1. Real Weddings

Marci & Brian: A Rainy Wedding in Memphis, TN

After purchasing the perfect engagement ring for his girlfriend, Marci Tygesson, anticipation got the best of Brian Waller. The Bride Marci Anne Tyg

After purchasing the perfect engagement ring for his girlfriend, Marci Tygesson, anticipation got the best of Brian Waller. The Bride Marci Anne Tygesson, 24, administrator for a media company The Groom Brian Elmore Waller, 26, sales for a software company The Date April 24 He had planned to hold onto the ring for a few months, but three hours later he was all dressed up and waiting for Marci to come home from work. He said we were having dinner with his family, but I was suspicious, Marci says. He was dressed two hours before we were meeting everyone! A very shaky Brian asked her sit down and pulled out the ring.

Planning a wedding on your own can be hectic, but ironing out all the details from 2,000 miles away can be downright nerve-racking. Marci and Brian live in Scottsdale, Arizona, but wanted to marry in Memphis where Marci was born and raised. The couple handled all the details with grace, ease, and insider advice from Marci's father, who still lives in Memphis. He was a huge help, she says.
Marci's maids lit up the night in mango and azalea colored strapless dresses by Jim Hjelm.
Brian wore a two-button Tommy Hilfiger tuxedo with a white bowtie and white vest; the groomsmen wore the same style with black bowties and black vests from After Hours.
Marci choose a strapless, silk satin gown with an empire band and embroidery and beading on the midriff by Anne Barge. She found the gown at Destiny's Bride, where she now works part-time.
After the ceremony, the newlyweds and the bridal party jumped into a limousine that whisked them off to the reception. It started to rain just as we were leaving, remembers Marci. Not just a sprinkle, but an all-out torrential downpour!
Though showers threatened the wedding day, the bright orange and pinky fuchsia wedding colors helped chase away the clouds that loomed over the early evening event. But the less than perfect skies couldn't dampen Marci and Brian's joy as they exchanged vows in front of 150 guests during at traditional Catholic ceremony at the ornate Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, adorned with two white wreaths on the doors.
More showers, puddles, and a crowd of rained-out baseball fans greeted the group upon their arrival at The Plaza Club, located inside Autozone Park (home of the Memphis Redbirds baseball team). Not wanting to ruin their wedding best, the group spotted an awning that could provide brief shelter during their dash to the reception. Unfortunately, a news crew had commandeered the only dry area. One of the groomsmen hopped out of the limo and asked the crew to move because there was a bride and groom who needed the shelter, says Marci. Not only did the crew oblige, they interviewed the happy couple for the 10:00 p.m. news. We got a copy of the DVD from the news station, and it serves as our wedding video! Marci says, laughing.