Creating a Gourmet Coffee Bar for Your Wedding

After enjoying a delicious meal and dancing to your favorite songs, your wedding guests will need a little energy boost to make it through your reception. Many brides serve coffee alongside their cocktails and lemonades, but you can elevate your wedding experience with a touch of luxury. This is the ultimate guide to creating a gourmet coffee bar for your wedding so every detail makes it a more romantic day for everyone.

1. Find Themed Drinkware

You’ve planned color schemes and flower arrangements, so plain paper cups will stick out like a sore thumb at your venue. Gourmet coffee bars include mugs or cups that guests won’t get anywhere else. Look into drinkware that matches your wedding theme or your reception table settings.

Guests can use cafe-inspired glass mugs, monogrammed glassware or colorful to-go cups that thank them for attending. They’ll appreciate the caffeine kick after a long day of celebrating or during their drive back to their hotel.

2. Set Up Condiments

Anyone can pour a cup of coffee and sip it while chatting with friends, but they likely don’t stock condiments in their kitchen. Add fun extras to personalize every mug. Guests can choose from popular condiments like chocolate shavings, sprinkles and even flavor extracts to drink something unique while celebrating your wedding.

3. Offer Different Flavors

Experts define gourmet coffee as having multiple cultivated flavors beyond the usual regular and dark brew varieties. Serve unique flavors like hazelnut, ristretto and Cuban grounds. Whether your guests prefer a standard cup or a mini espresso, they’ll have an extra memorable experience at your gourmet coffee bar.

4. Serve Seasonal Recipes

After finalizing your wedding date and booking your venue, you’ll commit to a specific season. The time of year could inspire your gourmet coffee bar additions. Before buying any ingredients or glassware, look into seasonal recipes that you or your guests would enjoy. A salted espresso with milk foam or peppermint patty brew will fit right in with the time of year and whatever theme drives your decor.

5. Plan Multiple Locations

One coffee bar may not be enough to keep your guests happy. They could need an iced coffee while waiting for your ceremony to begin or at your post-wedding brunch. Planning for multiple stations will cover all your bases and ensure that everyone is within reach of whatever they need.

Change what they can get at each bar to add a little variety. A breakfast bar might include more espressos or flavors that pair well with traditional breakfast food. Your reception will serve desserts alongside more decadent blends. It all depends on what your guests need alongside their next cup of coffee.

Create a Gourmet Coffee Bar for Your Wedding

Creating a gourmet coffee bar for your wedding is much easier than most brides expect. You don’t need an elaborate budget or experience making coffee. Think about creative condiments, glassware, and even seasonal recipes to turn their caffeine kick into a romantic adventure. They’ll appreciate the extra thought and you won’t have to worry about anyone getting bored with a limited coffee menu.


Cora’s passion is to inspire others to live a happy, healthful, and mindful life through her words on Revivalist – wholeheartedly convincing them that everyday moments are worth celebrating. Cora has spent 5+ years writing for numerous lifestyle sites – hence her sincere love for both life and the beauty of style in all things. Keep up with Cora on TwitterPinterest, and Facebook.

Riveka & Cody: 08.26.22 Real Wedding

Photographer: Kyler Mitchell from K.R.M. Gallery, Ceremony & Reception: The Elkridge Furnace Inn

Invitations: Truly Engaging by MagnetStreet

Flowers: Chantilly Design and Events
Cake: The Elkridge Furnace Inn



In our wedding, we had a bench at the ceremony point with our grandfather’s photos since they are no longer with us. It made it feel like they were there with us. We also did a bride and grooms speech where we were able to speak on our love story and those who were a part of it.

