September 11th

Photo credit: Sophia Lemon Photography

Tip of the Day: If you're planning an outdoor wedding ceremony — especially in an open, unshaded space such as the beach — then consider having it in the late afternoon or evening. "It will ensure beautiful lighting and less squinting in your photos," says photographer Sophia from Sophia Lemon Photography. The optimal time is one hour before the sun goes down (if you're doing all your photography beforehand) or three hours prior (if you're taking most of your photos after the ceremony).

Plus, check out 100 Beautiful Outdoor Wedding Ceremonies.

A Fun School-Themed Wedding

As the kids and our teacher friends head back to school this week, we've got back-to-school fever right along with them. So when we came across Ira and Jerry's gorgeous school-themed wedding, we couldn't wait to share it with you. This pair first met in elementary school when they were just seven years old! 

school theme wedding

"We lived a couple houses apart and would go to each other's houses to play after school," said the bride, Ira. The two stayed close friends until Ira and her family moved from Pendleton, OR to Portland, OR in the middle of eighth grade.

23 years later, the pair reconnected through Facebook and met to catch up. "We chatted exactly like we were old friends and connected on so many levels almost immediately," said Ira. "From that day on, we were inseparable."

Jerry proposed in February of 2011 during a surprise weekend in Bend, OR. "The drive home gave us plenty of time to talk about the wedding, and it was obvious that our wedding was going to have a Back-to-School theme," said Ira.

"Our wedding day went without a hitch, with family and friends pitching in to make it a joyous, memorable and fun occasion," said Ira. "It was a day filled with love and laughter; a truly unforgettable day, 32 years in the making." 

Photography by Wilton Photography.

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Steal-Worthy Wedding Cake Designs

In the incredible world of cake art, anything can serve as inspiration: your wedding venue, profession, favorite flower, cultural background, or even tattoos. Don't know where to start? Browse wow-worthy options from real weddings and bridal shoots!

Enter Slideshow

Steal-Worthy Wedding Cake Designs

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Beyond Flowers: 50 Unique Ideas for Your Centerpieces

Do floral arrangements feel a little too "been there, done that" for your taste? Here, get inspired by 50 gorgeous centerpieces that don't rely on flowers to make a lasting impression.

By: Kristen Klein

Enter Slideshow
  • Lights

    Lights

    Towering globe lights provide a soft glow across your tables.

    Photo Credit: Paras Events

  • Hot Air Balloons

    Hot Air Balloons

    Up, up, and away! Guests will love this whimsical choice.

    Photo Credit: Logan Cole

  • Seasonally Appropriate

    Seasonally Appropriate

    For a fall wedding, gather leaves and pinecones for a beautiful, seasonally-appropriate centerpiece.

  • Candelabras

    Candelabras

    Crystal candelabras add elegance to your tables.

    Photo Credit: The Wedding Traveler

  • Games

    Games

    Make your reception more fun by placing a different game in the center of each table.

    Photo Credit: Sea Studio

  • Branches

    Branches

    Use a few flowers as accents on a horizontal branch down the middle of the table.

    Photo Credit: Molly + CO

  • Candles

    Candles

    Illuminate your table with floating candles in glass bowls, surrounded by votives.

    Photo courtesy of Inspired By This via Loverly

  • Tea Cups

    Tea Cups

    A vintage tea set makes a charming centerpiece. 

  • Desserts

    Desserts

    Fill a fishbowl with personalized M&Ms that reflect your wedding colors.

  • Branches

    Branches

    Add a few orchids as accents on a branch centerpiece — they'll look like falling snowflakes.

    Photo Credit: Bob and Dawn Davis

  • Books

    Books

    Place a stack of classic love stories on each table, with a framed quote on top.

    Photo Credit: Nadia D Photography

  • Candles

    Candles

    Or dress up your tables with a variety of hurricanes.

  • Fruits & Vegetables

    Fruits & Vegetables

    Place a bright fruit, like lemons, in pillar vases.

  • Greenery

    Greenery

    Fresh greenery can have the same impact as using masses of flowers — for a lot less money.

    Photo Credit: Tantawan Bloom

  • Lanterns

    Lanterns

    Illuminate your tables with lanterns.

    Photo Credit: Vadim Photo

  • Lights

    Lights

    Tall lamp-inspired centerpieces give a ballroom wedding a more intimate feel.

    Photo Credit: Gruber Photographers

  • Desserts

    Desserts

    This candy-covered centerpiece is perfect for the kids' table.

    Photo Credit: Photo Love

  • Candelabras

    Candelabras

    Wrought iron candelabras add a rustic touch to your tables.

  • Seasonally Appropriate

    Seasonally Appropriate

    Getting married near the holidays? Add a touch of the festive season to your centerpieces.

