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
by Jen Hart | Bohemian Wedding Dresses, styled shoots
So, you’re on the market for a simple wedding dress…you’re a complicated girl and to you, every unnecessary frill is one more reason to worry. For you, there’s a distinct difference between simple and drab, a difference which most designers just don’t seem to grasp; standard fare is either totally over-the-top or sadly run-of-the-mill.
You know you’re a free spirit with a distinctive style, feminine but easy-going, certainly not glam and dolled up to the totally-user-unfriendly nines. You know it’s a bohemian wedding dress you’re looking for.
Well, you need look no further: introducing the breathtakingly well balanced Lisa wedding dress. She’s a masterpiece of bohemian luxury, balancing old and new, simple and sultry. This infinitely elegant bohemian wedding dress is designed with the wearer in mind: every meticulous detail added to enhance your comfort and your assets. Made to measure, for you and you alone (and your hubby-to-be of course). Crafted from lightweight, soft to the touch, cotton-blend mesh-lace with a liquid smooth, silk crepe lining for your confidence and your pleasure.
The Lisa dress epitomizes what boho-chic is all about. From the ethereal perfection of it’s clean lines to the strategic placement of the embroidered cotton detail: adding interest only in the places where you’d want it, over the hips at the back, along the edge of the train. Beautiful scalloping at the wrists softens the hands and, at the neckline, adds a feminine touch, while gently framing the exquisitely different, low v-cut back line.
From the front the modest neckline, long, sheer sleeves and form fitting but comfortable cut of the bodice and flowing full skirt gives the Lisa dress an ephemeral, vintage appeal. It’s truly feminine: timeless, soft and graceful, not constricting and gaudy.
Turn around and your groom will hold his breath as he takes in the gorgeous plunging V-cut back, perfectly balanced by meticulous detailing on the hips and the magical sweep length train. This is the definition of balance; the lining is omitted from the back and sleeves, showing just the right amount of sun-kissed skin…not too much. With the Lisa dress you can feel gorgeously sexy and chilled-out comfy at the same time, perfect.
This is the sort of dress you might see yourself running through an enchanted forest in, barefoot and on your way too embrace the man of your dreams or on the beach at sunset in a warm summer breeze: it’s that dreamy.
The off-white tone adds to the vintage feel of this bespoke boho wedding dress and allows it to look and feel at home in any setting, especially a laid back, outdoor wedding. The comfortable cut: not so tight as to hinder free movement, means that the dress doesn’t necessarily call for a pair of heels: beautify your feet, leave them bare or wear a simple pair of boho flats.
Effortless ease is the maxim at Dreamers and Lovers and it’s beautifully exemplified in the unforgettable Lisa wedding dress.
CREDITS
Photos: Lara Lam Photography
Florals + Styling : Amy Nicole Floral
Hair and Make-up: Hikari Murakami
by Jen Hart | Bohemian Wedding Dresses, Real Weddings
She Smiles – by Dreamers & Lovers Staff Writer Laura
I love your eyes like sunlight does these rolling country hills
So grateful for your friendship, the alignment of our wills
In life and love you’ll have my name right there upon your tongue
To see my heart to safety long before the bells are rung
I love your touch like quilted covers tame the highland breeze
Your comfort sets my mind at rest and puts my soul at ease
I love your lips like strawberry pie, your wholesome spirit sweet
You’ll be the one right by my side, through each challenge I meet
I love your laugh like cotton lace loves sun kissed summer skin
And know the places yet unseen outshine those where we’ve been
The first time that you saw me in this boho wedding dress
I felt my worries dissipate, the last vestige of stress
You know my spirit smiles and I’ve a child because of you
I feel the world might stop or start depending what you do
She smiles; I see your eyes in hers and thank my lucky star
I needn’t live another day not being where you are
To see my brand new family, my heart feels so content
One barks, one prays, one holds, one plays and smiles never relent
Bride Erika wears the Chylie lace gown. Found here.
To see other posts of bride wearing this dress, see this wedding, and also check out this New Zealand wedding.
Vendor Credits
Photography: Anna Delores
Venue: Figueroa Mountain Farmhouse
Coordination & Flowers : Interior Scapes
Hair & Makeup – TEAM Hair & Makeup
Catering: Simple Marvelous BBQ
by Jen Hart | Bohemian Wedding Dresses, Real Weddings
It’s always a pleasure to hear a story about how love can catch you when you’re totally unaware…and Lyn and Drew’s story is exactly that. This couple was friends before they even realized that they were meant for each other. Lyn had bought a house and her good friend, Emily, introduced her to Drew because she needed a roommate. Emily says she knew that they’d be perfect for each other but, at the time, she didn’t say anything to Lyn along those lines (nicely done, Emily).