FEATURED PARTICIPATING VENDORS:

Accommodations: Homewood Suites at BWI
Beauty: @TheUpDoDarling – Sydney Thomas (hair), @MakeupbyTiaMorgan (makeup)
Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie
Ceremony & Reception: The Elkridge Furnace Inn
Entertainment: Dance Masters Entertainment
Flowers: Chantilly Design and Events
Formal Wear: Men’s Warehouse
Invitations: Truly Engaging by MagnetStreet
Jewelry: Etsy
Libations/Signature Drink: El Gringo – “Lemon Drop” and La Boricua “Rum Punch”
Linens: Tablecloth Warehouse
Officiant: Samuel Rozolem
Photography: Kyler Mitchell from K.R.M. Gallery
Rentals & Decor: Hazelwood Rentals
Rings: Kay Jewelers
Shoes: David’s Bridal
Videography: Jonathan Ritnour with JR Videography
Wedding Gown: Bridals by Elena




Courtney & David: 09.12.20 Real Wedding

Photographer: Ashton from The Pros/Venue: Osbornia Farms


The wedding was the best night of both of our lives! We both worked so hard in getting there. With covid and all the trials and tribulations of getting everything safe and still be able to provide an event inside was trying at times. The moment we locked eyes when I was walking down the aisle and seeing David begin to cry tears of happiness was the greatest feeling ever.

Rings: Jared/ Shoes: David’s Bridal

Formal Wear: Formal Affairs Delaware

Flowers: Amanda’s Florist

Seeing all of our family and friends there was a bit over whelming as David and I both don’t like being the center of attention but that night was all about us and it was absolutely amazing. Our first dance was extra special as David was giving a speech and thanking all our family and friends for coming and all of those who helped in bringing the wedding together, he turned to me and thanked me for making him the luckiest man in the world and ask for the dance.

Wedding Gown: Claire’s Fashion/Cake: Cakes by Jennifer Thomas


Written by Courtney

Participating Vendors:
Beauty: Trend Hair Salon (hair), Makeup Beauty Bar by Kristina Ruggerio (makeup)
Cake: Cakes by Jennifer Thomas
Caterer: Bachetti Bros
Ceremony & Reception: Osbornia Farms
Entertainment: First State Entertainment
Flowers: Becky Gicker
Formal Wear: Formal Affairs Delaware
Invitations: Zazzle
Jewelry: Claires
Photography: Ashton from The Pros
Rentals & Decor: First State Entertainment (uplighting), family friend (decorations)
Rings: Jared
Shoes: David’s Bridal
Videography: Paulo from The Pros
Wedding Gown: Claire’s Fashion




Caitlin & Colin: 10.24.20 Real Wedding

Wedding Venue: Mountain Memories at ThorpeWood / Photographer: Brian Isemann Photography


Colin introduced me to his favorite local band when we first started dating – Silent Old Mountains. We followed them for years and absolutely love going to their shows. In June of 2019  SOM played a show at the Sky Stage in Frederick. The lead singer, Andrew, invited Colin to the stage to say a few words about the band. Instead, he proposed in front of a full crowd. Definitely, a night to remember!

We have spent our entire relationship exploring the outdoors, so it was important to us that our venue capture our love of nature. Mountain Memories at ThorpeWood in the fall was absolutely stunning – the colors were everything we dreamt of.

I wanted to keep our wedding day light-hearted. My bridesmaids walked down the aisle to the Jurassic Park theme song (my favorite series/movie we saw on our first date). I even had one of the girls carry a stuffed dinosaur – in hopes to take a little bit of the jitters away for Colin.

Wedding Gown: Lilla’s Bridal/ Flowers: Monica’s Floral Designs
Formal Wear: Men’s Wearhouse

My family is Irish and we were able to incorporate that through a celtic knot ceremony, my dad rocking a kilt, and a little drunken dancing to Dropkick Murphys.


Someone lost my vows and after a moment of terror I had to make vows on the fly, I think it turned out well because he still said I do 🙂

We have spent our entire relationship exploring the outdoors, so it was important to us that our venue capture our love of nature. Mountain Memories at ThorpeWood in the fall was absolutely stunning – the colors were everything we dreamt of.


