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wedding inspiration

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Carly and Nick’s Art Deco and Fantasy Wedding

by Aleisha
written by Aleisha

Bridechilla Carly shares her and Nick's art deco fantasy wedding which she describes as a the ultimate party hosted by J.R.R Tolkein and F. Scott Fitzgerald full of Lord of the Rings and Gatsby inspired details. Featuring photography by Bridechilla Wedding Directory members, Kivus & Camera.

Tell us a little about you and your partner!

Carly: Nick was and is the greatest surprise of my life. We met at a bar because mutual friends invited us to the same get together, we sat beside each other all night -- not really sure if we liked each other, until he asked me out for a late night cheeseburger -- post bar. We stayed out till 4am, driving around, going to gazebos to look at the stars, him twirling me around to Michael Buble, and singing -- it was like a damn movie. The first song I ever sang to him actually happened to be the Veggie Tales Cheeseburger song (in the voice of Mr. Lunt -- look it up, it's worth a laugh). I have no clue why he asked me on a second date after that but I sure am glad he did. 


He is the most compassionate, selfless, and SUAVE person I know. I think the story of how I knew I was in love with him is pretty telling of his character. When we first started dating, he had a nice thick winter coat in the back of his car hanging up from the dry cleaner. It stayed there for weeks, I didn't understand why he didn't take it inside or use it (it was winter, and COLD). He got a new car a month after my discovery (still winter), and the coat went right to the back seat.. so I finally asked why he had that coat still in the back of his car. His response moved me to tears. He very nonchalantly explained that: "there is a homeless man I always see on Tate St near my house, I've been meaning to give him this coat but I haven't seen him in awhile, so it's going to stay there until I do." That's all he said, then went right back to what he was saying before. I knew right then, that he was a truly special person. About two weeks after that conversation, the coat finally disappeared from his backseat. I never brought it up again, but I knew that meant it finally went to its new home. His compassion for others is something that still leaves me in awe of him, even now.


He proposed to me on a rooftop pool overlooking the skyline of my favorite NC city (Winston-Salem) after a day disguised as a "couples photoshoot." He originally wanted to propose in a field of sunflowers (my favorite flowers), but the week he wanted to propose... they all died due to the NC heat in July. So he had to make a backup plan since the photographer was booked. It ended up going swimmingly (haha rooftop pool jokes). Then he crammed all of our friends in his home for a surprise engagement party. It was magical.


Nick is a closet nerd hiding behind a three piece suit, while I'm just a nerd with a wardrobe like Ms. Frizzle. We're opposites, but it really works! Our weekends are spent as a Paladin and a Rogue going on adventures in Dungeons and Dragons, or taking nice walks through our neighborhood. We enjoy good whiskey, making fun of each other, and our family of fur babies (two rabbits -- Emerson & Arwen, and our blue point Siamese -- Sammi, who sometimes gets nicknamed as our Alien).

Tell us all about your event!

Oh man... our wedding. We have very different personalities and tastes, so we started there. We wanted to find a way to meld them. So I chose the ceremony inspiration, and he chose the reception. He's very glitz and glam, while I'm very earthy and outwardly nerdy. I chose a "Lord of the Rings" (my all time favorite book and movie series) inspiration for the ceremony, and he chose a "The Great Gatsby" inspiration for the reception. We wanted to meld my Elven princess feel with his Jay Gatsby suave.


A huge priority for the both of us was to produce as little waste as possible. We're both environmentally conscious, and we wanted that mindset to extend to our wedding. We decided to rent most everything (vintage gold rimmed china, center pieces, and other decor). We also wanted to utilize as many local vendors as possible. We made DIY fairy forest lanterns for the ceremony site, mirror signs we could re-use, re-purposed a vintage door as a seating chart (a key to your seat, with skeleton key beer bottle openers with table number tags), used a theatre schools backdrop for our "Love Couch," had a florist friend repurpose already used flowers for florals, DIYed book page boutonnières out of recycled copies of LOTR and The Great Gatsby. We had so many family members willing to donate reusable decor items, that we didn't rack up a huge carbon footprint for the wedding, which was a WEDDING WIN!

Carly & Nick's art deco fantasy wedding inspired by The Great Gatsby and Lord of the Rings - Photos by Kivus and Camera - www.thebridechilla.com


I made my now husband embark on a very Leslie Knope scavenger hunt in order for him to find his wedding present, and for me.. all day, randomly gifts would appear.

