You’ve dreamed of your wedding gown since you were young, but how much thought have you given bridesmaid dresses? The process of selecting bridesmaid dresses that look great on your favorite girls as well making sure they work with the style of the wedding is a big job, but we can help you do it successfully! With these expert tips from owner and designer Meggie Fritz of Margaret Collection, you can avoid the common pitfalls and enjoy this process by finding out what to consider before selecting your bridesmaid dresses.

Photos //  Katie Pinson Photography

What are the most common issues brides deal with during the bridesmaid dress selection process?

I think the most common problem is deciding on a dress style that is going to work for all of your bridesmaids. Most of us have bridesmaids with all different body types, and it’s super hard to please everyone. We (Margaret Collection) truly try hard to come up with designs that can be flattering and comfortable on most body types. Dress shapes that are universally flattering tend to be strapless bra friendly, have a nipped in waist, and don’t hug too tightly.

Another issue is when a bride loves many different styles making it hard to narrow it down. A good way to narrow down your bridesmaid choices is to pick one or two that mimic your wedding dress. That way they will definitely fit with your theme and won’t look out of place.

One more thing to watch out for is getting too trendy. Similarly to when you decide on a wedding gown, you want your bridesmaids to have an of-the-moment dress without going too crazy with current trends.

This belted tank dress is a great example of a flattering midi length dress that has a nipped waist, but doesn’t hug too tightly.

What is the most important thing for brides to keep in mind during the dress selection process?

One of the most important things to keep in mind is the dress code or overall theme of the wedding, because the bridesmaids dresses can really add to the whole effect. The bridesmaids will be standing in front during the ceremony and will be in many pictures, so it looks amazing when the dresses flow with the theme or feel of the wedding. This can include any or all of these things: the dress code (whether it is very formal or more casual), your color theme (but you can’t go wrong with neutral colored dresses like champagne), and the season’s temperature (long sleeves in August = sweat).

Take your wedding color scheme into consideration when selecting your bridesmaid dresses, but you can never go wrong with neutrals like champagne or this tan linen circle skirt dress.

What information should a bride already know when she comes to you to find her bridesmaid dresses?

When it is time to decide on bridesmaid dresses, you should know the general theme of your wedding. The bridesmaid dresses should contribute to the overall style of the event, so you want to have some details in place already like your venue, what the dress code will be, the time of day the wedding will take place, and what colors you will use. It is especially helpful to have your wedding dress picked out because the wedding dress tends to lead the theme and will likely provide direction for the bridesmaid dresses.

Having your wedding dress selected before looking for bridesmaid dresses will help you better determine what style to go with, like this fun ruffle sleeve, off-the-shoulder dress.

How can brides tell if they have selected the right dress?

My best advice is to realistically put yourself in your bridesmaids’ shoes. Is it a cool and flattering dress that you would be excited to wear? Would you be happy wearing it for long hours? Are you going to be comfortable enough to reach your full potential of fun on the dance floor?

That being said, it is your wedding that you are spending endless amounts of time planning, so you get to choose the aesthetic. Try imagining what your wedding photos will look like with you in your gown and your bridesmaids in their dresses standing next to you, in your venue and holding the flowers you choose. If you like the way that picture in your head looks, then you probably selected the right dress!

When selecting a bridesmaid dress put yourself in your bridesmaids’ shoes and consider if it’s a dress she can dance the night away in, like this wrap dress, but don’t lose sight of what works best for the overall event.

What dresses from your collection are you most excited about for this upcoming season?

Must. Love. Midi length. It is such a flattering length and gives any design a touch of classic style, and also happens to be a lasting trend right now. It is a very comfortable length because you never have to be cautious about a short hem, and you don’t get too hot on the dance floor like with a maxi dress. It somehow works for both casual and formal settings – perfect for a wedding!

