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First comes love, then comes paying for the wedding.

Weddings cost an average of $35,329 nationally — excluding the honeymoon — according to The Knot’s 2016 Real Weddings Study. That’s the highest reported average cost since the survey began in 2006.

But you’re not obligated to spend that much, and many couples don’t. We asked experts how you can set a reasonable budget and cut costs on some of the most expensive elements of your upcoming nuptials.

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The budget

1. BE REALISTIC

Don’t start your marriage in debt, says Anne Chertoff, a trend expert for WeddingWire. “Most couples don’t anticipate how much a wedding is actually going to cost, so they end up underestimating what they’re going to spend and then going over their budget,” she says. Set realistic spending limits from the beginning that account for all areas of your wedding. If you overspend in one area, cut back in another.

2. USE A CREDIT CARD — RESPONSIBLY

It can be smart to use a credit card for wedding-related purchases — as long as you’re not taking on more debt than you can afford to pay off. Chertoff recommends using accumulated points toward your honeymoon, particularly if you have a card with travel rewards.

The date

3. CONSIDER A WINTER WEDDING

Not all wedding dates are created equal. Find out which are most popular on WeddingWire’s wedding date calendar. If there’s more demand for a given date, you’ll usually pay a higher price for a venue. You could score a discount for choosing a less popular month, such as January or February, Chertoff says.

4. BOOK A SUNDAY

Saturday is a popular day for weddings, but it’s also generally the most expensive day to get married. You can likely reserve your venue at a lower price if you hold your wedding on a Sunday, or even a weeknight.

The guests

5. PUT A TWIST ON ‘PLUS ONE’ ETIQUETTE

Instead of giving all guests older than 18 a “plus one,” limit them to couples you socialize with regularly, says Sharon Naylor, author of dozens of wedding books, including “1,001 Ways to Save Money … and Still Have a Dazzling Wedding.” To avoid awkward questions, explain how you’re determining the guest list.

6. MIX UP YOUR INVITATIONS

You’ll probably want to mail out traditional invitations, says Stephanie Cain, an editor at The Knot. But you can post wedding weekend itineraries on your wedding website and email save-the-date alerts. That’ll save you the cost of printing and postage.

The dress

7. CHECK OUT A PROM SHOP

Brides aren’t finding dresses at just the bridal shop these days, Naylor says. You can pick up a white dress in the prom or party dress section of any department store. The popularity of colored dresses makes formal gowns a nice substitute, too.

The national average spent on a wedding dress was $1,564 in 2016, according to the The Knot’s latest Real Weddings study. A simple Google search for white prom dresses pulls up options that cost a fraction of that.

8. BUDGET FOR YOUR ACCESSORIES

There’s more to your dress budget than the dress. Cain suggests taking extras such as tailoring fees, shoes, jewelry and a clutch into account when setting a spending limit. To save on your veil, Chertoff recommends making it your “something borrowed” and wearing a family member’s.

The venue

9. NEGOTIATE

Lots of unexpected expenses can pop up during planning, including cake-cutting and corkage fees or power for your DJ and photo booth. Naylor says you don’t have to take them as they are. If a cost seems unreasonable, respectfully request to have it removed.

10. USE THE VENUE’S RESOURCES

Some venues provide tables and linens, Cain says. If you opt for a backyard wedding, you’ll have to rent items like these. Always read a venue’s contract in its entirety before signing so you know what is and isn’t included.

And keep an eye out for requirements. You might not want to be obligated to use the venue’s caterer, for instance.

The decor

11. COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR VENDORS

Naylor says some floral designers have warehouses with excess inventory they’re willing to give away or lend out for free. Once you’ve placed an order, ask about expanding your options.

12. BORROW FROM OTHER NEWLYWEDS

Ask friends who have recently gotten married if you can borrow centerpieces or other items that they have left over.

13. SCOUT OUT DECORATIONS AT CRAFT STORES

Look for wedding decorations — especially light-up decor — in places like craft stores. They have “more than glue guns and glitter,” Naylor says.

The flowers

14. STICK TO IN-SEASON BLOOMS

You might have your heart set on pink flowers to accent your bridesmaids’ bouquets, but consider settling for a different shade or variety. Local blooms that are in season at the time of your wedding are generally less expensive. Also, “local flowers tend to look fresher because they didn’t have to travel for days,” Cain says.

15. GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR FLOWERS

A larger flower, such as a hydrangea, naturally looks fuller and takes up more space with fewer stems, Cain says. And you can repurpose ceremony flowers for the reception, instead of buying more. For instance, use a ceremony arch to adorn your sweetheart table at the reception.

The menu

16. GO FOR A SHORTER CAKE

The more tiers on your cake, the more it’ll cost you. Cain suggests sticking to two tiers and having sheet cakes to serve. The cake you cut for your pictures doesn’t have to feed all of your guests.

17. CUT DOWN ON DRINK SIZES

Arrange for the bartender to serve your signature drinks in smaller glasses. “Most people will go and try the signature drink, take a sip, put it down and go back to their regular drink,” Naylor says. Minimize the cost of your bar tab by opting for shooters.

The rest

18. CHOOSE A CHARITABLE FAVOR

Don’t want to buy a favor for each wedding guest? Make a charitable donation on behalf of all your guests, Chertoff says. That way, you can set the amount you’re comfortable spending, donate to a cause you care about and write off the contribution on your taxes.

19. LIMIT YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER’S HOURS

Save money by shaving off some of the time your photographer and videographer are present, Naylor and Cain suggest. You’ll likely want them there for the ceremony, but you might not need footage of the end-of-reception dancing.

Bottom line, these experts suggest keeping a close eye on your wedding spending. “Anybody — whether they have a $10,000 budget or a $500,000 budget — is still working on a budget,” Cain says.

Devote the biggest parts of your budget to the areas that are most important to you and be willing to compromise on the rest.

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THE Wanted star Tom Parker has put his wedding on hold – to play Danny Zuko in Grease.

Parker, 28, and his fiancee Kelsey Hardwick got engaged last year but the singer told Hello! that there was not enough time to tie the knot this year, and the couple will wed in 2018.

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“We want to make sure we plan it right and I don’t want to take two weeks off, get married, do a week on honeymoon, then go back on tour.

“I didn’t think that was something I’d be comfortable with. So next year we’ll have a big wedding,” he said.

Parker will play John Travolta’s character Zuko in a touring production of Grease alongside former EastEnders’ star Louisa Lytton, who he first met when the pair took part in The Jump.

“I’d not skied that much before we went to Austria for that job, but I picked it up quite quickly.

“Whereas she took a little longer, so if she was on the floor having fallen over I’d go over and spray snow in her face,” he said.

“But we have that kind of relationship. Really jokey. And you need that – we’re on the road for 10 months and it’ll be tedious at times, with eight shows a week, so I think it’s good that we’ve got that humour and that good working relationship.”

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Pippa Middleton is about to wed James Matthews in what could be the most publicised wedding of 2017. Every step and every decision has been chronicled by several publications, despite all indications that the wedding will be a small and intimate one.

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Pippa and James will say their ‘I Do’s’ at St Mark’s Englefield in Berkshire. Us Magazine has reported that after the ceremony, the couple and their guests will travel just seven miles to Pippa’s family home. Carole and Michael Middleton’s home in Bucklebury will be the setting for the reception. Despite its simple location, the area is expected to have a luxury marquee in the garden. Moreover, the entire family estate will be used to host the guests.

The actual nuptials will take place on May 20, just two months short of a year-long engagement. The couple released a statement last year that made their engagement official. “Miss Pippa Middleton and Mr James Matthews are delighted to announce they became engaged on Sunday 17 July and plan to marry next year,” it said.

Who Pippa will wear down the aisle is likely to remain a secret until she steps out of her bridal car, but it is speculated that famed designer Giles Deacon was given the honor and responsibility. He was seen leaving the Middleton home in November, personally carrying garment bags. However, it is also possible that the designer is responsible for the bridal party’s ensembles and not the bride’s.

James, who proposed with a vintage-inspired ring, is a 41-year-old hedge fund manager from Eden Rock Capital Management Group. He established the company more than a decade ago and named the same after his parents’ hotel in St Barths. He attended Eton College, an independent boarding school in Windsor, England, that was also attended by both Prince William and Prince Harry. But while he shares an education with the royals, Pippa has said that she and James share the same spirit.

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It didn’t take long for Lin Han to know that Wanwan Lei was the one. The two met at a dinner held by mutual friends. They went on three dates in the three consecutive days that followed their initial introduction, and then Han proposed.

