We’re so close to 1,500 Facebook fans and we just can’t wait! As our fan page grows, we wanted to express our appreciation for all of your support and well wishes! Make sure you check out photos from the latest at Brides of Oklahoma and updates on giveaways, sales and contests on our Facebook fan page and Blog! Get the scoop on events and happenings across the state and stay in the know with the latest tips and trends from real Oklahoma weddings. Help us reach and pass 1,500 fans today! Follow us on Twitter too! Cheers!

We’re crazy for confetti! Not only is this cool detail fun and an exciting special effect for wedding receptions, but it also looks amazing in photos! Perfect for any size celebration, confetti comes in various sizes and colors and is simple to color-coordinate with other party details! Your guests will love watching as it flutters and floats—a great way to add some excitement to your exit! The breathtaking image on the right shows pretty paper shot out of a cannon, cascading over the dance floor, thanks to wedding planner Lynn Wheatley of Lasting Impressions of Tulsa!  Take a look at these real weddings with confetti, captured by Chris Humphrey Photographer! So pretty! 

We found a few adorable photos of couples that incorporated their dogs into their wedding day and we just had to share! How cute are those little outfits! Pets are family, so as the ring bearer, an usher, or just a sweet photo opp, fitting your precious pup into your nuptials is the cutest detail! Tell us, will you include your dog in your wedding?

Top left: Artworks Tulsa Photography; top right: Angela Cornell Photography 

Bottom left: Chris Humphrey Photographer; bottom middle and bottom right: Beautiful Day Images

Little girls dream about two things their whole lives, becoming Miss America and planning the perfect wedding! Lauren Nelson-Faram, Miss America 2007, just tied the knot and shared her amazing love story with Brides of Oklahoma! We were so excited to sit down with Lawton, Oklahoma, native, Lauren and new hubby Randy to get the inside scoop on planning a wedding for Miss America! From the story of how they met, to the proposal and wedding, you won't want to miss one detail of their incredibly sweet love story! These beautiful bridal portraits above were captured by Mike Mazzo Photography. We just love the bouquet of calla lillies and roses created by Designs by Tammy! To read their full story and see all of their beautiful pictures, pick up a copy of the Fall/Winter issue of Brides of Oklahoma at Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Waldenbooks, Hastings, Borders, Steve Sundry's or Full Circle Bookstore. Cheers!

Planning to write your own wedding vows? Whether you’re a traditionalist or a trendsetter, choosing the vows for your wedding day is a romantic and very important task. Oklahoma City’s Rev. Yareni Alvarado can help plan the perfect ceremony with customized nuptials that fit the personality of the bride and groom! Variations of traditional, religious words have been around forever. Some find strength and comfort in reciting them. Do personalized vows sound more meaningful? Ask yourself these questions: What is the single greatest thing about the person you are marrying? What does marriage mean to you? What is your favorite memory of your partner? Whatever your style, wedding vows are unique, loving promises that set the tone for the newlyweds, the perfect opportunity to express your love for one another!

Photos: top left-Carl Zoch Photography, top right-Lynn Timmons Photographers, bottom left-Chris Humphrey Photographer, bottom right-Joel Jordan Photography

Most of us have all heard “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue,” as one of the most popular wedding traditions.

What about jumping the broom? In African tradition, jumping the broom is a symbol of sweeping away the old and welcoming the new. It represents a time when the vows of slaves were not legally recognized.

At the end of a Jewish ceremony, the groom smashes a glass with his foot while the guests shout, “Mazel Tov!” Among many interpretations of this custom, most say that the shattered glass is a reminder of the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem.

In many Indian weddings, mehndi, or henna, can be seen on the hands and feet of the bride and groom. Mehndi signifies the strength of love in a marriage. The darker the mehndi color, it is believed, the stronger the love and bond between the couple.

We love the idea of embracing your family’s background and incorporating cultural traditions into your wedding day. It’s a special way to personalize your soiree, following handed-down rituals from around the world. Add some international flair, or just a simple family tie-in, to make your wedding uniquely yours. We'd love to hear from you! What customs or traditions will you include in your upcoming wedding?

Photos from left to right: Josh McCullock Photography; Lynn Timmons Photographers; Beautiful Day Images; Caperton Photography

We're so excited to celebrate Independence Day! Steal this idea: incorporate fireworks into your wedding celebration like these couples have! It is such a cute and romantic idea to have a sparkler send off! Not only are these shimmering sparklers great for summertime weddings, but they are also beautiful amid a winter wonderland! What a fantastic firework farewell! Wishing you a sparkling* Fourth of July! Enjoy!

These fun photos have been featured in Brides of Oklahoma magazine. Images from left to right captured by, Top: Lindsey Brooks Photography and Tara Lokey Photography; Bottom: Holli B. Photography and Zach Seat Photography.

We’ve been just dying to share these dreamy outdoor tablescapes created by Gibson Events at the beautiful Coles Garden. The crisp white chiavari chairs, cushions and linens give the first table a fresh and elegant vibe. We love the pops of green in the raised porcelain vases. Rebecca’s Silver Rose did an amazing job on the florals and Poppy Lane Designs created a stunning centerpiece! This creative confection is the work of Sugar in Norman! We are loving this adorable bride and groom decked out in attire from J.J. Kelly Bridal Salon. For a cool afternoon refreshment, Café Evoke whipped up a tasty brew! You can find these fabulous chairs, linens, china and much more at Marianne's Rentals for Special Events! These lovely images were captured by Josh McCullock Photography. Enjoy!

Whether you’re a maid or bride-to-be, you might be wondering – what exactly is expected of a bridesmaid? While it varies from wedding to wedding, bridesmaids are a bride’s support system. From planning and paying for the bridal shower and bachelorette party to keeping track of gifts – and basically just keeping the bride sane – all are a part of the job. We think it’s also a nice touch to get people dancing at the reception. Notice anyone that looks a little shy but is discreetly jammin’ to the song? Drag them on the dance floor and get your groove on! Sometimes, maids will pool their money together and purchase one, over-the-top, fab wedding present for the newlyweds. What couple wouldn’t love that? We want to hear from you, what tasks will you have your ladies in charge of?

