By Carly Totten, Lover.ly
The decision to hire a photographer is an easy one. After your wedding, you will only be left with the memories you have of the day and the photos taken to capture them. However, many couples struggle with the decision to take engagement photos. When you stop and really think about it, though, you will want to remember the sweet time of being engaged just as much as your wedding day (even if this time is spent busily planning your wedding). In addition, many photographers include an engagement session into your package price, so why not take advantage of it?
Still not convinced? Here are our top three reasons from Lover.ly why you should take up your photographer's offer and take engagement photos.
Photo by: Katie Triano on Bayside Bride via Lover.ly
Photo by: Kate Triano on Bayside Bride via Lover.ly
1. Get to know your photographer: Beyond your initial consult, you will likely talk to your photographer several other times. However, those chats will likely occur over the phone. Because you will be spending
Blog Posts by Lover.ly
Thinking About Not Taking Engagement Photos? Think Again. Here's Why
By Lover.ly | Love + Sex – Wed, Apr 10, 2013 3:34 PM EDTBy Mandy Chan, Lover.ly
Read More »from PHOTOS: Beach Weddings Without the Schtick
We've all been to that one beach wedding where the decor is over-the-top "Seashells! Sand! Sea!" Sure, it's fun incoporate all of those elements into your big day and there's no denying how easy it is to get carried away with one particular theme, but not all beach weddings have have to scream "We're at the beach!" Over at Lover.ly, we're seeing more and more couples use subtle elements of an overall theme in their decor, and it's definitely put us in the camp of less is more. For your summer beach wedding, start with a color palette inspired by the ocean: seafoam green, coastal blue, crisp white...and mix in a vibrant pop of color to round out your decor. From there, you can choose which details you want to play up to celebrate your big day in the sun and sand (the programs, the menu, your accessories) and make it fun. Check out some of our favorite inspiration images in our slideshow on everything from the perfect beach dress to a unique guestbook andBy Mandy Chan, Lover.ly
Ok, so we know a campground probably isn't the first place you think of when you imagine your romantic wedding day setting, but perhaps you haven't seen these charming and chic weddings in the woods. Campgrounds and national parks have long been a traditional family destination, but many couples today are making those same places they visited as children the starting place for their new lives together. Who wouldn't love the beautiful scenery, cozy blankets, buffet style dinner, white string lights...and of course, smores as a late night snack for your guests! Dress us your space with perfectly coordinating tables and chairs with clean white linens, or offer all the comforts of home with long picnic style tables and lanterns. Laid back and intimate or just as fancy as you want to be- it's up to you! Check out our slideshow of our favorite ideas from real weddings set in the woods.
More from Lover.ly
Red Carpet Ready Wedding Weekend Looks for a Fraction of
Read More »from PHOTOS: Cozy Weddings in the WoodsApril showers are coming, but a little rain doesn't have to ruin your big day -- or your wedding pictures! Here are our favorite photos of couples who survived rainy and gray wedding days. (Spoiler alert: the pictures are gorgeous and romantic!)
More from Lover.ly:
Read More »from PHOTOS: Rainy-Day WeddingsAs you plan your wedding menu, we recommend thinking beyond traditional wedding cakes and considering a dessert bar! If you go this route, you can skip the cake entirely (a great option for couples on a strict budget!) or have a small cake along with macarons, cupcakes, mini pies, and other confections. Your guests will love being able to choose from a variety of treats (and don't forget to set out cute bags so they can take some sweets home as favors). Here is inspiration for your wedding day dessert bar.
More from Lover.ly:
Serve a signature cocktail at your wedding
Read More »from PHOTOS: Delicious Wedding Dessert BarsA citrus color palette is bright and cheery, and you can take it a step further by using the fruit itself as part of your decor. Whether you mix tangerines in with bouquets or use bowls of lemons as centerpieces, you'll find plenty of options if you choose to work with citrus. Here is are favorite inspiration for using oranges, lemons, and other citrus fruits in your wedding decor.
More from Lover.ly:
Orange and yellow wedding ideas
Browse all our favorite wedding flowers
Read More »from PHOTOS: Citrus Wedding DecorThe 2013 Major League Baseball season just began so we have America's favorite pastime on our minds! Baseball-inspired wedding details are perfect for sporty couples or couples who have bonded over their fandom. There are so many possibilities: you can work baseballs into your engagement photos, take decor inspiration from a baseball's red and white stitches, or serve up stadium-inspired snacks during cocktail hour. Here are our favorite baseball wedding details.
More from Lover.ly:
All our favorite sporty weddings
Read More »from PHOTOS: Batter Up! Baseball Wedding DetailsBy Rachel Wilkerson, Lover.ly
Read More »from Wedding Registry Dos and Don'ts
Ah, the gift registry. Depending on who you ask, this staple of the modern wedding is either the best thing in the world...or completely evil. Some couples love it, while others are made extremely uncomfortable by it. Guests may think it's great...or believe it's tacky and filled with ridiculous expectations. It's enough to make any couple go crazy, but here are our tips for using the registry, whether you're the bride-to-be or a wedding guest.
Photo by: Eric Kelley on Snippet and Ink via Lover.ly
DO register for items at all different price points; DON'T register at a single (read: expensive) store. The biggest thing guests hate about registries is when the couple makes the options feel limited. Make sure you hit a couple stores, and DO try to choose at least one that is located in most of your guests' hometowns (like Target) so they aren't forced to deal with $20 shipping costs for the $20 item they want to buy you.
From BHLDN via Lover.ly
If aPHOTOS: Bypass the Bar for Your Bachelorette Party
By Lover.ly | Love + Sex – Mon, Apr 1, 2013 6:19 PM EDTBy Carly Totten, Lover.ly
Your bachelorette party is the ultimate girls' night out. However, before your best friends jump into planning - they've likely already started - make sure they know what your dream night entails. If barhopping is the farthest idea from fun for you, then you may want to opt for a different plan. The whole point is for you to go out and have fun!
Are you dreaming of a ski trip with your bridesmaids? Maybe you just really, really need to press pause on your wedding planning for a day at the spa. Sound more like you? Here are five ideas from Lover.ly for your party that will have you enjoying your dream bachelorette far away from your local bar scene.
More from Lover.ly:
You'll need something to wear.
Don't forget to send out invites!
Read More »from PHOTOS: Bypass the Bar for Your Bachelorette PartyBy Rachel Wilkerson, Lover.ly
Read More »from HOW TO: Create a Great Wedding Website
Photo by: Meghan Hopkins Sokorai on And Here We Are via Lover.ly
Wedding websites have become more and more common in the past few years. And for good reason! You can easily give your guests the wedding details that are too long or complicated to put on an invitation, and you can quickly get new information out to all of your guests at once if necessary. But once you sit down to actually create your wedding website, you may find yourself unsure of what it you should include and what details you can skip. Here is our advice for what to include on your wedding website.
Photo by: Kristen Loken on Snippet and Ink via Lover.ly
1. The location. The first thing guests will want to know is where exactly the wedding and reception will be held and where they should plan to stay. And guests coming from out of town will be worried about things parking and how long it will take them to drive from the ceremony to cocktail hour, so make sure the details are there and
