Shay and Aramis' Wedding

Shay and Aramis were married last September in front of their family and closest friends. The couple kept things traditional and didn't see each other before the ceremony but gave each other love notes to open before getting dressed. They had Aramis' son, Christian, deliver the letters and it was adorable. We absolutely LOVE that a lot of couple's have been doing this- it's a great way to start your big day and not to mention, a great photo op! Aramis and his groomsmen looked handsome and dapper in their classic black tuxes, and the bridesmaids looked gorgeous in long blush pink chiffon gowns. Shay chose to wear two gowns. Her first gown for the ceremony and first part of the reception was a stunning off white ballgown complete with a rhinestone belt! Shay wore her hair down for a more casual look and finished it off with a simple style long veil. You could see the excitement and happiness in the couple's faces as Shay walked down the aisle to meet Aramis. Their Catholic ceremony was filled with personal touches! After they kissed and recessed down the aisle, the couple and their bridal party went to Gibraltar Gardens for photos before heading over to the reception for cocktail hour. The reception tent was decorated to match the neutral color scheme of the wedding. Lots of lush centerpieces filled with cream and ivory flowers were placed on the tables and the florist also hung string lights from the ceiling to add some warmth to the tent. The most romantic point of the day was when the couple shared their first dance to Adele's "One and Only", there wasn't a dry eye in the house! After dinner, this dancing crowd hit the dance floor to the music spun by Matt from Synergetic. The couple requested a lot of Spanish songs and the guests loved it! They cut their cake and then Shay went to change into her second gown. It was a bohemian styled dress with an open back and she wore a headband to complete the look! The couple danced the night away before heading back to the hotel for an after party.

Congratulations Shay and Aramis!

Ceremony: St. Anthony's Catholic Church

Reception: Greenville Country Club

Photography: M2 Photography

Videography: Blossom Productions

Entertainment: Synergetic Sound and Lighting

Florist: Flowers by Yukie 

Cake: Crown Jewel Cakes

Hair and Makeup: Michael Christopher Salon 

Coordinators: Amanda, Stephanie, and Nicole

Reception Dresses

So now that you have found the perfect dress...how about another one?

Have you ever considered having a reception dress?

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Many brides today choose to have two dresses, one for the ceremony and formalities and one for the reception festivities. There are many reasons this could interest you and make your day more unique and enjoyable.

Traditionally, brides have worn one gown for both the ceremony and the reception, however more and more brides are opting for a second dress to saunter around their reception in. 

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Reception dresses are usually short and lighter than the ceremony dress. This is also a reason to consider a reception dress. If your dress is heavy or has a very long train, changing into a second dress may allow you more freedom to move around the rest of the night. 

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Having a reception dress also adds a unique element to your wedding since many brides choose to stick to one dress, this gives guests another detail to remember about your night! This is also an opportunity to add a pop of color if you want. 

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Reception dresses don't have to be short either, maybe you just wanted a lighter, fun, or simply a different style for the reception.

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Or maybe you just fell in love with two dresses! If it fits in your budget, incorporate that second dress as the reception dress. 

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Or you can simply change into it at the end of the reception and be prepared for the after party! Feel free to add some bling!

Many girls may dream of that one dress you will have all of your wedding memories in, but if you want to spread the memories into a second fashion element, a reception dress is a great way to add a unique touch to your wedding and allow you a more carefree ensemble to dance the night away in. 

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Carrie Underwood did!

-Gina