See more photos from the road trip on the Brilliant Imagery Blog

This wedding was a small affair designed by the bride and groom on a budget. The bride is an artist and an avid antique collector. The Metropolitan building was a perfect fit since it is also houses antique furniture that may be used during the wedding. The bride’s mother created her cake topper (the knit birds) and her veil. The bride created non-floral centerpieces to save money by using birds’ nests, branches, little birds, stones, birch bark and candles. Birds became a theme throughout the wedding…robin’s egg blue was used on the stones, as well as on the eggs that sat in a bed of moss for escort cards. A large alcove became an installation of antique birdcages and candles. Her invitations were hand-drawn, and used birds as well.

Click here to see all the photos

The shoot was done in my studio with two white sweeps and two studio lights. I bought some old furniture from a thrift-store and painted it white. I had Allison and Jared wear white as well and allowed them to pick out the colors of the paint they used. It was regular latex household paint bought from Home Depot. I positioned the camera on a tripod behind a piece of glass, which you can see Allison & Jared painted on at the end of the slideshow (Save the Date).

This has been a shoot I’ve been wanting to do for some time and may do again in the future. I like coming up with new things, and have so many ideas rolling around in my head. If I do this concept again, I’ll do something different with the set, clothing and perhaps the media that the couple interact with.

Allison & Jared met at a holiday party in December 2006 through mutual friends and apparently Jared’s ugly Christmas sweater didn’t stop the sparks from flying.  Almost exactly 3 years later, they got engaged in NYC during a carriage ride in Central Park.

After looking at her wedding pictures and not liking what she saw she deiced to get healthy and have another go around at her ceremony. So she joined a weight-loss program called Slimming World, similar to Jenny Craig.

Amie has dropped from a size 26 to a much more svelte size 12 and she’s all set to rewed her husband, Philip, 33, would said, “I love her whatever her size. But she looked amazing.” The couple even booked the same hotel they originally held their first wedding at in 2004. The ceremony was attended by a handful of family and friends.

She now has the wedding pictures she’s always wanted, stating, “This time I felt like a princess. The first time I knew people would just see a fat bride but I’m so proud now. I was so excited. We recreated all the pictures. It was the album I’d always wanted.”

“I will still keep a picture of our original wedding on the wall but I want a huge picture of my skinny wedding. I was the bride I’d always wanted to be,” she went on to say.

So brides-to-be if you feel like you have a long path to fit into your perfect dress take inspiration from Amie and know that you can look fabulous on your wedding day…whatever fabulous means to you. A few things to help get you there:

• Keep the big picture in mind
• Know what you are capable of
• Set smaller more attainable immediate goals
• Write down the pros and cons and reference it often
• Use a friend to help motivate
• Give yourself a realistic time-frame
• Stay positive even if the going gets tough
• Keep at it, you’ll get there!
• and remember, looks aren’t everything

Modern Tiers: Demetrios Wedding Dress

For a unique take on the tier trend, have a look at this brand new size 12 Demetrios wedding dress from the 2010 collection. We just love the high neckline (very Queen Elizabeth) – it’s unlike anything we’ve seen lately. It’s a perfect complement to the figure hugging silhouette and the 3 tiered skirt. A modern and completely unique wedding look for just $500.

Demetrios Wedding Dress

Architectural Tiers: Vera Wang Wedding Dress

Clean lines + classic mermaid silhouette = 1 elegant wedding dress. The satin ribbon detail throughout this size 8 used Vera Wang wedding dress from the Luxe collection definitely gives it an architectural feel, making it a beautiful fit with a summer evening wedding. Originally purchased for $6500, this dress is now available for $875.

Vera Wang Wedding Dress

Romantic Tiers: J. Crew Wedding Dress

This size 0 strapless J.Crew wedding dress opts for a completely different take on the tiered effect, using cascading tiers of French tulle. This light weight dress is the perfect complement to a relaxed outdoor woods wedding, dancing under the stars with family and friends. Brand new, this dress costs $2200, but you can get it (still brand new!) here for $899.

J Crew Wedding Dress

Elegant Tiers: Rivini Luna Wedding Dress

If you’re planning an elegant evening wedding, this size 8 sample Rivini Luna wedding dress is a sophisticated choice.  With its beaded starburst on the bodice and tiered silk organza skirt that will move beautifully on the dance floor – you’ll have all the style and flair you’ll need.  Oh, and did we mention it’s 70% off?  Originally $5275, this sample dress is now available for $1250.

Rivini Luna Wedding Dress

Beachy Tiers: Hoa Bridal Wedding Dress

Planning a beach wedding and want a dress that will have pretty movement in the warm breeze? This size 8 Hoa Bridal Bouvardia wedding dress fits the bill. Made of organza and Dupioni silk, this dress has 4 lightweight tiers and tons of style. You can get this mint condition sample dress for $1900, half of its retail price.

Hoa Bridal Bouvardia Wedding Dress

Make a Statement Tiers: Gabriella Arango Wedding Dress

If you want a dramatic, attention grabbing wedding dress but still want to wear the tiered trend, this size 6 v neck wedding dress from Gabriella Arango is a stunning choice. With black lace detailing and a striking 2 tiered skirt, this wedding look will be the talk of the town! Regularly $4500, this brand new sample dress is now $3000.