“I didn’t take him too seriously,” admits Wanwan. “Six months later, he conspired with my family to secretly book a park in Beijing and get me there under the pretense of a family dinner. My mum had told me to dress up as there would be family photos after the dinner. When I arrived with my sister, candles lit the pathways and there was a grand piano in the middle of the park, with a pianist playing our favorite classical pieces by Chopin. My parents, his parents, and friends from all over the world emerged from different places, and finally Han himself came out and proposed in front of our loved ones.” Han designed the engagement ring himself—a teardrop diamond with a band made to look like his hands. “The moment was unforgettable,” says the bride.

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The two had founded a contemporary art museum in Beijing called M WOODS in 2014, so they were not only now engaged but already partners in art and commerce as well. “The museum caters to young people and Beijing’s growing appetite for contemporary art,” says Wanwan. “We run a team of about 30 staff members—organizing exhibitions and education programs, collecting, curating, and collaborating.”

Initially, Wanwan and Han struggled to find a wedding venue that felt right—then an old friend came into the picture. “The artist Not Vital became something of a mentor to me when we were both between Beijing and New York,” says Wanwan. “When I told him we were having difficulty finding a location, he encouraged us to hold it as his castle, Schloss Tarasp, in Switzerland. There we were surrounded by art. He actually plans for it to become a foundation one day, so he thought it was fitting that we marry there.”

Han meticulously planned every detail of the wedding day, while Wanwan focused on her wardrobe. Masha Ma, a close friend of the bride’s who runs her own atelier in Shanghai, designed two dresses for her: a white dress for the ceremony and an evening dress. “We both agreed that classical beauty is not enough for a wedding dress—there needs to be a personal connection between the wearer and the dress,” says Wanwan. “With that in mind, she used canvas for both the underlayers of my white dress, which are visible at some angles, and in my veil.” For the evening dress, Wanwan and Masha decided to do something sculptural and chose to use poppies, what Wanwan calls “a beautiful, poetic, and dangerous flower” as a starting point. The bride’s jewelry was by Chaumet, and her makeup was done by Ding Wei. Meanwhile, Han wore Tom Ford throughout the day.

The ceremony took place in a tiny chapel on the grounds. “It was the perfect intimate setting for our 20 guests,” says Wanwan. “In a reversal of the tale of Prince Charming riding a white horse, I rode up to the chapel at the castle to meet Lin Han.” Not Vital married the couple, and an organist from Zurich played at the ceremony. Flowers were arranged by two local artists.

Afterward, dinner was served in the castle’s dining room. “Not Vital made the cake as our wedding gift—an enormous chocolate model of one of his artworks, Sunset House (2005), which is in Niger. He has made five of these works around the world, structures specifically built to watch the sun go down. It was extremely poetic,” says Wanwan. “After the cake cutting, my sister Judy played the piano.”

Dinner was followed by fireworks. “We all went to the very top of the castle to watch,” says Wanwan. “We were actually able to catch glimpses of their reflections on the lake. Such a short moment, but something I will remember forever.”

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We are hearing lots of news about break-ups, annulment or divorce. Some people doesn’t even want to believe that forever in love exists anymore. But On October 12, two couples just celebrated their 70th anniversary, had a magnificent photo shoot that makes heart-broken people believe in love again.

Ferris, 90 and Margaret, 98, Romaire of Louisiana, celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this year. It was on November 1946 when they get married. The wedding was simple and the ceremony lasted for 15 minutes. The reception was done at the bride’s parents home. The Romaires were blessed with four kids, eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

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The Huffington Post reported that during the 70th anniversary celebration, Ferris, 90, wore a tuxedo, while Margaret, 89, is in her lavender gown with a veil. Amanda Kleckley, the Romaires granddaughter was the principal planner and plotted a photo shoot which the couples did not have during their wedding in 1946. With the help of Lara Carter, the photographer, they reenacted the wedding photo shoot in Pearland, Texas last October 12.

According to Ms. Kleckley, her grandparents are the beautiful example of what marriage is. She said that we can see how they really love each other, the way they laughed together during the interaction as they go from poses to poses. When a problem came up, her grandparents solve it together. She said that it is more important for them to compromise and move on than to be the right person in the relationship.

According to ABC News, her grandparents lived in the same home they built together for their family for 65 years. She said, they didn’t have lots of money but have shared lots of values instead. Her grandparents shared to them the sense of humor, the love of children, a good work ethic and a strong faith in God.

Ms. Carter said that the couple shared lots of wisdom and knowledge when it comes to relationship. Her grandparents told her that giving each other space and respecting one another, admitting when you are wrong and giving importance to apology, are the key to a long marriage.