We are working on bridesmaid jumpsuits! Think tasteful but cool jumpsuits that you even might want to wear when you’re not a bridesmaid. Can’t say too much yet, but I am very excited for these to debut in the spring!

A midi length dress, like this slip dress with a tie waist, is a flattering length on women of all shapes and sizes as well as being on trend, not to mention, still comfortable.

Special thanks to Meggie Fritz of Margaret Collection for sharing such wonderful advice. To learn more about Margaret Collection’s custom design services and dress collection, visit their vendor profile!

Take a step into the not-so-wild west in this refined ‘Wild at Heart’ editorial by Jen Rios Weddings. The suspended floral  installation immediately catches your attention as one of the most unique pieces of work. Kate McLeod Studio emulated this natural, earthy look throughout each arrangement while still incorporating femininity in every soft rose. A southwestern deco print adorned the invitation suite from Illustrated Weddings by Lola Lorena in a warm, clay tone that complemented each styled detail perfectly, including the custom sketched menus. The party table by Coral Lane shows off the perfect combination of modern and vintage, topped off with a minimalist dinner setting by Top Tier Event Rentals & Styling. Surrounded by the natural woodwork and clean walls of The Cliff House, the bride looked to be in her element. Baleigh Kerr Hair and Makeup created an authentic bridal look with minimal makeup and an unkempt, low bun. Stunning jewels from The True Gem and a one-of-a-kind gown from a&bé Bridal Shop tied everything together, giving us palm-springs-desert vibes with western fringe and a tempting low back.

Nobody but Rachel Elaine Photography could have captured the mood better with her soft, airy photos. After scrolling through her work, be sure to watch the behind the scenes video from Reverent Wedding Films below.

Photos // Rachel Elaine Photography

Video // Reverent Wedding Films

From the planner, Jen Rios of Jen Rios Weddings: “So often we are driven by a color palette to inspire our design. However, for this shoot I wanted to use texture as the primary design element by removing all color and keeping as neutral a palette as possible. Inspired by the the ‘wild at heart’ couple, this design is best meant for a bohemian couple with a love for the outdoors, travel and the unexpected.”

It’s definitely important to love your wedding photographer’s style, but getting to know your photographer is just as important — if not more so! Building a relationship and trusting your photographer throughout the process can allow them to capture the moments you’ve always envisioned on your special day. We sat down with Megan Buhr of Megan Kay Photography as she talked all things weddings — first looks, engagement shoot attire, advice for choosing a venue and more. (Don’t miss her brilliant tips on how to choose your engagement attire so you get the most use out of them.) Enjoy!

Photo // Megan Kay Photography

Describe your photography style.

I like to describe my photography as bright, timeless, and true to life. I don’t like being considered either “light and airy” or “dark and moody” because I don’t want to create photographs that follow a passing trend. I am passionate about capturing my brides’ wedding days in a way that remains relevant and brings back the joy, emotions, and memories in the decades to come.

Tell us what you love most about being a photographer.

My favorite part about being a wedding photographer is working alongside brides. I will never grow tired of feeling the excitement with brides through the planning process and all the emotions on the wedding day. I believe the relationships I have with my brides are the most valuable piece of equipment I can bring on a wedding day.

While having the best camera gear is important, nothing can replace the understanding and communication we grow prior to the day of the wedding. I love showing up to a wedding day knowing all the little moments and details the bride values and wants captured, so she is able to sit back, relax and fully enjoy being a bride while trusting I am capturing all of the details that are important for her to look back on and  relive her wedding day.

What advice do you have for choosing engagement attire?

I recommend my clients have some fun when deciding what to wear for their engagement sessions! I want them to feel comfortable and confident in their outfits, but it is also okay to take risks and dress according to trends and the colors of the season. I always recommend dressing up for at least one outfit during their engagement session.

Engagement session photos might be printed and shared more than one’s wedding photos, so dressing up is never a bad idea! For my clients who are struggling to figure out what color schemes to dress in, I suggest that they even consider pairing their engagement session outfits with their wedding day colors, so their photo will match their wedding website or Save the Date invitation.