Check out all of the cute, glam and super sassy maids with their brides above! Photos from left to right -Top: Kalee Ridings Photography and Candi Coffman Photography. Middle: Shannon Ho Photography and Laske Images. Bottom: Jessica Claire Photography and Zach Seat Photography.

With warmer weather finally here to stay, we wanted to share these summer-inspired, signature drinks from Abbey Road Catering! Choose from the tall and slender “Sangria Serenade” or the short and tasty “Bing Cherry Summer Spritzer.” Perfect for cooling down on a hot summer day, your guests will love sipping on these fruity concoctions! These images were captured by Art By Kriea.

We just love this sweet and romantic confection. This Paper and Frosting combo was inspired by all things earthy! Sugar in Norman has taken a unique approach with this flawless cake. These intricate designs and delicate sugar flowers are simply breathtaking. We just adore its understated simplicity! Ta Designs in Tulsa paired the perfect invite to complement such a fascinating cake. These individual boxes are filled with moss! The invite is decorated with raffia and secured with a woven strand to keep the box closed until delivery. These images were captured by Tara Lokey Photography! Check out this feature on pages 144 and 145 of the Spring/Summer issue of Brides of Oklahoma Magazine. Enjoy! 

This dreamy table display set under the gorgeous Gaillardia Country Club gazebo looks like something out of a fairy tale! Designer Robyn Martin of The Wedding Belle had the grand idea of draping the gazebo in antique gold dress lining and placing a sweetheart table in the center for the bride and groom! With the help of Marianne's Rentals for Special Events, this dream became a reality! We love this personalized cake for the couple crafted by Mishelle Handy Cakes. The adorable chair covers and luxurious linens from Marianne’s Rentals for Special Events are perfect for a grand affair. Elegant programs and favors from Occasions complemented the elegant theme. The whimsical florals from Tony Foss Flowers complete this fairy tale look that’s fit for a princess! These amazing images were taken by Traina Photography. Be sure to watch the behind-the-scenes footage captured by Glorious Day Films online. Enjoy!

Thinking about the perfect, romantic getaway? Planning a destination wedding can take a lot of coordination. So, Brides of Oklahoma sat down with destination wedding & honeymoon pro, Michelle, from Michelle's Destinations Unlimited, to get the scoop on need to know information for planning your destination wedding and other tips and tidbits on preparing for your honeymoon!

Q: What 3 things should brides know about planning their perfect destination wedding?

1.) Travel Agent – Find an agent that specializes in destination weddings or the destination you want to go to – they have priceless advice when it comes to figuring out where to stay, tips on what to expect, what to pack, most will coordinate travel for all the guests (so the guests don’t bother you with tons of questions) and will help you bring your wedding ideas to life.

2.) Location – Consider what you want for your wedding location and the wedding ceremony – be flexible on the destination to get what you want for the price you want – for instance, say you’ve always wanted a wedding near a beautiful waterfall. Hawaii! But it costs more than your guests can afford, so you’re torn. I’d suggest going to Ocho Rios, Jamaica – a beautiful destination with waterfalls, costs less than Hawaii and offers all-inclusive resorts!

3.) Photographer – I’ve had some brides consider not getting a professional photographer, I highly recommend having one! Speaking from experience, I got married in the Bahamas, and while we do have a few photos from the wedding coordinator, I really wish I had sprung for the relatively small amount it would have cost to get a real photographer.

Q: Where are the honeymoon hotspots for 2010?

A: Mexico and the Caribbean are always popular for honeymoons. With my clients, the Riviera Maya area south of Cancun and Jamaica have been top spots this year because of the great value you can get – romantic resorts with Ocean views and Jacuzzi tubs!

Q: How do you register your honeymoon?

A: Honeymoon registry is becoming very popular. Couples are able to sign up online through my website or I can set if up for them. This allows the almost married couple to receive gifts and donations as wedding presents for their honeymoon trip! Guests can contact me via phone or email, or go online to make purchases. I have cards that can be put in shower invites and given to the wedding party to help you spread the word, and you get a free wedding website with your registry that you can use to promote your honeymoon registry. Just keep in mind you’ll usually have to pay for the whole trip before you get the money from the registry, so don’t do anything for your honeymoon that you can’t afford to do on your own.

If you're dreaming sunny and warm wishes on this dreary day, contact Michelle to talk about planning your perfect destination wedding or honeymoon. Ciao!

We just love the idea of a poolside reception, so we thought we would give you the scoop on this bright and creative table design by Jane Kelly of Jane Kelly Consulting! The Waterford Marriott Hotel was the perfect locale for this lime, raspberry, periwinkle and citrus yellow color-saturated theme. Sunlight beamed off the multi-colored linens and custom wrapped chiavari high stools from Marianne’s Rentals for Special Events. The fanciful china from B.C. Clark Jewelers and the intricate invites from J.J. Kelly Bridal Salon give the décor an upscale feel. Unique lounge seating from Mood Party Rentals allows guests to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. To complete the summery look, dramatic floral arrangements from Trochta’s Flowers and a custom water show thanks to Innovative Event Solutions took center stage in this pretty and playful set-up! For a better look, click here to see the behind-the-scenes footage taken by Von Wedding Films. Laske Images captured the beautiful photos!

Meet the Team

Floral Design  |  Trochta's Flowers

Linens and Rentals  |  Marianne's Rentals for Special Events

China  |  B.C. Clark Jewelers

Rentals  |  Mood Party Rentals

 Invitations  |  J.J. Kelly Bridal Salon

Venue  |  The Waterford Marriott Hotel

Fountains  |  Innovative Event Solutions

Photography  |  Laske Images

Behind the Scenes Videography  |  Von Wedding Films

We’ve been dying to share Ashley and Jarrett's beautiful Oklahoma wedding held at the stunning Camp Loughridge in Tulsa, Oklahoma. With Professional Wedding Consultant Erica Scott of Erica Weddings behind this grand affair, no detail was overlooked! The bold pinks and purples are carried throughout for a luxurious and warm feel. Check out the dramatic lighting provided by Empire Lighting Design — it really sets the mood! And the lovely hanging candles are another gorgeous touch to the ambiance! The deep purple place cards are a creation from the talented Paper Girl! All the special moments of the celebration were captured on film by Hawkins Digital Media and photographed by Chris Humphrey Photographer. Thanks to the expertise of Erica Weddings the evening went perfectly! A fun, western-themed rehearsal dinner was held the evening before at the rustic Barn at Vive Le Ranch. Check out this wedding in our color inspiration collection along with many more stunning weddings organized by color! And, to connect with Erica Weddings to learn more about her full service wedding planning packages, day of services and custom packages, visit www.erica-weddings.com.

