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 | Bohemian Brides, Real Weddings
Sam and Jessa (and Dax) Romantic Bohemian Wedding
From their wedding pictures, it’s clear to see the wonderful people Sam and Jesse are, laid-back, cheerful and adventurous lovers of life and each other, with a little bit of sci-fi geek thrown in for good measure. We loved their story and their vibe and thought you might also enjoy learning a little more about them.
It all began back when college sophomore, Jessa, was feeling rather spare one afternoon and decided to post on her school’s Doctor Who Club wall on Facebook, to find out whether anyone was keen to catch up on a few episodes with her. A friend of hers responded and a friend of his saw the response and decided to join for the ride. The two of them obviously had a great time watching DW and ended up exchanging numbers, only to discover that they had even more in common…math puns were the order of the day, need I say more?
Although they were both leaving Nashville soon to study abroad, Jessa in OZ and Sam in Denmark, it didn’t stop Sam from asking Jessa out. Sam must be a true, old fashioned romantic because on that first date he planned an elaborate scavenger hunt for Jesse, which ended with him waiting on the steps of the Nashville Parthenon with flowers in his hand!
The couple, studying in different places, made a habit of travelling together and after three years of dating, decided on a trip to Thailand; where they took a day trip to the magnificent Erawan Falls. The couple hiked higher and higher to get to the top of the falls and hopefully escape the prying eyes of the crowds of tourists who were there that day.
Somewhere close to the summit, Sam spirited Jessa in to a glade off the beaten path and began a speech professing how much he loved her. About half way through, two Russian men in Speedos (and only Speedos!) walked awkwardly into the glen with them, they stood…sort of uncomfortably, staring, before the couple decided to move further up the trail to escape. The Russians followed for a distance but eventually moved on in their own direction. To be safe, Jessa and Sam scrambled down a small cliff and found an extra private spot. Sam got down on one knee and asked if Jessa was keen, obviously she replied: “Heck, yes!”
They decided on an intimate wedding, with 100 people, and as many DIY elements as possible, in order to, hopefully, save a little money. Jesse now knows that a dream wedding is possible on a tight budget, as long as you’re willing to do a little grafting. As is so often the case, it’s those DIY elements which end up stealing the show, because they are the most self-expressive and the most sentimental.
Jesse enlisted the help of everyone in her creative circle, Save the Dates and Invitations were done by her friend at Prestige Press and another friend arranged the flowers (garden roses, ranunculus, thistles and eucalyptus…very boho!) Together with an assortment of pies and gluten free cupcakes, Dulce Deserts provided a killer wedding cake, red velvet cinnamon with buttercream on the outside and white chocolate frosting on the inside.
A thoughtful detail was the crocheted table cloth for the head table, 66 inches long, white yarn with colorful tassels, handmade by Jessa over 5 months. It was a rush to get finished but it ended up looking amazing and they still get enjoyment out of it in their dining room every day.
With self-written vows, which included mentions of advanced math and Netflix, the couple wasn’t about to lose sight of who they are on their wedding day, especially when it came to Jessa’s wedding dress. Jesse did all her research online but most of the designs she loved came with price tags far beyond her budget. Jesse was overjoyed to discover Dreamers and Lovers, our bespoke bohemian wedding dresses are everything she hoped for and more, all at an affordable price!
Jesse popped into the Dreamers and Lovers studio and tried on a number of our enchanting and simple boho dresses, remarking that the dresses were far more comfortable and beautiful than any of the other’s she had tried on in her search of other stores; she knew that Dreamers and Lovers was where she would buy her dress. Jesse looked picturesque with her floral crown and exquisite ivory paneled, lace wedding gown from Dreamers and Lovers. Jesse and Sam look like a match made in boho heaven, such a happy, laid back couple.
Now, when it came to their special day, Jessa says that the biggest challenge was relinquishing control, trusting others to take over so that she could relax and enjoy. When it was realized that there were 6 bridesmaids and only 5 groomsmen, one of those fortuitous concessions was made…best man…man’s best friend…pretty much the same thing right?! The couples trusty dog, Dax, walked the 6th bridesmaid down the aisle, in pedigree bohemian style. The couple’s couch came along for the reception and there Dax lazed in bliss as the guests stopped by one by one for a cuddle.
It’s refreshing to see Dax present in the wedding photos, so often our best buddies are left behind because it doesn’t occur to us that they might also enjoy the special day (pies included). It goes to show, family, friendship, love and harmony are all you need to pull off the perfect day, plus a willingness to get creative and break the mold with the details, dress included!
We at Dreamers and Lovers wish this shining couple all the best for the future, may their family grow and their lives be filled with joy (and many more episodes of Doctor Who).
Photography Credits: Anthology Photography
by Jen Hart | Bohemian Brides, Real Weddings, Wedding Video
Some workplace romances do indeed have a silver lining, as David and Torieanne proved on their wedding day. Looking at wedding video of this couple-in-love at their alter in the middle of the woods, Tori’s magnificent lace wedding dress against that lush garden backdrop are a match made in boho-heaven!
The stars aligned for them more than 6 years ago when they met on the job at Target on the Gold Coast of Australia. Dave had been there for a few years when Torieanne started out as a cashier. Torieanne vividly remembers the sharing of a ‘moment’ whilst checking their rosters for the upcoming week. Dave remembers how he helped Torieanne at the registers on a busy Christmas day all those years ago.
6 Years later they were still an item and more in love than ever. When Tori went touring the US with a best friend over Christmas, Dave came to the realization that he never wanted to be without her. He designed and ordered a gorgeous custom ring from a Brisbane jewelry store and started to plan the perfect proposal.