What advice do you have for a bride selecting her venue?

There are a lot of important details to consider when selecting a venue. In terms of photography, my most valuable piece of advice would be to encourage her to look at photographs of their ceremony space. If the ceremony space is indoors, I would encourage her to look for places that still have a good amount of natural lighting.

Photographers can bring additional lighting sources in to make up for a lack of natural light, but we do prefer to avoid using flashes (especially during ceremonies) when possible. If the venue’s ceremony space is outdoors, I would encourage the bride to think about where the sun is hitting the space at the time of her desired ceremony. Especially in the summer months, direct sunlight can be extremely harsh and hot here in North Texas. I would rather my couples select spaces that allow for shade or soft sunlight during the ceremony, so they are best able to focus on the moment and vows with one another, rather than risk any distraction from the bright and often hot sun.

Are you pro first looks?

I am not pushy one way or the other when it comes to first looks. I truly want my couples to have the wedding day that they have always envisioned and respect the traditions that they might have in place. However, I am also passionate about having time to give my clients the best and greatest amount of photos possible on a wedding day. I usually speak with my couples about what they value the most and give them the potential pros and cons of a first look on their wedding day.

Generally, a couple will get more photographs of the two of them if they allow time for a first look. If a couple wants to go straight to the cocktail hour or reception after their ceremony, then they definitely would benefit from having a first look and time to take pictures prior to the ceremony. If their wedding falls within the winter months when the sun sets at an earlier time, I also often encourage a first look, so we have the opportunity to take more photographs outdoors with natural lighting.

I do think a lot of clients are afraid that all photographers want to talk them into a first look, but most of us are happy to accommodate our couples’ vision for their day. I would encourage all couples to at least talk about the pros and cons of a first look when it comes to their unique and individual wedding day timeline.

 A special thanks to Megan of Megan Kay Photography for sharing her helpful insights today! To learn more about how she can capture your engagement and wedding, you can contact Megan directly through her Brides of North Texas vendor page.

When you’re trying to find vendors that fit your style, planning a wedding can feel like dating all over again. We’re here to help simplify the search, so consider us your matchmaker today. When it comes to wedding photographers, it’s important to find one that is invested in telling your story, not just taking pictures. Madeline of Madeline Shea Photography is a talented, Dallas-based photographer that loves documenting love and sharing those stories. And just as important to her is developing a relationship with her clients so she knows how to perfectly capture the moments whether she’s at a grand event in Texas or an intimate weekend-long wedding in Venice, Italy. Learn more about what is possible with your wedding photographer in this edition of Ask the Expert!

Photo // Madeline Shea Photography

Describe your photography style.

My style has been nurtured, molded, carefully critiqued, and perfected, to be just the right fit for my clients. I want to capture the moments that tell your story. Whether it be you and your love wiping away tears as you read your vows, belly laughing so hard you can’t breathe or dancing around during a shoot, I want to capture the organic, authentic moments together. I want you to be yourself. The looks, the laughs, the loud and quiet moments when you think no one is looking, and everything in between. It’s all about the details. Together, let’s get creative as we rewrite your story through the sweet, intimate moments of your wedding day!

Tell us what you love most about being a photographer.

My absolute favorite part about being a photographer is forming relationships! Getting to meet so many people, travel this beautiful world and tell people’s stories brings me so much joy and makes this job an absolute dream. There is nothing more special than connecting with my clients on a level that builds a friendship before their wedding day. This automatically makes documenting their day that much more special. Documenting love and sharing stories are just a few of the reasons why I love being a wedding photographer. 

Film or digital?

Digital.

What has been a favorite moment you have captured?