We just love this fun color combo! Sweet Treasures of Edmond and Occasions of Norman pulled together this super cute turquoise and red look. With a bit of inspiration, these designers went all out creating this bright and fun pairing with red poppy accents a turquoise paisley print. We just love how perfectly the monogram cake topper matches the “Mr. and Mrs.” print on the invite! These images were captured by Tara Lokey Photography. Check out this lovely pairing featured on pages 152 and 153 in the Spring/Summer issue of Brides of Oklahoma Magazine. Enjoy!

Inspired by the classic film “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” this tabletop designed by Lynn Wheatley and Jane Butts of Lasting Impressions looks glamorous in black and white with touches of Tiffany blue. The beautiful floral centerpiece designed by Lasting Impressions adds height and becomes a dramatic focal point! To add a touch of fun to this elegant display, a collection of blue rock candy can be found for all guests to enjoy! These sweet treats make a tasty favor! Notice how each place setting includes an adorable Tiffany box that encloses a special gift for the attendants — so cute! Even the chairs look elegant wrapped in a large black satin ribbon adorned with jeweled brooches. You can find this lovely tablescape captured by LSD Photography featured in the latest issue of Brides of Oklahoma and be sure to check out the behind-the-scenes footage captured by Von Wedding Films!  Enjoy!

Meet The Team

We’ve recently added some awesome videos from real Oklahoma weddings online! We love seeing the most memorable wedding moments captured on film. You’ll get goosebumps seeing the first kiss, first dance and all the special moments highlighted in these fabulous videos! Oklahoma’s best videographers are just a click away! Check out the unique styles of videography and get a glimpse into some truly gorgeous Oklahoma weddings. You’ll find tons of inspiration! Find these amazing videos by following this link. Enjoy!

This week, the spotlight is on Mishelle Handy Cakes and By Invitation Only, both of Oklahoma City. Check out the feature editorial,  Paper & Frosting on pages 148 and 149 in the Spring/Summer issue of Brides of Oklahoma Magazine.  This hot pink hue paired with lime green is simply adorable. After providing the designers with a little inspiration we were completely blown away by what they created! This pairing marries elegance and fun. The regal pops of gold compliment the fun, vibrant pink. This three-tiered cake, created by Mishelle at Mishelle Handy Cakes is a show stopper! We just love the bright white floral detail made of sugar! The sweet writing on the front of the cake references the couple, and adds the perfect personal touch. These custom invites from By Invitation Only are the perfect way to set the tone. The pink stain ribbon and gold embossed lettering are totally fab! These images were captured by Tara Lokey Photography.

Stay tuned each week as we share more good stuff and turn the spotlight on other fabulous Oklahoma wedding pros who made the magazine beautiful!

On the road again…cruisin' Route 66 to show some more amazing photographs from our gown shoot! These stunning images were captured by Stella Photography. The first series of photos, featuring Morgan, were shot on location at White Dog Hill, just outside of Clinton, Oklahoma. The view was incredible and the food simply can’t be beat. Nelson surely knows the way to a woman’s heart with the spread he prepared for us. The fun orange and pink bouquet was created by Morrison Floral of Oklahoma City.

The second set of images feature Kelsey! She was simply dazzling at the Rock Gas Station, modeling the Diamond and 18k white gold earrings from Naifeh Fine Jewelry , and chic style of D’Plazzo Couture Designs , custom bridal gowns from Oklahoma City.

Marine had a relaxing day on Rock Creek Bridge, just west of Sapulpa, Oklahoma. This historic bridge, built in 1921 is still in use today! These beautiful flowers are from Petal Pushers in Tulsa, and the gown is an original design from Abelina’s Bridal Boutique in Tulsa!

Find these photo shoots in the Spring/Summer issue of Brides of Oklahoma on pages 126, 127 and 133. For behind the scenes footage from White Dog Hill and Rock Creek Bridge click here. Enjoy!

White Dog Hill
Gown   |  Meg Guess Couture - Amsale, Little White Dress Collection
Veil  |  Meg Guess Couture - Meg Guess Dolce Veil Collection
Shoes  |  Meg Guess Couture - Filippa Scott Shoes
Jewelry  |  Mitchell’s Jewelry - Earrings by Varela
Bouquet  |  Morrison Floral
 Make-up  |  Jennifer McLaughlin Make-up
Hairt  |  Rhiannon Sappenfield
Videography  |  Hawkins Digital Media
Photography  |  Stella Photography

Rock Gas Station
Gown  |  D’Plazzo Couture Designs
Jewelry  |  Naifeh Fine Jewelry
Hair & Make-up  |  Rhianon Sappenfield
Photography  |  Stella Photography

Rock Creek Bridge
Gown  |  Abelina’s Bridal Boutique - Ruby Ren’ee Couture
Bouquet  |  Petal Pushers
Hair & Make-up  |  Faccia Bella
Videography  |  Penn weddings
Photography  |  Stella Photography

We just wanted to share some more details from this ultra-modern, British-inspired table design by Lindsay Gibson of Gibson Events! There are so many elements that made this table truly unique! Set in the gorgeous Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum, this table made a statement with white, poppy red, silver and black. We loved the dramatic chandeliers from Mood Party Rentals and high-back banquettes from Party Pro Rents all gorgeously lit by Innovative Event Solutions. To heat things up, this table included a coffee bar with a Macchiato Amore rimmed with red sanding sugar from Café Evoke Catering. To complement, a red, white and black coffee menu from Occasions accompanied the coffee bar. For a sweet treat, we adore these favors from Mishelle Handy Cakes with an edible graphic of an antique British stamp!  This modern set-up even came complete with a playlist to set the mood for the evening including songs from Radiohead, The Flaming Lips and Beck! Click here to see the behind-the-scenes video captured by III Oaks Video Production. Photos are from Josh McCullock Photography!

