Real Wedding: Laura & Chris

Getting married in Europe is often a double-whammy, where you have a civil and religious ceremony. I'm going to have to do much the same thing for my own wedding in Provence. We can't get married legally in France, so we're going to have a London civil ceremony, followed by our real wedding in France. Laura and Chris celebrated their big day in Italy twice, so I'm going to split the pictures over two days - a wedding blogger's idea of double the fun! Here are the pics from their civil ceremony, but don't miss tomorrow's installment, including Laura's answers to the Before the Big Day Bridal Questionnaire. It's wedding blog heaven! Plenty of stealworthy ideas from these pictures, not least Laura's gorgeous long-stemmed ivory roses, and her sophisticated dress, which she made herself {OMG!!!}. Gorgeous pictures published with thanks to Patrick from Butler Madden Weddings, who {by the way} is fluent in Italian, so perfect for your destination weddings.

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Real Wedding: Alex & Akil

There's nothing like a destination wedding to cheer you up when the sun sets on yet another freezing cold winter day. So how about a beach wedding in Costa Rica? Heaven! Gorgeous couple Alex and Akil decided on an intimate wedding by the sea-side, and invited just their nearest and dearest. But that didn't stop Alex from choosing not one, but two wedding dresses, and throwing in a parasol and some stunning chunky jewellery for good measure. I love their orange and lime colour theme, and Akil's super-dapper suit and tie combo - but the best thing? The beach! Stunning photographs as ever from the massively talented Jose Villa.

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Real Wedding: Elizabeth & Darren

Planning a summer wedding?  Well check out these gorgeous pics from Elizabeth and Darren's wedding in Napa Valley.  I've got a real thing about fans - check out Elizabeth's fabulous feathered number - and the be-ribboned sparklers are a brilliant touch.  Just imagine each of your guests holding one of those in an arch, as you leave your reception at the end of the night - smashing!  Huge thanks to photographer Jessamyn Harris - we heavily heart her work!

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Real Wedding: Libby & Weldon

This wedding has camels in it. It's the coolest wedding ever, and it's set in Marrakesh, and the bride wore emerald green. Did I mention the camels? Seriously - I'm beyond excited to bring this wedding to your attention! Libby and Weldon are world travelers and they knew they wanted their wedding to take place somewhere remotely fabulous. Marrakech in Morocco won the vote and they and their family hiked over from Texas for an unforgettable wedding. Check it out in all its wonder below. Huge thanks to Our Labour of Love for their massively inspirational photographs.

 

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Real Wedding: Lia & Rob

When you close your eyes and imagine your perfect wedding, I reckon it probably looks a bit like this one. It's a gorgeous destination wedding in Italy, set at the fabulous Vignamaggio Villa in Chianti, deep in the stunning Tuscan landscape. The views included cypress trees, perfect vineyards, ancient statues and, of course, a beautiful bride. In short, a photographers dream! The venue was surrounded by tailored hedges, like a secret garden, and embellished with thick wreaths of lemon leaves and fruits, providing a delicious scent. The reception took place under olive trees, garnished with chandeliers which softly swayed in the branches. I'm seriously loving Lia's gorgeous dress, and all the clever details, including hand-picked vintage plates, the DIY fabric menus and wedding vows (made out of hahnemuhle paper torn at the edges, rose ribbon, gold leaf, and vintage lace). She also kept the memory of her grandparents alive, thanks to a locket hung on her bouquet. It's just the best wedding ever! Gorgeous photographs published with thanks to the Simply Bloom.

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