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Kathryn Marie Bauk and Adam Price Campbell were united in marriage June 18, 2016 at the Newman Catholic Student Parish in Chapel Hill. Andrew Santamauro officiated the 2 p.m. ceremony. A reception followed at the Carolina Inn.

The bride was escorted by her father, Michael Stephan Bauk. Attending as her matron of honor was Jennifer Bauk Baker of Winston-Salem. Bridesmaids were Dr. Kristen Michelle Bauk, of Charleston, S.C.; Ms. Nicole Marie Bauk, of Arlington, Va.; Mrs. Sarah Lynn Bauk, of Winston-Salem; Dr. Elizabeth Eve Hibberd, of Tuscaloosa, Ala.; Ms. Stephanie Ann Kelly, of Los Angeles, Calif.; and Mrs. Mary Katherine Parr, of Huntersville.

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Best man was Ryan Scott Campbell of Greensboro. Groomsmen were Mr. Brian Michael Bauk, of Boone; Mr. Stephan Peeler Bauk, of Winston-Salem; Mr. Jonathan Hedrick Campbell, of Chicago, Ill.; Mr. Todd Carlton Menk, of Charlotte; Dr. Ashish Kumar Jain, of Chicago, Ill.; and Dr. Brandon Shane Smetana, of Indianapolis, Ind.

Miss Margaret Grace Baker, of Winston-Salem, was flower girl. Program attendants were Ms. Emily Hope Barringer and Mrs. Kathryn Walters Tucker, both of Charlotte.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Stephan Bauk of Salisbury, the granddaughter of Mrs. Stephan Bauk of Rockville, Md., and the late Mr. Bauk. She is also the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Lewis A. Peeler of Salisbury. A 2004 graduate of Salisbury High School, Kathryn graduated with highest honors from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. She earned her Masters of Science in Nursing in 2011. She is a pediatric nurse practitioner at Boston Children’s Hospital, currently pursuing a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Duke University.

The groom is the son of Ms. Marilyn Bray Campbell of Charlotte and Dr. and Mrs. J. William Campbell of Greensboro. He is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Bernard John Bray of Indianapolis, Ind., and the late Mr. and Mrs. Oren Densel Campbell of Pine Grove, W.Va. A 2002 graduate of Providence Day School, Adam graduated magna cum laude from Vanderbilt University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies. He earned his Doctor of Medicine from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2011. He is currently a Rhinology Fellow at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary in affiliation with Harvard Medical School.

Following a honeymoon at Primland Resort in Meadows of Dan, Va., the couple are making their home in Boston, Mass.

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Julianne Hough and Brooks Laich have NOT put their wedding on hold, despite an inaccurate tabloid report. Gossip Cop can bust this claim. It’s simply not true.

According to OK!, the couple has yet to make any arrangements for their nuptials, as the “Dancing With The Stars” judge is allegedly getting cold feet. A so-called “source” tells the outlet, “Whenever someone brings up dress shopping or looking at venues, Julianne insists she doesn’t have the time.” “But Brooks is starting to worry,” contends the magazine’s questionable insider, adding, “He just wants her to get the ball rolling.”

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But despite the tabloid’s claims, Hough and Brooks’ wedding plans are actually moving full steam ahead, Gossip Cop has learned. In fact, in a new interview with Entertainment Tonight, Hough confirmed that a date has been set for their wedding. That’s the opposite of it being on hold.

“We’ve been so blessed and so fortunate over the years that we’ve met so many incredible people in our life. We want to share it with them, too,” Hough said of her nuptial plans. Clearly, the star is not getting cold feet over marrying her fiance, but is looking forward to it. As Gossip Cop reported at the time, Hough and Laich became engaged last year. They’re now moving ahead at their own pace, not one set by OK!.

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What could more fitting for a country star’s “I dos” than a rustic Nashville wedding? Sounds perfect, right? Well, it pretty much was! Last month, country singer Tyler Farr wed his sweetheart, Hannah Freeman, in a countryside ceremony and the newly-released wedding photos have us dreaming of sunflower bridal bouquets and grooms in cowboy boots.