Gabriell Arango Wedding Dress

When uploaded, the path is overlaid on Google Maps. That day I ran a route that was a little haphazard and I saw what looked like a letter and then hit me!  I could run in the shapes of all kinds of things and it would appear on Google Maps.  Animals, shapes, smiley faces, words, you name it.  I decided I would run out the words M-A-R-R-Y-M-E-? and have the route uploaded to Garmin’s website and then from there I could fashion a way to propose to Kristin.

Now you might be asking yourself, how’d he do it? Well, before he set out, he wrote it out on a piece of paper (below) with guide markers to help him along the way.

What’s even more cool is that you can see the whole thing through Google Earth! Below we have embeded it, but you may need the plugin to view it.

Derek has the whole story on his blog, and if guess what? He’s a wedding photographer! If you want to read more details about how he put the whole thing together, be sure to see the full post by clicking here. We hope you enjoyed this story. Do you have an amazing marriage proposal story? If so, please fill out the form in our contribute section, we’d love to hear from you!

The Italians are notoriously painfully stylish and ahead of the game and these shots definitely prove that to me – the black and white palate, the crimped hair, the tiered dress  – all scream high fashion bridal style for 2010.

Click here to see the full gallery

Featuring wedding dresses from Alfred Sung, Sassi Holford, Maggie Sottero, Amy Kuschel and ranging from an incredible $175 to $1600, means that regardless of your budget, you can show off the bow trend!

Colorful Bows: Maggie Sottero Heather Wedding Dress

If you’re working on a budget and want to add a touch of colour to your wedding dress, consider this size 6 Maggie Sottero Heather wedding dress. With satin rose beading across the bodice and along the hem, plus a unique “upside down” bow at the waist, you can be on trend and under budget! This dress is available for just $175 (and has never been worn)!

Simple Bows: After Six 6577 Wedding Dress

Simple does not mean boring and this size 12 After Six 6577 wedding dress is proof of that. Great for a destination wedding, this dress uses a simple bow to draw attention to the waist. But from there, you have unlimited options to dress it up, whether you just want to change up the sash color, or want to add some drama with statement jewelry, or a striking headpiece. The best part? Its price! This dress is new with tags and available for just $200.

Modern Bows: Mikaella 1204 Wedding Dress

If you like the idea of a bow as an accent but don’t want to fuss trying to tie the perfect bow, this size 6 new with tags Mikaella 1204 wedding dress is the perfect solution. For $630, this stunning fit to flare silhouette gets a modern twist using a tie at the waist instead of the typical bow.

Sexy Bows: Alfred Sung Wedding Dress

Bows can be used to add visual interest to a wedding dress silhouette and that is especially true with this size 12 Alfred Sung 6707 wedding dress for $659 (50% off!). The dramatic bow just below the hip adds just the right amount of playfulness to this sexy silhouette.

Romantic Bows: Amy Kuschel Lena Wedding Dress

This size 8 Amy Kuschel Lena wedding dress takes a romantic spin on bows, using a fan sash to add detail and interest at the back, rather than the front. A lovely choice for an outdoor summer wedding, and available for $1600, $700 less than its typical retail.

Know your limits. As difficult as it may be to say no, if you’ve already committed to being a part of three wedding parties this season and you can’t afford one more, turn down the offer.  Express to the bride and groom that you’re honored to be asked, but that you can’t afford the commitment.

Realistically budget. The worst thing you can do for yourself is underestimate how much the dress or tux may cost, as well as all of the trimmings — gifts, parties and showers.  Find an amount that you’re comfortable with and stick to it as best you can.  It’s better to reserve more money then you may end up needing for big ticket items, and don’t be afraid to ask if other bridal party members want to split the cost of gifts or parties.

Negotiate. If you feel comfortable haggling with the bride and groom, go for it. Can’t afford the $300 a night hotel room right next door to the reception site?  Opt for the cheaper hotel five minutes away.  Live in a great city nearby?  Suggest the bachelor or bachelorette party takes place there.  There’s nothing wrong with looking out for your finances as long as you’re not encroaching on the happy couple’s wants.

Stay Positive. Nothing can make you feel worse than obsessing over what you’re spending.  Never lose sight of the fact that the happy couple needs your friendship and support now and in the future.  And those things are free.

At the end of the day, keep in mind that all of these purchases lead up to a day that your friend will never forget. You’ll be able to enjoy the day yourself, too, if you keep spending in check.

Source: Illinois CPA Society

Photo Credit: Zimbio

We knew exactly the feel we were going for and Mason & Natasha had pre-selected a few secret spots in Kansas City.  Everything fell into place…the evening sunlight, the numbered signs, the rowboat….it was a perfect evening!  Super excited to serve this couple at their DIY real wedding this September!

The photos were taken by Steven Michael Photography and we must say, if you haven’t heard of him yet, be on the look out in the near future for some amazing wedding photography. Steven is based in Kansas City but available for travel world wide. We can’t wait to see the wedding photos a few months from now. :)