A HUGE heads up to those who submit to our little blog – WE LOVE WEDDING SHOWER SUBMISSIONS. Seriously. If the all caps didn’t tip you off, we’re really in need of shower inspiration here on La Belle Bride. You brides gobble it up and let’s face it, the shower is an important event in the scheme of wedding preparation. We’re so happy to feature Meghan’s bridal shower photos as taken by Alders Photography. How stylish is this shower? Loving the esthetics that ooze of easy, Southern California style.   The blues and browns, the chandeliers, the tablescape.  It’s all perfection.  I’m especially keen on those beakers and test tube drinks.  Killer idea.  Especially for a drab Monday.  This DEFINITELY spices things up!

Favors and Gifts: Ahava | Floral Designer: Bunch Studio | Reception Venue: Private Residence | Invitation Designer: Seafoam SAFARI | Cake Designer: Sweet Love Co., Nummie! | Equipment Rentals: Orchid Party Rentals |  Photography:  Alders Photography.

Sometimes I have to keep my love for rustic weddings tamed. Afterall, we have a ton of submissions from classic weddings, vintage weddings, eclectic “anthroplogie” weddings…but I still have to hold true to all our rustic lovers out there. When this Truckee, Nevada County wedding hit my inbox, I was thrilled. Such a picturesque part of California. And we’re getting a taste of its beauty today via the stunning photos taken by Jacqueline Photography. A bit of a nod to DIY style with this wedding, as the bride and groom’s mothers arranged the bouquets. They look wonderful! Gotta love moms

Caterer: Mountain Magic Catering | Event Planner: Sondra Inc | Cake Designer: Sugar Pine Bakery | DJ: Matthew Allen Weddings | Photographer: Jacqueline Photography

Erm. Have I mentioned lately how much I love Shark Pig’s wedding films? Seriously guys, Brian Morrow aka Shark Pig is the bees knees. Attacking our screens and combining nostalgia-packed film with sometimes vintage, always killer soundtracks to create THE perfect documentary of your day. Matt and Michelle’s film will have you captivated for all 2 minutes and 50 seconds. Truly it’s going to put you in a better mood. And THAT is a gift from Shark Pig to you!

Matt & Michelle Sneak Peek from Shark Pig on Vimeo.

GOLD!  Tuesdays are generally a little bah humbug in my opinion.  They live boring, in no man’s land between delicious weekend activities.  But today, we have something to keep us all afloat till next weekend!  An amazingly vintage inspiration shoot styled and planned by Dreamers and Heroes. Gold wedding inspiration is extreme glam.  The perfect amount of spice for this ambiguous day.  Here are some details from the “dream” team of this shoot:

Shot in a 150 year old winery, the Golden Vintage Inspiration shoot shows vintage elements, such as miniature paintings, carnival glass, and antique furniture in contrast to non-traditional elements. The gold gown worn by the bride was the dress the designer, Cena Jane Designs, wore for her own wedding. The gorgeous gold highlights the bride, since she is after all, so very precious. Voila Floral’s bouquet does not contain traditional floral but rather organic, natural elements that accentuate the bride without competing with her. Each place setting has martini glasses instead of champagne glasses, and guests are greeted at their seats by a little touch of brandy and a hand-embroidered kerchief to catch those tears of joy.

Photographer: Douglas Thompson Photo | Event Planner: Dreamers and Heroes | Floral Designer: Viola Flowers

Some people think a wedding is just about the bride and the groom.  But the truth is that weddings are about community.  Rarely will a bride look back on her wedding day and just think about herself in all her veiled glory.  Sure, she’ll remember her handsome husband’s face, all nervous at the end of the aisle.  But she’ll also remember the myriads of faces that helped make that day just perfect.  Today’s California wedding is a testimony to the many hands that make a wedding day just “so”.  Darlene and Mason’s wedding was a collaboration of DIY-ing from many sources.  Darlene’s idea of a Alice in Wonderland themed wedding (clocks, books, cards) had her running in and out of thrift stores for months.  Mason’s mother made all the bouquets. A friend lent Darlene her wedding dress (which she had fallen in love with years back).  And another girlfriend did her hair and makeup.  All hands were on deck and the result was a budget-friendly wedding with a gorgeous reception at Lake Arrowhead Country Club – the same location where Darlene’s parents had their wedding reception. So perfect!

MANY thanks to today’s wedding photographer, Ashley Perez , for submitting these vibrant photos.  Not a detail missing.  It’s all accounted for. Right down to the Toms wedding shoes…

Photographer: ASHLEY PHOTOGRAPHER | Reception Venue: Lake Arrowhead Country Club | Cake Designer: Niki’s Custom Cakes | Shoes: TOMS Shoes