by Jen Hart | Beach Weddings, Real Weddings
Heidi’s older brother, Luke, actually went to college with Kyle…whose name was always casually thrown around by the family whenever Heidi’s dating prospects were being discussed. She always thought the whole idea to be pretty far-fetched, considering the fact that they had never met, were never in the same state and had not even been single at the same time. In fact, they only met for the first time almost a full decade after Kyle and Luke’s graduation, when Heidi moved from Pittsburgh, PA to Annapolis, Maryland, with Kyle living just miles away, in Baltimore.
Shortly after Heidi moved, Luke convinced her to join him for Baltimore’s famous ‘Baltimore Bike Party’, where thousands of cyclists dress up in costume and cruise the streets and neighborhoods of downtown Baltimore: Kyle would be there. He noticed her borrowed bike and was quick to offer his assistance in finding her a new ride. It didn’t take long for Heidi to discover that Kyle wasn’t just quick to help her but that helping others was essential to his way of life. Kyle dedicates his life to improving the lives of homeless high school students in Baltimore County. In her heart Heidi knew that her family’s suggestions had been well founded…this was the type of person she wanted to spend the rest of her life with! Well, it was only a matter of time before Heidi got exactly what she was hoping for.
When the young couple was visiting the ‘Wonder Exhibit’ at the Renwick Gallery in Washington DC, Heidi happened to mention how cool it would be to get married in the fist installation they viewed…I guess you could only call it fate because just a few moments later she found Kyle down on one knee, proposing, with both their sets of parents (who he had secretly invited) snapping pics and taking videos in the background. It was an incredible moment for the whole family.
She happened to come across the ‘Holly’ lace dress from Dreamers and Lovers and fell instantly in love. Nothing, however, could have made her decision more clear than when, a day later, her mom (who is also her best friend) sent her a picture of the exact same dress
Speaking of fate…I found this dress-shopping story to be more than a little star-touched… Heidi had wanted her dress shopping experience to be as casual and as laid back as possible so she avoided the big-box stores and chose instead to find her inspiration online. She happened to come across the ‘Holly’ lace dress from Dreamers and Lovers and fell instantly in love. Nothing, however, could have made her decision more clear than when, a day later, her mom (who is also her best friend) sent her a picture of the exact same dress. Holly was the first, last and only dress she ever tried on and for Heidi there was never a doubt that it was absolutely made for her!
Looking at photo’s of the pair on their wedding day, I can only agree with Heidi: she looked magnificent with her gorgeous golden skin and her exquisitely detailed flower crown perfectly matching the embroidered cotton of the Holly Dress, she honestly looked like she’d stepped out of a dream!
When it came to wedding planning, Kyle would have been quite happy just to have the birds, the bees and their families as witnesses, whereas Heidi would have liked to invite the entire world. Luckily they found a healthy compromise, with Kyle inviting one or two guests…and Heidi inviting all the rest! They ended up inviting 85 guests.
The wedding venue, being in Annapolis, Maryland, was crucial to the pair. That was where they had really fallen in love. Both of them being water lovers, the Bay was where they’d spent time together and gotten to know one another. So they decided to get married at Heidi’s parent’s community beach in Annapolis (Cape St. Clair Community Beach), overlooking the Chesapeake Bay. They got married looking out over the water, with a harpist playing a combination of old and new wedding songs. The reception followed immediately after, right across the street at the beach clubhouse.
To Heidi and Kyle, adding small, personal touches wherever they could was a part of their focus. They included pictures of deceased loved ones along side their wedding decorations. They also kept their eyes open for inexpensive ways to express themselves creatively. They tried to use only vendors that they knew personally. Heidi’s uncle Hoyte (Wilhelm) married them, her friend Sarah Saxon did the photography, and Kyle’s friend DJ Gurf provided a personalized musical experience. The wedding party consisted only of the twin girls (Harper and Teagan) for whom Heidi is a nanny. They made the most precious flower girls and being very dear to Heidi, it was a real blessing to have them feature on the day.
