Vera Wang wedding Dresses

Vera Wang wedding dresses are known for their elegant and sophisticated style. They often feature luxurious fabrics such as silk and satin, with intricate lace and beading details. Many of her designs have a timeless, classic look, with a modern twist. Vera Wang's bridal gowns often include unique elements such as deep V-necklines, corseted bodices, and billowing skirts. Her collections often feature a range of styles, from traditional ball gowns to more contemporary, slim-fitting designs. Many of her dresses also have a signature, romantic and feminine aesthetic. Overall, Vera Wang's wedding dresses are a perfect choice for brides looking for a classic and elegant look on their big day.

Wedding Trends 2023

Wedding trends are constantly evolving, but some current popular trends include:

  • Micro weddings: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many couples are opting for smaller, more intimate weddings with just close family and friends. This allows for more flexibility in terms of venue and budget, and also allows for more personalization and customization.

  • Outdoor ceremonies and receptions: With the ability to gather in smaller groups, many couples are choosing to hold their weddings outdoors. This can include anything from beach ceremonies to garden receptions.

  • Food trucks and unique catering options: Instead of traditional sit-down meals, many couples are opting for more casual and unique catering options such as food trucks or interactive stations where guests can create their own dishes.

  • Personalization and DIY: Couples are looking to make their weddings more personal and unique, and are incorporating more DIY elements such as homemade decorations and personalized favors.

  • Sustainable and eco-friendly options: With an increased focus on environmental issues, many couples are looking for ways to make their weddings more sustainable. This can include using locally sourced and organic food, opting for sustainable materials such as bamboo and linen, and choosing venues with green initiatives.

  • Virtual weddings: With the pandemic still ongoing and travel restrictions in place, many couples are opting for virtual weddings, either in addition to or in place of in-person celebrations.

  • Elopements: The pandemic has also led to a rise in elopements, where couples choose to get married in a private, intimate setting with just a few close family members or friends in attendance.

  • Drones: Drones are becoming a popular way to capture aerial footage of a wedding ceremony and reception, providing a unique perspective on the event.

Overall, the current wedding trends are all about personalization, intimacy, and flexibility, with couples looking for ways to make their weddings unique and reflective of their personalities and values.

A look back in time to the Nixon Wedding June 13th, 1971

Today, I was taking some time to clean and organize at home. For years my Grandmother would keep the sports section of the newspaper for me and my parents would periodically hold on to newspapers from important dates in history. So, as I was going through some old newspapers today, I ran across a bunch dealing with Nixon leaving office but also into the front page section of Tricia Nixon’s White House wedding June 13th, 1971.

Check out some of those facts!

Tricia’s Trousseau: (Had to look up Trousseau)

Apparently a Trousseau is the clothes, household linen, and other belongings collected by a bride for her marriage. Who knew, not me. But there goes another $200.

The Food: The Nicon Buffet

What no caviar I have to have my caviar and foie gras right? Nope the White House said keep it within budget No Caviar for you! They estimate $10 per person so they dropped another $4000 here even though the article said $3200. So that’s almost $28,000 just for food and no foie gras, darn.

The Minster:

Rev Edward Latch the House Chaplain for the House of Representative had not charged for a wedding in 45 years, but he would gladly accept a gift don’t ya know.

Well that’s not all the cost of course but wasn’t it a fun look back in time and prices?

As the article states Tricia Nixon’s wedding costs were $19,000 in 1971 dollars and would be almost $131,000 today! WOW! The White House insisted this was a normal wedding. I really need to raise my prices if $131,000 is the new normal?

Invitations:

Tricia used 400 (6.25x8.75”) gold embossed cards $310 or $2170 today. Ouch. The cost just for the coat-of-arms only $45 such a simple add on right.

Wedding Cake:

7 feet 9 inches high! 350 lbs of cake! only $1000 back then or $6800 today!

The Wedding Dress: What did Tricia say Yes to?

Nobody knows but the range is from $200-1200? That’s pretty reasonable compared to the cake!

Bridal Party Dresses:

Apparently the White House bought the dresses for the ladies at an estimated cost of $240 for 4 dresses. Why did the White House buy them? Comment below if you know.

Plants and Trees: Who needs Johnny Appleseed when you have a wedding?

