Real Wedding: Megan and Tyler's First Look and Portraits

Welcome to Megan and Tyler's Wedding Week! We were so honored to be part of this wonderful couple's big day. You might remember their beyond adorable engagement photos (and gorgeous ring shots!). They are so obviously  in love and looking forward to spending their lives together you can't help but smile just looking at them. We are still obsessed with Megan's incredible bridal gown and hair and make-up from A Valeria Boss Salon. I mean she's one hottt P.E. coach!! Have fun looking at their first look and portraits from Jennifer Campbell Photography!

What one portrait would you choose to put above your mantle?

Any of them… The one I have on canvas right now is the picture where he is kissing me and I’m looking down and also the one where he is dipping me in the field.

If you could change one thing about your wedding day, what would it be?

Tyler and I probably would have made sure we ate food. We had already told ourselves that we were not going to get caught talking before we had a chance to eat, but we did. We should’ve made ourselves go sit down and eat. It is hard when so many people keep coming up to you and you feel bad just leaving them. Needless to say, we did get free Wendy’s at the drive thru later. haha

What was your favorite photo location, and why did you choose it?

We had most of our photos taken at Fellows Lake. We loved this location because it was shady and pretty, and on top of that, it was the most perfect weather we had had in at least 2 months. There weren’t other people around either because it isn’t an extremely popular lake. We also got very fortunate that it was around 70 degrees and no wind. I also loved that it was less than a mile from where my house was, which was where everyone was getting ready. That made it very convenient and not a hassle for people.

Photography: Jennifer Campbell

Wedding Planning and Design: Abby Mitchell Events

Venue: Springhill Baptist Church

DJ: Travel Tunes

Bridal Gown: Norman's Bridal

Bridesmaid Dresses: Target Bridesmaids

Florist: Orchard Hills

Tent Rental: Tents by Design

Chair/Linen Rental: Eventful Rental

Hair/Makeup - A Valeria Boss Salon

Budget Breakdown: Bridesmaid Dresses

Alright ladies, it’s time to talk about bridesmaid dresses! The great thing about bridesmaid dresses is that they have evolved throughout the years into being a dress that you actually DO like wearing. However, it can get tricky when it comes to the budget. Bridesmaid dresses come in all shapes and sizes, and also all sorts of prices. Obviously many things can raise the cost of a dress like the material, construction difficulty, and even the brand. We have chosen three popular styles, and listed an appropriate dress in three different price points, ranging from around $75 and under to $200. We want you to find the best dress with the best price, so let's get started!

The blush chiffon floor length gown:
Flowy, romantic, and right on trend.

Under $75

This is a "Satin Strapless Maxi" bridesmaid dress found at Target online. It is priced at $55 and comes in a variety of colors. Target carries quite a few options for bridesmaid dresses and are all very reasonably priced.

$100-$150

This "Long Strapless Chiffon Dress" with pleated bodice is found at David’s Bridal. This dress is priced at $149. Chiffon is sheer and lightweight and it is an ideal choice for an outdoor wedding. Chiffon is a very popular bridesmaid fabric!

$200+

This is a "Rosette Chiffon Blouson Dress" by Adrianna Papell which can be found at Nordstroms for $185.  It has a decadently ruffled rosettes across one shoulder with a scooped back.


The Emerald Green Statement Dress:
Bold, fashion forward, and looks great on any skin tone. 

Under $75

This is a Scarlett Lace-Sleeve Mock-Wrap Dress that can be found at JCPenney’s for only $40.  The nice touch to this dress is the peek-a-boo back and the lovely lace sleeves.

$100-$150

This dress was found on The Dessy Group website, but it can also be ordered at Ella Weiss Wedding Design here in town.  The dress price range is around $134.  This satin sleeveless dress has a nice surprise in the back with the cute bow on the lower back.

$200

This is a dress by Alfred Sung, and it can be found on Weddingtonway.com, a very popular bridesmaid dress website.  It has the lovely sweetheart neckline and the material is Peau de Soie, a heavyweight satin mainly used on high-end gowns. The cost ranges around $150. It is similar to the last dress in looks, but the material makes the major difference!

The Mint Green, Unique Neckline:
From one shoulder to a strappy finish, the color and cut are huge right now!

Under $75

Another color that Target carries is mint, a very popular color for the upcoming 2014 wedding season.  This is a "Women’s Halter Neck Chiffon Dress" and it goes for $69.99.  The material is Chiffon with a polyester lining, and it is available in other colors as well.

$100-$150

The next dress can be found at David’s Bridal, and it comes in a variety of colors as well.  This fresh and flattering dress is made from chiffon and it has beaded straps all for the price of $149. We love the tie at the waist - so flattering! 

$200

Lastly we have another dress from Nordstrom's.  The "Embellished Neck Layered Chiffon Fit & Flare" dress by Eliza J is priced at $198.  The beautiful beaded neckline is is a nice eye catcher and the layers really help it flow. Can't you just see it paired with a bright and beautiful bouquet?!

I hope this post has made you aware of the fact that bridesmaid dresses shouldn't put a damper to your budget or your style. You can find a gown at a discounted price, just be willing to search a little. As a side note, keep in mind if you are ordering online, there is a good chance you might need to add alterations to the budget. I hope this post has enlightened you about the fact that there are affordable bridesmaid dresses for every budget!

-Rochelle ;)