I Do Y'all Winter 2023

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BY US, Inspired

Let us bring your special day to life at the Courtyard Marriott Gulfport Beachfront. Our experts will go above & beyond to make your vision & your dream come true for an unforgettable happily ever after!

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Publisher’s Trend Report

What an amazing year 2022 was for weddings! After the previous years of scaled-back events and record-breaking elopements, this year’s couples brought back large gatherings with tons of details and full-scale glam!

We are so excited to share some of the new trends we are expecting in 2023. We are anticipating even more elegance, more glam, and more over-the-top events. There are a lot of projections out there for the new year, but here are just a few of our favorites. We can’t wait to see what trends you’ll embrace and what new ones you’ll create!

COLOR

Viva Magenta may be the Pantone color of the year, but couples have been scouring Pinterest for wedding details in palettes of terracotta, copper, rust, and burnt orange. These colors have been the most searched for hues this season, so expect to see lots of coppery tones in linens, florals and wedding party attire in 2023.

For those obsessed with the idea of a burnt orange palette, we’ve included a Scottish Highlands styled shoot in this issue that embraces these autumnal tones. The shoot’s creative team borrowed heavily from the popular television show Outlander for their design, and while a themed wedding may not be your style, there are some steal-worthy details you can snag for your own event.

DRAMATIC CEILINGS

We did say we are expecting 2023 events to be over-the-top, didn’t we? While draped walls with dramatic lighting will stick around, (What says drama more than swooping drape?) 2023 couples won’t stop with adorning walls. Multiple floral and lighting installations will take this year’s events to another level. Don’t just add one chandelier - add five, or more! Add a ceiling full of twinkle lights to resemble the night sky or combine dramatic lighting with hanging florals for an ultra-glam experience.

MAXIMALISM

There’s nothing wrong with sweet and simple, but sometimes more is more. More florals, more details, large, elaborate centerpieces, and swooping floral arches will create opulent looks in this year’s events. We’re also expecting more ballgowns and lots of embellished dresses with large bows, florals, and billowing sleeves on this year’s fashions. Don’t be surprised to see color on wedding gowns as well in shades of icy blue and pink.

No matter what trends you embrace, do what makes you happy. We love when couples think out of the box. Make yours a themed wedding based on your personal fandom. Have an intimate affair with tons of personal details, or go high glam and add all the dramatic elements you want. If there is ever a time to be EXTRA it is your wedding day!

Happy Planning!

Cultivating Memories

engagements

DOES THIS RING MAKE ME LOOK ENGAGED?

Chandler Smith & Ben Miller Fairhope, AL PHOTOGRAPHER

Kristen Marcus Photography

Carreiro & Andrew hardison Asheville, NC PHOTOGRAPHER

Leslie

Jessica Merithew Photography

Linsey

& Morgan Reese Memphis, TN

Mary Medley

Natasha White-Alonso & Katarina Kristensen Biloxi, MS PHOTOGRAPHER JL Photos

photography

real weddings

LOVE, LAUGHTER, & HAPPILY EVER AFTER

Unplugged Weddings

The what and why of going unplugged

In our technology-crazed world, it’s become a habit to check our phones every few minutes, to post a constant stream of status updates to TikTok and Facebook, and to document any and everything on Instagram. At an unplugged wedding, the couple kindly asks that everyone in attendance turn off cell phones, cameras, and other digital distractions during the ceremony and/or reception.

Be Fully Present

In the midst of all this online connectedness, we’re viewing the world through our phone screens and missing out on true human connections. Brides and grooms want to have face-to-face connections with their guests — especially during the ceremony — instead of staring out into a sea of electronics. If guests are experiencing your big day from behind a screen, are they truly experiencing it? Your wedding is comprised of some of the most important moments of your life; making it unplugged encourages guests to live in the moment with you.

Social Media Spoilers

Imagine: You haven’t seen the groom all day. You can’t wait for that “first look.” While you’re getting ready, the Maid of Honor snaps a photo of you in your dress and veil. She has a few minutes of down time, so she posts the photo on Instagram. The groom, also with a few minutes to spare and out of habit, checks for Instagram updates and the first look is spoiled. A first look via social media isn’t exactly the stuff of dreams! Brides and grooms are avoiding such spoilers altogether by declaring their wedding “unplugged.”