The only reading done was of Corinthians 13.4. It was also very important to the couple that they write their own vows:
His favorite line was: “I know that together, our hearts and minds can move mountains, and I cannot wait to make the world a better place with you.”
Heidi’s favorite line from Kyle’s vow was: “I vow to create a life with you filled with love, passion, acceptance, creativity, and peace.”
One of the most sentimental details of the day, for Heidi and Kyle, were the dream catchers, which they hand, made and hung from the ceiling of the reception. The couple spent many a night and afternoon putting their love, creativity and energy into crafting them and at the end of the reception they encouraged guests to take one down so that they could hang up a small piece of the happy newlyweds in their homes.
The personal touches didn’t stop there…even the flowers and wild berries for the guests were all hand picked! A day before the wedding, the couple and an intimate group headed to a local pick-your-own farm in Woodbine, MD: Larriland Farms. They picked ample raspberries and blackberries to place on the tables at the reception, and then they strolled the wildflower fields searching for the perfect blooms for bouquets and centerpieces. Next to the wedding day itself, Heidi says this day was the most magical. I think this this is such a wonderful idea and an ideal way to add a personal touch whilst spending that little bit of extra time with loved ones!
The couple opted for a very traditional cake with butter cream frosting from Main Ingredient in Annapolis, MD. They decorated it with beautiful handpicked wildflowers.
focus on why you’re getting married and know that, provided you’re marrying your best friend, the day is already a resounding success. Cost and complexity doesn’t make the day more special, the rest is all just details
Heidi’s advice to other chilled out brides is this: focus on why you’re getting married and know that, provided you’re marrying your best friend, the day is already a resounding success. Cost and complexity doesn’t make the day more special, the rest is all just details. In fact, the simpler the wedding, the more you can focus on your friends, family and the lover standing across from you. Heidi felt that because they did simple things, which meant a lot to them as a couple, their guests got the opportunity to really witness their love.
The couple has just purchased an adorable little beach cottage in Chesapeake Bay, their very first home together. As their list of home renovations grows, so does their appreciation for one another. Heidi still works as a nanny and Kyle as a homeless youth advocate. They both delight in spoiling their rescue dogs, Leon and Biggie. They make a point of constantly surrounding themselves with friends, family, music art and love. We definitely wish them all of the best and undoubtedly more of the same. It was a pleasure being a part of their magical lives, even if only for a day!
See other brides wearing the lovely Holly Bohemian Off-Shoulder Lace Wedding Dress :
A California Wedding at the Casino – San Clemente
Amy + Nick’s Wedding
by Jen Hart | California Wedding, Real Weddings
Spencer and Molly’s Perfect Day in the Sun
Wow, I can’t stop looking at the incredible wedding photos, courtesy of Briana Mary, of Spencer and Molly’s laid back, ranch wedding in Pala, CA. It’s not just the classic, old school atmosphere of the ranch setting but all the unique little details that really make this wedding look like a boho dream come true. From the dressing room pics of the girls in their matching, custom robes, reclining on the great big wooden bed with Native American artifacts decorating the wall behind…to the dapper groomsmen in their stylish getup, suspenders and cool, matching tan leather shoes. Nothing is out of place…it looks like no detail went unchecked and it must have been an unforgettable experience.
This gorgeous young couple met five years ago, as seniors, when they attended rival high schools and were introduced to each other by mutual friends. A month later they were dating and they chose to continue doing so, even though they would be attending colleges that were far apart. We’re glad they did; they finally found themselves back in the same city and just look at them now.
I thoroughly enjoyed the story of their proposal, so romantic and it shows…not only is Spencer super dashing but he also knows how to think out of the box! The couple visited Laguna Beach for a weekend, to house-sit for Spencer’s uncle…On day one they spent a romantic afternoon at the beach, soaking up the sun, followed by a pizza-picnic that evening (their all-time favorite). Spencer asked if Molly would appreciate a sunrise excursion to the beach the next morning. At 5am he woke her up (they must be morning people!), it was pitch dark when they got to the beach and it was clear that Spencer was ultra-pumped to get there…hmmm.