We had a small figurine of our dog Oliver made for the cake, we foster dogs and he is a huge part of our family. I had a portrait of Colin and me painted by our favorite artist -Goodloe Byron Frederick, MD.

Cake: Katie Cakes Cakery
Portrait of Caitlin and Colin – Goodloe Byron Frederick

Written by Caitlin Kutz (Leahy)

Participating Vendors:
Beauty: (Hair & Makeup) – Airbrush Faces
Cake: Katie Cakes Cakery
Caterer: Renaissance Chef Catering
Ceremony & Reception: Mountain Memories at ThorpeWood
Entertainment: Shew-sical Entertainment Services, LLC
Favors: Etsy – A Day to Remember Studio
Flowers: Monica’s Floral Design
Formal Wear: Etsy/Men’s Wearhouse
Invitations: Shutterfly
Jewelry: Earrings were a family heirloom of Colin’s gifted to me
Officiant: Mark Kutz (Colins Dad)
Photography: Brian Isemann Photography
Planner: Julie Castleman
Rings: B.T. O’Donnell (brides ring), Reeds (bands)
Shoes: Anthropologie/ Men’s Wearhouse
Transportation: Testerman Buses
Wedding Gown: Lilla’s Bridal




Sarah & Tim: 10.24.20 Real Wedding

My husband was born in New Hampshire and went to college in Virginia, so he has friends and family from all over. The week of the wedding was full of flight arrivals, hotel check ins, and guest bedroom prepping for his family and groomsmen! Always having something to coordinate helped to take my mind off the nerves and stress of the wedding weekend itself. Before I knew it, it was Friday night and we were at the rehearsal! We had our rehearsal and dinner at our venue, the Vandiver. We had booked up all 17 of their guest rooms for the entire weekend between our family and wedding party, so everyone was all in one place. After the dinner, we opened up the venue to any other out of town guests to come and grab a drink and mingle. I’m so glad we did that, because a lot of Tim’s college friends came out to chat and we were able to get so much more quality time with them!

Rings: Brilliant Earth ( Bride’s Engagement & Wedding Band)/Jordan Jack (Groom’s ring), Photographer: High Contrast Photography

The morning of the wedding, hair, and makeup arrived at 7:45, and got to work on all my beautiful ladies! I feel like I barely blinked and magically it was 11 and it was my turn already and the photographers were arriving. It was extra emotional for me since my photographers were shooters on my team.


Invitations: Minted Weddings, Floral Envelope Liners: Etsy (The Papered Wedding)

I managed to keep it together until everyone was dressed and then I headed back to my room to have my mom, stepmom, and mother-in-law help me into my gown. It took an army of people to fasten the tiny clasp on my antique necklace, but otherwise, all went smoothly (and everything fit)!

Gown: Edel’s Bridal Boutique

Once I was dressed I did a first look with my dad, which I think made everyone cry except for him. He insisted to me later that he knew he had to keep it together so that I didn’t lose it! After that, I did a first look with my bridesmaids (who all cried), and then it was off to my first look with Tim, who is the only one I REALLY wanted to shed a tear! The moments between when we were set for the first look and when he actually turned around felt like an eternity. When he finally turned and saw me, he smiled so big and immediately came to me for a kiss. As he got closer I saw his eyes watering and realized he was holding back tears! I said, “aw, babe, you’re crying!” and as I reached up to dab at his eyes, I heard a loud chorus of “AWWWWW” from behind me… my bridesmaids had discovered they could see us through the window and were watching the whole thing.

Tuxedo: Generation Tux
Flowers: Amanda’s Florist

After that, it was off to a whirlwind of family and wedding party portraits, which was no small feat with two sets of divorced parents, but the photographers breezed right through it and had everyone back inside on time! We stopped into the ceremony space on our way in and I cried when I saw how beautiful it was. The arbor my father had made was adorned with a huge floral piece from Amanda’s. Rose petals lined the aisle, candelabras on wine barrels flanked the arbor, and the ceremony program sign I had designed sat at the entrance, draped with pink chiffon. That was the first moment it truly felt real!

