Real Wedding Day Inspiration - Cayce and Adam

Happy Memorial Day, dear readers! I know you all are gathered around the grill with family and friends enjoying this incredible weather. Since this holiday is all about honoring our armed forces, I thought this lovely wedding photographed by Richmond's own Vera Pakizer would be picture perfect for today's Real Wedding Day Inspiration.
Gotta love a man in uniform.
Love the laterns decorating the space.


Perfect cake topper captures the couple's likeness
Bride, Cayce jamming with the band

Friday's Escape: Grace Bay Club

Well hello, Dear Readers. I hope you've enjoyed a productive week and are ready for a little R&R. I know I am! It's been a while since I've written about some fabulously luxurious destination to inspire your honeymoon plans, anniversary or a little "me" time. Entering into the busy season, I realize I could use a little Friday's Escape now more than ever. I have a few exciting locales on deck we'll explore together. As always, if there is a little slice of heaven you'd like to see featured here, by all means, drop me a line and let me know all about it.

This week's Friday's Escape locale is the dazzling Grace Bay Club on the island of Turks and Caicos. "...where handmade Caribbean experiences are realized. Our oceanfront property immerses you in the art of living. Grace Bay Club is a timeless destination that blends exclusivity and privacy. Here, understated luxury and attentive, individualized service inspire relaxation and rejuvenation. Grace Bay Club offers a personal experience with a home away from home atmosphere, where relationships, people and genuine service makes every guest a lifetime guest."

Doesn't it just feel like they will take incredible care of you? Handmade Caribbean experiences, blending of exclusivity and privacy, the art of living...yes, please!












Have a great weekend!

Real Wedding Day Inspiration Submissions

Have you photographed a wedding that was unbelievably gorgeous in its cultural significance? Have you planned a wedding with details to die for? Do you have images that will speak to couples who may not look like those featured in the majority of magazines and wedding blogs?

If you answered with a resounding yes, then we are talking to you, dear reader. We are looking for amazing weddings to be featured right here on Real Wedding Day Inspiration. Weddings so gorgeous it will hurt our eyes! We want to feel the emotion and love the couple has for one another. Most importantly, we want to see weddings featuring couples whose celebrations reflect their culture and traditions whether it's jumping the broom, a tea ceremony or a festive mehendi.

We are looking for submissions that tell the story of the couple’s wedding day. The images should speak to the tone and style of the wedding celebration. The event should have taken place within the last 18 months. We prefer detailing a wedding that has not been published on more than 2 blogs outside of your own. It is our goal to provide fresh inspiration to our viewers.

Please send your submissions of no more than 10 images to DEE(at)DawnEasterEvents(dot)com. We can't wait to see all of those gorgeous brides and grooms out there!

Images by the incredibly talented Eli Silva, Elizabeth Messina and Kate Headley, respectively.

Real Wedding Day Inspiration - Leslie and Michael

Happy Monday, dear readers! We are back today with this week's Real Wedding Day Inspiration couple, Leslie and Michael photographed by the uber talented Paula and Mike Luna of lunaphoto. If you haven't already, take a moment to stop by their website, it is full of gorgeous imagery. For their wedding, Leslie and Michael travelled to tropical Costa Rica and were married at the breath-taking Zephyr Palace.
Beautiful bride Leslie and and groom, Michael getting ready for their big moment
The I Do's
I love his smile! He is certainly happy becoming husband and wife
I like the idea of the simple tulips beside each place setting
the beautiful exterior of the resort
I love how the lighting bathed everything in a warm glow. Remember when we discussed how lighting plays an important role with Asmi and Ameer's wedding? Same concept, totally different look and feel.
I love how old fashioned and glamorous the first dance looks in black and white.
Equally lovely in full color.
This is why I love the family style seating. It's so much more warm and interactive than sweetheart tables. To be surrounded by family and friends...
Such a romantic sunset
Like Jung Lee of Fete said, nothing says celebration like fireworks
I LOVE how emotive this black and white image is. It has an old world quality to it that is incredible! Many thanks to Paula and Mike for sharing another fabulous wedding with us.

You spoke and I listened! By popular demand, I am bringing back my series, Friday's Escape. I am so looking forward to exploring the world one amazing luxe location at a time. If there is a resort property you'd like to submit, feel free to leave a comment. See ya on Friday!

Real Wedding Day Inspiration - Wing and Chris

Happy Monday, dear readers. Spring has officially sprung here in Richmond thought with 90+ temps and humidity, it definitely more like summer. To jumpstart your week, we are featuring a lovely Real Wedding Day Inspiration wedding from California shot by the fabulous Leo Patrone. What I love most about Wing and Chris' wedding is the subtle, quietness of the details. It's not a grandiose or over the top celebration, the details come across as heartfelt and well chosen. Very much like an intimate family affair.
The lovely bride, Wing
I like how the flowers, particularly the lamb's ear collaring the bouquet, match the groom's suit.
Wing is wearing a red gown is customary in Chinese heritage for her reception look.
An awe-inspiring view of the mountains.
Handwritten seating chart, perfect for this intimate celebration.
The newlyweds sharing a quiet moment.
3 of the most adorable partygoers.
Dahlia taking centerstage in the lovely arrangement.
Parasols were available for guests to shade them from the summer sun.
The caketoppers capture the couple's likeness perfectly.
The ceremony was set to take advantage of the mountain view.
A very romantic first dance.

A full view of Wing's gorgeous reception gown while they cut the cake.