He led her to a special spot and asked her to close her eyes because he had a gift for her. When she opened the gift she found it was a Bible…but not just any bible
As the sun rose, they ambled down to the sand. He led her to a special spot and asked her to close her eyes because he had a gift for her. When she opened the gift she found it was a Bible…but not just any bible. Engraved on the cover was Molly’s first name, followed by Spencer’s last name (seriously!?). On the inside of the cover a question was written: “Will you marry me?” Well of course I will, Spencer…I’d be hard pressed to say no, now that your surname is already engraved on the Bible!!! When Molly looked up Spencer was down on one knee. In tears and over-the-moon-excited, Molly, obviously, decided to oblige.
When the couple drove back to Molly’s parents house, both families had gathered for a big family BBQ, it was a perfect day and a fit forerunner for what was to be a perfect summer wedding. What made the proposal even more romantic was the fact that Molly later found out that Spencer’s uncle hadn’t even been out of town for the weekend…he had been camped out in a hotel in town for the night, making the proposal a true family effort!
When it came to choosing a wedding dress, this is a classic D&L story…Molly was under stress! Spending far too much time in big-name stores, she was feeling overwhelmed and utterly discouraged. There were countless dresses to chose from and try on but none of them (none of them!) fit her personality. By that time Molly was thinking that maybe she just wasn’t one of those brides who would know that ‘this is the one.’ She was thinking, sadly, that she was going to have to settle for a dress that was simply OK. Luckily for Molly, she came across Dreamers and Lovers while browsing Pinterest. She fell instantly in love with the laid back collection and knew that she had to try them on. As it turns out, with the very first dress she tried on, Molly was transformed into one of those brides who knows they’ve found ‘the one.’
It was to be a medium sized wedding, with 160 guests attending at the stunning ranch in Pala, CA. What’s more, both families got to stay over at the ranch for the weekend. They went up on the Thursday and spent a full weekend relaxing, swimming celebrating and enjoying summer family time in and around the stunning old ranch house. Family is of paramount importance to the couple and both of them were appreciative of the chance to enjoy a fun filled, family vacation leading up to the wedding. Spencer and Molly decided on what was important to them, as a couple and they stuck to it…they wanted a laid-back celebration that was full of love, family and friends and that is exactly what they got.
The flowers were one of those details that really stood out in the photos, beautiful wildflower arrangements that look as though each flower has been individually chosen and picked. Molly’s vision of loose, bohemian arrangements was achieved and expanded on by her florist and the results were quite breathtaking, really unique and very wild!
Instead of a cake they opted for a dessert bar with just a small cake for the couple to cut. The guests enjoyed lemon bars, brownies, cheesecake bites and eclairs, yum!
A few bible verses were read at the ceremony and the couple took communion together while Molly’s sister sang ‘Christ Alone.’ Vows were personal and intimate, self-written by the couple…some of Molly’s favorite lines were “I will always be your friend, your adventure partner and someone who pushes you every day to pursue your God given gifts. I promise to rejoice with you through the joys in life and to hold your hand as we walk though the trials.” Self-written vows are always a great idea and Molly says that every line was equally meaningful.
One of Molly’s favorite details was the fact that her own brother-in-law, Patrick, married them. He got ordained previously so that he could preside at Molly’s other sister’s wedding. It was extra special for Molly to have a loved one conducting such an intimate ceremony, especially since he’s known them their entire relationship.
One of the most novel ideas was the addition of disposable cameras at every table…family and friends used the cameras all night, snapping pics of what they thought were the most meaningful. It was such a delight to have the photos developed and sees things from every guest’s unique perspective. What a wonderful idea!
Molly offers this advice to boho-brides-to-be: Never mind people’s opinions and points of tradition…make it your own! It’s about what’s important to you as a couple, remember that. Plus, write your own vows and celebrate!!