Venue: Vandiver Inn


Once we were lined up for the ceremony, I stood in the back of the line holding my dad’s hand and I felt like a little girl again, nervous for my first day of school or scared of a big roller coaster. As I sat there quivering with nerves, he stood strong and held my hand even tighter, assuring me all would be well. I nearly broke down when the processional song started.

We chose “Close Your Eyes” by Michael Buble; the entire processional was done to that song so that the final thirty seconds would be my walk down with my father. After so many times practicing the timing I couldn’t believe the moment had arrived. Everyone went right on cue, and at the final crescendo of the song the doors opened, and my dad and I stepped inside. I remember him whispering to me, “slow down,” as we walked! As the song finished, Michael Buble sang, “You’re the reason that I’m feeling it’s finally safe to stay,” as my father passed my hands into Tim’s.

I think Tim was too nervous to cry when I came down the aisle, but when it came time for the vows, his voice broke in the first sentence. I remember being so overwhelmed with how touching and moving his vows were, and if we’re being honest – I think they were better than mine! We finished the ceremony with a unity wine exchange. We each poured wine into a chalice from the same bottle and took turns drinking it. We didn’t pour in a lot… so I had to tip the cup really far to get any wine to my lips! I was so afraid of it spilling out onto my dress, and everyone giggled because I looked like I was shooting back a full glass of wine! Tim of course took his sip perfectly. After that, we were pronounced, kissed, and were married!!

After some more photos, it was time for us to be introduced and get the party started! The parents processed in to “Happy” by Pharrell, and we did “The Greatest Show” (by Panic! At the Disco) for the bridal party and Tim & me. Everyone had a great time showing off for their intros!! Tim and I kicked off the evening with our first dance, which was to “99 Years” by Josh Groban and Jennifer Nettles. I’m sure people were clapping and cheering, but all I remember is being lost in the moment with Tim. Once we were seated, my father gave a welcome toast and my mother gave the blessing. My father slipped his paper copy of his speech onto the head table so I could keep it, which is so indicative of how thoughtful my dad is.

At that point it was finally time for Tim’s favorite part: the food! Chef Susan at the Vandiver makes the most amazing wedding meals, so choosing our menu was incredibly difficult, but we got so many compliments on the final selections!

My dad and I opened the floor to “I Loved Her First” by Heartland. It’s been the song I envisioned for my father and me since the first time I heard it. I finally shed actual tears while dancing with my father, and when the song ended he lifted me up in a hug as easily as he did when I was little.

Tim and his mom danced to “Her Little Man” by Jami Grooms, which takes you through a mother’s journey of raising a little boy into a man who will someday take a wife. I probably would have been a lot more emotional during their dance, but I was tucked away in the corner having the front of my dress bustled up and changing my flip flops to cowgirl boots for my dance with my mom! Mom and I started with “Mama’s Song” by Carrie Underwood, sung from the perspective of a woman who has finally found a good man to take care of her.

I couldn’t believe how fast the day had flown by when we got to the last dance. We chose “I Believe In You” by Michael Buble for the last dance and everyone came onto the floor and circled around Tim and me while we danced like fools together.

At the end of the song, Jenny and the Vandiver staff worked together to clear the room of everyone except Tim and I (and of course a photographer), and the venue kept the lights down while Jenny played our song, “With You I Am” by Cody Johnson. Tim had me listen to that song early in our relationship and told me it reminded him of how he felt about me – a stoic, jaded boy who found himself transformed by the love of a woman. It’s been “our song” ever since, and I felt so overrun with emotions as he held me close while we danced to it in that big empty room. It was such a beautiful ending to the day – a final moment together where we could acknowledge that, hey, we did it!



