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wedding blog + planning guide for creative weddings | inspiration for DIY Brides

Brenda's Wedding Blog is your online resource for planning your dream elegant wedding. Helping you find the "wow" in weddings.

Posts in Real Weddings
Romantic Elopement in Hawaii with Marianne Blackham Photography

A gorgeous elopement with a peaceful ceremony is today’s wedding feature with Business Club member Marianne Blackham Photography. The couple chose Oahu as the island of choice because of their love for the ocean and the Hawaiian culture. They had a nice, quiet and luxurious elopement followed by gorgeous wedding photos ending at sunset.

Gorgeous beach themed wedding invitation with a seahorse wax seal - from a Romantic Elopement in Hawaii on the island of Oahu - photo by Marianne Blackham Photography - see more on www.BrendasWeddingBlog.com
Beautiful beach themed tablesetting with sequin table runner - from a Romantic Elopement in Hawaii on the island of Oahu - photo by Marianne Blackham Photography - see more on www.BrendasWeddingBlog.com
Wedding Vendors: several of these shops are affiliate links
Photographer: Marianne Blackham Photography
Invitation Designer: Dreamcatcher Stationery
Event Planner: Events Design By Claudia
Beauty: Nails By Marees
Wedding Garters: The Garter Girl by Julianne Smith
Officiant: Wedding Officiant For Love
Signage: Weddings By Joedi

Submitted via Two Bright Lights
An Intimate Washington DC Military Elopement : Vintage with a Touch of Urban

Today’s amazing purple and white Washington DC military elopement comes to us from Marianne Blackham Photography. Both the bride and groom are in the Navy with the groom being a Navy doctor and the bride a Navy RN.

The couple decided they wanted to elope so that he could get married in his white uniform. The elopement took place in a charming alleyway in Washington DC with a brunch reception taking place later on at the Four Seasons. Enjoy their amazing wedding photo gallery below which also features photos by co-shooter Cynthia Bennett Photography.

A gorgeous purple calla lily bridal bouquet / from a Washington DC Military Elopement Wedding / photo by Marianne Blackham Photography
Super cute photo of the bride and groom after saying I Do - love how the officiant is framed below their kiss / from a Washington DC Military Elopement Wedding / photo by Marianne Blackham Photography
Sweet purple and gold cupcakes from a Washington DC Military Elopement Wedding / photo by Marianne Blackham Photography
Beautiful Purple Floral and Aqua Blue Just Married Wedding Invitation / from a Washington DC Military Elopement Wedding / photo by Marianne Blackham Photography

Creative Wedding Inspiration Include:
1. One bloom bridal bouquet {loving the purple calla lilies}
2. Pretty purple frosted cupcakes {match the bouquet}
3. Knee-length lace wedding dress
4. Gorgeous statement necklace
5. Pretty organic design for the sweetheart table

What was your favorite element in this intimate military elopement? Please let me know in the comments, I'd love to know.

Wedding Vendor Credits:
Photographer: Marianne Blackham Photography
Co-Shooter: Cynthia Bennett Photography
Event Planner: Jacquelyne Edith Events, LLC
Makeup Artist: Ktylas Beauty
Officiant: Hitched 360
Dress Designer: Ebrada Atelier
Invitation Designer: Devine Designs by Diesha
Hair Stylist: Courtney Maricle
Bakery: Buttercream Bake Shop

Planning a Wedding on a Budget at The White Room in St. Augustine, Florida - by Rae Leytham Photography

I love how today's featured Real Wedding from Rae Leytham Photography shows you that planning a wedding on a budget can still yield an absolutely gorgeous wedding day. 

A few of my favorite creative wedding ideas from the Florida wedding of John & Nathalie include:

  • Gorgeous Lace Wedding Dress
  • Beautiful Baby's Breath Wreaths hanging on the ceremony chairs
  • Fabric Draping from the reception room ceiling
  • Stunning Chandeliers at the ceremony location
Gorgeous Getting Ready for the Wedding Day Photograph / photo by Rae Leytham Photography / St. Augustine Florida
Gorgeous Wedding Photograph of a bride and her flower girl / photo by Rae Leytham Photography / St. Augustine Florida
Love these baby's breath wreaths on the wedding ceremony chairs / beautiful wedding ceremony decorations / photo by Rae Leytham Photography / St. Augustine Florida
You'll wish for rain on your wedding day when your bride and groom portrait look like this / stunning nighttime wedding photograph in the rain / photo by Rae Leytham Photography / St. Augustine Florida

Rae Leytham Photography is a destination & award winning wedding photography team based in Florida. Their photography is all about elegance and style with their local photography covering the Florida Keys, Florida Panhandle, & south Alabama.

