Nicole & James in Oregon City, OR

As they started to plan their fall wedding, Nicole and James didn’t have a theme in mind. They did, however, know one thing: It couldn’t be too matchy-matchy. The plan was to use various shades of their main colors -- gold, blush, and plum -- instead of a strict color pattern and to pick up details, like crystals and gold swirls, in various details. The Bride Nicole Brener-Schmitz, 26, political director The Groom James Ward, 32, policy associate The Date October 10 Though they didn’t have a coordinator, the couple worked with several vendors to achieve their desired look. “With today’s technology, planning is made easier,” Nicole says. After countless hours of research, the couple had achieved a romantic, unstuffy look they loved.