As a wedding vendor, I had high expectations for my wedding day (and matching high levels of stress, anxiety, and nerves). I am so thrilled with how the weekend turned out and I would do it over and over again if I could! I’m still getting compliments on our wedding and I couldn’t be happier with all of the vendors I chose to turn our wedding vision into a reality. Six months down… forever to go!

Written by Sarah Koermer

Participating Vendors:
Beauty: Swept, LLC (Hair & Makeup)
Cake: Desserts by Rita
Ceremony & Reception: Vandiver Inn
Entertainment: Jenny Z Wedding DJ Service
Favors: Bomboy’s Candy ( chocolate crabs, Irish creams, and chocolate covered pretzels)
Flowers: Amanda’s Florist
Formal Wear: Generation Tux
Invitations: Minted Weddings
Officiant: Rev. Frank McFadden
Photo Booth: The Magic Selfie Mirror
Photography: High Contrast Photography
Rentals & Decor: Maryland Party Rental (Candelabras), Etsy (Welcome Sign), Quickcandles.com (chargers)
Rings: Brilliant Earth (bride’s engagements ring and band), Jordan Jack (grooms ring)
Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Transportation: Scott’s Transportation
Wedding Gown: Edel’s Bridal Boutique




Cleaning Tips for a Post Wedding At Home Brunch

Your wedding weekend is all about you, but it’s also a great idea to prioritize your guests and make sure the people around you are having a great experience. While looks aren’t everything, there is something to be said for a peaceful, aesthetically pleasing space, especially during a period of wedding festivities. If you happen to be planning a wedding brunch at home, there are so many ways to make it feel bright and special for you and your guests.

Whether you have a team of friends and family working to help you welcome guests into your home or you’re keeping it low-key with just you and your sweetheart doing the brunt of the work, you have the power to make your brunch celebration chill, fun, and absolutely delicious! Here are a few cleaning tips to get your home ready for company.

1.  Declutter

Before you get down into any deep cleaning, getting rid of the clutter around your entertaining space should be your first priority. Welcoming guests into a clean, neat space is relaxing and feels a bit more sophisticated. You don’t want the whole neighborhood seeing your old mail and used cups all around the house — even if you’re inviting your closest friends, creating a cleaner and more neutral atmosphere can make everything feel a bit more calm.

2.  Wash the Windows

You might be surprised at how effective of a cleaning technique it can be to wash your windows thoroughly. If you want to make a clean, open and bright-feeling space, clean windows can help you let the light in. It might seem like a small thing, but it can make a huge difference.

Photo by Nathan Fertig on Unsplash

3.  Prioritize Fresh Air

If you happen to have a spring or summer wedding, fresh air is your friend! Open up the windows and let the air flow through for a breezy, natural feeling to your event. Stale air can make an event feel dingy and claustrophobic, but a bit of breeze from the outside can change everything. If the weather outside isn’t to your liking — or even if you do open the windows — you can also make sure to clean your air vents so the indoor air is fresh and clear!

4.  Make Space for Coats

This might be a part of the decluttering process, but if it isn’t, you should take separate care to clear out a bit of space for coats, sweaters and bags if your guests need to hang things. Whether you use a closet or one of the bedrooms, a bit of space cleared away intentionally can make your gathering feel a bit less cluttered.

Photo by Amanda Vick on Unsplash

5.  Use Some Plastic

While sustainability is always a priority, using some plastic or otherwise disposable — or compostable — cutlery, paperware and cups for your serving needs can make the cleanup process much easier when the time comes to the end of the event. Rather than having to wash dishes and pile things up in the sink, you can take out the trash — or the compost — and be done!

Cleaning Tips for Your Brunch

When it comes to your post-wedding brunch, there’s nothing quite like hosting at home. While you want your place to remain warm and inviting, cleaning things up is never a bad idea if you want to wow your guests and have an amazing time together after your special day.