Meet The Team

With warmer weather just around the corner, we wanted to share these spring-inspired, signature drinks from Johnnies Catering! Nothing says spring better than an ice-cold glass of sweet tea. Your guests are sure to love sipping on this "Forever Sweet Tea" concoction and if you're looking for a twist, try the "Kiwi Mango Breeze!" Keep your guests enjoying the celebration all night with these tasty beverages! These lovely images were captured by Art By Kriea.

This week, the spotlight is on Paisley Prints of Edmond and Mershon Catering & Event Design. The two are featured in our Paper & Frosting editorial on pages 154 and 155.  We absolutely adore this combination. The designers were given some inspiration from our team and took complete control of creativity! Check out the intricate patterns in the icing on this custom confection from Mershon Catering and Event Design. The jewels add a touch of elegance and glam to this four-tiered masterpiece! Paired with the custom invite from Paisley Prints, this duo is unstoppable! These tri-fold invites give your guests the ultimate information on your special event! We just love the pops of yellow against slate grey!  These images were captured by Tara Lokey Photography.

Stay tuned each week as we share more good stuff and turn the spotlight on other fabulous Oklahoma wedding pros who made the magazine beautiful!

We just had to share some more stunning pics from our Route 66 gown shoot! These lovely images were captured by Josh McCullock Photography! We just happened across this first location while cruising down Route 66 — the wall of license plates is what caught our eye and we loved the restored gas pumps and vintage car parked in front. The old gas station has actually been converted into an office building, but the owners Wes and Laurie have kept the Route 66 spirit alive! The second location featured was at the Route 66 Museum in Clinton. Our gorgeous model Morgan relaxes in an old-fashioned phone booth and sparkles with these lovely earrings and ring from Mitchell’s Jewelry. Find these photo shoots in the Spring/Summer issue of Brides of Oklahoma on pages 129 and 130. For behind the scenes footage from the Route 66 Museum, click here. Enjoy!

Check out this dramatic, over-the-top table design from New Leaf Events. Having seen dramatic sketches of New Leaf’s vision, we were beyond excited to see their grand design come to life! Captured by the talented Holli B. Photography at the beautiful Skirvin Hilton, no detail was overlooked. With florals overflowing from the six-foot, iron-tiered candelabra, this whimsical display takes our breath away! To add to the WOW factor, this bouquet created by New Leaf is simply stunning! Check out the chartreuse Italian silk ribbon accented with rhinestone-studded buckles on the chairs — show stopping! The table is topped with gorgeous, gold-accented place settings from Jamie’s Culinary. The invitation from No Regrets really complements the table and sets the tone for this glamorous setting! These vibrant tones of watermelon, orange, hot pink and chartreuse are perfect for a summery affair and will brighten up a winter occasion. Be sure to check out the behind-the-scenes video from this photo shoot captured by Von Wedding Films! Check out this spread in the Brides of Oklahoma Spring/Summer 2010 issue on page 94 and 95. Enjoy!

Alan White - New Leaf Events |  Designer

New Leaf Florist |  Florist

New Leaf Events |  Linens, Chairs, Rentals

Jamie’s Culinary  |  China and Favor

No Regrets  |  Invitation

The Skirvin Hilton  |  Venue

Holli B. Photography |  Photography

Von Wedding Films  |  Videography

This week, the spotlight is on Icing on the Top and Modern Invitation Design, both of Tulsa featured in our Paper & Frosting editorial on pages 146 and 147.  We fell in love with this chartreuse and turquoise palette! We provided the designers with a little inspiration and let go of the reigns. What they created is simply stunning. The custom invite is gorgeous with its bright and bold simplicity. The clean lines and classic concept pop against the elegant white backdrop. This five-tiered cake, created by Jennifer at Icing on the Top, compliments the classy invites. The floral detail adds just a touch of whimsy. The bright bold hues and carefree combination are absolutely adorable. These images were captured by Tara Lokey Photography.

Stay tuned each week as we share more good stuff and turn the spotlight on other fabulous Oklahoma wedding pros who made the magazine beautiful! 

We had so much fun shooting the bridesmaid editorial at Red Primesteak for the Spring/Summer issue of Brides of Oklahoma! Inspired by pairing unique and old objects with vibrant and new fashions, we paired these gorgeous dresses with things you might find in your grandma's attic (that's exactly where some of these props came from!) Our lovely models had a blast playing around with all of the different props and they looked stunning doing it! Here are just a few of our favorite looks! This adorable turquoise number paired with Mikimoto jewelry from B.C. Clark Jewelers is available at J.J. Kelly Bridal Salon. We are in love with the LOVE by Enzoani dress in pink available at Bella Rose Bridal in Edmond or The Bridal Boutique in Norman. Add some flair with a Mikimoto necklace from B.C. Clark Jewelers. Your maids will pop with this vibrant orange dress available at Bridal Classiques. For an elegant look, try this rich plum gown from The Bridal Boutique and pair it with a colorful necklace like this one from Naifeh Fine Jewelry. A big thanks to models Elizabeth, Molly, Leah and Carri for looking amazing in so many dresses and to fabulous photographers Jesse Reich Photography (top left), David Baxter Photography (top right), Quinton Myers Studios (bottom left) and Kevin Paul Photography (bottom right) for capturing some truly amazing images. Another big thanks to Innovative Event Solutions for providing fabulous lighting for the shoot! Be sure to go behind-the-scenes and check out the awesome footage captured by III Oaks Video Production — click here! See the entire bridesmaid editorial on pages 38-45 of the new Spring/Summer issue of Brides of Oklahoma magazine. Enjoy!

Since the weather outside is frightful we thought we’d send out some warm wishes! Café Evoke Catering in Oklahoma City mixes up a mighty brew and these options are perfect for a signature drink on your special day! Check out these delicious drinks captured by Art by Kriea. At top, clockwise: “Sassy Cider,” “Chocolate Kiss,” “Minty Condition” and “Peppermint Hot Chocolate Sipper.” Your guests are sure to love these rich and warm beverages. Be sure to check out these fabulous concoctions in the latest issue of Brides of Oklahoma magazine! Cheers!

