What a dream wedding McCall and John had! Katie and I knew it from the moment we walked into McCall’s sweet at The Crawford Hotel inside Union Station. Her and her Mom were peacefully getting ready just the two of them inside the immaculately decorated room. John and McCall chose not to have a wedding party. This made for such an intimate day where we had time to casually experience the wonderful spaces in and outside of Union Station and also the art gallery district on Santa Fe. John got ready in the same room as McCall and so they saw each other before she put on her dress. He was beaming with excitement the whole time. When it came time to see McCall in her dress outside, he couldn’t hold back the tears. We love it when our grooms show emotion during their first look!I admired their simply beautiful attention to detail throughout the day and how they made the city a character as part of their wedding. The artwork at Point Gallery perfectly complimented the flavor of their wedding. Check out their photos and see for yourself! Their ceremony was simple with just their immediate family attending. After the ceremony, the gallery filled up with the rest of their friends to eat, drink and be merry!
“Tyler and I met when I took a position working for his father. At the time, he was still working on his undergrad and I had just graduated. Though we enjoyed each other’s company, we were in different worlds and not romantically interested in each other. We reconnected four years later when I moved to Denver for graduate school. He was finishing up graduate school and interested in moving to Denver. I started having feelings for him but was reluctant about starting a long distance relationship, but his charm and wit wore me down. We started dating, fell in love, he moved to Denver, and now we’re married!”
How He Asked
“We are both very into our dogs. He loves to cook and I love to eat. We both have some strong dance moves and enjoy being active. We had talked about getting engaged, so every moment became, ‘Is this the moment he’s going to propose?’ We love the outdoors and one day he suggested taking our dog on a hike. He picked a place with waterfalls that we’d never been. When we got there, snow was still on the ground and we had bad cell reception. We got lost on the trail. I was ready to call it a day, but he suggested we go up to the top to look at the view before heading back, and when we finally got there, he proposed! I remember shaking because I was so surprised and excited. As we hiked, we greeted someone on the trail and I just blurted out, ‘We just got engaged!’ The strangers were very excited for us. I remember him saying, ‘You’re not going to do that with everyone we pass, right?’
Our Colorado Wedding
“Our wedding day was perfect. I’ve never been one to dream of my wedding day my whole life, but I understand now why people do. The day felt very us. Making that kind of commitment to my best friend in front of everyone that we love was a day I’ll always treasure. It was very peaceful yet exhilarating all at the same time. Though I never would want to plan a wedding again, it would be amazing to live that day all the time.“
Recent years have seen brides rush to recreate their version of a royal wedding or something straight off a Pinterest board. But as we greet 2016, it’s clear brides are much more interested in going down the aisle their own way. “Couples today want a wedding that showcases who they are, that’s a fun experience for their guests and that won’t look or feel dated — ever,” says event planner Alison Laesser-Keck, of VLD Events in southeast Michigan. Here, top wedding pros share some key elements to this personal spin on romance and fun.
Bright on. Metallics are surprisingly versatile, says New York City event-planning guru Harriette Rose Katz. “Depending on how and where you bring them into your celebration,” she says, “they can be elegant, whimsical, ethereal or even very natural.” (Think glitzy golds to pop out room decor at a black-tie wedding, copper lanterns at an outdoor reception or on a rustic tablescape.) No matter the venue or theme, designers across the country say rose gold will show up on everything from rings to table linens. Even the food and drink get in on the trend, with shiny blush icings on desserts and rose-hued cocktails. One metallic that is on the wane, however, is silver.
Photo Credit: Allyson Magda Photography
Hometown heroes. In a trend that Laesser-Keck calls “the new destination wedding,” couples are increasingly looking for ways to bring in elements of places that hold special memories — no matter where the actual wedding is being held. For example, a couple who got engaged in Paris might bring in vintage street lamps to light the reception, have Edith Piaf songs playing during dinner and use bistro signage for the bar. “The idea is that you can have guests feel like they’re in Nashville, New York, your alma mater — whatever spot is close to your heart — and enjoying little bits of those places that have brought you joy,” she says.
Just dreamy. The key to setting a romantic mood? Ambience. “Every couple wants to create a more romantic and intimate environment,” says Los Angeles–based event designer Trish Stevens, of Classic Party Rentals. “Wedding lighting is the best — and simplest — way to establish both.” Event designers say they’re using more pendant lights with bare “Edison” bulbs, chandeliers (both vintage and modern) and candelabras to cast a soft glow.
Photo courtesy of VLD Events
Photo courtesy of Creative Edge Parties
Be seated. Couples are moving away from a reception layout based on large round tables, which has a tendency to feel too much like a conference event, and are instead opting for either very long, rectangular tables or a mix of long tables surrounded by smaller square and round tables — all for a more intimate vibe. And lounge areas, complete with comfortable seating options, remain a crucial part of the cocktail and after-party hours.
Barns remain a strong venue trend. “The relaxed setting lets couples put their own spin on rustic chic,” says Stevens.