Photo by Alexandra Gorn on Unsplash
Photo by Taylor Kiser on Unsplash

Cora’s passion is to inspire others to live a happy, healthful, and mindful life through her words on Revivalist – wholeheartedly convincing them that everyday moments are worth celebrating. Cora has spent 5+ years writing for numerous lifestyle sites – hence her sincere love for both life and the beauty of style in all things. Keep up with Cora on TwitterPinterest, and Facebook.

5 Ways to Fund Your Dream Wedding

Every bride wants her wedding to be perfect, but perfect comes with a price tag. Weddings are notoriously expensive even if you start with a tight budget. When you use these five ways to fund your dream wedding, you’ll get everything you dreamed about without compromising your financial life.

Check out these creative ideas to see if they’ll work for you. Trying something new could transform how you plan your wedding and make it the dreamy event you’ve been looking forward to your whole life.

1. Open a High-Yield Savings Account

Building your savings doesn’t always mean putting more money in it. Sometimes it means opening a new account that has a higher interest rate. High-yield savings accounts earn 16 times more money than the national average, even when rates are down. Compare local and national banks so your account pays you back with additional interest as you continue to save for your wedding.

2. Refinance Your Mortgage

Tap into your home’s equity by refinancing your mortgage. You could get a lower monthly payment that gives you a few extra hundred dollars to put towards your wedding. After your big day, you will still retain your new mortgage payments. That is free money you can use for whatever newlywed adventures await you and your spouse.

Photo by Tierra Mallorca on Unsplash

3. Sell Older Belongings

If you have older belongings like heirlooms or antiques, get them appraised. You’ll sell them for what they’re worth instead of getting a lower price on a bidding site.

Don’t settle for any antique dealer or consignment shop. You’ll get a better deal after establishing a personal relationship with your appraiser. Look for professionals with great reviews to meet with someone who provides a proper evaluation the first time you visit.

4. Restructure Your Budget

You might struggle to save money for your wedding because you’re working with an old budget. Try restructuring it if you haven’t updated it in a while. Note how often you make impulse purchases, travel and go out for dinner. You can always cut back on those things until your wedding’s over.

People also notice other types of overspending when they make new budgets. The monthly subscription services you thought were a good deal could cost up to $1,900 each year, even if you rarely use them. That could easily cover a photographer’s fee or part of your wedding dress. The little things add up, so look for all types of spending and rework your budget to convert them into savings.

Photo by Dan Dimmock on Unsplash

5. Do Your Own Makeup

An extra step you could take to decrease the amount you are spending on your wedding could be to do your own hair, makeup and even give yourself your own pedicure and/or manicure. If there is a service you were planning on spending money on, it may be cheaper and even more enjoyable to test your DIY skills for your wedding beauty routine.

 You’ll save a little extra cash without arranging appointments that you could simply do yourself.

Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash

Fund Your Dream Wedding with Creative Ideas

You’re ready to fund your dream wedding with these five tips that maximize your savings. Whether you sell a few antiques or end a few subscriptions, you’ll get the money you need to plan your dream wedding without compromising on any details.

Cora’s passion is to inspire others to live a happy, healthful, and mindful life through her words on Revivalist – wholeheartedly convincing them that everyday moments are worth celebrating. Cora has spent 5+ years writing for numerous lifestyle sites – hence her sincere love for both life and the beauty of style in all things. Keep up with Cora on Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook.

Top Unforgettable Surprises for Your Bride or Groom

Your wedding will be a celebration you’ll never forget, but there are a few ways you can make it even more special for your partner. They’ve helped you plan every last detail, so consider an unforgettable surprise for your partner to express your love and gratitude. They’ll adore the unexpected gesture and treasure another memorable moment on your wedding day.