We did a blindfolded first "look" where we could still have a few private moments to ourself. Our wedding party walked us to each other blindfolded, let us have a few moments like that, then we turned back to back to read private vows to each other, with our wedding party far enough away to where they wouldn't hear.

The ceremony was officiated by a professional Santa, although he didn't come dressed as Santa. That's just a side hustle of his.

All of our ceremony music came from Lord of the Rings. Both my grandfather and step-father walked me to the beginning of the aisle, where they departed to their seats, and I walked down the aisle alone.

The reception, we did a beer cheers together instead of a cake cutting, and it was very us. We had enchiladas on fine china, and it still cracks us up.

I am sure there is plenty more, but my brain is losing its ability to remember it all! It was a perfect day.

What was totally worth it?

EVERYTHING. 100%. The year and a half of stress and planning was definitely worth it.

What was not worth it?

There was nothing that we paid for that we felt was not worth it, because we really utilized the FIB.

What did you throw in the Fuck-It Bucket?

Cake, a real seating chart, a religious officiant, people's expectations/opinions other than our own, paper RSVPs, chair covers, uplighting, the "give away" portion of the ceremony, GIFTS - we didn't do parent gifts, "fancy" food, a normal guestbook (we did a canvas of a hobbit hole), a getaway car, formal speeches, LINE DANCES (we hate all of them and we made it clear to our DJ they were not allowed).


What advice do you have for other couples planning weddings?

Be true to who you are as people. Don't be afraid to have the nerdiest wedding on planet if that is what you want. Your wedding is what you make it, and only you can decide what "feels" right to you!

HIRE A WEDDING COORDINATOR. We almost put it in the FIB but we are so glad we didn't. We had 0 worries because our coordinator KICKED ASS.

Also, unless your FIL, FMIL, mom, dad, etc are paying for it, their opinions on your preferences aren't worth your stress.

Carly & Nick's Rockstar Vendors

Bridechilla Wedding Directory Members

Photography: Kivus & Camera

Other Vendors

Wedding Director/Venue: Melanie Newton of Carolina Country Weddings
Coordinator: Belinda Locke
China Rentals: Evermore
DJ: Marcus @ Coastal DJ & Video
Videography: Zack Fox & Chris Scarlette of Scarlette Fox Films
Catering: An Event to Remember
Floral Design: John Paulin at the Grassy Knoll
Bartenders: Bartenders Plus CLT
Officiant: Jac Grimes of All Faiths Officiants
Paper Florals: Anthology on Main

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Dia de los Muertos Wedding Inspiration to Honor your Loved Ones

by Aleisha
written by Aleisha

Honoring your loved ones on Dia de los Muertos
AND HOW TO RESPECTFULLY INCLUDE ELEMENTS OF THE CELEBRATION INTO YOUR WEDDING DAY.

Today is Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, a Mexican celebration honoring loved ones and family members who have passed away. Families gather to remember their relatives who have passed away and build altars, or ofrendas, to their loved ones featuring photos, Calaveras (skulls or skeletons with painted floral designs), marigolds, candles, and the favorite foods of their loved ones and traditional foods such as pan de muerto, tamales, candies, and tequila or mezcal. 

Though popular culture has adopted many of the elements of this holiday, particularly the calavera or sugar skull designs, these elements are often used out of context or with a lack of respect for their true meaning. 

There are many elements of Dia de los Muertos that could be incorporated into your wedding if you are interested in celebrating your ancestors.

Celebrating traditions and cultural heritage

Often we celebrate and honor our loved ones at our weddings through the use of memory tables, which in a way are similar to the tradition of the ofrenda. Incorporating photos, trinkets, candles, and items that remind you of your relatives, you can share a little of your heritage and show respect to your loved ones who have passed on. 

Traditionally, families visit cemeteries to clean and decorate their loved one's graves as part of the celebration. If possible, and you live close enough to where your relatives are buried, you could incorporate this tradition into your wedding day, as a way of showing care and giving homage to your loved ones on your special day. 

The Significance of Marigold

Another element of significance is the Marigold, considered in Mexican tradition to be the flower of the dead, said to invite the souls of your loved ones to the ofrendas and the offerings made to them. By incorporating marigolds into your floral decor, you can pay tribute to this tradition and welcome the souls of your ancestors to your wedding.