Leave It to the Professionals

There are few things that annoy a professional photographer more than an amateur trying to do their job. Uncles who jump in the aisle and cousins waving their phones in the air, at best, are an eyesore in your professional photos and can completely ruin once-in-a-lifetime moments. Imagine your “kiss the bride” moment blocked by an uncle who stepped into the aisle to snap a photo. The professional photographer didn’t see it coming and his hands are tied. Nothing can bring that moment back — it’s lost to a grainy photo on Uncle Al’s smart phone.

There are so many ways to make sure your wedding is unplugged without hurting the feelings of your friends and relatives. You can purchase adorable signage like this one from Amazon or have one custom created at Etsy or by an artistic friend. Add an unplugged message to your schedule of events placed in ceremony chairs, and have your officiant make an announcement before the ceremony begins. If you’re really worried about that one relentless relative who always has to take non-stop photos, nominate a friend or relative as the “Unplugged Police.” It’s their job to make sure that overzealous guest keeps their phone in their pocket.

Bridal Boudoir...for two

Hebert Photography

Bridal boudoir is back – not that it ever really went away – but more and more brides are opting for boudoir sessions than ever before.

The appeal of boudoir photography is obvious. Today’s boudoir photographers are skilled artists who make women feel beautiful, sensual, and empowered in their sessions.

While brides have traditionally scheduled these sessions as surprise gifts for their husbands, we are seeing more couples participating in a boudoir session together, some adding, or even substituting, boudoir to their engagement sessions.

Couple boudoir photos can capture a couple’s personality, moving from sweet and romantic to fun and playful to steamy – all within a few frames. With results like these, how could we not recommend adding bridal boudoir for two to your wedding “To Do” list?

DK

Destination Planning Timeline

Resort destination weddings can be a great way to have a unique wedding experience without all the stress of planning a large, local event. Once of the benefits of destination weddings is that most resorts have on-site wedding coordinators to help with the details. There are some things that you will still need to handle to make sure you have a smooth running event.

12 MONTHS BEFORE • choose date & venue • contact venue’s on-site wedding planner • research airfare & room rates • review legal marriage requirements

9 MO NTHS BEFORE • visit resort • tour venue & guest rooms • ask about group discounts • send out save-the-dates & hotel info • update passports if necessary

6 MONTHS BEFORE • reserve block of rooms • book travel • purchase travel & wedding insurance • confirm cake, flowers, menu, & decor

3 MONTHS BEFORE • send formal invitations • create wedding day itinerary

1 MONTH BEFORE • discuss final details with wedding planner • release extra rooms from room blocks • have programs printed, ship favors, etc. to resort

2 WEEKS BEFORE • make sure you have proper documents to obtain marriage license • collect all necessary documents paperwork

1 WEEK BEFORE • share itinerary and contact info with wedding party and guests • final check with wedding planner SASs Photography

LAUREN DAVIS PIERCE PETIT

WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND A wedding show

Planning a wedding is exciting, and you can get so many ideas from blogs, magazines, social media and even real weddings you attend. But one of the most valuable resources can be attending a wedding show where you can start relationships with multiple wedding professionals at one time. From beauty to backdrops, these pros make it their business – literally – to make your wedding your best day ever.

While it can be so convenient to research wedding professionals by scrolling through Instagram or Pinterest, what you see on a beautifully designed website or a vendor’s frequently updated social media account does not necessarily mean a wedding vendor is a good fit. Before you put down a non-refundable deposit, we recommend that you meet them first.

Talking with wedding professionals face-to-face allows you to make that all important personal connection where you can directly communicate your visions for your big day. While you won’t

have time for a full consult at a show, you can learn more about how your potential vendor conducts business, and see examples of their work up close. Wedding shows give you the opportunity to “interview” potential vendors. You can cross off those you don’t think are a good fit and begin those next steps with the ones you love.

A lot of wedding show exhibitors will offer showonly specials or discounts that can save you money. Large shows usually have tons of free gifts and giveaways, while boutique shows have smaller events full of carefully cultivated, toptier vendors.

Wedding planning is serious business, but wedding shows are lots of fun. From runway fashion shows, free champagne, gifts, and prizes, to great food and wedding cake tastings, wedding shows are the perfect place to start your planning, find those last minute details or just celebrate being engaged and in love!

THE FIRST impression

THE PERFECT INVITATION

When your guests receive their wedding invitation, they will immediately form an impression of the ceremony to come. That is why selecting the invitation - the paper, the style, the wording - is an important first step in your wedding plans.

Experienced stationers are your best guide, and their advice is available at no charge when you purchase your invitations in their store. Not only do stationers offer assistance on the invitations, but they can also provide helpful hints on when to order and mail them while also determining proper postage budgeting and a myriad of other details.

