TIPS | NEWLY ENGAGED

You’re engaged! First off, congrats! We knew it would be happening any day now, we could just feel it. We’re so happy for you and are even happier that soon you’ll be celebrating the love between you and your honey!

Second, we don’t want to scare you, but there are some big decisions coming over the horizon. The who, the where, and the when are just a few of the many choices you’ll be making during the wedding planning process. But don’t freak out, we’re here to help! We’ve racked our brains and come with your Just Engaged must do’s. Consider this your wedding checklist intro!

Photo | Jennefer Wilson

Live In It

Take some time and soak up the newly engaged feeling! Keep it a secret for the day (or even a week!) because once you let the cat out of the bag, wedding talk will be top of everyone’s mind.

Budget

Start thinking about your wedding budget. It may seem early, but it will determine so many aspects of your wedding day. The guest count and venue are some of the big budget factors. Now would also be an excellent time to check in with parents or other close family members about whether or not they plan to chip in. Of course, they don’t have to! Plenty of 21st-century couples pay for their wedding 100% on their own, but often family contributes, and that’s something to consider when putting your budget together.

Venue

Start a list of venues the two of you like. Venues, especially the most popular ones, are known to book out a year or two in advance, so getting your name on the books asap will give you a better chance at getting the day that you want.

Photo | a sea of love

Date

Your wedding date goes hand in hand with the Venue, but you have to be flexible! Holidays weekends and matching dates like 02/02/2020 will go quickly. Even more regular dates may be all booked up once you get in contact with vendors, so consider choosing a date range or season that you want to get married to avoid disappointment.

Brainstorm

Create or revive your wedding Pinterest board. What’s your dream wedding vibe? Sit down with your fiancé and a wedding magazine and talk through your likes and dislikes. There’s no need to make any concrete decisions, just get a sense of your shared vision.

Wedding Party

Think about who you want to include in your wedding party. You don’t have to ask or dream up any proposals yet, but start getting a list together. Or do the two of you even want a wedding party? Your wedding, your choice.

Photo | Chelsea Q. White

Celebrate!

Bring your friends and family together to celebrate your engagement. This doesn’t have to be an all night rager or a pricey party, just gather your loved ones and celebrate this new phase of your life.

So, what are you doing first?

INSPIRED BY | ENGAGEMENT RINGS

Engagement rings are a gorgeous, personal and a lifelong accessory choice. Your ring is a beautiful opportunity to display your style as well as your commitment, but the choice can be a little daunting. Rarely do we run across a ring that wouldn’t fit a million different types of bride. Sparkle looks great on everyone! To inspire, we’ve put together some of our favorite engagement rings and wedding band sets. They have different settings, colors and carat size, but they're all beyond swoon-worthy. Think of this as just a taste of our dream Celebrate Dallas “Bling” board. These beauties are nothing short of pinnable.

Vintage

Photo | Averie Claire

Photo | Amy Karp

Classic

Photo | Lauren Nicole Photography

Photo | The Grand Romantic

Elegant

Photo | Melissa Marshall

Photo | a sea of love

Glamorous

Photo | George Street

Photo | Wilderlove Co.

Unique

Photo | Lauren Reynolds Photography

Photo | Christina Childress

What’s your dream engagement ring?

HOW TO | PETS ON YOUR WEDDING DAY

On your wedding day you should be surrounded by the ones you love most and pets whether they be feathered or four-legged they are no exception to that rule. More and more couples are opting to incorporate their fur-babes into their wedding. Some couples have their dogs/cats/potbelly pigs walk down the aisle but if you’re looking for other options we’ve rounded up a few alternatives plus tips that’ll make sure your pet-friendly wedding is smooth sailing.

1. Expect the unexpected. Animals are unpredictable by nature, so having a backup plan is imperative! What will you do if their little outfit is lost in all the wedding commotion? What’s the plan if your lil’ sweetie acts out or isn’t feeling well? Of course, we hope that everything goes off without a hitch, but our motto is hope for the best and plan for the worst.

2. Have an exit strategy. What is your post-ceremony pet exit-strategy? More than likely, you won’t want them to stay throughout the night’s festivities (and to be fair they probably won’t want to either), so consider how and who will be getting them home after you say “I do.”

3. Know your pet. You know your baby better than anyone else does, so be realistic! If they’ve never sat still or obeyed a command, your wedding may not the right time to put them on full display.

4. Practice. Practice makes perfect isn’t just for humans. Before the big day, get your furry, feathered, or otherwise coated friend into the groove of posing or walking down the aisle.

5. Check in with your venue. Some venues have strict no pet policies so be sure to ask while touring and double check those contracts!

