HAVE IT YOUR WAY.

i ain't talkin' about a burger king whopper, friends.

miss pickles press was part of a small bridal show yesterday (which, i have to say, we never do bridal shows because it's really just not our thing, but we made an exception for this one) and my powers of super-duper observation kicked in. as i watched the brides mill around the floor, being romanced by vendor after vendor, i couldn't help but think some of the ladies were more excited about the wedding itself than the fact that they were getting married.

technically, because i am considered to be in the wedding industry, this might fly in the face of that association, but i am constantly amazed at all of the overdone hoopla that surrounds so many weddings. and really, who's to blame? from the time we are little girls we subscribe to the notion that our weddings must be perfect and magical in every way. i've seen weddings that are all about the exotic (and out-of-season...cha ching!) flowers, cakes with a gazillion tiers and flashy light shows on the dance floor. and by all means, if these things are "you" and you have always dreamed of a wedding with these things and more, then go for it, sister. but i think so many women get tricked into the notion that that's what a wedding should be, and if your wedding budget isn't supersized, then you are missing out on the fun.

some of the most beautiful weddings i have seen have also been the simplest. someone's pretty tree-filled back yard, old-fashioned white bulb lights strung from the trees, homemade cakes and pies from the groom's grandmother. creative, and often times, handmade details that just ooze personality and charm. small thoughtful touches that make guests feel special. a celebration of love and family and friends. not to say that even the most simple plans don't take some planning, but i think there's more time to focus on the real meaning of the day when you aren't so consumed with the fondant matching the bridesmaid dresses.

wear yellow (or red, or green, or blue) shoes if you want to. (i bought some killer heavenly aqua colored shoes for my wedding, and at the last minute didn't wear them, and i regret it.) buck tradition if you aren't traditional. dance down the aisle. drive away on a scooter. leave in a hot air balloon. whatever. just make sure that your day is an expression of who you are in every way, and you'll have the most perfect wedding you could have ever imagined.

{image via the brides cafe}