It is important to understand the significance of these cultural traditions, and only use them as inspiration in a way that is respectful and true to the original context of the celebration. Dia de los Muertos is an important celebration for people of Mexican descent all over the world and the traditions associated should be treated with reverence. 

Paying homage to the cultural significance of the holiday

The couple featured here, Louise & Andrew Esparza, modeled for Jade Min Photography in this Dia de los Muertos wedding inspiration photoshoot at the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in Gilbert, Arizona. The team wanted to showcase ways to incorporate the traditions and decorations of the Dia de los Muertos celebration in to a wedding while paying homage to the cultural significance of the holiday. 

We hope that this post and these photos inspire you to learn more about Dia de los Muertos and the history and traditions of the celebration!

The Rockstar Vendor Team

Planning & Photography: Jade Min Photography LLC

Venue:  Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch - Gilbert, Arizona

Hair and Makeup: Tanya Miley & Tanya Amelia White

Florist: Arizona Florations

Stationery Suite: Lauren Yvonne Design ​

Cake & Cookies: Amour de Sucre

Skull Macarons: Decadent Macaron

Bride’s Rose Crown Headpiece: Batcakes Couture

Models: Louise & Andrew Esparza

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Styled Wedding Shoots

Jilted: A Bridal Nightmare – Halloween Wedding Photoshoot

by Aleisha
written by Aleisha

JILTED: A Bridal Nightmare

Poem & Concept by Nina McKaskey of Wedded Kiss

Let's get spooky up in here with a Halloween wedding photoshoot! This styled shoot tells the  story of a bride left at the altar... but what has happened to her groom? Will true love win, or is it all a waking nightmare?

On this bleak cold Autumn day
A lovely bride was led astray
For, on this day, she was to wed
Now head held low, no vows were said
The bridegroom nowhere to be found 
She fell upon the hallowed ground
She ran to the site of their first kiss 
Where their true love had blossomed hence
And there he stood, she ran to his side 
But he was transformed, his warmth had died
His eyes now filled with twilight glow 
Would he stay? Only the moon could know.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

The Rockstar Vendor Team

Bridechilla Directory Members

Floral Design & Decor: Folie à Deux Events

Other Vendors

Photography: Morgan Caddell Photography

Concept & Planning, Poem, Hair & Makeup, & Cake: Wedded Kiss

Venue: All Saints Chapel

Gown: Leanne Marshall - provided by Gilded Bridal

Models: Chelsy & Lowell Thomas of The Gathering Co

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Kasey + Michael’s Emotional Nature Inspired Wedding

by Aleisha
written by Aleisha

Bridechilla Graduate, Kasey, shares her deeply personal, emotional, woodland & nature inspired wedding to Michael at Long Island's Fox Hollow.

Tell us a little about yourselves!

Kasey: The moment I saw Mike, I knew I was in trouble.

I did everything I could to avoid liking him. Until I did. Then I did everything to avoid loving him…that happened too.

Mike and I met through my Alpha Chi Omega sister/roommate. She will tell you that she met him freshman year in the laundry room, but won’t tell me what he was wearing (or not wearing) when that happened.

Mike crept into my life by loaning us his 52″ flat screen TV for a year. He claimed he didn’t want his roommates using it more than him, and as long as he could come over to watch it every once in a while, we could keep it in our room.

I was completely naive and unassuming of his true intentions.

Mike’s class schedule went up on the wall with the rest of my roommates and he came over often. He even starred in a video project of mine.

I went away on Spring Break my Senior Year, and debated taking Mike to formal as my date. We had flirted enough that I felt he was interested, but was unsure if I was ready to be so forward about my feelings. I decided I wouldn’t take him.

When I returned to my dorm room, there were 2 dozen roses waiting at my door from him with a “I hope you had a nice trip, I missed you” card.

I ended up taking him to formal.


Later Mike went out to dinner with his Aunt and Uncle who were visiting town. He came back to school and in my room, told me he couldn’t stop talking about me all night, and wondered if I would like to be his girlfriend, officially.

I agreed and we finished out the semester, graduated together, and moved back to NY.

In April 2014, after living together for 2 years and purchasing our first home on Long Island, Mike took two days off, claiming he needed a break from his crazy work schedule. I thought nothing of it. I told Mike when it came time that he wanted to propose, I wanted to know nothing about it. But when I came home after his first day off, he couldn’t contain his excitement that he had wanted to go into the city (Manhattan) to look at rings, but lost the courage at the last minute.

