For a wedding cake with a difference, forgo the frosting and opt for a naked cake. These cakes are rustic delights and what they lack in a frosted covering they make up for with fresh fruits, flowers and decadent fillings. If you’re a frosting fanatic (aren’t we all?) there’s no need to worry as heaps of the sweet stuff can be found in the layers of the cake. We love that the options for the decorations on these cakes are limitless but still produce a finished look.

Flowers are a great match for naked cakes. Use fresh blooms on the top of the cake or carefully placed within the layers for a romantic effect. You can also use the flowers on the cake stand that you plan to use to continue the look.

Are you considering a destination wedding, but concerned about how much it will cost your guests? Well, now you don’t have to worry because Dreams Resorts & Spas is offering up to 50% in savings on rooms with the “Early Bird” booking offer.

With luxury resorts across Mexico,  the Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica (opening November 2014), Dreams Resorts & Spas offers perfectly crafted wedding packages that can be customized to fit you and your fiancé to a tee – no cookie cutter weddings here! The on-site wedding coordinators will work with you to make your dream wedding a reality and ensure that every detail is taken care of so all you need to do is relax and enjoy your day.

On top of their excellent wedding packages, you and your guests will love the all-inclusive Dreams Resorts’ Unlimited Luxury service.  From gourmet dining and drinks to daily activities and nightly entertainment, your Dreams experience will be one you won’t soon forget!

Check out DreamsResorts.com to learn more about these fabulous resorts and all their special offers!

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Amy and David didn’t want the stress and the cost associated with planning a big wedding, so they opted to gather together with their immediate families in the groom’s parents’ Florida backyard for a casual ceremony instead. Following the ceremony they joined their photographer Stephanie W. for a gorgeous photo session in the lush surroundings of Amelia Island – a drastic and beautiful change of scenery from the mountains of Colorado that the couple are used to!

Amy, 35 & David, 35

Amelia Island, FL 

Wedding Date: December 26, 2013

Number of Guests: 8 (immediate family only of bride and groom)

Wedding Cost: under $5,000, including travel for 8 people

Wedding Ceremony Location: The backyard of the groom’s parents’ home

Wedding Reception Location: David’s Restaurant, Amelia Island

With the groom’s parents flying in from the Czech Republic to meet the bride’s family for the very first time, Lindsay and Miro opted to limit their guest list to immediate family only and keep their wedding day a true family-centered affair. From cooking all the food to decorating the space, both families came together to help the couple prepare for the big day, making the experience even more special and meaningful for everyone involved. With the addition of small personal touches and treasured mementos into their ceremony and reception, Lindsay and Miro’s entire wedding day was infused with the most incredible sense of warmth and love. 

Special thanks to Keira Lemonis for capturing and sharing their special day with us!

Lindsay, 26 & Miro, 26

Galway, NY

Wedding Date: February 9, 2014

Number of Guests: 12

Wedding Cost: $2,500

Wedding Ceremony Location: Sister-of-the-bride’s house

Wedding Reception Location: Sister-of-the-bride’s house

To recreate the classic silhouette of Ancient Greece, there must be a focus on the fabric. Pins and folding techniques were used at the time to create perfect draperies and flowing lines, usually with one piece of fabric. Classical revival has always been a staple in fashion history and Grecian wedding dresses capture the mood to stunning effect.

The fabric is all-important here to ensure that the dress drapes easily and creates enviable texture.  Layers provide plenty of movement and flowing dresses give an ethereal feel. Pleating is another hallmark of Grecian style, and look great in strapless dresses. These designs mold the body through fabric and wrapping acts as a contour.