1. Real Weddings

Mary Lindsey & Chris: A Casual Celebration in Raleigh, NC

On Chris Blanton and Mary Lindsey Miller's first dinner date, a huge fireworks display coincidentally erupted over them at the end of the night. THE

On Chris Blanton and Mary Lindsey Miller's first dinner date, a huge fireworks display coincidentally erupted over them at the end of the night. THE BRIDE Mary Lindsey Miller, 22, nonprofit project coordinator THE GROOM Chris Blanton, 23, student minister THE DATE April 17 On the second date, Chris took Mary Lindsey flying in a small plane over Lynchburg, Virginia (where they went to college). He didn't know it, but he was literally sweeping me off my feet! she says. Only 10 months later, Chris set off another explosion with a proposal straight from the heart.

Vibrant colors made their way to the four-tier cheesecake with white buttercream icing, which was wrapped with the same plaid ribbon as the bridesmaid bouquets. The couple's monogram was emblazoned in sugar icing on the front of the cake.
Mary Lindsey's duchesse satin Amsale ball gown was encrusted with silver beads and crystals. She also wore a chapel-length train for the ceremony.
The Location
Mary Lindsey's pink and green bouquet featured hydrangeas, tulips, roses, lilacs, and peonies.
Just like the bride, eight maids strutted down the aisle also sans shoes carrying pink tulips and roses wrapped with pink-and-yellow plaid ribbon. After the barefoot aisle jaunt, everyone donned beaded flip-flops from Target for the reception.
Round bowls and tall fluted vases were filled with green apples and flowers spilling in beautiful pinks and greens over the tops.
Yellow linens covered the tables under the clear-top tent lined with tiny white lights, which allowed for prime sunset viewing.
The devout Christian duo planned a spiritual celebration with a stylish twist. Upon entering the huge ceremony tent set on the bride's front lawn, guests received a beautiful ecru program with a pink stripe that carried the couple's monogram -- soon to be seen throughout all the tiny details, from the menus to the matchbooks. Each chair had a tissue packet with their monogram and the words For Your Tears of Joy. Mary Lindsey and Chris gathered inspiration for their vows from other weddings, and included a special commitment to each other and their future family.
The eight maids wore strapless corset, two-piece dresses of pink natural silk by Watters and Watters.