Donations came in from six states. Even JFK Roses should have been their but are the roses Republican or Democrat? I guess we will never know since the tea rose plants didn’t end up at the wedding. All in all $9000 in donations to make the White House a flower and tree filled wedding venue.

Photography!

3rd generation photographer Richard Winburn was Tricia’s photographer. He would talk about his cost so they estimate $85 OK, I guess I won’t change my prices. Since that is less than $600 in today’s money. Interesting wouldn’t you say? Since he didn’t say I bet he charged or received more.

Special Music:

No DJ for this party, instead it was Bil “Just Plain Bill” -the partyman Harrington and his 15-piece orchestra for only shall we say $3000-$5000 but he wouldn’t say.

 

Filming & photographing weddings is such great fun working with great couples!

One of the best parts of filming or photographing a wedding is hearing back from the couple once all the dust has settled and they have had time to enjoy your work. Getting thank you cards always makes my day. A thank you card is a special surprise that reminds me of the fun we had on your wedding day. Thank you!

Best Places to Elope!

In my life I have had the opportunity to visit some truly wonderful places. I have lived in Indonesia, Italy, Guam, Mississippi, Virginia, Missouri, and of course Iowa. I truly love to travel and have designed our destination wedding prices to not break your budget and give you the opportunity to have the photography or videography you desire at the location you desire. At times I even offer FREE or No Travel Charge destination wedding photography or videography.

For 2022 if your planning to elope or a destination wedding here are some great places to consider:

  1. Las Vegas, NV

    1. Who else but Elvis should marry the two of you? Well there is more to Vegas than Elvis and the Little White Chapel! Want to know How to Get a Marriage License in Nevada click the link for more details.

      My top 5 Las Vegas Wedding Spots in no favorite order:

      1. Neon Museum

      2. Seven Magic Mountains

      3. Weddings at Bellagio Fountains on the Strip!

      4. Valley of Fire

      5. Lake Las Vegas

        If your planning a wedding in Vegas we would love to film or photograph it for you. We offer discounted travel fees for Las Vegas weddings. Just ask!

  2. Vancouver Island, BC

    1. Just check it out! WOW! It’s where Harry and Meghan first lived in North America. It has great outdoor activities for pre and post wedding fun and enjoyment. Photos of your wedding along the Pacific Coast or hidden within the grand Douglas firs and cedars in Avatar Grove!

  3. Washington D.C.

    1. If you can handle the traffic and occasional political gridlock, the nations capital is a great place for a destination wedding or elopement! DC recognizes self-uniting ceremonies so no need to hire an officiant. If you love the Smithsonian Museums then look into booking your event there!

  4. Nothing is boring about weddings in Bora Bora!

    1. So let’s really get away from it all for your wedding. Bora Bora is a definite destination wedding location! A Romantic and Tropical Private Island Elopement in Bora Bora great information!

  5. Palm Springs, CA

    1. Back in the good ole USA. This SoCal desert town is a perfect location for a quaint destination wedding. Here are 14 Palm Springs Wedding Venues for Every Style and Budget

  6. Promise Ridge in the Pocono Mountains!

    1. Here is the guide to weddings on the ridge!

  7. Chugach Mountains, Alaska!

    1. Are you up for a real wedding adventure? Why not book a ski plane or helicopter to take you to the Chugach Mountains for this epic wedding experience, then fly back to friends and family to warm both your hearts for the reception! Plan your Alaska destination wedding today!

  8. Savannah, GA!

    1. I love Savannah and frankly will not charge and travel fees for weddings in Savannah! Please visit our Wedding Photography page to see examples from Savannah! Here is a local guide to a Savannah wedding

    Here is a quick list of other great places for a destination wedding!

    1. Key West

    2. Hawaii

    3. Guam

    4. Bali

    5. Sicily

    6. Rome

    7. Rocky Mountains

    8. Chicago

    9. New Orleans

    10. Big Sur

    11. New River Gorge National Park

    12. Iceland-YES!

    13. Dunluce Castle

    14. Tulum

    15. San Francisco

    16. The Dolomites

    17. The Brooklyn Bridge

    18. Paris

    19. US Virgin Islands

    20. South Beach, Miami, FL