On the big day, Farr and Freeman headed to Tennessee’s Mint Springs Farm for their rustic and romantic nuptials. “Tyler and I are both laid back and we don’t like fancy things, so we wanted something that represented us and that wasn’t too far from our house,” the bride explained to People magazine. “We wanted things to be simple and intimate.” And that’s exactly the vibe we’re getting from the just-released wedding day pics — from the outdoor venue to Freeman’s wedding dress. “I’ve never been the type of girl to dream about my wedding day, ever and I never picked out wedding dresses before I was engaged. I wanted something simple and classic,” Freeman said of her Stella York lace wedding dress with its non-fussy silhouette and sweetheart neckline. Meanwhile, the groom and his groomsmen all donned grey suits accessorized with yellow-hued boutonnieres for their walk down the aisle.

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After the couple said their “I dos” in the venue’s open-air, vine-adorned pavilion, the wedding party headed inside for dining and dancing — including the coolest first dance, like, ever. Farr earned himself MAJOR points with his new wife when he secretly recruited pal Brad Paisley to become a wedding singer for the night and perform for their first dance (video above). The plan was actually set into motion a week ahead of the big day when Farr was on tour with Paisley and heard a sneak peek of Paisley’s new single, “Today.”

“I was on his bus and he showed me the video and I just teared up,” Farr told People. “I’m very blunt and I was like, ‘That song was amazing and I want to surprise my fiancé with something really special. Would you come and play this song for our first dance?’” And he did! Paisley appeared at the wedding reception to sing the romantic tune for the couple’s first spin around the dance floor. “She had no idea,” Farr said. “It was so cool of Brad to take the time to do that. He’s a good friend and a great guy.”

“She is beautiful anyway, but there she is in a white dress and Brad is singing those lyrics and it hit me and I got emotional!” the groom continued, remembering the magical moment. “The tears were pretty visible.”

Like the ones we’re crying right now, Tyler?!

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Miss Darby Grace Birnbaum and First Lieutenant William Peter Savino Jr, USMC, were married on Saturday, October 8th, 2016 at two o’clock in the afternoon at Popp Fountain in City Park. The double ring ceremony was officiated by the Reverend Michael Kuhn of St Martin’s Episcopal School. Elizabeth Messina played piano during the ceremony and Erika Parker was the photographer. Following the wedding, the reception was held at the Arbor Room at City Park with entertainment provided by The Boogie Men. Guests came from Canada, England, Greece, Ireland, and Norway as well as many parts of the U.S. Following the reception, an after-party was hosted by the bride’s parents at The Bulldog in Mid-City. Edna Rice of Houston and Linda Friedlander of New Orleans hosted a “Louisiana Tea” at Linda’s home the Thursday before the wedding. On Friday before the wedding the bridesmaid’s brunch was held at Brennan’s in the Morphy Room. On the eve of the wedding, the parents of the groom hosted a rehearsal dinner at Impastato’s in Metairie.

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The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen H. Birnbaum of Houston, Texas. She is the granddaughter of Lieutenant Colonel and Mrs. Linwood A. Pace, U.S. Army (Ret.) of Lafayette, Louisiana and the late Mr. and Mrs. Donald R. Birnbaum of Prattsville, New York. The groom is the son of Commander and Mrs. William P. Savino, USN (Ret.) of Slidell, Louisiana. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Sheahan of County Cork, Ireland and the late Mr. and Mrs. Vito Savino of Commack, New York.

Presented in marriage by her parents and escorted by her father, the bride wore a gown of ivory corded embroidered Italian lace that starts from the bodice and percolates to the hemline. This gown features a V-neck bodice with sheer lace straps and an overlay sweetheart neckline, a deep v-back and is finished with a semi-cathedral train. The wedding gown was from Yvonne LaFleur of New Orleans. Her veil was fingertip length illusion and features a piece of lace from her mother’s wedding veil. The veil was designed by the bride and was hand made at Yvonne Lafleur. The bride carried a simple, classic hand-tied bouquet designed by Pistil and Stamen in whites and soft pastels featuring old fashioned roses, dahlias, zinnias, and textural foliage. A handkerchief handmade by the bride’s maternal grandmother of the fabric from the bride’s baptismal gown was wrapped around the bouquet. The bride also wore pearls given to her by her maternal grandparents when she was born.

Serving as Maid of Honor was Kaitlyn Barr of Greenville, South Carolina. Bridesmaids were Savannah Gresham of Houston, Mahlette Mammo of New York City, Abigail Morris of Metairie and Christine Savino, the groom’s sister, of New Orleans. The bridesmaids wore gowns of navy chiffon in different styles and they each carried bouquets of white and soft pastel flowers, similar to the bride’s.