The next day, I came home to an exasperated Mike who claimed I had just beat him home because he had been in the city all day…I did not marry a man of mystery. I played dumb and he told me he had stopped to see his sister while he was there and did look at rings, when I stopped him and said I didn’t want to hear anymore. Mike and I share everything with each other and I could tell this was killing him.

I was extremely anxious about Mike proposing. Like any girl, I wanted a full blown youtube worthy proposal where secret photographers caught the very moment he went down on one knee and my jaw dropped. But I told Mike my only stipulation was that it was not at a restaurant.

Mike would pitch random ideas at me over the next few weeks. “Lets take a walk” he would say, and me, being very keen to his lack of subtlety, said, no.

It came down to one night when I was sitting on the couch when I confessed my anxiety surrounding the big commitment in marriage. I came from a home where no marriage had lasted, and it was the last thing I wanted to get wrapped up in. Mike had reassured me in the way that only he can. I told him that when he was ready and thought the time was right, I would listen.

He said “I’ll be right back” and ran downstairs.

My heart started pounding.


He returned and began to confess that he knew I wanted a big romantic gesture and that he really wanted to give that to me but just couldn’t wait any longer and wanted to spend the rest of his life with me. He got down on one knee, said my name, and asked me to marry him.

And well, I guess you know what my answer was.

Tell us about your wedding!

Because I own a design studio, my wedding aesthetic had to be epic. Probably the most common comment I get from people is, “I can only imagine what your invitations looked like.” After all, the expectations of my guests (and truthfully from myself) were so high, I knew I had to blow it out of the water.

I know so many facets of print methods. I had to decide which would be right for my suite. Letterpress? Foil? Laser cut? Metal? I considered all the options.

Wood? Wood. Reverse engraved wood, because you know, standard engraved was “too common….::eye roll::”

My invites came together just as my best designs do. Me playing around in illustrator with different shapes and elements.

I love texture. I love fine detail. I love the smallest personalization to make every last element your very own.


I found some beautiful line work in the pumpkin and leaf skeleton silhouettes. I blew our names up to anchor the design. I clipped the corners to make it a unique shape. Every text element had to be anchored somehow in a nonconventional shape. Bark, branches, stumps, it was all setting the tone for my “raw element” feel. I hand gilded every invite to add a metallic shine to our names. I sketched our foxes in pencil, which would blow up into our wedding logo and be on everything from hotel door hangers to ice sculptures.


Funnily enough, my invitations went out late because I *needed* hand calligraphy. RSVP postcards got lost in the mail. But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t beaming with pride with the result. “They even smell good!” “LOVE this” “Best invitation ever.” I had wrapped up my invitation into a package of love for every person it was extended to. It set the tone for our event.

the invitation process took about 4-6 months from the original ideas. I love the way they came out, they're still my favorite suite to date. I am hoarding every last extra invite I have. I am framing one with my bouquet flowers.

What was totally worth it?

Every single cent I thought was a waste of money before I planned a wedding was 110% worth it. I went over budget on things like stationery (duh) music, and food because I wanted to have an epic party and shatter everyone's expectations of a wedding. Considering I'm still getting glowing reviews, I'd say we crushed it.


Our first look was a point of contention. I had always dreamt of my groom crying as I walked down the aisle and he saw me for the first time. But time became an issue as we got married in late fall and Daylight Savings meant that if we didn’t do a first look, all of our wedding photos would have to be indoors, or in the night as our reception went on without us. I “caved” and did a first look and I can tell you it was probably the single best thing I did for myself on my wedding day (besides actually getting married of course). When I saw my best friend before we got started with family pictures, I was instantly relieved and excited to get married. We rode to the church together and then I hid in a broom closet (I didn’t want late arriving guests to see me) buzzing to get out there and do this thing.

What was not worth it?

Trying to DIY. I ended up being stressed to the max and the sole point person on the morning of the wedding. I didn't get to enjoy a lot of my engagement because of the stress I put on myself. I'd have done anything to have had a coordinator or someone helping greet all the vendors and receive things like flower deliveries while I actually got ready.

What did you throw in the Fuck-it Bucket?

As we got closer, things that seemed really important to me to perfect just needed to get done. I was going to do favors beyond the pumpkins and I honestly just ran out of time.

What advice do you have for other engaged couples?

