Pet lovers, your precious fur babies are family. Why wouldn’t you include them on your wedding day?

While it can be wonderful to have your pets physically present at your wedding, it’s not always feasible. Feisty cats and barking dogs certainly won’t make your wedding day any less hectic, and your pet may feel stress surrounded by crowds of people.

Fortunately there are myriad ways to include your lil’ floof(s) in your nuptials; save-the-dates photo shoots, pawsitively adorable decor and, one of our faves – signature cocktails.

Signature pet cocktails are trending right now, and we’re so here for it. Your guests will be charmed, and you’ll have an adorable doodle of your furry friend to keep forever. We can’t think of a cuter way to honor your pets.

This sign from MissDesignBerryInc is a major hit with pet lovers.

Yes, elegant dog illustrations do exist and we couldn’t be more obsessed! Your pooch will be impressed with this lovely watercolor sign from lichenink.

We’re smitten with this custom pet illustration cocktail sign from JesMarried.

Even the most, well, catty cat will be impressed with this purrfect sign from deaandbean.

Honor your pooch in the prettiest way possible with this hand-painted watercolor sign from LineAveCalligraphy.

This pawfect sign from deaandbean will be one of your fave wedding keepsakes.

Looking for a budget-friendly option? This whimsical illustrated sign from kathrynselbert could not be any cuter! 

Up the ante on your wedding signage with this epic hand-painted signature pet cocktail sign from GoldDustDesignShop.

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Two handsome grooms in gem-toned tuxedos and velvet bowties; a mystical California ranch – complete with a 1968 Airstream; a decadent geode cake and an adorable dog. Is there anything not to love about this styled shoot?

Here’s what Melissa from Melissa Fe Chapman Photography had to say about the shoot:

Nestled within Temecula Valley, Retro Ranch created the perfect backdrop for this earthy winter elopement. The private 10 acre estate provides endless areas throughout the property and hidden locations to capture those unforgettable memories. The retro 1968 Airstream also provided a fun backdrop for the cake and dessert area.

Hues of emerald green, sage, taupe, ivory and slate created a modern twist and was visually breathtaking. The inspiration added a little mystery and masculinity to this earthy winter elopement. For the ceremony, an assortment of candles lined the stairs of the red barn as they exchanged “I dos” to give a romantic edge while the subtle but detailed textures of the amazing macrame art made by Ox and Nag was the perfect ceremony piece along with some pieces throughout the reception and dessert station.

Perfectly coordinated for the occasion, each Groom looked sharp as they wore emerald green and navy blue tuxedos paired with velvet bow ties to add some texture from Stitch and Tie,  and beautifully accented boutonnieres provided by @bloomiecreations . Along with a beautiful head table presentation that included eucalyptus leaves, faux fur, moss and slate colored candle sticks to tie everything together.

The Sweet Apron designed a visually stunning geode cake that incorporated the color palette perfectly. The geode design continued with the delicious pastry spread of white chocolate covered Oreos, Madeline’s, cake pops, and marbled designed chocolate covered pretzels all provided by @vlocakepops .

A hike to the wondrous and picturesque views along with a champagne toast to celebrate the occasion and their dog “fox” made for a perfect way to start the first day of the rest of their lives together.

Vendors:

Venue: Retro Ranch

Photography: Melissa Fe Chapman Photography

Hair + make-up/ Men’s grooming: @brides_grooms_by_jlo

Menswear: Stitch and Tie, Friar Tux

Cake: The Sweet Apron

Desserts:  @vlocakepops 

Macrame rentals: Ox and Nag

Florals:  @bloomiecreations 

Calligraphy: Fiori Belle

Looking for the perfect gift for the soon-to-be Mrs? From spa gift boxes to beautiful robes, these eight gifts are sure to put a smile on her face!

Help her de-stress with this spa-in-a-box from My Weekend is Booked featuring a naturally scented rose soy candle, handmade essential oils soap, rose essential oil bath bomb and organic lavender sachet.

We heart this luxurious satin bridal robe from BoomBlush and we promise that she will too!

Add the right kind of drama to her wedding day with these oversized bridal earrings from Oscar de la Renta.

Make sure that her feet are prepared for a long day in uncomfortable wedding shoes with this foot care kit from uncommongoods.

You can never go wrong with wine! Package her fave red (or white) in this Kate Spade Miss to Mrs. wine tote from Saks Fifth Avenue for a perfect gift.