The Flowers
The right mix of style and simplicity will be the cornerstone of fabulous wedding floral arrangements in 2016.
Photo Credit: Miki and Sonja Photography for Flower Duet
Just picked. Arrangements that feature both whatever is in season and whatever is local are gaining traction. Sometimes couples request a “wild” look, say Casey Schwartz and Kit Wertz of Flower Duet in Los Angeles. “What they’re after are freshly picked blooms.” These free-form bouquets and centerpieces often include a mix of big and small blossoms in more than one color, and might use spiky flowers or fruiting vines to serve as exclamation points.
Photo courtesy of Flower Duet
Tone-on-tone explosion. A concentrated cluster of one color lends a graphic impact to centerpieces. Ask your florist to choose three to five different flowers in the same shade — the slight color variations create an ombré effect. For an uber-romantic feel, stick to the opposite ends of the color spectrum — either pale or deeply saturated. to set the table for fun, pick a hyper-vivid neon or a playful sorbet shade.
Look, don’t eat! Everyone’s a foodie these days, so it’s no surprise that savvy couples are asking florists to include elements like coffee beans and fragrant herbs (say, mint or basil) into centerpieces and garlands. Petite seasonal fruits and vegetables are another way to layer on color.
Flowers not necessary. Potted trees, succulents, ferns, lavender sprigs and decorative leaves (such as magnolia, begonia) are no longer reserved for anchoring flower arrangements — these days they can become the focal point of the décor. Flowering plants and blooming branches (think flowering quince, crab apple or cherry blossom) also work well as creative centerpieces. And a budget-friendly elegant idea is to adorn bare branches with crepe-paper flowers or sparkly jewels.
Try this trend: Mix up your centerpieces. “All tables need not look the same,” say Amber Karson and Emily Butler of Karson Butler Events in Washington, D.C. and California.
Inez Edwards had no clue what a drone was, but when the bride-to-be’s wedding photographer suggested it as a way to get some stunning aerial photos, Edwards was sold.
So in October, at a hotel in Washington, a drone buzzed overhead as she walked down the aisle.
“The drone captured every single person walking into the ceremony without them knowing. That was pretty cool,” Edwards said of being able to get candid shots.
The couple and their photographer first experimented with the drone at their rehearsal and found an altitude for it to hover at so the noise wouldn’t be a distraction. Edwards said she never heard the drone during the ceremony. Some guests told her afterward that the drone made them feel as if they were at a celebrity’s wedding.
Edwards is part of a budding trend. Drones outfitted with a camera are increasingly being used to document weddings as couples are drawn to the unique aerial perspective.
A bridal party poses for a photo from a drone. (Above Summit)
“Drones are definitely the hot topic in wedding photography and cinematography,” said cinematographer Justin Fone, who added that 50 percent of his potential customers ask about aerial footage.
Fone began filming weddings 14 years ago, and he started using a drone last year. He has witnessed a technology arms race to record weddings.
“When we first started, it was just a camera and a tripod,” Fone said. “But now it’s a camera and tripod, a slider, a jib, a crane, aerial shots.”
Photographer Chris Geiger actually had a couple ask him to use a drone to capture their entire ceremony, which was held inside a church. But the ceremony was 30 minutes long, and Geiger knew his battery wouldn’t last long enough, plus he was worried about the safety of it. So he turned them down.
“If there’s not an established area where I can crash, I’m kinda concerned with that,” Geiger told me. He’s careful to note that he’s just experimenting with drone footage at weddings. He says there’s no charge for the use of the drone.
Although commercial drone operations are illegal without an FAA exemption, that hasn’t stopped many businesses from using them, including wedding photographers across the country. Many I talked to claim to be in a legal gray area.
They take precautions to fly safely, such as not flying over wedding guests. No one wants something like this to happen:
So far the FAA hasn’t levied much in the way of penalties for skirting its rules.
The fact that drones are already emerging despite the lack of full legal clearance hints at just how big the wedding drone industry will become once commercial drone flight is legal.
“I see it as really taking off,” said Geiger, who once delivered a ring on a drone as part of a marriage proposal. “I think this is going to be something that in maybe the next year or two it’s going to be something that virtually every wedding video booker will offer or will know someone they can bring in to offer the service.”
He considers drones fantastic for getting establishing shots. He’ll arrive before a ceremony and shoot the facility before anyone arrives.
Some drone operators I spoke to said they use the devices only while music is playing, so attendees aren’t distracted by the sound of a drone, generally reminiscent of a swarm of bees. Others use the drone during the cocktail hour, or position the drone behind the ceremony and rely on a zoom lens.
But not everyone is convinced that drones belong at weddings.
Illinois photographer Bruce Solko, who has shot weddings for 30 years, has a drone that he uses for real estate photography. But he refuses to fly it at weddings. He thinks a drone would be too distracting. Plus there are liability concerns, and he would need more manpower.