We had such a blast on our Route 66 gown shoot and will be sharing some fabulous photos that weren’t included in the magazine over the next few months! We thought we’d kick off with these images captured by Aaron Snow Photography. We were so excited to include this vintage ’67 Mustang Fastback and had a blast working with models Morgan and Jeremy — he was our first groom model to shoot in the magazine! The bottom two images are from the super cool Route 66 Museum in Clinton, Oklahoma — we just loved this old motel sign and vintage car featured at the end of the museum tour! Check out our snap shots from our Route 66 road trip on our Facebook Fan Page! Also, see more details from these shoots by watching the amazing behind the scenes videos! For behind the scenes videos, click here. You can find these photo shoots in the magazine on pages 124-125, 128 and 134.  Enjoy!

Twice a year Brides of Oklahoma magazine hits newsstands featuring real Oklahoma weddings and the top wedding pros in the state. So much time and hard work goes into creating this gorgeous book and we are so lucky to be able to share some behind the scenes footage from the making of the mag! Thanks to some fabulous videographers — III Oaks Video Production, Von Wedding Films, Glorious Day Films, Pen Weddings and Hawkins Digital Media — we are able to share a sneak peek of what goes on behind the scenes at these amazing photo shoots! There are so many talented wedding pros that make this magazine great! So grab a bucket of popcorn, sit back and enjoy Behind the Scenes with Brides of Oklahoma! Be sure to check back for more videos to come! We’ll be showcasing highlight videos from real Oklahoma weddings! Cheers!

Check out the drama and whimsy this table-scape creates, captured beautifully by Joel Jordan Photography. Little Surprises Design, Rebecca Thai, has outdone herself with this enchanting setting. The soft use of romantic lighting from Innovative Event Solutions really emphasizes the dreamy qualities of all the details. The flowing fabrics accent the subtle shimmers from the centerpieces. We just love the individual mini-cakes at each place setting, by Amy Cakes! White with silver beads and floral toppers make the mini-cakes appear absolutely scrumptious!  Rebecca’s invitations, blush with ivory image and lavender wording truly set the tone for this romantic soiree. The bouquet by Oh So Blush, features crystal embellishments, which adds a pop of sparkle to any floral creation. Romantic ruffles cover the chairs, and are absolutely darling! These are a custom creation of Marianne’s Rental for Special Events. The center of the table is an open acrylic box filled with water, crystals and floating peonies. Simply stunning! The setting is unoccupied raw space in downtown Oklahoma City. The combination of the exposed brick and softness of the tabletop elements creates the perfect balance! For more pictures, check it out in Brides of Oklahoma Spring/Summer 2010 issue on page 91! 

The Team:

Oh So Blush | Floral Design 

Marianne’s Rentals for Special Events | custom chair covers, chairs, china, stemware, flatware

Mood Party Rentals | Chandelier

Little Surprises Design | acrylic table, table top décor, invitation

Amy Cakes | mini favor cakes

Innovative Event Solutions | lighting

Joel Jordan Photography | Photography

It’s been a few weeks since the magazine hit newsstands and we’ve been busy going to bridal shows across the state sharing the mag, our web site and blog with brides-to-be!  It’s the most exciting time of year for us because the anticipation builds until the release of each new issue and we're so anxious to get it into the hands of brides!  This week, we’re kicking off our editorial spotlight weekly posts showcasing in more detail our photo shoots and some of the fabulous Oklahoma wedding pros that came together to make the magazine amazing!  Ever wonder how the shoots were concepted?  We’ll give you the scoop on how each editorial layout came to be.  

This week, the spotlight is on Amy Cakes of Norman and No Regrets of Oklahoma City featured in our Paper & Frosting editorial on pages 156 and 157.  We fell in love with this lime and plum palette and it’s truly amazing what they created from the inspiration board we provided.  We gave them complete freedom to create a design that reflected the same look and feel of this board and they certainly exceeded our expectations!  The custom invite is gorgeous with its elegant, damask pattern and we love that it comes folded and wrapped with a silk bow!  What a gift!  And, the subtle shimmer and shine of this lime green cake with oversized plum floral accent is show-stopping. This lovely combo was captured by Tara Lokey Photography.

Stay tuned each week as we share more good stuff and turn the spotlight on other fabulous Oklahoma wedding pros who made the magazine absolutely beautiful! 

Smashbox cosmetics is making a splash! Enhance your natural beauty with these glam products. With a fantastic palette of colors to choose from and amazing color combos, these products have pretty written all over them. Faccia Bella of Tulsa is happy to be using the Smashbox line of cosmetics. They have just the right touch to make brides sparkle on the day they say, "I do." So glam it up and head in to Faccia Bella for your beauty consultation! Ciao!

Picking out bridesmaid dresses can be tricky. So many colors and styles, what’s a girl to do? We thought we’d share a few looks from the lovely Nicole Miller collection! Whether you like fun and flirty or sleek and sophisticated, find a style and color to fit your look. Be sure to check out these lovely looks for yourself at J.J. Kelly Bridal Salon in Oklahoma City! Happy shopping!

Brides of Oklahoma definitely has a sweet tooth and every time we see pictures of candy bars at weddings, we are instantly craving these tasty treats. 42nd Street Candy Company has been bringing sweets and treats to the Oklahoma City area for over 28 years. You can hand pick your own gorgeous gift basket for your bridal party or call them with what you want and they’ll put it together for you! If you want decadent chocolates imported from all over the world or your favorite candy from when you were a kid, the 42nd Street Candy Company has it all. Try out one of their candy buffets at your bridal shower. They bring the candy of your choice in fun and festive dishes with your color scheme. They provide the linens, favor bags and tablecloths plus delivery and set up! This candy company would be a delicious addition to any reception or bridal shower! For more info, email chocolateistheanswer@msn.com or call 405-521-1772. Photo by Beautiful Day Images. 