I recently photographed an intimate wedding in Venice, Italy, which was first and foremost a dream but also one of the sweetest weddings I have had the honor to capture and be a part of. Destination weddings are so fun for me not just for the traveling but because I get to spend more than just the wedding day with my clients and really get to know their friends and family throughout the wedding weekend. This couple had so many amazing plans for their romantic intimate wedding in Venice; as any wedding though, sometimes not everything goes according to plan.

We were in Venice during “Aqua Alta” season which is high tide in Venice. Needless to say the original ceremony plan had to be scratched due to the flooding and crowds. We ended up stumbling upon a quiet local square that seemed to be the perfect spot for them to get married. As they stood in the streets of Venice and exchanged their own vows, I felt so moved emotionally that I was chosen to document these memories for them and share their story. Many locals passing by stopped to listen in to the ceremony, cried and cheered as the bride and groom said “I do”!

The evening was nothing short of magical and was followed with an amazing evening of celebration throughout Venice. They ended the evening by dancing the night away in the iconic St. Mark’s square. It was truly incredible and something I will always remember and forever be grateful for!

Where are your favorite places to shoot?

Destinations outside of Texas are hands down my favorite! I love nothing more than getting to explore with my couples and adventure around to their favorite places! Between a wedding on a beach in Mexico or on a mountain top in a National Park, I truly love them all! One of my favorite places I traveled to earlier this year was Roatan, Honduras, for a beautiful destination wedding!

Special thanks to Madeline for sharing her insights with us today! To get in touch with Madeline Shea Photography, you can contact her directly via her Brides of North Texas profile here.

Katie Arani, owner and lead designer of Billie Ball & Co., has always had a passion for illustrating and designing. Her striking floral arrangements with their earthy flare are such a crowd pleaser. From bridal bouquets to floral installations, Billie Ball & Co. can do it all. Check out what Katie had to say as we sat down and talked all things flowers!

Photo // Shannon Skloss Photography

How can a bride get the most bang for her buck with florals?

Determine a few key areas to really focus the majority of your floral design budget. The wedding guests will be at the reception for the majority of the day, so I love highlighting an architectural feature that is unique to the space. Maybe it’s a grand staircase or mantle. It’s also nice to create variation with the centerpieces. They don’t all have to be tall and grand. Just a few lush centerpieces highlighting your flowers thoughtfully placed around the room will add variation and drama, while you can go with simpler options like taper candles or bud vases for the other tables. 

Where are your favorite places to include florals in the wedding decor?

I love a good suspended floral installation. There is something so magical about a cloud of flowers floating in the air. I really go for any design that looks like it naturally overtook the space over time. Like a flowering vine that crawls up a staircase or wall, or wild, sprouting flowers to accent a doorway or window. It really feels like the outdoors are growing in.

Where are the best resources for brides looking for floral inspo?

Think outside of the Pinterest box! Most of the images you find on Pinterest have been there for months, sometimes years, so by the time they end up on your board, they can feel dated and overdone. Try exploring new color palettes you find in paintings, wallpaper, boutique window displays. You might even find something that’s never been done before!

What floral trends are you loving?

Monochromatic color palettes are a very bold choice I’m loving right now. I’m also a big fan of using dried and dyed materials in my designs. I love working with dried protea, dried palms, and bleached ruscus is a favorite of mine right now. 

Any advice for brides selecting their blooms?

If a specific flower is sentimental to you, make sure you communicate that to your florist. If the scent of Gardenia reminds you fondly of your grandmother’s garden growing up, let’s make sure you carry her memory with you on your wedding day. Other than your favorite must-have blooms, I usually suggest letting your florist guide you when selecting which varieties to use. We know what fairs best in the conditions and climate your flowers will be in, and we can point yoI u in the right direction. 

Where are the best/easiest places for brides to repurpose their flowers?

I’m a huge fan of re-purposing! Of course, every venue is different when it comes to the flow of the space and what can be re-arranged. Your florist will have advice on what will work best for your wedding. I love re-purposing aisle chair floral for the chairs at the head table. We also use the reception centerpieces at the ceremony often and then transfer them to the guest tables during cocktail hour. Sometimes an arch backdrop can even double as a fun photo booth backdrop! 