Use your resources. Wedding expos or showcases are typically just a grab for your email address--make a dummy account just for the wedding for your sanity. If you don't have help planning, hire someone. There is no shame in admitting that you have no idea what you're doing and having a professional do their thing. The time and stress you'll save offsets the cost.

Bridechilla is all about being yourself and not letting the opinions of other's influence you. This mindset was a lifesaver to plan the wedding of my dreams and have no regrets. Opinions will die down after the wedding, but your memory of your wedding day will stay with you forever!

Kasey + Michael's Rockstar Vendors

Bridechilla Directory Members

Design & Stationery: revelry + heart

Other Vendors

Photographer: Deb + Matt
DJ: Barattini productions
Florist: Wick's Florist
Video: Joseph Minasi
Trolley: M&V Limosines
Men's Attire: Bonaventure
Gown: Frew's Bridal, designed by Sophia Tolli
Makeup Artist: Makeup by Jessie LaSerra
Bridesmaids Dresses: WTOO
Venue/Caterer: Fox Hollow
Ceremony Venue/Officiant: Community Church of East Williston
Daiquiri Station: Daiquiri Daddy
Photobooth: ISH Photobooths
Alterations: Zizi Nasir

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Cozy Fall Family Style Wedding Inspiration

by Aleisha
written by Aleisha

Cozy, family style wedding inspiration for fall. Bring family and friends together over good food, great company, and spiked coffees.

Photographer, Krishna Sutherland, shares this bold, fall-inspired styled shoot perfect for lovers of pumpkin spice and cozy sweaters... and its anything but basic!

Krishna: Our goal was to combine a romantic fall look & add a cozy family style feel throughout. We chose a bold seasonal color palette of teal, raspberry, burnt orange & burgundy to tie together the floral designs and tablescapes.

For this styled shoot I was inspired by my love for the fall & obsession for bright beautiful colors. The changing of the seasons brings in some amazing deep colors but I always love that pop of bright color in the distance! The fall season also brings one of my favorite holidays, Thanksgiving, gathering families all together. We wanted to communicate that cozy feeling of home through our designs.

Rockstar Vendors:

Photographer: Krishna Sutherland Photography

Etsy Designer: The Chelsea Collection

Caterer: Ooh La La Catering GA

Floral Designer: Blossoms Florist

Equipment Rentals: Baileyroad Vintage Rental

Videographer: Images4Memories

Invitation Designer: Robbin’s Nest Design Studio

Makeup Artist: Jenny Rosalyn Artistry

Bakery: Red Balloon Baking Company

Ring Designer: Satterfield and Dempsy Jewelers​

Ribbon: Ribbons Nest

Apparel: Alexandra's Formals

Cake Designer: Make it Cake

Event Venue: Valley View Barn and Mills Events

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An Eclectic Backyard Wedding Full of Homemade Details

by Aleisha
written by Aleisha

Heather & Matthew were married in an eclectic backyard wedding full of meaningful, homemade details. Photographer, Jessica Hunt shares a bit about their day...

Jessica Hunt: This wedding day is like none other I've ever photographed. Though an incredible team of vendors came together to make the wedding day happen, most of the planning and unique details of the day came straight from the couple! The ceremony entrance, arbor, bar, and dance floor were all built by the bride's father and Pawpaw. Truly a handmade-backyard affair!

Every little detail was poured over with love, each decoration and moment thought through. From the 'Wizard of OZ' quotes placed throughout the bride's parents' backyard to the handmade details, each little thing fit Heather and Matthew perfectly. Heather gifted her bridesmaids a pair of earrings, a handwritten note, and a forest green shaw to warm them up on the pretty November day. Matthew wore a velvet maroon suite jacket, and I loved his little fancy pocket square. The 'flower girls' were really 'feather girls' who threw feathers instead of petals, and the couple's friends and family showered them with paper airplanes as they walked down the aisle as Mr. & Mrs. for the first time. The paper airplanes were an important detail for Heather and Matthew because Matthew is a plane/drone hobbyist. They said their vows in front of a sea of candles and a handmade arbor made from stain glass windows.

...and the party after their vows? One for the books!

There were chandeliers hanging in the reception tent and a handmade, custom dance floor to host the party. They had a live band to rock out to all evening, and guests made s'mores right outside their reception tent around bonfires. Even the bar was built by hand for the wedding by Heather's family! Matthew, a real firework enthusiast, put on a gorgeous fireworks show to end the night. All-in-all Heather and Matthew's day was just plain flawless. Every little handmade detail complimented their backyard wedding and love perfectly, and this day is going to go down as one of my favorite wedding days yet.