If there is one thing we love about fall it’s the rich autumn colors! Fall officially begins in a couple of weeks — it’s been hard, but we’ve finally accepted that summer is over! If you are planning a fall wedding, try hues of deep red, yellow and fiery orange to blend in with the season. Dress your lovely bridesmaids in a red floor-length satin dress like the Vera Wang gown from JJ Kelly Bridal shown above.  Pair the bridesmaids’ dresses with delicate and feminine earrings, like this pair by Chad Allison at Naifeh Fine Jewelry in Oklahoma City.  Also, for that splash of color against your white dress, a bouquet like this from Madeline’s Flower Shop in Oklahoma City in your signature deep, rich tones works perfectly! We absolutely love this cake from Amy Cakes. It portrays an elegantly traditional feel with a hint of flair, intensified by intricately etched leaves to keep up with the fall theme. Kick off your elegant affair with an invite with tangerine accents like this one from RSVP Stationary and More in Oklahoma City. Enjoy the fall season!

If you’re searching for a luxury carriage service, you definitely want to call upon C&H Carriage Shed. We realize fall is upon us and cooler temperatures are on the horizon, but carriages are popular any time of year and come equipped with cozy blankets and all! It’s a unique way to arrive or exit the wedding reception in style.  Brides of Oklahoma got an up close look at the newest addition to C&H Carriage’s fleet of fancy carriages. This one is top notch with it’s dual red velvet, plush seats! We love the idea of dressing the back of the carriage in florals galore and draping the horses with florals in true Kentucky Derby fashion!  For more information on carriages available through C&H Carriage Shed, contact Charlie or Vince at 405.598.0930.

While our main focus is usually the lovely bride to be, we can’t forget about the strapping grooms! We hear so much about the search for the perfect dress, but don’t forget to make sure your groom is dressed in style! Whether he decides to wear a tux and bowtie or if he’d rather sport a more casual suit and tie, make sure to pay attention to the details! When you’re picking out the tie, vest or shirt colors it might be handy to have a swatch from the bridesmaids’ dresses. There are so many shades to mix and match! We know you probably have your jewelry planned out, but be sure to give your groom some bling too! What groom wouldn’t love flashing this watch from Tag Heuer — it might be the perfect wedding gift from the bride! Find Tag Heuer locally at B.C. Clark Jewelers in Oklahoma City. And don’t forget the cufflinks — he’ll look snazzy with these monogrammed designs. Dress your groom to perfection! To find the best places to shop for groom’s attire, click here!

We haven’t let go of summer just yet and there is something about this color combo that just screams summer fun! Your wedding will pop in sapphire blue, fiery orange and yellow! Your maids will look stunning in this sapphire blue Jersey dress by Butter By Nadia. If you don’t like the style shown, this dress can be wrapped a countless number of ways! Pair these dresses with a bouquet of flaming orange tulips like these shown from Oh So Blush in Oklahoma City. We love the orange details captured by photographer Candi Coffman — orange buckets of beer and fun orange straws are perfect for a festive outdoor affair. Don’t forget the personalized coasters — so cute! Kick off your color scheme with a custom save the date invite like this one by Ta Designs in Tulsa! Find Butter By Nadia locally at Meg ­Guess Couture in Oklahoma City. Hope you’ve enjoyed the summer! Happy September!

If you’re looking to customize your wedding invite, consider using a wedding motif! Think about you and your groom-to-be’s personalities — about activities, memories or traits that you both love! Maybe he popped the question under an oak tree or you love riding bikes together. Your motif could even tie into the season you're getting married in! Carry the motif throughout the wedding on napkins, programs, place cards, etc!  Above are a few custom motifs from Dauphine Press invitations available at Paper Girl in Tulsa. Enjoy!

Talk about one of our favorite things! When we heard about Melissa and Cameron’s fall reception at The Mayo in Tulsa, we had to share a unique touch this couple added — a table titled “Cam’s Favorite Things!”  From pizza and Cokes to delicious cheesecake, this table was full of goodies the groom loves! How sweet it would be to spoil your new husband with all of the treats he can’t live without. And we’re guessing your guests will enjoy them too! What kind of treats would we find on your groom’s table??

Photos captured by Tara Lokey Photography.

Create a fun, fresh bridal look with these fabulous veils and headpieces by Sara Gabriel. With varying lengths and styles you can choose from long, sweeping veils to simple flowers with netting or dare to try the multi-layer look. Each veil is cut by a professional milliner and finished by hand. Choose from fabrics, nets, trims and silks in varying colors to build your very own custom creation. What a beautiful idea! The collections of headpieces and hair jewelry are adorned with freshwater pearls, Swarovski crystals, hand-sculpted flowers and sparkling rhinestones. You’ll love all the styles, but don’t take our word for it … visit Sara Gabriel locally at Bella Rose Bridal in Edmond to find your favorite piece!

We love this creative confection from Mishelle Handy Cakes in Edmond and just had to play off the red and yellow flowers to create an inspiration board! Bridesmaids will look stunning in this strapless, tea-length satin gown by Bari Jay in cranberry available at Bella Rose Bridal in Edmond and The Bridal Boutique in Norman. Add a burst of color with a vibrant bouquet of yellow orchids with deep red centers like these from Oh So Blush in Oklahoma City. Stay true to the theme with these yellow invitations with cherry blossom accents by Sprinkles Invitations available at Paper N’ More in Okalahoma City. So cute!  Tie together all the elements with this perfect china place setting in red and yellow floral by Philippe Deshoulieres available at B.C. Clark Jewelers in Oklahoma City — lovely! 

If you’re looking for more wedding inspiration, check out wedding planner Cathy Johnson’s new Web site! She’s done a whole Web site makeover and we love the turn out. It’s jam-packed with gorgeous pics and tons of Oklahoma weddings designed by this talented wedding pro! We never get tired of looking at the details of amazing weddings from across the state — guess that’s why we love our jobs! Check out Cathy Johnson Weddings — so lovely! Photos by Candi Coffman (bottom right) and Tara Lokey (top and bottom left).

Summer may be winding down, but the hot temperatures aren’t! Block the sun’s rays and look cute doing it with colorful parasols! Not only are they a super cute keepsake for you and your wedding party, but they also serve as a useful accessory. For another splash of color and to keep the air flowing, purchase some colorful fans! You can find them in a variety of solid colors or with designs. They are inexpensive and make a great wedding favor for an outdoor summer affair. Beat the Oklahoma heat and look good doing it! Hope you’ve had a great summer and stay cool! Items shown from www.pearlriver.com. 

