As the editor of Bridal Musings, I’m Claire, and for the past year, I’ve also been a real bride-to-be, sharing the journey to saying ‘I do’ to my fiancé Marko. With that in mind, this week marks the culmination of all our planning, excitement, and anticipation. While I’m taking time off to get everything in order, I wanted to leave you with a recap of my previous posts detailing how we went about planning our special day. From dress shopping to decor planning, it’s been quite the adventure! As I prepare for my big week ahead – which includes our civil ceremony on Tuesday and meeting with the florists on Wednesday – I’m feeling happy, relaxed, and just a little bit overwhelmed. Thursday will be all about last-minute preparations, and Friday, of course, is when the magic happens. But before then, stay tuned for one final pre-wedding post where I’ll share some parting thoughts and maybe even get a little emotional. Until then, here’s a collection of my previous planning posts that show just how we brought our wedding vision to life.
The Proposal
The story of how Marko proposed to me with a beautiful ring from Heidi Gibson Designs is one that I’ll always treasure. It’s a tale of simplicity, elegance, and love – a true reflection of our relationship. Even now, when I’m supposed to be focused on writing blog posts, my eyes often wander to the stunning piece of jewelry, and I’m reminded of that special moment.
The Venue Search
As we embarked on our exhaustive search for the ideal venue in not one, but two countries, we partnered with Alise Taggart’s exceptional styling and Paula O’Hara’s breathtaking photography, courtesy of Ruffled. The journey was a treasure trove of valuable insights and practical tips that we’re excited to share with you. Rest assured, our standards were sky-high; we left no stone unturned in our pursuit of the perfect setting.
The Time We Nearly Called It Off
When the thrill of wedding planning starts to wear off and stress begins to build, it can be overwhelming. Luckily, my partner and I were able to navigate this tumultuous period and come out stronger on the other side. Arnau Dubois Photography via Refinery29 captures a moment that beautifully encapsulates the emotional rollercoaster that many couples face during this time.
The Wedding Dress
As I strolled through the bustling atmosphere of Bridal Fashion Week, I had the pleasure of meeting Ashley and Brit from the stunning Daughters of Simone boutique. The experience was nothing short of magical, as we bonded over our shared passion for all things wedding-related. In fact, my time with these lovely ladies left me so enamored that I ended up purchasing the first dress I tried on – a decision that still brings a smile to my face today. Of course, finding ‘The One’ isn’t always easy, which is why I’m excited to share my top tips for making the process a little more seamless.
The Food
A mouthwatering montage of flavors await as we dive into the world of culinary delights. Our latest blog installment chronicles the meticulous planning that went into crafting our menu, with expert tips to guide you in creating your own delectable spread.
A timeless favorite that never fails to impress is the harmonious union of pizza and ice cream – a match made in heaven, if you will.
The Traditions (And Lack of Them)
While wedding customs can bring joy and sentimentality to the celebration of love, it’s essential to remember that what matters most is making choices that feel authentic and meaningful to the couple involved. In this context, we’ve opted to forgo certain long-standing traditions, such as a bridal party, bouquet toss, or first dance, in favor of creating our own unique experience. However, despite this departure from tradition, we still intend to honor the time-honored practice of taking on a new name after marriage.
The Photography
Selecting a wedding photographer can be an overwhelming task, as there are countless talented professionals to consider. In our case, narrowing down the options proved to be quite the challenge. However, with persistence and careful evaluation, we were able to find the ideal pair of photographers to capture our special day.
The Money Conversation
The often-awkward conversation about wedding expenses is a reality many couples face. The pressure to create unforgettable memories while staying within budget can be overwhelming. In this candid account, I share my own experience of carefully balancing what we splurged on and what we saved on in the lead-up to our special day, with the aim of providing valuable insights for those embarking on their own wedding planning journey.
The Decor
One of the most treasured posts from my archives is this comprehensive guide to wedding decor. The post showcases the impeccable work of SposiamoVi Wedding Planning, paired with stunning photography by Divine Day Photography, as featured on Bridal Musings. I’m thrilled to share a detailed look at our ceremony styling, signage, table layouts, and DIY projects – all designed to inspire couples planning their special day.
The You’ve-Simply-Got-To-Download-It Playlist
The wedding planning excitement continues with the unveiling of our carefully curated music selection, which we’re thrilled to share with you today. As a special treat, we’ve also compiled a list of essential dancefloor tracks to help inspire your own wedding playlist. With these guaranteed crowd-pleasers, you’ll be eager to get your big day started!
The Beautification
As I prepared for my special day, I surprised myself by developing a newfound appreciation for self-care rituals like facials and manicures – a far cry from my usual aversion to pampering! Amidst the whirlwind of planning every detail of my hair, makeup, and accessories, I discovered the joy of treating myself with a little extra TLC.
The Ceremony
The momentous occasion of exchanging vows with loved ones holds a unique significance for me. As I reflect on the day’s events, it’s the ceremony that stands out as the most treasured aspect. This portion of our wedding story is especially meaningful to me, and in it, I’d like to share my thoughts on the role that music, readings, and our wonderful officiant Dan played in making the experience truly unforgettable.