“It’s gonna be one of these things that will happen quick and will die quickly,” Solko said of the drones-at-wedding trend. “Brides are a different beast. Because when you screw up their wedding, you take away from their day, they’re going to be pissed.”
Michelle Pattee, a photographer based in Northern California, won’t be taking part in the trend. Pattee rejects tools such as drones that she feels separates her from her subjects.
“Using a machine to capture an overhead view, to enhance the ‘performance’ aspect of a wedding day, is the opposite of my goal,” Pattee said. “I want to be seven feet away from two people who are making a lifetime commitment. I want to be close, to understand the feeling.”
She says that great, authentic photos result from connecting with the couple, so they show their true selves, and that those aren’t photos she thinks you can ever get with a drone.
Nevertheless, Pattee expects drones to become common at many weddings. As technology keeps advancing, there will always be someone wanting to push the envelope and make their special day stand out.
“In 10 years, I might just be shooting remotely from home with three drones hovering and shooting stationary and getting aerial shots as well. I can see that happening,” Fone said.
When it comes to the dress, brides are always looking to get more bang for their buck. The convertible wedding dress does double-duty, taking you from ceremony chic to reception ready with just the pull of a zipper or push of a button.
Kurt Wilberding
2. Fashion-Forward Florals
Flowers aren’t just for centerpieces and bouquets. Now, fashion-forward brides are opting for painted floral wedding gowns as well as 3-D flower details — both popular trends hot off the bridal runways.
3. Wedding Concierge Pros
In 2016, it’s not uncommon for couples to outsource some or all of their wedding planning tasks. Popular services include bridesmaids for hire, social media concierges and even a trainer for your four-legged ring bearer.
Tank Goodness Photography
4. Satellite Bars
Sometimes one bar just isn’t enough! Brides and grooms are setting up secondary “satellite” bars at the reception that feature a special cocktail, spirit or wine tasting.
Ashley Seawall Photography
5. Contemporary Choirs
Take the big day entertainment up a notch with a choir performance. The ensemble can serenade guests during the ceremony or dazzle everyone with an a cappella version of your favorite song at the reception.
Dana Cubbage Weddings
6. Late-Night Karaoke
For couples who want to keep the party going, karaoke is the way to keep guests entertained well into the night.
7.Sweet Endings
The traditional wedding cake is getting an upgrade in 2016 thanks to a recent trend: video projection mapping. And good news for those of us with a sweet tooth: mini popsicles and donut displays are also gaining popularity.
Jaye Kogut Photography
8. Wow-Worthy Websites
Wedding websites are a dime a dozen in the digital age. But today’s couples are going the extra mile by hiring a web designer to create a beautiful, customized site.
9. Total Personalization
Now more than ever, brides and grooms are using the big day to display their unique tastes and interests — whether it’s by serving Grandma’s special cake for dessert, asking a dear friend to officiate the ceremony or decorating the tables with centerpieces inspired by their favorite movie.
Meaghan Elliott Photography
10.3-D Printing
The popularity of 3-D printing has made its way into the world of weddings. Wondering how you can get on board? Cake toppers and wedding bands are a good place to start.
11.Food-Inspired Floral Elements
Fruits and veggies aren’t just for dinner. Now, couples are using produce to spruce up centerpieces and bouquets in an unexpected way.
James Christianson Photographer
12.Stylish Grooms
The bride isn’t the only doing a mid-wedding wardrobe change these days. In 2016, some fashion-forward grooms are changing jackets for the reception, or freshening up their big day look with a different bow tie or pocket square.
Ashley Goodwin Photography
13. Locally Sourced Food
Today’s wedding menu goes way beyond the traditional chicken and beef. More couples are making a point to serve guests high-quality, local fare. Think grass-fed beef or wild-caught salmon with a side of veggies from a local farm.
Damian Hamilton Photographer
14.Metallic Palettes
Go for the gold! And silver too. There are countless ways to incorporate metallics into the big day, whether it’s foil accents on your invitations, sparkly wedding shoes or gilded trinkets for the tablescape.
Trying to stay up-to-date on the latest trends is hard—we get it. Thankfully, between our trend reports and Pinterest’s insights, you can be in the know. Earlier this month, they released their first ever trend forecast, detailing which colors are on the up and up.
Shades of blush pink are all the rage in women’s fashion. From ballet slipper-pink shoes to light blush toned gems, there’s a light breeze of femininity blowing through the trend boards. For your wedding, look to blush-toned accessories, cocktails (hello, rosé) and bridesmaid gifts. For the fellas, they’re donning more astronaut blue and chambray. (And really, is there anything better than a hunky guy in a chambray button-down? We digress.). Home décor is completely dominated by a palette of gray and mauve—mauve’s seen a 70 percent increase! We love the combination of a darker neutral paired with an often overlooked shade of purple.
With inspiration in tow, we felt compelled to put a wedding spin on these haute colors. Check out our wedding board, complete with everything from stationery to bridal fashions.
The Bride Guide 