There are so many things we love about Modern Invitation Design! It’s a local company based here in Oklahoma that serves brides nationally. The company has a great online gallery of modern wedding invitations and the option to customize your wedding invitation to fit your style. Thanks to designer Susie Fransen, you can build the invitation of your dreams! You’ll find tons of inspiration on the graphics page where you can choose from a variety of designs and even pick the font to match your personality! You can start from scratch, pick a pre-made design you like, or alter a design to create the perfect wedding invite! In addition to wedding invitations, you can also find programs, menus and so much more — check it out!

It’s hard to believe that summer is almost over (especially since the thermostat still says 100 degrees) but fall and winter are right around the corner — time to start planning ahead! For all the brides planning cooler weather weddings, we have a treat your guests will love. Keep your guests warm and their taste buds happy with Café Evoke Catering, a locally owned specialty coffee catering company. They pride themselves on quality products and beautiful presentation. They offer Fair Trade Coffee and all natural flavors, served in eco friendly paper goods or ceramic/glass cups and saucers if you wish. Not only do their drinks taste amazing, but wait until you see how they look!  The baristas at Café Evoke are all trained to pour beautiful Latte Art that will surprise and impress. Check out all their menu options, including refreshing summer drinks like iced coffee, Italian soda, lemonade and ice tea, as well as additional photos on their Web site. Café Evoke Catering is located in Oklahoma City but is available for events across the state!

We love “Love!” The ‘09 designs from Enzoani’s “Love” collection are elegantly constructed to please both the bride and her bridesmaids. These fashionable gowns come in a variety of shapes and styles perfect for a casual daytime wedding or grand evening affair. Ranging in color from pastels, to earth tones, and even jewel shimmers, these glamorous dresses are made of elegant fabrics such as satin, taffeta and chiffon — and we love the detailing! The “Love” collection has even been sported by celebrities walking the red carpet! The beautiful bridesmaid gowns, jackets and shawls by Enzoani not only enhance the elegance of a bridal party, but will make your maids feel fashionable and chic as well! These designs can be found locally at Bella Rose Bridal in Edmond and at The Bridal Boutique in Norman. You can't go wrong with a little more "Love!"

If you’re looking for some great tunes to shake up your wedding but aren’t sure exactly what you want, we recommend checking out Box Talent Agency. They have a huge list of bands — we know you’ll find one that’s perfect for your event. Here are just a few! Dave and the Wavetones are masters of versatility! They offer arrangements to cover classic dance songs from the 60s, 70s, and 80s with their solo ensemble to incorporating a 12- or 16-piece band to play your favorite Jazz, Big Band and Swing classics. The Stars are an OKC based variety band with a repertoire including music from the 60s, 70s, 80s and today’s top 40 hits including artists like The Beatles, Prince, Nelly, The Killers and Justin Timberlake. Smilin’ Vic and the Soul Monkeys are dynamic entertainers and have performed around the world. They play rhythm and blues with a splash of soul and dance that will get you on your feet! Souled Out is a variety, dance, and show band that exudes high energy and features one of the most entertaining horn sections in the industry.  They specialize in the "Big Chill" sound and liven up the party with hits from the '50s through the '90s. The Groove Merchants are some of OKC’s finest jazz, rock and country players. This 8-piece horn band loves to cover great music. From Stevie Wonder, Chicago, to today’s top 40 hits, they perform all your favorites and will transform to meet your needs from a jazz octet, six-piece rock band, to the full-blown Groove Merchants with the 3-piece OKC Horns. Brent Van Sickle Orchestra is an acclaimed Texas based "Party Orchestra," this group is considered one of the most energetic and dynamic dance bands available. The orchestra can expand to include an 8-piece, 10-piece or 12-piece band and performs many different styles including Jazz, Classic Rock, Motown and Disco. Rock on!

We discovered an exciting new way to choose bridesmaids dresses and we couldn’t wait to share!  Designer Lynn Lugo offers a chance for you to make your fashion designing dreams come true! With the dressmaker, you create custom gowns for your bridesmaids choosing from an assortment of styles, colors and patterns. What a fun way to make the process easier and let your friends pick out the style that suits them best! Here’s how it works: Choose a basic dress design, pick the material from satin or charmeuse, mix it up with fun patterns or bright colors, and even coordinate a jacket, then watch it all come together in just a few clicks! The whole process is so quick and simple you’ll have enough time to spend the rest of the day relaxing, but if you’re like us you’ll be too inspired to start other creative projects to truly relax so, go ahead, get out the art supplies and craft the day away! Find Lynn Lugo locally at Meg Guess Couture in Oklahoma City.

We always enjoy reading about the creative wedding favors brides have crafted for their guests. The possibilities are limitless when sharing your personality with friends and family with memorable favors. We want to hear what unique wedding favor ideas you’ve incorporated into your big day whether you’re still planning or it’s already passed! Don’t forget to tell us what inspired you to choose this wedding favor and let us know if anyone helped you make it happen! Leave a comment, send us a message on Facebook or email us and share your great ideas with us! We’ll be putting our favorite favor ideas and stories on the blog at the end of the week!

Photos by Chris Humphrey Photographer (top left, bottom left),  Lynn Timmons Photographers (right) and Shannon Ho Photography (bottom middle).

While browsing the online wedding galleries of Oklahoma wedding planner Cathy Johnson, we found a wedding we had to share — only to discover we'd found the wedding of a celebrity from Oklahoma!  The bride, Daphne Bloomer, is an Oklahoma native who moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in acting. She currently plays Eugenia Williams on Days of Our Lives and has had appearances on 24 and Crossing Jordan — way to go Daphne! Back in Oklahoma for her big day, the bride desired a relaxed, comfortable feel. She and her wedding planner, Cathy Johnson, started their grand design ideas with a single green apple. From that apple, grew ideas for the fun and laid-back atmosphere Daphne had dreamed of! Her cute, three-tiered cake was a creation from Amy Cakes. We also had to share the picnic basket cake, candy buffet and tiers of cupcakes — guests definitely weren't lacking in the sweets department! Every detail made this the perfect homestead affair! This beautiful event was captured by Kevin Paul Photography.