Some Words of Wisdom from the Couple

Heather: You can never be too organized. If you are doing a homemade wedding, planning is crucial! You don’t want to be doing a lot of crafty things last minute. If one more person told me I have plenty of time to worry about that or you can do that later before the wedding I was going to scream! You want to enjoy the weeks before the wedding and not be stressed out! So anything you can do ahead of time...knock it out! Prioritize what is important to you and knock those things out...if you have leftover wants...OH well at least you got the most important ones off your list of To Do’s and honestly, no one will ever know if something wasn’t done!

Heather & Matthew's Rockstar Vendors

Photographer: Jessica Hunt Photography
Heather's Gown: Mikaella Bridal
Invitation Designer: The Copy Shop
Caterer: Hamptons Restaurant & Bakery
Hair Stylist: The Venue Salon
Officiant: Pastor Tim Brown
Band: Virtually Unshockable
Bridesmaid Dresses: Weddington Way
Men's Apparel: C. Anthony's Menswear
Other Attire: J. Major's Bridal Boutique
Floral Designer: Bloomsbury Floral Designs

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Liz & Andrew’s Enchanted Forest Wedding in an Airplane Hangar

by Aleisha
written by Aleisha

Bridechilla graduate, Liz, shares her and Andrew's enchanted forest inspired wedding at the Philadelphia Glider Council in Perkasie, PA.

Tell us a little about you and your partner!

Liz: For a decidedly non-stereotypical couple, we met in the most stereotypical of ways: at a mutual best friend's wedding. Andrew proposed after about 7 years of dating in Wales at the top of Mount Snowdon. I  studied abroad in Wales in 2009 so it's a place that is so very dear to my heart.

Tell us all about your event!

We got married at a private club/gliderport inside an aircraft hangar that my now-husband has been flying at since he was just 12. Priorities for the day were always to just throw a really good party that felt like us for our loved ones. Food is my favorite thing and my TOP priority was a delicious meal, so we hired the food truck (Local 215) first, and the photographer second as my husband is very particular about photography. My favorite part of the day was the ceremony (followed by the meal as a very close second) and I didn't think it would be! My husband really wanted to write our own vows, so we did, and had his friend officiate using a ceremony that we also wrote and it was just lovely. I also really loved our processional and recessional songs, Neville's Waltz from Harry Potter for the wedding party, Concerning Hobbits from Lord of the Rings for me, and we all walked out to the Cantina Band from Star Wars! I also splurged a bit on ice cream from a local place called Little Baby's. The flavors were chocolate salt malt, sour cherry honey, vanilla caramel cardamom, and sweet potato burnt marshmallow. I also spent months folding over 200 paper airplanes out of book pages for decor!

What was totally worth it?

EVERYTHING. More specifically, things I was on the fence about like a semi-fancy bathroom trailer, cocktail hour, ice cream, uplighting rentals (for $17 per light from DIY Uplighting!) etc. Even the paper airplanes I folded were a HUGE hit. I know you hear that people won't really notice the details, but I got more compliments than I can count on the details I wound up including. 

What was not worth it?

I worried a little too much leading up to the event about how people were going to behave as my family history is super complicated. But everything went perfectly, everyone was on their best behavior, and I gave myself not a few gray hairs for no reason.

What did you throw in the Fuck-It Bucket?

Liquor - we just had beer and wine, bartenders, fancy tables and chairs, china, silverware - I used high-end disposables that worked perfectly, real glasses - no one cared AT ALL, having the flower girl or ring-bearer carry anything, hairdresser, traditional caterer, a hell of a lot of signage (welcome sign, escort card sign, bathroom sign), bouquet toss and any and all wedding "games", formal entrance to the reception, formal photos during cocktail hour, ceremony readings, SO MUCH STUFF.

What advice do you have for other couples planning their weddings?

