1. Real Weddings

Bridgett & Darren: A Formal Black-and-White Wedding in Westbrook, CT

Bridgett and Darren were flirty friends as teenagers. During college, Darren invited Bridgett on a hiking trip where he tried to impress her—he fell d

Bridgett and Darren were flirty friends as teenagers. During college, Darren invited Bridgett on a hiking trip where he tried to impress her—he fell down a hill instead. The two became closer after that anyway, eventually moving in together. The Bride Bridgett Sutherland, 29, insurance underwriter The Groom Darren Reeves, 30, information technologies manager The Date June 7 On New Year's Eve two-and-a-half years later, the couple went ice-skating in Rockefeller Center. Darren had arranged for the ice to be cleared of skaters so he could propose to Bridgett in the middle of the rink. There were hundreds of people cheering, and Darren was so nervous, he almost forgot to give me the ring! says Bridgett. A year-and-a-half later, Darren's British family traveled for the couple's Connecticut wedding

While the guys stayed consistent in pinstriped tuxedos, the girls were all a little different from each other in champagne or black cocktail dresses. The matron of honor stood out in a floor-length gown.
Strands of orchids and crystals hanging from manzanita branches highlighted the seating assignments. On the table, more orchids and crystals dressed up the simple, tented cards.
Like Bridgett's bouquet, Darren's boutonniere had a calla lily in it. For some extra color, evergreen leaves framed the bloom.
The couple chose an acoustic version of Gavin DeGraw's Follow Through for their first dance.
Black satin ribbons and a simple cover kept the card stock programs sophisticated.
Echoing the romantic feel of Bridgett's bouquet, each bridesmaid carried a slightly different mix of blooms in blushes and creams.
To inject a little fun into the ballroom, the lighting colors changed throughout the night. On the tables, centerpieces in different shapes and heights had blooms like hydrangeas, roses and orchids with dripping crystals for extra shimmer.
Curly willow branches and orchid sprays were modern alternatives to more traditional, structured arch decorations.
Matching the monogram on the programs, a simple chocolate R topped the buttercream-frosted cake. A contemporary floral design decorated the tiers.