So what’s in the cards for the newly-weds? They are simply enjoying the bliss of married life, planning to get some travelling done over the next couple of years and in the more distant future…to expand that loving family a little or a lot, just how much remains to be seen. Well, we certainly wish them all the best here at Dreamers & Lovers: May their years be numbered long and their lifetimes resound in joy!
As for Molly…she says that she wouldn’t change a thing about that perfect day in the sun and best of all, she gets to spend a lifetime married to her very best friend!
by Jen Hart | Bohemian Brides, Real Weddings
Claire and Rob’s French Connection: Claire wearing the Lisa backless long sleeved lace wedding dress, lined in nude colored silk.
Judging by wedding pics of this ultra-laid-back pair, chilling in a row-boat somewhere in the South of France, dressed to the boho nines…Ray-Bans and all: I can tell they’re a magical couple and clearly two of a kind, which is just as it should be, relishing every moment of each other’s company.
Claire and Rob met for the first time under the clock at Waterloo Station in London…sparks flew (and not from faulty clockworks!) and the seriously gorgeous young couple were soon madly in love. In fact, their romance was such a vibrant one that neither of them can remember how talk of marriage came about, it was just something that they knew they wanted to do: them being crazy-in-love and all.
So it happened that they started searching the world for a wedding venue and when they finally came across the Chateau in France, a beautifully moody and wildly romantic choice, they knew they were set. All that remained to be done was to choose the exact spot to hold the ceremony…a perfect opportunity for Rob to get down on one knee and unique because not a lot of people can say that they got engaged and married on the exact same spot! Claire actually wasn’t expecting a formal proposal so she was floored when Rob presented her with her forever jewel, an unforgettable experience.
Claire knew that the ‘normal’ dress shopping route of trying on everything in stores just to select the best of the bad was most certainly not for her
Claire knew that finding the dress she saw in her mind’s eye was going to be something of a problem. When she had dress hunted with her sister a few months before she’d found most bridal outlets in London to be either over-the-top expensive or just run-of-the-mill blah! Claire knew that the ‘normal’ dress shopping route of trying on everything in stores just to select the best of the bad was most certainly not for her. Claire’s friend happened to be a designer so she kept the option open of perhaps sourcing something better from China: that was when she came across Dreamers and Lovers online, T-G!
Claire ended up looking like a vision, straight out of an epic French romance novel in her laid-back, vintage-chic boho gown. She looks absolutely exquisite in the pics…and Rob was right alongside her on the bohemian style scale!
Well, getting married abroad was the first hurdle to overcome, what with the language barrier and all but the venue (and the love, of course) made up for any stress that went into planning. An intimate celebration with 60 close friends and family in one of the most breathtakingly romantic spots imaginable, who could possibly complain!
The couple rented the Chateau for the entire weekend and all their friends and family stayed there with them for the weekend, so it was personal, peaceful and long enough to really savor. The couple tied the knot under the exact same tree where rob proposed and they actually mentioned it in the self-written part of their vows: “Under this tree where Rob officially proposed to Claire. This spot represents beauty and fruitfulness. The garden is a sanctuary not just today but always. Today it is our chapel…”
Looking at pics of the beautiful pair dancing in the candlelight as the aged facade of the Chateau is lit up by rose tinted light in the background, I can just imagine the heady scent of roses, gypsophila and jasmine infusing the warm evening air and I can believe it when Claire says that every little detail worked out utterly perfect. Even the cake was ultra-French: delicious cheesecake (real cheese) to be exact, yum!
Now, considering the fact that Claire had to plan a wedding abroad, brides would do well to heed some advice from this gorgeous example of the quintessential boho bride: Relax, for goodness sake and don’t stress. It’s going to be the best day of your life so chill about the organizing and just enjoy it! Go with your gut feeling on all your ideas and then the outcome is bound to feel a whole lot more personal.