The couple lived together as roommates for two years and became close friends, best friends even. They always thought they’d have to take their families on vacations together one day, never realizing that their families would actually be one single family in the end!
Mutual friends commented on how perfect they’d be for each other but both of them would reply “he/she’d drive me crazy!” Waiting for them in the future, however, was the deepest love and thank goodness, both of them were able to wake up and see the light right in front of their noses.
Drew kept the ring for four months
Drew kept the ring for four months: Lyn knows him as someone who’s patient enough to wait and wait for the right moment to come along…and so he did. Through a Christmas celebration and a New Year’s Eve he kept that ring in his pocket, waiting for the right moment but it didn’t seem to come, until Valentine’s Day (a holiday they never really paid much attention to) came around and the couple were in Drew’s hometown, staying with his mom. It was after lunch, Lyn was exhausted and in need of a nap, but she agreed to go and visit Drew’s Grandpa.
Lyn remembers how she wanted to take a nap right there on Grandpa’s couch but Drew stopped her, saying that he wanted to give her a tour of his late Grandma’s house, which was strange because she’d been there a hundred times…so she obliged. The formal living room was where Drew had spent all his family holidays with his Father and Grandma, both of whom had since passed on. He got down on one knee, saying that he could think of no better place to ask Lyn to be a part of his family. Then he asked, “will you marry me?” The rest, as they say, is history.
Lyn advice to future brides is that you should take at least one whole month to truly enjoy your engagement, which is actually one of the sweetest of times, before you get bogged down with the details and stress of planning the wedding. In true Dreamers and Lovers style Lyn also offered that tradition is only a good thing if it represents you as a couple, otherwise you need to go ahead and make sure that your celebration is an expression of who you both are. This couple did things very differently and it worked out better than they ever could have imagined.
Lyn continued her search of other boutiques and bridal shops and even purchased a dress from another vendor. Once the dress was made, Lyn tried it on but ‘the feeling’ just wasn’t there, she knew it wasn’t the right dress.
Now, in spite of the fact that their engagement was a year and a half long, two months into it Lyn found Dreamers and Lovers, although she didn’t commit to any of the dresses she loaned to try on because she felt it was still too early to decide. Lyn continued her search of other boutiques and bridal shops and even purchased a dress from another vendor. Once the dress was made, Lyn tried it on but ‘the feeling’ just wasn’t there, she knew it wasn’t the right dress. Lyn had never thought that the dress would be so important to her and was surprised by the way the dress just didn’t feel right.
When Lyn went back to Dreamers and Lovers, new designs had been posted and she immediately spotted one that seemed to pull on her heartstrings. She knew that this was the one, it was right for her and for their planned celebration. The minute she tried it on she felt beautiful and she looked breathtaking too. Looking at pictures of Lyn and Drew on their wedding day, she couldn’t have made a better choice. The simple but elegantly romantic choice she made was perfect for a summer’s day, beautiful and comfortable enough to truly enjoy an outdoor wedding in.
The couple had already been together close to a decade when they tied the knot so they decided to make the wedding more of a ‘family reunion weekend’ than a regular wedding. They rented a summer camp, Camp Pinnacle in Flat Rock NC, for the whole weekend. All 200+ guests would sleep at the camp and truly enjoy a weekend away with he rest of the clan.
An important detail for both Drew and Lyn was the music…so they took a chance and asked their two favorite bands if there was any chance they could play at the wedding. To the couple’s delight, both bands answered yes. Both bands came and played, one on Friday and one on Saturday. All the band members spent the weekend living it up and partying like they’d always been part of the family. Lin says you never know unless you ask and she is so grateful that she asked. She says that if you have a favorite band you should at least try to get them to play. For Lyn and Drew it was a life changing, memorable and unique experience that they will think of with joy for the rest of their lives. The trick, Lyn says, is to be resourceful. After all, you never know, your favorite band might actually play if you just build up the courage to ask.
