1. Real Weddings

Emma & Eric: A Formal Wedding in Pella, IA

After dating throughout college, Emma left her last class excited about that day's Tulip Time -- a flower festival held each year. Eric and I had been

After dating throughout college, Emma left her last class excited about that day's Tulip Time -- a flower festival held each year. Eric and I had been planning on going mushroom hunting for a long time, and Eric informed me that's what we'd be doing the rest of the day until the Tulip Time parade began, says Emma. Eric led Emma down to a stream in the woods on some land owned by his family. When Emma pointed out a tree across the stream that might be good for finding mushrooms, the two began making their way across on stones. But midway through, Eric got down on one knee, professed his love, and asked Emma to marry him. The Bride Emma Livingston, 23, physical therapy receptionist The Groom Eric Van Wyngarden, 24, investment advisor and high school baseball coach The Date June 25 Emma and Eric chose minimal decor, but the hydrangea bouquets, invitation ink, groomsmen's vests, wedding cake icing, and tulle centerpieces were all in periwinkle to match the bridesmaid dresses. I wanted the attention to be on the vows Eric and I were taking, not on decorations, says Emma.

Emma had always wanted a large church wedding with a long aisle to walk down so I could enjoy it! She and Eric exchanged traditional vows beneath a simple arch that was decorated with a few flowers. The event was filled with meaningful music: Emma's pastor sang Be Thou My Vision and one of Eric's friends sang Third Day's Love Song. After the pastor's challenge, the entire church burst into a song chosen from the hymnal: Take My Life. It was pretty traditional, but it was just what we wanted! says Emma.
Emma walked down the aisle in full fairy-tale bride regalia. Her ivory spaghetti-strap Oleg Cassini gown featured a beaded bodice, ball gown bottom, and a short train. It looked like Cinderella's dress -- except prettier! gushes Emma. She also wore an ivory waist-length veil with pearls and pearl jewelry from her grandmother.
In a unique transportation choice for taking the couple and their bridal party from ceremony to reception, Eric's Uncle Larry loaned his tractor. The tractor pulled a hay rack that all the other aunts and uncles decorated with a flower arch, saddle (for equestrienne Emma), and baseball bat and glove (a tribute to Eric's second love).
The 200-plus guests chose from three sheet cakes -- one white, one chocolate, and one strawberry -- and a three-tier strawberry shortcake confection topped by a Circle of Love figurine.