We’re delighted to hear that the couple is loving their time together as always and enjoying the holidays and free time they’re lucky enough to have at the moment. We wish them decades of good fortune and may their lifetime together be filled with the bountiful joys of travel, family and romance.
by Jen Hart | Elopement, Wedding Editorials
Layers of Love : A Bohemian Wedding Inspired Editorial
Layers of Love: Written by Dreamers & Lover’s Writer Laura
It’s not about exaggeration, quantity or cost
None of those details, in which so much of love gets lost
Like sparkle, corsets, cans of hairspray, everything that’s fake
Kilograms of scratchy fabric, oh! For Heaven’s sake
I’ll be okay without stilettos or a million frills
Just copper, colored glass and cotton in the Painted Hills
You’ve always known me as a spirit unrestrained and free
No reason I should change that, now that you’re in love with me
For years people have questioned me and put me on the spot
Where do I see myself 10 years from now, what plans I’ve got
I always felt ashamed; I always wondered what they thought
I’d say I wasn’t sure, I hadn’t found the things I’d sought
I didn’t know my dreams yet now I see them coming true
And now I know, a decade hence, I see myself with you
To me it makes no difference if the roses don’t arrive
I’ll stop to pick wildflowers on the way here as we drive
To me it doesn’t matter if the tie’s mustard or blue
No matter what you wear I’m going to stick to you like glue
What matters is our friends and family, bonds of time and trust
The promise of a lifetime, because gold will never rust
I will survive without black macarons or Veuve Cliquot
That I’ll end up with you is the only thing I need to know
I’ll be okay without stilettos or a million frills
Just copper, colored glass and cotton in the painted hills
This shoot set in the John Day Fossil Beds National Monuments is breathtaking on so many levels. This team of Oregon based wedding vendors created magic with this earthy bohemian elopement shoot. Marisa is the talent behind Revel Petals, and here is her inspiration for this shoot:
The layers of love are like the layers of earth, created over time and experience, folded and pressed in color and beauty. From the first blush of youthful flirtation, to the wrinkled hands still cradling one another after decades of adventures, the sediment of life settles in brilliant striations in our hearts, like the painted hills themselves. As a way to honor and celebrate a love that is now, new and fresh on a wedding day, but also to celebrate the promise of an ageless, layered lifetime of romance, the painted hills are a perfect backdrop and inspiration for a styled wedding shoot.
We are in love with everything about this one. The dress featured is the Dreamers & Lovers Camelia 2-Piece Silk Wedding Dress with Silk Embroidered Panels.
Vendor list is directly below:
Photographer : Katie Dessin
Venue: John Day Fossil Beds National Monument in Painted Hills, OR
Coordination & Design: Kandice of Rose & Stone PDX
Florist : Revel Petals
Hair & Makeup: Makeup Mafia Weddings
Cake: Delectable Baked Goods
Wedding Dress: Dreamers & Lovers Coco Dress
by Jen Hart | Bohemian Wedding Dresses, Real Weddings
Taylor and Ben’s Wedding and love story, she wears the Alice Bohemian Wedding Dress in White Lace lined in white
Taylor and Ben’s love story is one of those quintessential love at first sight stories which proves that there must be such a thing as destiny…some people are just meant to be together and they seem to know it right from the start.
The couple met through Ben’s sister, Hannah. The girls had met each other whilst travelling in India and when Taylor moved to England to finish her college degree, she decided to pay Hannah a visit at her parents’ home there over a weekend. Ben happened to be there and as the stars would have it, there was an instant attraction. They’ve been together ever since.
Believe it or not, there was actually no ring involved in their proposal. On his travels in South America Ben had written a card about how if their relationship made it past that huge distance he was sure that one day they’d be married. On Taylor’s birthday weekend away, Ben gave her the card and it’s something they will always treasure.
The biggest challenge for Taylor was that she had to plan most of the wedding whilst at law school in London, which made it pretty tricky at times to contact some of her vendors. However, seeing as the chosen venue was Taylor’s all-time favorite place, her grandparents’ property in beautiful Crested Butte, plus she had decided to go mostly along the DIY route, she had some flexibility and things came together perfectly in the end.