What has been a favorite floral design you’ve created?

This is a tough one – I’d have to say a large headpiece I made entirely out of living flowers and greenery for a local musician to wear on her new album cover. That one was hard to part with, but you better believe I took plenty of selfies with it before! I would love to create more statement headpieces for bold and brave brides in the future! 

A special thank you to Katie Arani of Billie Ball & Co. for her expert insights on wedding florals. To contact her directly, you can reach her through her Brides of North Texas vendor page.

The only thing better than getting tips for your wedding from a professional photographer is getting insights from two! The Dallas-based, husband and wife photography team Luis and Michelle from The Lockharts create amazing visual stories through photos and film from weddings, engagements and other family occasions. Focusing on lifestyle photography, they know exactly how to capture the raw and real moments.

Keep reading to learn more about how this dynamic duo can help you capture your unique love story on your special day!

Photo // The Lockharts 

Describe your photography style.

Our style is lifestyle photography, which means that we give a bit of guidance in terms of posing, but look to make the photos appear candid and relaxed. Moreover, we are natural light photographers that try to limit off camera lighting to the reception. This gives our pictures the “light and airy” style our couples love, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Tell us what you love most about being a photographer.

Our favorite part about being a photographer is the connections we make. We have met so many amazing people and made connections though this. We love being part of our couple’s day and documenting the love and excitement. The fact that these memories will be the beginning of their family’s legacy makes our job feel so valuable, and we truly feel honored.

Any tips on getting those perfectly styled detail shots?

Light, light light. Finding the best light near windows, or diffused light outside is so important in taking good detail pictures. Also, minimalism in the background will make for shots that truly capture the details.

Share your tips on engagement portraits.

Come with a heart set to have fun. An engagement session is all about getting you and your soon to be spouse relaxed in front of the camera. What better way to do this, then just having fun!

Are you pro first looks?

Absolutely! They definitely add beautiful memories to your day and help create an easy timeline.

Special thanks to Luis and Michelle for sharing their expert advice with us today! To get in touch with The Lockharts, you can directly message the team via their Brides of North Texas profile here.

This romantic floral affair is the inspired brain-child of Joche Westmoreland of Joche W. Events. Specializing in large scale florals, he and his team created a jaw dropping elevated floral runner with their signature gold mirrored columns that perfectly frame the Dallas skyline view from La Cima Club. Enchanting touches such as the acrylic chairs and table settings provided by Belle Decor as well the the floral-inspired invitation suite, place cards and menus created by Paper Planet complete the dreamy picture. Savor Patisserie topped it all off with glitter-dusted macarons that are as beautiful as they are mouth-watering. Get swept up in the romance of it all as you keep scrolling through these dreamy photos by Joseph Mark Photography! Cheers!

Photos // Joseph Mark Photography

From the planner, Joche Westmoreland of Joche W. Events: “We wanted to showcase what we love to do — large scale floral! We decided to create a lush, elevated runner of flowers for the main table so that the beautiful view of downtown Dallas was framed perfectly. Adding two of our large signature pieces on custom gold mirrored columns completed the overall vision of making sure that our design highlighted some of the best aspects of the venue.”