1. Give Your Pup an Invitation

Owning a dog is one of life’s greatest joys, so give them a secret invitation to your ceremony. You can work with your venue coordinator or planner to fit your dog into your big day and give your fiance(e) a big surprise. Your pup could walk your rings down the aisle or burst onto the dance floor.

Photo by Vasylyna Kucherepa on Unsplash

2. Present a Surprise Cake

Who doesn’t love a cake designed with their personality in mind? Grooms’ cakes began as a British tradition that doubled as a second dessert option for guests, but they quickly became a way to celebrate your partner’s favorite things.

Decorate a second cake with your fiance(e)’s hobbies, a favorite quote, or something that will make them smile. Present it at your reception to make them laugh and pull off an extra-tasty surprise.

Photo Courtesy of Charm City Cakes

3. Exit Your Wedding in Style

After your reception ends, it’s time to jet off on your honeymoon and spend some time away as a married couple. If your fiance(e) has a classic car, look into getting it detailed so it becomes a stylish getaway option. It’s one of the top unforgettable surprises for your bride or groom because it celebrates their greatest passion and makes it one of the most significant parts of your wedding.

Detailing classic cars often involves careful steps like polishing after using soap to avoid damaging the car’s paint and other exterior features. You’ll clean every inch of their ride and make it shine so you can both drive away from your wedding in the vehicle that makes your fiance’s heart skip a beat.

4. Invest in Fun Tickets

Planning a wedding requires all your focus, so your fiance might not have thought beyond your big day. Surprising them with tickets to their favorite future events will remind them of everything they can look forward to. Plan to attend the next Super Bowl or a concert they’ve been talking about. They’ll love the thoughtful gesture and get to start your married life with a bit of fun.

5. Order Their Favorite Breakfast Foods

The day after your wedding should start with a delicious meal, so speak with your wedding or honeymoon hotel to arrange for breakfast in bed. It’s a small way to splurge on your fiance and give them their favorite foods. Consider some iconic American options for something extra special.

Photo by Heather Ford on Unsplash

Enjoy These Unforgettable Surprises

These are the top unforgettable surprises for your bride or groom that will make them feel seen and loved. Celebrate their hobbies, passions and personality with ideas like these, and your wedding will be more memorable than either of you can imagine.

Written by: Cora Gold

Cora’s passion is to inspire others to live a happy, healthful, and mindful life through her words on Revivalist – wholeheartedly convincing them that everyday moments are worth celebrating. Cora has spent 5+ years writing for numerous lifestyle sites – hence her sincere love for both life and the beauty of style in all things. Keep up with Cora on Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook.

Candice & Nicholas: 12.18.20 Real Wedding

Photographer: Living Radiant Photography / Wedding Venue: Rosewood Farms / Planner: TMD Wedding & Events

We went to go see ICE at the Gaylord at National Harbor. I had planned the trip to go and stay the night and just enjoy all the Holiday décor and fun.  As soon as we got to the hotel and checked into our room Nick got down on one knee and asked me to marry him.  He said he did not want to spend the rest of his life with anyone else.  He was so anxious and eager to ask me he could not even wait until dinner when he had planned to propose.

Invitations: Minted (1st set), Shutterfly (2nd set)

Our wedding was a long time coming! We were originally supposed to get married and have a beautiful warm summer wedding at Rosewood farms on June 13th, 2020. However, with the pandemic, we had to reschedule.  We both still wanted to get married in 2020, and December was the only available weekend left, so we rolled with it!

Rings: Sander’s Diamond Jewelers (bride), Grandfather’s ring passed down (groom)
Hair & Makeup: Hair Nail Love (hair), Hair Rehab (makeup)

We did get married at a very small ceremony with just family on June 13th, but my dream wedding would wait until December.  I felt like a princess in December. I loved being able to finally wear my dress and show off all of our hard work and planning.  I just remember feeling so excited and happy that it was actually happening especially with Covid still around. 