Whilst in law school, Taylor was in and out of bridal boutiques on the hunt for the perfect dress but to absolutely no avail: it was all too much glitter, too much fuss
Whilst in law school, Taylor was in and out of bridal boutiques on the hunt for the perfect dress but to absolutely no avail: it was all too much glitter, too much fuss. She went online and searched for boho wedding dresses, which is when she came across Dreamers and Lovers (thank goodness). Taylor was in love with all of the dresses and it took her quite some time to actually choose one but sure as rain, the Alice dress began to stand out from the rest. The perfect contrast of the high neck and low back just seemed to make sense for Taylor. She ordered the Alice dress on line and was blown away by how much better it was when she finally saw it in real life.
Taylor paired the Alice dress with a magnificent full length veil and a bouquet of wildflowers and she looked utterly breathtaking when the day finally came, plus she felt comfortable and quite ethereal in it all night!
There were 105 guests in attendance on the bank of the Taylor River in Colorado, after which Taylor was named. She feels blessed that she was able to marry there amongst old friends from childhood and new friends from London (where she and fiancé, Ben had lived for three years prior to the wedding).
Flowers were done by Kristyn Vollmer from Gypsy Rose Designs, who’s lighthearted presence was an added blessing. Ivory and blush roses, with plenty of greenery and succulents. Taylor sent photos of her favorite floral Pins and Kristyn made her Pinterest dreams a reality with the most perfect table arrangements and succulent boutonnieres.
The food was done by Dana Zobs and Stacee Van Aernem from Crested Butte Chefs and it was homegrown, fresh and flavorful. The cake was layers of vanilla cake, caramel buttercream, salted caramel sauce and praline crumbs, made by Wildflour Sweets in Crested Butte.
One of Taylor’s favorite details about the wedding was the fact that she was walked down the aisle by both her dad and her step dad, she was infinitely proud to have them both present.
Taylor’s sister, Gabi, did a reading from a book of poetry and the vows were, of course, self-written.
From Taylor’s side: “I will always encourage and help you achieve your dreams and never say no to 20 dollar flights to Copenhagen no matter how cold it is there.” The crowd found this particularly amusing because the pair are always whizzing off to places during the rainiest and coldest seasons simply because of the cheaper flights.
Everything that came before you feel like a rehearsal. You’re so enchanting and complete and idyllic, you are love. If to be human is to be flawed then to love is to be fragile but I trust us to nurture it, to be each other’s architects, partners and comfort food.
From Ben’s side the vows were really something: “I am where you’ve been and I’ll be where you go. I’ll try to support you through all your changes and I’ll support you through all your seasons. Everything that came before you feel like a rehearsal. You’re so enchanting and complete and idyllic, you are love. If to be human is to be flawed then to love is to be fragile but I trust us to nurture it, to be each other’s architects, partners and comfort food. I vow to be fierce, I vow to be funny, I vow to be your foundation. I am yours. Let’s dance to the rhythm of our lives and find content, for you are someone who I simply cannot do without. I am rippling, I am rippling, love, love, love.”
A detail which came as an extra special surprise to Taylor was when her very sweet and super shy 12-year-old sister and her friend played their first dance song (Brown Eyed Girl). It meant a great deal that the song had been kept a secret for them. Taylor, of course, could not stop crying.
Taylor offers this piece of advice to future boho brides…relax! Those nagging details all fade to nothing on the day and these precious moments needn’t be wasted on stressing. Bask in the moment of having all the people you love around you, eat your cake and dance with your husband…there’s no need to be a high maintenance bride!
The contented couple are now living and working in London, enjoying their time as newlyweds. This Christmas will be spent in Costa Rica and they plan to continue travelling and exploring the great wild world together. We wish them all the love and harmony they can carry, along with many happy returns!
Interested in seeing more bride stories who have worn the Alice, see Sam and Jessa Romantic Wedding and the incredible chilled Kerri + Chris Chill but Incredible LA Wedding and a Palm Spring wedding Cool Palm Springs Bohemian Wedding! and stunning Australian bride Tori : David and Tori’s Love Story
Interested in seeing the complete lineup of our bohemian lace wedding dresses, see them all here