The photographers were a married couple, who live in the mountains outside of Asheville, named Jamekay and Arlie. Lyn holds that their incredible talent allowed them to somehow capture the new couple’s most touching moments, as if through a spiritual lens. Lyn and Drew were taken aback by their photos and felt blessed that the couple also joined in on the celebrations as if they had always been a part of the family.
Rather than have a big cake made, which might spoil over the course of the weekend, they opted for a selection of cookies. A dear friend, who also happened to be a baker, baked a few favorites for them; including chocolate chip, pecan cranberry and sugar cookies, with Oreos thrown in at Drew’s special request.
The camp created such an exquisite, natural backdrop that it wasn’t necessary to go overboard on flower arrangement. The flower shop in Charleston helped Lyn and her mom to come up with some classic arrangements that really fitted their vision for the weekend.
They decided to get married on the Friday, so that they could spend the weekend stress free, just enjoying everyone’s company.
They decided to get married on the Friday, so that they could spend the weekend stress free, just enjoying everyone’s company. Lyn says that the love, appreciation, joy and respect throughout the event were just so expansive that the vibration was tangibly high and powerful.
Lyn says that managing other people’s expectations can be challenging but it’s important to take a step back and realize that no matter the details, this is still going to be the best day of your life. It’s about love and family and that’s all that really matters so enjoy!
Drew says that for them every day is their honeymoon. They are more in love than ever and respect each other more than ever. To Lyn, their love feels sweeter even though she never thought it could be sweeter. Now comes their life together, celebrating themselves as individuals and as a couple, learning more from each other every day and loving the journey as they roll along hand in hand.
For both Drew and Lyn, married life is better than they ever imagined. The wedding may have been fun but the marriage is even better. It’s good to hear these bride stories and realize that all around us is a world so filled with love and romance and for each one of us destiny is there for the taking, maybe even staring us right in the face!
Drew and Lyn, we wish you a lifetime of bright dreams and wholehearted love and for us it’s truly an honor to have been, even for a moment, a part of your story!
Photography: JameyKay and Arlie Photography.
http://www.JameykayandArlie.com
by Jen Hart | Backless Wedding Dresses, Bohemian Wedding Dresses, Wedding Dress Collection
Rhapsody, the new line of simple boho wedding dresses from Dreamers and Lovers, is all about capturing the timeless feminine spirit in a way that’s unassuming, not contrived. It’s about romance and free will, the ability to run barefoot through the waves or even in the mud on your wedding day. ‘Anywhere the wind blows…’ just as the song says.
It’s a truly harmonious marriage of simplistic modern tailoring and the romance of classic bohemian elements, all handmade with luxurious vintage style boho fabrics. We’ve kept the laid back bride firmly in mind while designing this range, it’s all about lightweight, soft fabrics and cuts which enhance the features but allow for ultimate freedom of movement. We want our brides breathing and dancing and delighting in the ease and romance of it all, no constriction, scratchiness or discomfort.
These dresses aren’t glam or showy but beautifully feminine, in luxurious silks and flowing laces, just light enough to catch the wind and look enchanting doing so. We’ve spared our brides the excessive, oh-so-overdone detailing that’s standard traditional fare in bridal stores, detailing is focused on fit and figure enhancement, with delicate fabrics and clever cuts doing all the talking. Less is truly more and we know that your husband to be want’s to see you as you really are, an incandescent boho princess, born to be free and in love.
The campaign for the line was shot on the beach, because we know that our laid back brides love nature and the chances are they’ll be spending at least part of their special day feeling the cool breeze in their hair, with the sun on their skin and their feet firmly planted on the earth. We want these dresses to be the stuff of dreams, what you’d see yourself wearing in a real fairytale, dresses that are perfectly at home in the hills, in the forest or next to the waves. That’s the essence of timelessness for us here at Dreamers and Lovers.
We want you to have your dream dress but more than anything we want you to be yourself on your wedding day, so often a bride will arrive at her venue feeling awkward and totally overdone. Rhapsody is about expressing your boho self, a laid back, free thinking romantic who wants to be unforgettably beautiful (but comfortable!) for her husband to be and herself on her wedding day!
She,
In the dark,
Found light
Brighter than many ever see.
She,
Within herself,
Found loveliness,
Through the souls own mastery.
And now the world receives
From her dower:
The message of the strength
Of inner power.
-Langston Hughes
Photography: Yuri Yatel
Florals : Amy Nicole Florals
HMUA : Makeup By Taryn Feldt
Film: Atomic Orange : check out the rhapsody video
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.