Serving as the best man was Thomas Savino, brother of the groom, of Slidell. The groomsmen were Donald Birnbaum of College Station, Texas, brother of the bride, Andrew Daire of Baton Rouge, Byron Delaune of Thibodaux, Noel Marcantel of New Orleans, Jonathan Tan of Los Angeles, California and Jonathan Watson of Baton Rouge.

Darby is a 2010 graduate of Bellaire High School in Bellaire, Texas. She graduated in May of 2014 from Louisiana State University where she earned a BA in International Studies and was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. Darby currently works for the federal government in New Orleans.

Bill is a 2008 graduate of Fountainbleau High School in Mandeville. He graduated in May of 2013 from Louisiana State University with a BA in International Studies. Bill is currently stationed at Camp Pendleton and is serving as a platoon commander for the U.S. Marines.

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Following the wedding festivities, Darby will be joining Bill and residing in San Marcos, California. She will be taking a transfer and will be working in the San Diego office of the federal government. The happy couple will take a delayed honeymoon in 2017 to Ireland and Italy.

They’d only been together seven months, but after asking both her father and stepfather’s permission, Robin Pawlowich asked Leah to marry him under the stars at Pigeon Lake in the summer of 2014. It wasn’t a difficult decision for either of them: “She’s just my person,” Robin says.

The couple, who live in Edmonton, met on a blind date in late December the year before — at an Oilers game whose outcome neither Robin nor Leah remembers.

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Their favourite number is 23 — a nod to that first date two days before Christmas. And Leah wanted to be married in July because it’s the month Robin proposed. She was pleased to discover that the 23rd of July fell on a Saturday in 2016, and they set their date accordingly.

While they were engaged, Robin’s parents purchased an acreage in Parkland County, which they offered Robin and Leah for their wedding. It was perfect: the esthetic they wanted, and a 10-minute drive from River Cree Resort and Casino, where their guests could stay overnight.

It did, however, require a lot of elbow grease from the couple and their families. They laid sod, put gravel down and cut out old trees, while an arborist came in to spruce up the trees that remained. There were four buildings on the property that Robin’s family knocked down, but they saved older parts of them to incorporate into the wedding decor.

Leah and Robin describe their wedding as “country rustic.”

“I’m a little bit addicted to Pinterest,” says the bride. “So I definitely got on Pinterest the whole next day after he proposed. The planning of what kind of wedding we wanted happened quite quickly because we both wanted it to be really personal, and we wanted to have our own little touches here and there.”

Those touches included lots of fresh flowers from Fabloomosity — including a flower crown for the bride (the idea was “as many flowers on one person as possible,” says Leah) — and little nods to hunting, one of Robin’s favourite pastimes.

The groom and groomsmen had boutonnieres made out of shotgun shells (Robin’s was the shell from the first time Leah ever used a shotgun). There were antlers incorporated into several parts of the decor — on top of the ceremony’s backdrop that Robin’s brother-in-law had made out of salvaged windows and doors from those original buildings; mounted behind their head table; and — the bride’s favourite detail — the handle of Leah’s bouquet.

The wedding’s palette consisted of subtle, soft colours. The flowers’ dusty hues matched the bridesmaids’ mix of pastel-coloured dresses, purchased at Novelle Bridal Shop where Leah also bought her gown.

In stark contrast to those understated tones and the wedding’s overall rustic feel were the bold, bright smoke bombs they employed for their post-ceremony photo shoot. While their guests played lawn games like ladder ball and beanbag toss, grenades in a rainbow of colours went off behind the bride and groom.

The smoke bomb idea came from their photographer, Elizabeth van der Bij of ENV Photography. Neither Leah nor Robin had seen them before.

“We were just talking on the phone about wedding timelines,” says Leah of her conversation with van der Bij. “At the end of our call, she said ‘What do you think of smoke bombs?’ And I said, ‘Sounds fantastic to me!’ At this point we’d done our engagement photos. So I said, ‘Whatever you think — we are your guinea pigs. Just tell us what to do’!”

The results were amazing, says Leah. “When we were standing there, I would have never thought that those photos would come out of it.”

But the best part for the groom was a quieter time, away from the festivities, just the newly married couple.

“My favourite moment was actually when everything was over and we could just relax and we had time to take five minutes alone together. That was one of the best moments,” says Robin.

“That, and Leah walking down the aisle.”

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