The team at Kelsey Williams Weddings + Events has created a fresh take on a luxe cocktail hour in this champagne-glam inspiration shoot captured by Pharris Photography & Philms at the Hotel Crescent Court! The planning duo swapped out the signature cocktail for signature sweets like champagne cake pops and macarons from Sugar Bee Sweets Bakery for a fun take on the traditional cocktail hour. The treats were, of course, complemented with a spectacular champagne bar. Every bubbling flute of champagne, with glassware supplied by Top Tier Event Rentals, has a seating assignment designed by Hazelwood Paper Co. An ultra-luxe ambiance was created with gold touches and a refined lounge area from Beautiful Event Rentals – stunning and functional! And pastel blooms in soft pinks and lavender by Something Pretty Floral were peppered throughout the courtyard’s vignettes. Overall, the space is elegant with a touch of southern charm that befits our refined, modern model bride. With her gorgeous illusion neckline gown from The Bridal Salon at Neiman Marcus and classic Hollywood glam by Etoilly Artistry, she looks right at home in the posh setting. Don’t miss any of the luxurious details from this cocktail hour. Enjoy browsing!

Photos // Pharris Photography & Philms

From the planner, Kelsey Williams of Kelsey Williams Weddings + Events: “We envisioned an ultra-cocktail hour backdrop that would transport bride and guest alike into champagne glam ambiance. Underscored by neutral hues of cappuccino, ivory and grey, and accented with glass, mirrored and mixed-metallic details, we aimed for the space to shimmer and shine, and capitalized on the accentuating natural light that washes the courtyard at Hotel Crescent Court. Each vignette is a capsule of luxury, infused with nods to our champagne motif. Champagne cake pops and macarons served as ‘signature sweets’ in place of signature cocktails, and a champagne flute escort display invited guests to their seat for an evening of grandeur. Overall we maintained a very clean and elegant look with a touch of southern charm to appeal to the refined, modern, glamorous bride.”

The team at Donnie Brown Weddings and Events were so inspired by the lavish new ballroom at The Ritz-Carlton Dallas that they created this signature blue wedding inspiration— and we’re loving it! From the decadent cake from Delicious Cakes and modern striped invitation suite by Paper Planet to the place settings from Posh Couture Rentals, shades of the signature blue are pulled throughout the eye-catching design. The bride’s soft, yet dramatic beauty look created by Tousled Studio is the perfect complement to the sheer romance of her couture ball gown from Stanley Korshak Bridal Salon. Every detail of this stunningly styled design captured by Kiss Me For Eternity exudes elegance. Enjoy browsing!

Photos // Kiss Me For Eternity Photography by Thisbe Grace & Co.

From the planner, Donnie Brown of Donnie Brown Weddings and Events: “The extraordinary new ballroom design at the lavish Ritz-Carlton Dallas is such a breath of fresh air. When we noted the new color palette in blue, silver and white, it really got our creative juices flowing. The concept design of this shoot was specifically designed to complement the new look of the room utilizing the signature colors of the environment. We threw in black to formalize the design and created a look of abundance which the venue is known for, while still making it a practical choice for brides to consider.”

This southern magnolias inspired Romantic Impressions wedding inspiration from Gold Dust Event Co. is a modern bride’s dream come true! An eye-catching floral pattern is pulled throughout the design from the custom stationary by Paper Planet to the beautiful hanging cakes from Creme de le Creme Cake Company and even the place setting’s china pattern. Modern touches like the striking black chairs and escort card display from Coral Lane set against the white barn at The Nest at Ruth Farms create the perfect balance. The model bride is a vision in a contemporary, sleeved gown from the Bridal Boutique and romantic hair and makeup by Jennifer Trotter Lip Service Makeup. The piece de resistance that ties it all together are the magnolia accented florals from Blushington Blooms spread throughout the design from the cake display to the bridal bouquet. Enjoy all the darling details of this Southern setting!

Photos by // Alba Rose Photography

From the planners, Rachel Yeats Grosman and Mean Koudelka of Gold Dust Event Co.: “Our southern magnolia shoot was initially inspired by the trending magnolia homes that Chip and Joana Gaines have created. We feel that wedding trends really parallel those of the interior design world, and we love the minimalist, traditional, yet modern look it portrays. We further curated the look by incorporating floral patterns, leather and linen textiles and crisp color. Combining masculine touches with timeless details and beautiful florals creates a scene that we feel would appeal to anyone.”