Take time to select your invitations and put thought into the decision. Feel the paper samples. What impression do they give? Understated elegance? Fun? Whimsical? Romantic?

Your stationer will know the etiquette for proper wording, including unusual situations such as divorced parents, second marriages, professional titles, religious customs, and so on. Envelopes should be hand addressed in black or charcoal gray ink. You may also choose professional hand calligraphy or an automated calligraphy machine for the envelopes.

To determine how many invitations to order, count each couple and single guest, each attendant, parents, family and clergy. Order extra invitations to handle surprises and extra envelopes for addressing mistakes. Be certain to pre-stamp reply cards, weigh the complete invitation to ensure correct postage and remember to select attractive stamps.

MbM Photography

ALI

Getting There in Style

The moments between the ceremony & reception are exciting ones too, and it’s only fitting to be whisked off in style with your loved ones.

FIRST HOW MANY?

First decide how many people you’ll be moving. Do you want just the bride and groom in a vehicle, or is the entire wedding party heading to the reception together? What about their spouses or dates? Once you make those decisions, you can start searching around for transport based on size.

LIMOS

If there is a day to splurge on this iconic luxury vehicle, your wedding day is it. Unlike some other forms of transport, a limo can be booked for an entire day, and most companies have a one or two hour minimum. If you want a car for both going and leaving the ceremony, it might be more affordable to hire two separate cars rather than pay for the vehicle to sit during a long reception. A formal limousine seats four, but to include the wedding party opt for a stretch limo for six to 10.

CATCH THE COACH

For larger parties, a party bus or luxury coach is a great way to travel. Offering all the amenities of a luxury limousine, these elaborate options have room to spare. For even larger groups, a passenger coach or party bus can seat 21 to 49 people. For a small wedding, this is a fun way

to get all the guests in on the party right away. Like limousine services, passenger and luxury coach companies require a minimum number of hours.

TAKING THE TROLLEY

A fun and picturesque alternative to a limo or passenger coach is a trolley. They’ll generally accommodate between 20 and 35 people, so they’re great for larger parties or adding on some family members. With this antique look and old world charm, they’ll lend a lovely, elegant touch to this wedding day detail. Since most have outdoor decks, these are especially fun in small towns or neighborhood weddings so you can take a peek outside and watch onlookers wave at the newlyweds.

UNIQUE ALTERNATIVES

A horse-drawn carriage is a romantic, vintage option, and like vintage cars, are also great photo ops. As with other details in the wedding, make sure your transportation reflects your personality. Does the groom ride a motorcycle? Ride off together on your own bike. Do you share a love of mountain biking? Don’t be afraid to wheel over on a tandem together. Personality is what makes weddings memorable.

Aislinn Kate Weddings

attendants’ RESPONSIBILITIES

MAID OF HONOR BEST MAN

Assist bride in setting a date to have bridesmaids’ dresses fitted and coordinate other bridesmaids to ensure they get to the proper location on time.

Attend all pre-wedding parties and host a bridal shower with other bridesmaids, preferably one in keeping with the bride’s own taste.

Arrange the bride’s veil and train before the grand walk down the aisle.

Hold the bride’s bouquet during wedding ceremony.

Hold the groom’s ring during the wedding ceremony.

Stand next to the groom in the receiving line and sit to his left at the head table.

Sign the marriage license as a witness, if the bride asks.

May dance with the best man during the first dance.

Help the bride bustle her train, remove her headpiece and change into going away outfit.

Attend to the bride throughout the day, running errands and tying up loose ends, calming nerves and otherwise ensuring the success of the wedding celebration.

May assume responsibility for transporting the bride’s gown home or to the cleaners.

May assist the best man with transporting gifts to the bride and groom’s home.

Assist groom with wedding details such as accommodations for out-of-town groomsmen and ushers.

See that the groom is properly attired and at the ceremony site on time. Tie bow ties, provide drinks, if applicable and otherwise support the to-be-wed.

Give the minister a sealed envelope with payment (from the groom) immediately following the ceremony.

Sign the marriage license as a witness, if the groom asks.

Hold the bride’s ring during the wedding ceremony.

Sits to the bride’s right at the reception, providing charming conversation throughout.

May dance with the maid/matron of honor during the first dance.

Propose the first toast to the newlyweds at the reception.

Hold luggage under lock and key until the bride and groom depart.

Escort the bride and groom to their limousine or drive them to the hotel.

Return all formalwear rentals on time, and to the correct formalwear shop.