First Look

Photo | Lori Wilson Photography

Bridals

Photo | Jillian Zamora

Photo | A Sea of Love

Cocktail Hour Guests

Photo | Rob August

Engagement Photos

Photo | Rebecca Kracht

Cake Topper

Photo | Adria Lea

Ceremony Programs

Photo | Hilary Cinque

HOW WILL YOU BE SHARING YOUR SPECIAL DAY WITH YOUR FURRY ONES?

INSPIRED BY | WEDDING DRESS STYLE

A wedding dress is one of the most uniquely you decisions you'll make the entire wedding planning process, but making a perfect choice can be daunting. Going into a bridal shop blind is an overwhelming experience if you're not sure what look you want or how to achieve it. That's where we come in! We don't play favorites with our brides, but today we've rounded up a few of our top fashion picks to represent every wedding dress style. Looking for some sleek and modern inspo? We got you. Big and bold more your style? Look no further! Our brides' style is well rounded and ready to help you find your dream wedding dress.

Art Deco Design

Photo | Leah Golter Photography

All Black Everything

Photo | The Brothers Martens

Head to Toe Lace

Photo | Shay & Olive

Bold, Traditional, and Cultural

Photo | Jennifer Yarbro Photography

Delicate Beaded Bustier

Photo | George Street

Sophisticated Sheer Sleeves

Photo | A Sea of Love

Floral Peekaboo Applique

Photo | Jessica Quadra Photography

Bedazzled Body Hugger

Photo | Kevin + Stephanie Cabrera

Textured Silver Sparkle

Photo | Lauren Nicole Photography

Sleek and Modern

Photo | Christina Childress

Baroque and Backless

Photo | Reigh Walker Photography

Decolletage Full of Flowers

Photo | Christina Childress

Vintage Vixen

Photo | Averie Claire

TIPS | BOUDOIR DOS AND DONTS

Weddings are filled with pre-event photo ops but boudoir photos are perhaps some of our favorites. They're not for everyone but if you are thinking of getting frisky, we highly recommend!

Boudoir photos are traditionally sexy pictures brides have taken as a gift for their new spouse. Even more than that it's an opportunity to feel your most confident. Boudoir pictures are what you make of them. They can be dark, moody, and nearly nude or bright and romantic while featuring lacy robes and lingerie.

After the planning and posing comes the best part, handing them over. There are a million different ways to gift your favorite shots. Some brides create a photo album of the pictures, while others pick a few of their favorites and have them framed for their home (definitely one hell of a conversation starter). Whatever your choice, your honey is sure to be thrilled.

Below are a few of our Boudoir Dos and Don'ts!

Don't experiment on the day of the shoot.

I understand being tempted to try something new but hit pause on that if you can help it. Boudoir pictures should be showing off your most confident self, but it's hard to feel that way if you're unsure of your new look. Our tip: Make any significant changes at least 3-4 weeks before the shoot day.

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Do find an experienced photographer you trust and vibe with.

For such an intimate shoot, it's important that you hire a photographer that you like and makes you feel comfortable. Consider meeting before you book to grab a coffee and get a feel for their personality. It's also essential that you choose a photographer you know has boudoir experience. A great lifestyle or wedding photographer doesn't always equal a great boudoir photographer.

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Do make a playlist!

Making an “I’m Feelin’ Myself“ playlist should be the first step on your pre-shoot prep list. It’ll help you get into the groove and feel more comfortable and confident. Who can feel self-conscious jamming to Don’t Start Now by Dua Lipa? Here are a few pre-made playlist suggestions: Feelin' Myself, Pumped Pop, Hot Country

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Do ask questions and communicate your needs.

Your photographer is great what they do, but they aren’t mind readers. Only you know your vision and boundaries, so speak up!

Photo | Adria Lea

Don’t feel like you have to be someone you’re not.

Boudoir photos are an opportunity to show off your sexiest self. Emphasis on SELF. You don’t need to start some new crash diet or tweeze, pull, and suck your self into oblivion. The camera will catch all the discomfort. So as hard as it may feel, be your own hottie thottie self!

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Do make a special shopping trip.

Treat yourself! This shoot is as good of a time as any to go out find something that makes you feel hot. You don’t have to spend lavishly, but take some time and think about what looks make you feel and look your best.

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Do have an idea of what you want.

Create a Pinterest or mood board for some boudoir inspiration! There are tons of different boudoir styles and it’s essential to find the perfect one for you. Are you going ultra sexy and nearly nude, or is your vibe more sweet and playful?

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Do have fun!

Let loose and have fun. Boudoir pictures are something your partner will never forget, and your shoot should be the same. Let yourself live in the moment and soak up all that fun and fierce energy. You deserve it!

What do you think? Are Boudoir pictures on your wedding to do list?