On Tori’s return, they attended the comedy festival in Brisbane, followed by a romantic dinner along the river. Dave snuck off to the car and secretly stashed the ring in his pocket. They were just enjoying an after dinner stroll through the riverside park, when they paused for a moment under a rather impressive tree. Silently, he dropped to his knee and asked her hand, Tori was, of course, powerless to refuse.
The couple decided on an intimate ceremony, 90 of their nearest and dearest family and friends. On their hunt for the perfect venue they visited Ecostudio Fellini on Australia’s Gold Coast. It was laid back and sophisticated at once and they knew from the get-go that this was to be their venue. They fell in love with the welcoming garden setting, right in the heart of nature, with a sleek and stunning canapés section and reception room.
David & Torie from Motion Colour on Vimeo.
Tori, like so many hopeful brides-to-be, had a clear mental image of her dream dress (backless, in soft luxurious lace), she spent many a day and night feverishly searching the net for a dress that fitted the bill. As fate would have it, she came across the Dreamers and Lovers website, with their range of exquisite bohemian wedding dresses. Tori took one look at the Alice Backless Lace Gown and fell instantly in love with its mesmerizing boho design; it was her dream dress and more, far exceeding her expectations. She loaned the sample dress to Australia and made contact with the designer, Yanique. From there on out it was all smooth sailing. Finding a dress she was truly comfortable in was an absolute relief.
The simple backless wedding dress fit the venue and vision perfectly, laid back yet sophisticated.
The five bridesmaids were also dressed in white, with the groom and groomsmen in subdued navy blue with brown accessories. All wedding flowers were green and white, with berries and native Australian centerpieces. Their choices complemented the wooden features and scenery at the venue, adding to the rustic charm without being excessive.
The energy throughout the day was pure magic. The couple’s siblings did special readings in honor of Dave’s Grandparents and Torieanne’s Pa, who’d passed in recent years. One of the couple’s closest friends, Carl, acted as celebrant. Delivering a heartwarming ceremony that left most of the guests quite teary eyed. The couple agrees that they are unable to pick one element of the day that stood out as their favorite, everything was perfect.
Tori provided some invaluable advice to wedding planners: don’t get caught up in the small details! Tasty food, rad dance-moves and the best company…everything else is a bonus!
Relax and enjoy every moment. Breathe in the imperfections of the day and laugh with your future husband throughout the whole process. Remember that the day is about the love you share with each other. All of the finer details will be forgotten but if you are able to smile, slow time, eat, dance and enjoy the special moments with all of your loved ones, these elements together will be forever cherished.
by Jen Hart | Bohemian Brides, Bohemian Wedding Dresses, Wedding Dress Shopping
Bohemian brides who’re amping up for that first wedding dress appointment, with mom and sisters and ladies waiting in-tow: beware, you need to know what you’re in for. It’s not all shine and sparkles (although we’re not sure that you boho-brides want it to be) and chances are, if you don’t come prepared for that first appointment, it may all end in tears and disappointment.
So laid-back brides-to-be…I’ve been reading and listening to the rantings and ravings of wedding dress shoppers for quite some time now and I thought it about time that I do my bit. So here are some tips to hopefully save you a world of hassle and woe at your first wedding dress appointment:
Organize:
By now you should have a wedding file prepared, with special dividers for all your vendors and planning details.
There should be a dress section where you keep all your do’s and don’ts, pictures of dresses you love, notes about your dream dress, budget and a list of possible vendors.
Know Your Budget:
Know your budget! Search the web for Bohemian Wedding Dresses, You’d be surprised at what you find.
Truly bohemian designers like Dreamers & Lovers don’t ask nearly as much for unique made to order boho-chic dresses as big chain stores (need we mention names?) might ask for glitzy-glammy, trampefied numbers.
Make a note of your true budget and write down a figure a few hundred dollars bellow that, that way if you’re offered something a little more expensive than your quoted budget, you’ll have room to maneuver.
Gather Clips and photos:
If you can’t find any photos of your dream dress style, don’t fret… Find your favorite outfits at home, put them on and use this as an excuse to take selfies!
Pics of you in your favorite gear will help your consultant to understand your unique style and what kind of cuts and vibes you feel the most comfortable in.
Add a few pics of decor and art that expresses the theme/style of your wedding, a clever consultant will be able to use this to really capture what it is you’re looking for. Remember to rock up for your appointment in something easy to change in and out of.
Keep Your Ladies in the Loop:
Show all your pics and ideas to your mom, your sisters and your ladies in waiting. That way they won’t go against your wishes by making crazy suggestions at your consultation.
Shop Niche not Chain:
If you’re planning on visiting the run-of-the-mill bridal store think again…Chances are you’ll have hundreds of dresses to choose from but will come away with the best of traditional glitzy garb, not with a simple bohemian wedding dress that’s uniquely expressive of your own style.
Consultants in a chain bridal shop might not treat you with the same kind of care and attention as a smaller boutique. Search the web for a niche store that will have a range which suits your style. The consultant in a store that specializes in your boho style will most likely be a laid-back Chiquita like yourself.
Bohemian designers like Dreamers & Lovers will understand your sense of style, there’s no other way for the laid-back bride. Book ahead to ensure yourself a full hour of exclusive consultation, that way you won’t be disappointed when there’s no place for you and the ladies to sit!
Know Yourself:
Know what parts of your body bother you and what parts you’d like to highlight. Make a note of these factors in your wedding file and share your do’s and don’ts with your consultant.
Get on friendly terms with your consultant by having a chat before the time, make sure she understands your dream and you’re sure to come out on top of the world!
Pack some Kleenex for mom and a selfie stick and have yourself an awesome time! This appointment is one of the most important ones you might ever make so be prepared and your memories of it will be perfect.