Wedding Vendors:
Photos: Rae Leytham Photography
Location: The White Room
Bridesmaids Dresses: Show Me Your MuMu

What are your favorite creative wedding elements from this Florida Real Wedding? Please share in the comments.

Real Wedding Friday's - Have You Seen The Pretty Inspiration?

Did you know that I have a special section for Real Weddings now? Every Friday {except for today as I'm attempting to finish tackling my inbox from vacation last week} features a gorgeous new real wedding. And, wait until you see the one coming your way next week . . . it's absolutely amazing . . . the bride even learned Spanish to be able to thank her grandparents for being an inspiration, as they celebrated their 75 years marriage anniversary 2 month after her wedding day. In case you missed any - here's a round-up of the latest real weddings and a little preview of a super pretty real wedding that you will see from Mandy Owens Photography.

Gorgeous Bride + Groom from their Wedding on a Sheep Farm / photo by Mandy Owens Photography
Giveaway to Martha Stewart's Wedding Party in Chicago + a Modern Wedding of Two Artists

This morning I have a fun giveaway for all my Chicago area brides {hope you have this coming Sunday March 22nd free} and an incredible modern wedding with an intimate dinner {just 20 guests}. First up is the details and GIVEAWAY to Martha Stewart’s Wedding Party which will be held this coming Sunday March 22nd in Chicago at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago (A Four Seasons Hotel) from 11 am to 3 pm.  Martha Stewart’s Wedding Party {produced by Claudia Hanlin, the Wedding Library and Lovebird Events, Inc.} joins over 100 of the finest wedding vendors, expert speakers, and bridal fashion, all under one roof. Expert advice will be shared by top industry pros including Darcy Miller, editorial director of Martha Stewart Weddings in conversation with Lauren Conrad, celebrity and designer of the paper crown bridesmaid collection. The Marketplace features over 60 local and national wedding vendors. There will be mini-demonstrations on crafting a boutonniere, mixology, floral arranging, tying a bowtie and calligraphy. The Destination & Honeymoon Lounge features luxury properties and travel services from around the world. See the latest in bridal fashion, including an in-person introduction to the paper crown bridesmaid collection. You can even enter for a chance to win raffle prizes throughout the day.

I have the chance for one lucky Chicago Area Bride to win a pair of tickets {valued at $65 each} to attend Martha Stewart's Wedding Party on Sunday March 22nd, 2015.

This giveaway ends on Friday morning at 9 am EST. So, hurry up and leave me a comment on this post letting me know you would LOVE to attend Sunday's event in Chicago and I will pick one lucky winner. Want to purchase your tickets now so you don't miss out? Click Here

Event Date and Time: Sunday March 22, 2015 from 11am – 3pm
Event Location: The Ritz-Carlton Chicago (A Four Seasons Hotel)
                           160 East Pearson Street / At Water Tower Place

Don't forget to leave me a comment to be entered to win
a pair of tickets to attend Martha Stewart's Wedding Party.

Now, onto today's featured wedding of Jaclyn and Ken that took place at Mastro’s Steakhouse with a small and intimate reception, photographed by Emily Gualdoni Photography. Emily writes . . .

The couple managed to rearrange and redefine the wedding experience to be uncomplicated and very intimate, all while entertaining a fluctuating amount of guests. The reception hosted about 75 people, but dinner was only 20 guests (served by the restaurant featuring the most amazing food of course). The environment reflected how special this day was for them, but what makes this wedding even more interesting is that Jaclyn and Ken had already gotten married. Of course, it was only a marriage on paper, so the day’s events were simply a delayed celebration. I feel like this helped keep the pressure off the event a bit, and of course the couple as well. 
Vendor Credits
Photographer: Emily Gualdoni Photography
Wedding Heels: Aldo Shoes
Floral Designer: City Scents Flowers & Gifts
Equipment Rentals: Hall's Rentals
Reception Venue: Mastro's Steakhouse
Cake Designer: More Cupcakes
DJ: Style Matters DJs

Submitted via Two Bright Lights