Emma + Joe
(September 4, 2020 in Ellensburg, WA)
Welcome back to the Ivory Blog where we share stories from our real brides about their real weddings! In todays blog, the writer's vision for her wedding was to have a romantic, whimsical garden setting, although she went into wedding planning with an open mind due to the pandemic. She and her husband chose to get married at the venue where he worked as the general manager, and they served barbecued burgers and cupcakes made by the bride's aunt. The day was documented with a large number of photos, and due to COVID restrictions, they could only have 30 guests instead of the originally planned 250. Despite the changes, the wedding was intimate and special. The writer's advice to future brides is to not stress about the wedding day and have a short engagement.
Emma looked absolutely gorgeous in our Hazel gown by Essense of Australia. This gown has gorgeous beaded floral appliques throughout the bodice that trickle down into the skirt. The bodice is unlined with exposed boning and defined bust cups for a corset-inspired look. A full layer of glitter tulle with a unique organic pattern adds an extra bit of sparkle to this gown. Floral appliques frame the edge of the train and buttons down the back of the bodice complete this romantic look.
By our real bride, Emma:
What was the vision for your wedding?
Ive dreamt of my wedding day ever since I was a little girl. My Pinterest board changed throughout the years but I always thought I would get married in a romantic whimsical garden setting. I went into wedding planning with an open mind because I knew I probably wasnt going to have everything Id ever dreamt about especially planning a wedding during a pandemic. Choosing my vendors was easy. My now husband is the general manager at the wedding venue we got married at! Talk about an easy decision. We barbecued burgers and my aunt made our cake and cupcakes.
How did it go the day-of?
The day was a dream. Let me start by saying, no one truly prepares you for the amount of pictures you will be taking. I swear it was like 75% of the day! It was special though because I did a first look with my bridesmaids, and of course, I CRIED, but now I have it documented forever! Do a first look with your girls, you wont regret it.
I planned on having 250 guests but due to Covid restrictions, I could only have 30. It sounds like a big change but having an intimate wedding was so special. We were able to have our brothers (Joe has 4 and I have 3) pray over us during our ceremony and take communion with our 30 family members. We also were able to set up a live stream for our friends and family that were all over the state and country. It wasnt what we planned but I couldnt have asked for anything better.
What is your #1 tip to future brides?
My number one tip for you lovely brides is to not stress about your wedding day and go for a short engagement! I know thats easier said than done, but seriously. Its one day and it goes by so fast. You spend months planning for one day that is over in 8hrs. In the end, youre married to the man of your dreams and that was the best part! I was engaged for 2 1/2 months and the hardest part about a short engagement is getting your dress in on time. Luckily the ladies at Honest and Ivory helped me find a perfect dress for me that would for sure arrive in enough time to get any alterations I would have needed before the big day!