Assist maid of honor in transporting gifts to the bride and groom’s home.

Xistence Photography

5 Things To Do After You Get Engaged

Create Your Vision

What’s your wedding style?

This is the fun part where you get to look at some awesome wedding magazines, search Pinterest for inspiration, and browse real weddings on wedding blogs. This is when you start the brainstorming process – don’t feel like you need to make any major decisions at this point. It’s more to gather thoughts around the look of your wedding.

Think About Hiring a Wedding Planner

You’re Engaged, Now What?. From #ringselfies to wedding venues, we covered most topics you’ll want to start thinking about after you get engaged.

by Alyssa DiCicco

Celebrate Your Engagement

Enjoy the moment! Tell your engagement story! Make those #ringselfie posts. Then, take a deep breath and take it all in. Don’t feel like you need to have all the answers friends + family members are going to ask you. Relax and enjoy this time with your fiancè – pour some champagne and celebrate the moment!

Think About the Time of the Year You Want to Get Married

The first question people ask you is “What’s the date?”. Don’t feel like you need to have an exact answer. However start thinking about what time of year you’d like to get married. Maybe you’ve always dreamed of that spring wedding with blooming flowers, or maybe the fall leaves and crisp autumn air are more your style. Once you nail down the season, then you can start focusing on an actual date.

This is the point where you’ll want to hire some help for planning your wedding. Think about it – you won’t want your mom or sisters running around trying to put out any fires that may occur on your wedding day. Leave the logistics and behind the scenes part of your day to a professional. Plus, wedding planners can help you stick to your budget and shop for the best wedding professionals to fit your budget.

Look at Venues

Your wedding planner can help you find venues that fit within your budget and also within your style (think back to steps 3 + 4!). There are so many different styles of wedding venues to choose from! Do you want to get married downtown? Or maybe you like the countryside and a barn might be the best choice for you! Think about these things and start scheduling venue tours.

Samantha Jean Becker

The Best Wedding Exit Ideas

Sparklers, Pom Poms, + More!

by Alyssa DiCicco

Exciting times call for exciting wedding photos, which is why I’m rounding up some of my favorite wedding exit ideas for some pretty creative wedding exits!

Sparklers

As one of the most common wedding exit ideas, a sparkler tunnel is a beautiful choice! Plus, it makes for some incredible photos! Remember, the longer the sparkler, the better. Depending on how much wait time you are allowing or how far away your getaway car is, don’t let the spark run out on your guests’ sparklers. And check with your venue to make sure they allow a sparkler exit before you make any plans.

Confetti or Rice

Purchasing some biodegradable confetti or rice is SUCH a fun option for your wedding exit! Walking through a veil of confetti is a great way to end the best day of your life. Rice is very traditional and would work so well for any wedding that vintage and classic. Again, be sure to check with your venue on their clean up policies – it may cost you a bit more to have a confetti exit.

Glow Sticks

Glow sticks can be a fun novelty at your wedding. Breaking them out (literally!) on the dance floor at the end of the night will also make for some memorable photos! And keeping them going for your wedding exit gives off a modern night clubby vibe at the end of your special day. Tip: buy glow sticks that are within your color scheme for your wedding (make it all come full circle!).

Pom Poms and Ribbons

From metallic tinsel pom poms to elegant ribbons, this trend is alive and well for brides thinking of wedding exit ideas. This is one of my new favorite wedding trends and I’m hoping to see more of it this coming year! With pom poms, you can literally create your own cheer squad as you leave your wedding and enter into marital bliss!

Haleigh Kirkland Photo

THE BRIDE AND GROOM INFORMATION | Please include the bride’s maiden name. Write names how you would like them to appear in your featured wedding.

PHOTO SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

By providing this information, you give Premier Publishing, Inc. the right to edit and use this information and photographs for photography feature, Cover (if selected), and other materials and media related to Premier Publishing, Inc. You may submit photos electronically, 300 dpi via gallery link at submit@idoyall.com. Pictures may be horizontal or vertical. Note: Premier Publishing, Inc. has the right to crop and edit photos to fit editorial and other said materials above and below.

Completion of this form and a Dropbox folder of photos OR a gallery link to photos with download permissions is required for submission to be considered. Please note, any submitted real wedding is subject to our submission and review process and there is no guarantee of publication in magazine or feature on blog. We must have the completed form with subject signature in order to review real weddings. Please note, completion of the form is in no way a guarantee of publication or feature. Only submissions accepted for print will be notified.