceremony but it was pretty intense.

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

I wish I had known to take one step at a time. I tried doing so many things at once to the point where it became super draining. As a bride, I thought all the details the day of would be exactly how I wanted them to be and some things were while others weren’t. However, it didn’t matter because everything still turned out great. On top of that, those things that were missing… no one noticed except for me.

What was your favorite DIY or personal touch?

I loved the flowers at my wedding. We decided to do wood flowers because they last forever; I used them to decorate our home. A friend of mine made them, including my cascade bouquet, which came out stunning.

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

My girls and I had music playing, we had brunch, talked, and hung out. That really took my mind off of things. That and trusting people to have things how I wanted them the day of. It helped tremendously.

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

My biggest advice is to enjoy your engagement and realize that everything will be okay, even when it seems like it won’t. I worried a lot about my wedding and now I wish I hadn’t. Those little details that stressed you out will not matter the day of or years to come. Try and enjoy each moment.

More Details:

Date: June 12th, 2021

Location: Rockaway, NJ

Theme: Rustic outdoor wedding

Wedding Cake Flavor: A 3 tier wedding cake with red velvet, vanilla, and chocolate

Wedding Song: “Back At One” by Brian McKnight

Dress Style: Scalloped V-neck lace and tulle wedding dress

Photographer: Victoria Petruzziello and Cara Glynn

Love this rustic outdoor wedding in New Jersey? 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.

Planning a wedding? Sign up for our Diamond Loyalty program—it’s free! Follow us on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for more real wedding inspiration, or click here to book an appointment.

The post Real Wedding: Tykeyah & Kyree appeared first on David's Bridal Blog.