  • Fruits & Vegetables

    Fruits & Vegetables

    An artichoke's unique shape makes it wonderful décor.

    Photo Credit: Jasmine Star

  • Branches

    Branches

    Coat your branches in Epsom salt — it looks just like snow!

    Photo Credit: Tantawan Bloom

  • Greenery

    Greenery

    Give your tables a forest vibe by decorating with moss and leaves.

    Photo Credit Phillip Chen

  • Lights

    Lights

    Twinkling lights draped across branches create a magical centerpiece.

    Photo Credit: Weddinglinens.com

  • Desserts

    Desserts

    Skip the traditional wedding cake in favor of mini cakes on each table.

    Photo Credit: Lola Rose Photography

  • Candelabras

    Candelabras

    Make a candelabra centerpiece more modern by adding black and white lampshades.

    Photo Credit: Bruce Plotkin/Event Planner: David Tutera

  • Antiques

    Antiques

    Hit up local garage sales and secondhand shops for unique vintage pieces to place on your tables.

    Photo courtesy of Canvas and Canopy Events

  • Candles

    Candles

    Slate gray candles give your tables a unique look.

  • Candles

    Candles

    Vary the height of your taper candles for more visual interest.

    Photo Credit: Danielle Capito/Event Planner: Davia Lee Events

  • Fruits & Vegetables

    Fruits & Vegetables

    Warm up a winter table with pomegranates and pinecones.

  • Greenery

    Greenery

    Adorn your tables with wreaths.

    Photo Credit: John Seakwood

  • Birdcages

    Birdcages

    Antique birdcages are perfect for a vintage-inspired wedding.

    Photo Credit: Memories Through Time

  • Games

    Games

    Place an adorable tic-tac-toe game on your tables.

    Photo Credit: Memories Through Time

  • Candles

    Candles

    Line your table with pillar candles in varying heights; add more drama by displaying branches above the tables.

    Photo Credit: Eric Craig Studios

  • Photos

    Photos

    For a beach wedding, try this message-in-a-bottle centerpiece.

  • Branches

    Branches

    For a sweet spring centerpiece, dress up your branches with a few flowers and faux birds.

    Photo Credit Memoire Studio

  • Branches

    Branches

    Paint branches silver for a wonderful winter effect.

    Photo Credit: Kelly Brown Weddings

  • Fruits & Vegetables

    Fruits & Vegetables

    Display seasonal produce and fresh greenery in decorative baskets. 

    Photo Credit: Michael +Anna Costa

  • Candles

    Candles

    Hundreds of candles give your tables an ultra-modern romantic feel.

  • Desserts

    Desserts

    A bouquet of cupcakes works double-duty as a sweet centerpiece and a creative dessert display.

  • Pinwheels

    Pinwheels

    Whimsical and fun, place mix-and-match pinwheels in vases on your tables.

  • Photos

    Photos

    This sweet DIY centerpiece gives your guests a look at your relationship through the years.

    Photo Credit: Rose Street Studio

  • Feathers

    Feathers

    Give your tables a touch of Gatsby glamour with feathered centerpieces.

  • Desserts

    Desserts

    Your guests will absolutely love sitting down to a table lined with sweets.

    Photo Credit: Mike Colon

  • Candles

    Candles

    A wood-carved box, tree trunk stand, and mason jar candleholders make this the perfect centerpiece for a rustic wedding.

    Photo Credit: Orange Photographie

  • Desserts

    Desserts

    A bouquet of lollipops doubles as a sweet favor.

    Photo Credit: Meg Baisden Photography

  • Candelabras

    Candelabras

    Top your crystal candelabras with gold candles for a warm, elegant look.

    Photo Credit: Samuel Lippke

  • Photos

    Photos

    Add a personal touch to each table with a framed photo from your engagement session.

    Photo Credit: Aldabella Photography

  • Candles

    Candles

    Raise your candles above the table on modern pillars draped with crystals.

    Photo Credit: Regeti's Photography

  • Seasonally Appropriate

    Seasonally Appropriate

    Glitter-covered cones and a feather centerpiece tree reflect the holiday season with elegance.

  • Candles

    Candles

    Keep it simple by placing a single pillar candle in a tall hurricane vase.

Beyond Flowers: 50 Unique Ideas for Your Centerpieces

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September 8th

Photo credit: Courtesy of Lily Greenthumb's

Tip of the Day: "When designing your wedding florals, focus more on the emotion that you want them to portray — colors, textures, fragrance, etc. — as opposed to having your heart set on a specific flower. Your florist will help you pull together a whole array of gorgeous blooms that will be the perfect combination for your big day!" says Karen Greenoe from Lily Greenthumb's.

Plus, check out The 5 Biggest Mistakes Couples Make With Their Wedding Flowers.

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