1. Real Weddings

Alison & Kevin: A Fall Wedding in Bridgeville, PA

Though Alison Carter and Kevin McGowan knew each other in high school, neither made a lasting impression on the other. That is, until the hometown hon

Though Alison Carter and Kevin McGowan knew each other in high school, neither made a lasting impression on the other. That is, until the hometown honeys reconnected at a party years later -- and they've been inseparable since. THE BRIDE Alison Carter, 25, bid coordinator THE GROOM Kevin McGowan, 26, outside claims adjuster THE DATE October 4 After five years of dating, Kevin surprised a sleepy Alison with a proposal on a typical Saturday morning in late December. Like most brides who have already envisioned the perfect wedding, Alison immediately began planning: I knew I wanted a fall wedding, October was only 10 months away, and I didn't want to wait two years! Alison pulled it off with ease. Ivory with rust and gold accents infused the autumn-inspired wedding, capturing the essence of the season.

The groomsmen wore classic black tuxedos by Ralph Lauren with black ties and ivory dress shirts. Kevin wore a similar tuxedo, but with a silver vest and tie.
Each of the four tiers of the ivory wedding cake boasted a different design and flavor.
Alison carefully conceived romantic mood lighting for the reception as well. I think that candlelight is so romantic, she says, and I didn't want to lose that feeling once we moved to the reception. Flickering votives and fall-theme topiary centerpieces in gold-painted pots (created by the mother of the bride and the maid of honor) topped each table named after anything that had to do with love and marriage. Alison was insistent on refining the look of the ivory satin chair covers with a bronze organza ribbon. Chair covers are a must! she says. They made our room look like a fairy-tale. I hand-tied all 300 to make sure that they were perfect.
Alison walked down the aisle in a light gold, strapless Demetrios gown and carried a bursting bouquet of ivory roses with rust-color tips and accented with crystals. Just one month before the wedding, the bride nabbed her light gold two-tier veil and her favorite accessory -- her shoes. They were only $20 and are still the most favorite shoes I have ever worn, says Alison. The color match was perfect. When I first bought the dress, my mother was devastated that it wasn't white, says Alison. But I knew it was the first step in setting the tone for our fall theme.
The Bridesmaid Bouquets
The Gown
The Programs
The First Dance