Wedding Gown: Curvaceous Couture Bridal Collection, Florist: Twisted Vine Floral

Two of my bridesmaids were not able to join, one had Covid and the other lived out of the state and could not fly because of Covid.  But that did not stop us. We had a snow-covered day and it was breathtaking.  I remember Nick looking at me for the first time during our big reveal and I will never forget the look of love in his eyes as he saw me. 

Everything was stunning even with the snow and cold weather everyone made it work.  I will never forget this day for the rest of my life.  We loved having a small intimate wedding at this beautiful venue with our closest family and friends.

Written by Candice Hardester (Ignatavicius)

Participating Vendors:
Beauty: Hair Nail Love (hair, Hair Rehab (makeup)
Cake: Sweet Melissa – Delaware
Caterer & Linens: Lib’s Grill
Ceremony & Reception: Rosewood Farms
Entertainment: DJ Jimmy T
Favors: Coozies (online printing)
Flowers: Twisted Vine Floral
Formal Wear: Macy’s Ralph Lauren
Invitations: Minted (1st set), Shutterly (2nd set)
Officiant: Robert Meyers (brides’ uncle)
Photography: Living Radiant Photography
Planner: TMD Wedding & Events
Rentals & Decor: Something Borrowed Delaware
Rings: Sander’s Diamond Jewelers (brides ring), Grandfather’s Ring passed down (groom)
Shoes: Macy’s Ralph Lauren (men), Sketchers (including the bride)
Transportation: Delaware Express
Wedding Gown: Curvaceous Couture Bridal Collection




Rachel & Matthew: 12.05.20 Real Wedding

Photographer: Living Radiant Photography / Wedding Dress: Zoya’s Atelier


We were on a trip to Paris. One day we went to Notre Dame. Notre Dame is really important to my family and me as we are Catholic and the cathedrals such an iconic landmark in Catholicism. I was admiring the cathedral and its beauty, even after the fire that destroyed such iconic parts. I heard Matthew call my name and I turned around to see him on one knee holding his grandmother’s engagement ring, which his late grandfather had designed for his grandmother. It was so beyond perfect! 

Invitations: Zazzle / Rings: Dominion Jewelers

The whole day was a special moment. Matthew and I had gone through so much with COVID and our job situations, just like any other couple in 2020 getting married.

Being able to have a wedding ceremony and celebration during a pandemic was difficult, to say the least, but in the end, we were able to celebrate with our families and friends, whether physically or virtually, and that was
such a blessing.

There are so many special details that I could say, but I think I will give the few that meant most to Matthew and me. We had a table set up at our backyard reception dedicated to those people who were most
important to us who had passed. That meant a lot to us because both of my grandfathers and Matthew’s grandfather had passed so it was a nice touch to have them there with us on our big day.

We had little bells as favors that had a tag attached saying “Make a joyful noise”. They were inspired by the favors my parents gave out at their wedding.

Cake: Heidelberg Bakery
Flowers: Royalty Flowers

Being able to have a wedding ceremony and celebration during a pandemic was difficult, to say the least, but in the end, we were able to celebrate with our families and friends, whether physically or virtually, and that was such a blessing.


Accommodations: The Marriott at Fairview Park
Hair & Makeup: The Stylist Abroad with Sarah Richards (hair), Stephanie Buccola – friend (makeup)
Bridesmaids Dresses: Lulu’s
Cake: Heidelberg Bakery
Caterer: 2941 Restaurant (dinner), Uncle Julio’s Tacos (reception)
Entertainment: DJ Lukas Brown (a friend)
Favors: DIY Bells
Flowers: Royalty Flowers
Formal Wear: Jos. A Bank
Invitations: Zazzle
Jewelry: Nordstrom
Linens: Amazon
Officiant: Father Paul Scalia
Photography: Living Radiant Photography
Reception Venue: 2941 Restaurant and After Party (brides backyard)
Rings: Dominion Jewelers
Shoes: DSW
Wedding Gown: Zoya’s Atelier