You cannot avoid everyone else's opinion (and OH GOD will you get so. many. opinions) but stick to your guns, follow your vision, and your day will be all you hoped for and more. Along those same lines, if you don't want something (for me a bathroom trailer felt unnecessary) but someone else offers to pay for it, and it doesn't negatively impact your vision for the day, LET THEM BUY IT. It's not worth the aggravation of arguing, and in the end it might wind up being the better decision. It's very hard to accept that you MIGHT not be right after all the thought and effort and planning you put into your day, but sometimes you MIGHT NOT BE RIGHT. <3

Liz & Andrew's Rockstar Vendors

Photographer: Shannon Collins Photography 
​Venue: Philadelphia Glider Council
Florals: Vault & Vine Events
Coordination:  KMT Event Group
Makeup: Maebee's Beauty Studio
Hair: Alison Scott Hair
Cake: The Frosted Fox Cake Shop
Catering: Local 215 Food Truck
Ice Cream: Little Baby's Ice Cream
DJ:  Soundscape Entertainment
Lighting: DIY Uplighting
Liz's Gown:  Maggie Stewart-Fritz

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Moody, Gothic Styled Elopement in Pacific Northwest

by Aleisha
written by Aleisha

October is here which means its time for witchy, gothic wedding inspiration in this styled lgbtq+ elopement photoshoot in Hug Point, Oregon.

It's October, so we thought it was time to bring in some moody gothic wedding inspiration for all the witchy Bridechillas out there. This photoshoot from Someplace Images is just what we were dreaming of. 

Inspired by goth and alternative bridal styles, this styled elopement photoshoot set at Hug Point on the Oregon Coast features a dark, moody color palette.  Inspired by the seaside cliffs and caves of the coast line, botanical florals, and luxurious metallic elements. Featuring a gigantic, garden-style  bouquet, a minimalist, modern cake and gorgeous invitation suite, this moody shoot is meant to inspire alternative, witchy brides and couples.

Take a journey with the couple, Devin & Jess, as they wander through the sea-spray, taking in the splendor of the Pacific ocean, waterfalls, and cliff sides of purple stone. A truly magical location for a magical couple.


The Rockstar Vendors

Photographer: Someplace Images
Makeup Artist: Marquee Salon + Studio
Calligrapher: Letters And Dust
Bakery: Just a Dash Cakes
Floral Designer: Brenna Burnett Florals
Venue: Hug Point, Oregon

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Woodland Bridal Inspiration for Adventurous Folks

by Aleisha
written by Aleisha

Super chill, woodland bridal inspiration for outdoorsy types who crave self-expression and nothing but good vibes.

Today we are bringing you inspiration for the free-spirited and wild at heart Bridechillas. The team who produced this photoshoot wanted to channel that wildness into this woodland bridal inspiration. 

This styled bridal portrait session was set along the Greenways in Charlotte, North Carolina and features wild, garden style florals and bridal fashions that complement the adventurous vibe of the setting. The design team was inspired by the change of seasons, natural materials, and rich colors and textures. 

The designers and photographer behind this photoshoot are giving you permission to be your adventurous self on your wedding day and in your bridal portraits. Wear the comfy boots, break out your favorite moto jacket, and go for a hike, even if that hike happens to be along an urban Greenway!

The Rockstar Vendor Team

Photographer: Amy Ellis Photography
Event Venue: Charlotte Greenway
Cake Designer: Sweet Affairs Charlotte
Calligrapher: Samantha Meyer Studio
Hair & Makeup Artist: Bethany Grotz
Floral Designer: Bloom Wild

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Rosie and Sean’s Eclectic Festival Inspired Wedding

by Aleisha
written by Aleisha
Bridechilla Graduate, Rosie shares her and Sean's eclectic, festival inspired wedding at Northside Farm in Horsley, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, UK featuring a some of the coolest DIY decor, a glitter bar, and temporary tattoos!

Tell us a little about you and your partner!

We should have met years ago. We had the same group of friends but just never seemed to be in the same place at the same time. Then one day we were and we've been stuck like glue ever since. We bonded over 'bad' films, live music and our love of the simple things in life. We both have a hard working ethic, though I'm more the ideas and Sean is the action. Sean has 3 little girls who I met 3 months in to the relationship and we felt like a family straight away.

We talked about getting married and I (Rosie) thought we were just going to announce it and plan without a formal engagement. Then I came back from my best friend's 'Hen Do' weekend in June 2017 and Sean was acting super weird. He wanted to go out to talk. I thought the worst and refused to go anywhere until he told me the problem that's when he pulled out a ring in our bedroom and I realised i'd ruined his plan. We kept it a secret to everyone but close family until after my best friend's wedding in July 2017 as we didn't want to draw any attention away from their day.

Tell us all about your event!