Looking for a practical gift that also serves as a keepsake? Keep the wedding planning from turning hectic with this planner from BlushAndGoldInvites.

It has glowing reviews: “Wedding stress? Not with this beauty. Down to 11 months left of wedding planning, but this planner makes it a breeze!”

This mug from DigibuddhaHome will definitely get a lot of use. After all, the average wedding planning process requires about 10,000 cups of java!

This succulent ring dish from Waen is 100% worth the splurge; it’s handcrafted with opalescent glass using the Tiffany technique.

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Traditional white ballgown not your thing? We get it. You want a dress that’s as bold and beautiful as you are! From jaw-droppingly gorgeous beaded gowns to oh-so pretty two pieced wonders, here are eight dresses that will inspire you to stray from the norm and opt for a nontraditional bridal style.

Something Blue:

Hello four layers of absolute perfection! This breathtaking soft blue tulle skirt from BoomBlush makes our hearts flutter.

Boho Beauty:

Handmade with reclaimed vintage lace, this one-of-a-kind dress from WeAreReclamation is a boho bride’s dream come true!

Double Trouble:

We’ve long been partial to two-piece wedding dresses. This nude tulle skirt from BeautyWeddingDesign would look amazing paired with a cozy sweater for a civil winter wedding, or a beaded top for a laid-back summer wedding.

A Galaxy Far Far Away:

Holy swoon! This sparkly gown from BoomBlush will make jaws drop.

Sheer Elegance:

We’re smitten with this sheer ivory gown from BoudoirWedding. Wear it with a slip underneath, or don’t… Your bridal look can be as bold as you want it to be!

On the Fringe:

Ok, so this dress from Farfetch isn’t exactly affordable (in fact, it costs more than the average American wedding!) but we couldn’t not include it. It’s just too stunning! If you love this style as much as we do, you can find a more affordable beaded fringe dress here, here and here, and a beautiful beaded fringe jacket here.

Silky Slip:

Silk charmeuse? Yes please! Swathe yourself in luxury with the Minerva Dress from Reformation.

Wild and Wonderful:

This beauty from WowBridalDress is just as much a piece of art as it is a wedding dress! We love the funky embroidery; books, ants, leaves… totally random, but it works!

*This post contains affiliate links.

Today’s elopement will have you saying ‘Oui Oui’ to a Paris wedding! Jacqueline & Mike wanted to avoid the stress that comes with a large wedding, so they opted for a Paris elopement. The couple tied the knot just steps away from the Eiffel Tower and needless to say, the photos (by Paris Photographer Pierre) are epic!

The two made the most of their time in the City of Lights, attending the Paris Summer Jam (as an ode to the fact that the two first met at a music festival!) and, since Mike has French heritage, traveling around France to explore the cities that he had always dreamed of visiting.

As if that doesn’t sound fabulous enough, after France the couple headed off to Italy, spending their first days as a married couple lounging on the beach and eating pizza and spaghetti.

Jacqueline & Mike

Location: Paris, France

Wedding Date: August 24, 2018

Number of Guests: 0

Wedding Cost: $10,000

Wedding Ceremony Location: Eiffel Tower in Paris

Wedding Reception Location: no reception

Why did you have an intimate wedding? 

For our wedding we just wanted to be together and enjoy the moment. We decided to elope because we didn’t want to get caught up in the stress that comes with a big wedding.

Was it difficult to pare down the guest list?

It was not difficult.

Did you have any ‘issues’ with the small guest list from friends and family? If so, how did you address them?

No, we did not.

What were the highlights of the ceremony?

Exchanging our personal wedding vows.

What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding?

We have always wanted an intimate, low key wedding. Getting married in France was special for us because we finally got to indulge in Mike’s culture. His parents are French, but he has never gotten the opportunity to visit, so this was the perfect time to explore the cities that his mom has always talked about.

What advice do you have for couples who are considering an intimate wedding?

Do not stress about anything, it’s your wedding and your choice! Enjoy the moment because before you know it, the day is over and you don’t want to miss a thing.

Vendors:

Photographer: Paris Photographer Pierre

Officiant: The Paris Officiant

Cinema and Video: Tuan Nguyen

Ring Designer: Raven Fine Jewelers

Ring Designer: Cartier

Dress Designer: Sherri Hill

Ceremony Location: Eiffel Tower