There's no question that color plays a critical role in the wedding. So, how do you decide what colors suit you best? Time spent pairing some of your favorite color combos together can really pay off. Don't be afraid to blend colors from the same family together like the coral pink blend shown above. Anything goes and inspiration can be found anywhere! 

More about these looks: Bridesmaid dress from Moliere Bridal, cake by Amy Cakes, earrings by Meg Guess Couture Bridal and invitation by TA Designs.

What a great way to put the finishing touch on your gorgeous wedding day ensemble! We think hair accessories say a lot about a person's personality — so share your unique style on your big day! We love the collection of headpieces, silk flowers, hairpins and brooches by Toni Federici and wanted to share just a few with you! To find Toni Federici hair accessories locally, visit J.J. Kelly Bridal Salon and Moliere Bridal Salon in Oklahoma City.

After getting a sneak peak at the setup going on at Marianne's Rentals for tonight's big event --  I was inspired to do a pink and green inspiration board. This After Six, tea-length fuchsia halter dress in nu-georgette is trimmed with mint satin (this dress comes in endless color options- which is just one reason we love it!) Available at Bella Rose Bridal in Edmond.  Pair it with these fabulous 63.8 ct trillion yellow & pink Tourmaline set with 2.78 ct diamonds and the matching pink Tourmaline ring by Yvel, available at Naifeh Fine Jewelry.  Funky lime colored flowers and a simple fuchsia ribbon add a twist to the ceremony, these creations are by Oklahoma floral designer Cole Dewey of Cole Dewey Designs. Add even more fun to the reception with a custom lime fondant cake by Amy Cakes of Norman. Don't forget the groom! Head to Tuxedo Junction two-button, peak lapel with satin piping in the hottest pink!

We've been thinking about Valentine's Day all week (well...at least I have)!  Hence came this flirty pink and black inspiration board!  This black and white full-length strapless charmeuse dress is from the Dessy Collection and a definite out-of-the-ordinary style for any bridesmaid.  Find the Dessy collection locally at Bridal Classiques in Tulsa and Bella Rose in Edmond.  Pair it perfectly with hot pink pops of color incorporated into a bouquet like those shown here -- a creation of Oh So Blush!  This pink petal fondant cake is an original from Amy Cakes.  The pink, black and white invites and programs are a custom creation and were the design of choice for Oklahoma bride, Britney Chamberlain Norman featured on page 79 of the Spring/Summer 2009 issue of The Brides of Oklahoma magazine.  This diamond heart necklace is from the Simon G collection, available at B.C. Clark, and what a perfect token of love!   

Make arrangements to arrive and depart in style through King's Limousine who offers a fleet of vintage cars, limos and even charter jet services.  Ok, so maybe only a few can afford the luxury of a private jet but booking one of their classic cars or limos is well worth the investment and is certain to enhance the memories!  Whether your heart desires a 1969 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow, a 1961 Jaguar Mark IV, a classic Cadillac limousine or a Chrysler 300 super stretch limo, King's Limo has it all and will provide you with your very own professional chauffeur.  King's Limousine is your wedding transportation solution!

You want your wedding to be exquisite, personal and remembered by everybody...your flowers are very important to you as you love colors, drama, details and beauty. We thought we'd show you some fabulous bouquets from the new updated web site of The French Bouquet in Tulsa. See more here.

Ever wondered what goes into the making of a magazine?  It’s your lucky day!  The Brides of Oklahoma partnered with Von Wedding Films to follow us behind the scenes to give you an exclusive inside look at some of the photo shoots seen in the Spring/Summer 2009 issue just released on January 2.  There’s so much more behind every page – we’re so excited to finally share this footage!  Sit back, relax and enjoy the film!
 
Courtney is our amazing model living it up in California now!  We were so lucky to have her amazing talent to make for an incredible shoot.  Chris Humphrey, Oklahoma wedding photographer, captured her beauty and glamour.  The gown, make-up, jewels and clutch are from Miss Jackson’s in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  And kudos to Von Wedding Films for making a beautiful film that we can share with all of you!  Enjoy and be sure to check back often for more exclusive behind the scenes video footage.

We feel in love with this simple, sheath floor-length gown from the Occasions Collection by Jim Hjelm, available locally through Bridal Classiques in Tulsa, and built an entire inspiration board around it.  You can’t go wrong with the richness and crispness of the right shade of green and we love the idea of adding coppery accents.  This 23k gold drop tourmaline pendant necklace – a custom design of Valerie Naifeh with Naifeh Fine Jewelry – is the perfect accessory!  The lush florals are the amazing artistic creation of Rebecca Thai of Oh So Blush Flowers & Gifts in Oklahoma City.  The cake is a creation of Mishelle Handy with Mishelle Handy Cakes in Oklahoma City, and the invite is from the Elum letterpress line, available at The Inviting Place in Tulsa and No Regrets in Oklahoma City.

One of the invitation lines that we adore is Elum.  You may have seen them associated with a few of our inspiration boards.  Printed on luxurious pure cotton paper, these letterpress designs offer the ultimate in sophistication with a modern twist.  We were inspired by this particular design – perfect for a quaint, garden wedding.  The designs can be completely customized to fit your personal ink color preferences and font choices as well.  Every piece of the stationery – from invitation, to place card, to dinner menu, and even thank you notes – all coordinate beautifully!  If you love paper and exquisite design, you’ll love Elum.  The invitation line is sold at No Regrets in Oklahoma City and The Inviting Place in Tulsa.  Invite in style!

Although we’re admittedly biased, we think The [B] Galleries online is the absolute BEST online wedding resource for the Oklahoma bride!  Whether you’re looking for a wedding planner and event designer, photographer, florist, caterer, venue, or you get the point…  Find it all in The [B] Galleries from the comfort of your own home – anytime – day or night.  Browse through each vendor’s gallery to get a peek at their talent and click right through to their Web site for more information or to contact them directly.  And, while you’re looking, be sure to check out the real wedding galleries online for a little inspiration.  These are some of our favorite Oklahoma weddings and we’ll be adding more soon!