We wanted to do a lot of the work ourselves, not just to save money but to make sure it was a product of us. A lot of the venues we liked had packages that we loved but we felt ourselves becoming lost in amongst it and straying from our vision. We knew we wanted a festival style event and Northside Farm was the perfect setting. It meant we had the accommodation we wanted, we had the venue for 3 days to set-up and take down and they really allow you to create whatever kind of day you want within their space.

Our priorities were the atmosphere of the day. We had our VW Transport double as a photobooth and the girl who did my make-up to set-up a temporary tattoo and glitter booth which really went down a storm. We had 2 live bands, one on the evening and an acoustic duo through the day. So there was always something going on. The biggest part of our money was spent on bands, photographers and photo/glitter booths.

Rosie is vegan and didn't want to pay for any meat so we had a vegetarian afternoon tea with vegan options and all Vegan dessert table and evening food. The afternoon tea/picnic style meal got guests interacting to pass things across to each other etc. and I was so happy to see our table plans for who we knew would get on well being proved right. Our evening food in particular really went down well with curry, chilli and vegetable tagine options that guests could pick and mix.

We swapped wine out for beer and cider because we've seen so much wine get wasted at weddings before and every bottle was gone.

I DIY'ed all of our centerpieces, guest book, signage, temporary tattoos, confetti cones, table plans, hanging flowers, favours. EVERYTHING! Guests loved all the little pieces of detail and the glass coasters etched with their names as favours were a winner and worth the week it took Rosie to do them.

Rosie's speech went down amazingly, people found it very refreshing to have the bride as the main speaker and it let us put our day in context for people.

What was totally worth it?

Not being super over the top about my dress. I risked it and bought off an Etsy store (after some serious research) and saved so much money and didn't have to go in to wedding dress shops which I felt uncomfortable about anyway. 

Prioritising elements of the day that added to entertainment and atmosphere. That's the stuff guest remember and it was reflected in the photos.

Splurging on a photographer more than we had planned they were worth every penny and their style was suited to our theme.

We put everything under the microscope of do we need this or do we just feel we do because it's traditional and meant we could weed out the less fun bits and focus on what mattered to us and it also saved us money on a lot of stuff.

What was not worth it?

  • Leaving the DIY to the last minute. everything takes longer than you think. 
  • Any stress about family issues and other people’s opinions.
  • People constantly trying to get Sean super drunk on our wedding night. I don't want to have to worry about my groom.
  • Having the dogs there, the photos were good with them and they had a great time when we could let them run around but it was a worry for us as to who had taken them out last and when had they been fed etc. that we hadn't really expected.
  • Not practicing out first dance, we were never going to choreograph anything but when it came to it we definitely should have been more prepared.

What did you throw in the Fuck-It Bucket?

We knew we didn't want a big ceremony as Sean is very shy and it wasn't really our taste to have a lot of people there for that part of it. We called that 'the admin' part of our day and went to a local Registry Office with the 3 kids and 4 guests before heading off for the party. We didn't have a bridal party as such, but asked our best man and woman to be our witnesses for our marriage certificate. 

We eliminated a lot of the traditional speeches as I wanted a good mix of male and female voices. For the same reason I wasn't walked in by my dad or had a father daughter dance. Cake cutting was eliminated and instead of a specific wedding cake we had a full dessert table (which was cheaper). We saw each other then night before and slept in the same bed, I would have been more stressed without seeing my best friend. It didn't make it any less special on the day. We also FIB'ed posed family photos and left it all up the the photographers to get more candid shots that actually captured the feel of the day.

Bouquets felt un-necessary and I didn't want any live flowers as it's so wasteful.

How did Bridechilla help you plan your wedding?

By giving me perspective. I realized that a wedding could be anything you want it to be and you don't have to conform to traditions. I realized stress is normal any it's okay to not be okay in wedding planning. I got inspiration from other chillas and had a support group who were impartial as they don't know me.

What advice do you have for other couples planning their weddings?

Discuss your vision together so you can nudge yourself if you start to stray. Don't feel like your wedding has to work in any particular way. Nothing is set in stone as to the template of your day.

Rosie & Sean's Rockstar Vendors

Photographers: ​The Hendrys

Transport & Photobooth: VW Wedding Rosie

Vegan Dessert Table:  Grumpy Panda Food

Venue & Catering: Northside Farm

Rosie's Dress: Lace Bridal

Hair, Makeup & Glitter Booth: The Venue (Salon)

Tent Rentals: Northern Star Teepees UK

Bands: The Arrival & Seraph

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