Real Weddings

Sheena and Greg, Paris, France

Dreaming of the perfect gown for your big day? Or maybe a stunner for the ceremony and something to change into for the reception or late-night getaway? Didn't fall in love with the first one you tried on? Or the second, third, and so on?

That's the exact position Sheena found herself in during her engagement. So how many dresses did she consider? Well, she tried on about 150 dresses total (in Los Angeles, New York, and Charlotte,) during visits to a few different bridal salons like Kleinfeld Bridal, Oscar de la Renta, Reem Acra, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

The fashion lover, who started reading Vogue at age 8, loves high fashion and couture. For her big day, she couldn't wait to wear something that had appeared on a runway. She took her time and tried on all the beautiful gowns that caught her eye. She ventured into the world of non-bridal too, and spotted the ink-print dress from Monique Lhuillier—an artistic twist on a bridal gown she had spied. Though it wasn't technically a wedding dress (it definitely still covered her "something blue"), it was the perfect fit for the ceremony and dinner at her French chateau wedding. One day while shopping with her equally stylish groom, Greg, she came upon aLanvin dress with a bow on the back and had to give it a shot. A feeling came over her as she was in the fitting room and knew that the all-white frock would be her reception dress.

Gillian and Will, A Wedding At Home

In our summer issue, we share the intimate wedding of Gillian and Will, which took place at the family home of the bride. Here, the new Mrs. shares some insight on tying the knot in such a personal location.

Just after we got engaged we started racking our brains for the perfect waterfront wedding venue. This hemming and hawing went on for a good four months! The first time I mentioned having the wedding at home in Connecticut, my parents were not so keen. They clearly had visions from Father of The Bride. We tried to make other hometown locations work but there was always red tape around dates, costs, and plenty of other restrictions. Where else can you have an event with no venue fee, where you can pick any date at any time and let the band play on? Home!!

My family not only warmed up to the idea, but they rose to the occasion and became a team of fullhearted volunteer wedding planners. Planning, brainstorming, tasting, crafting, and creating all happened in a very convenient and cozy atmosphere. Having the wedding in the backyard made for a very special experience with unlimited DIY possibilities. Rather than pay to get married somewhere else, we were able to put money into some home improvements. Plus, we had carte blanche with layout, design, and decor. Hands down the best part for me was the many priceless hours spent at the dining room table spending time with my favorite people in the world. Getting married at home made a very special life event even more personal and intimate. Entering the backyard for the ceremony, with all of our friends and family, felt so comfortable. Looking back I could not imagine our wedding happening any other place.