1. Real Weddings

A Tented Wedding in Bethesda, MD

Cindy first met Ben through one of his ex-girlfriends. Knowing that Ben had horrendous eating habits and that I was a health coach, she thought I migh

Cindy first met Ben through one of his ex-girlfriends. Knowing that Ben had horrendous eating habits and that I was a health coach, she thought I might be able to help him. At least that's what she told Cindy. She told Ben, 'I met a nice Jewish girl,' says Cindy. The two agreed to meet for drinks to talk about Ben's diet, but ended up talking about everything but food. The Bride Cindy Klein, 30, a health coach The Groom Benjamin (Ben) Mann, 29, a real estate analyst The Date May 31 They continued to date for more than a year and had just bought a home together when Ben popped the question on a Saturday morning during breakfast. I was so shocked that I could not speak -- just squeak, she says.

Gold Bridal Shoes
The bride chose the color of the bridesmaid dresses (tea rose) and left the styles up to the ladies. Cindy’s sister, the maid of honor, complemented the look with an eggplant-colored halter dress. The guys wore navy suits with pink-and-blue ties.
For lots of color and a funky feel, the couple turned to a local Paper Source store for inspiration. They styled their wedding around a deep-purple Indian-print paper with a pink and orange floral motif and gold highlights.
Fragrant peonies and roses cradled a chalkboard welcoming guests to Cindy and Ben’s backyard wedding.
“I love peonies,” says the bride. She carried a gorgeous bouquet of fuchsia and pale pink peonies.
Cindy and Ben stood beneath a flower-trimmed huppah overlooking the backyard. Guests looked on, sheltered by a tent decorated in green, purple, and orange lanterns.
Cindy made the programs herself, printing them onto 5x7 cards and then punching holes in the corners to connect the pages with metal rings.
Apple-green paper fans, placed on each chair, helped guests stay cool during the ceremony.
Purple allium hovered above full beds of peonies and roses, giving the centerpieces a contemporary feel. Each design was set in a clear vase filled with shiny orange stones.
Orange linens with darker orange behind arrangements of full, pink peonies, orchids, and garden roses gave each table a contrasting shot of color.
The bride and groom celebrated their love for yoga by naming each table after a pose and coordinating them with brightly colored escort cards, featuring the different poses.
The bride and groom gave out personalized matchbooks in their wedding colors, with phrases like, “Perfect match” and “Come on baby, light my fire.”