7 Alternatives To The Bouquet Toss: How Brides Are Breaking Tradition

Dara & Jared Wedding – Bouquet – Greenwich Hyatt by Brian Hatton

Have you ever wondered where the tradition of tossing the bouquet actually originated? The reason is not as lovely as one might think. It started hundreds of years ago when touching the bride was believed to bring good luck. Can you imagine how uncomfortable and invasive that must have felt?! Unruly guests would go to such lengths as to rip off pieces of her dress! As a distractive way to appease the crowd, the bride would toss her bouquet and then make a quick getaway. Over time, the distraction evolved into a gesture in which the bride passes good luck to one single lady.
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Kristen & Joe Wedding - High Centerpieces - Trumpets at the Gate - by Kim Mancuso

Weddings

Kristen & Joe Celebrate With A Beautiful, Fun-filled Reception

by Kate Murphy

Kristen & Joe Wedding – High Centerpieces – Trumpets at the Gate – by Kim Mancuso

“We had the most laid-back, fun reception. The whole party danced the night away, from the flower girls to the grandparents!” Here, our featured bride Kristen shares the final chapter in her Real BB Wedding story.

Part 4: Reception, Centerpieces, and Surprise Moments

After a joyous cocktail hour, guests made their way to the reception where they were greeted by a gorgeous welcome table arrangement of peonies, roses, ranunculus, snapdragons, and stock set in chic cylinder vases of various heights. Trumpets at the Gate’s dining room is marked by large, open windows and elegant chandeliers On this day, the space was awash in natural light, casting an airy, romantic atmosphere.
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Kristen & Joe Wedding - Wedding Ceremony - Trumpets at the Gate - by Kim Mancuso

Weddings

Kristen & Joe Say “I Do” In A Breathtaking Waterfront Ceremony

by Kate Murphy

Kristen & Joe Wedding – Wedding Ceremony – Trumpets at the Gate – by Kim Mancuso

With its charming cottage-like building, scenic waterfront atmosphere, and breathtaking views of Moriches Bay, Trumpets At The Gate looks like a postcard come to life. Kristen says, “When my sister Rachel found the venue just six weeks from our wedding date, it completely changed our plans in the most amazing way.” After seeing the wooden walkway leading to the water, Kristen and Joe knew it was where they would have their nuptials. Here, Kristen talks about her beautiful outdoor ceremony at Trumpets At The Gate.
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Kristen & Joe Wedding - Bride - Trumpets at the Gate - by Kim Mancuso

Weddings

Featured Bride Kristen On Her Gorgeous Martina Liana Dress

by Kate Murphy

Kristen & Joe Wedding – Bride – Trumpets at the Gate – by Kim Mancuso

The process of finding a wedding dress isn’t always linear. You start with a clear picture of what you want to wear in mind and then make an appointment. After explaining your style to the bridal salon, you are presented a rack of choices they think you will like. But every time you step out of the fitting room and look in the mirror, the excitement you should be feeling just isn’t there. “I had tried on so many dresses I really thought that ‘the one’ was a myth,” Kristen remembers. Not to worry. Her “say yes to the dress” story does have a happy ending. Here, Kristen talks about how her wedding day look came together.
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Jean & Bryan Wedding - Bride & Bridesmaids - Bronx Post Office - by Karen Wise

Weddings

Featured Bride Jean On Her Breathtaking Monique Lhuillier Dress & Wedding Personals

by Kate Murphy

Jean & Bryan Wedding – Bride & Bridesmaids – Bronx Post Office – by Karen Wise

Some brides-to-be know exactly what style of wedding dress they want. While others start their search with no idea at all. Then there are those, like our featured bride Jean, who go in with a set look in mind and completely surprise themselves with what they end up wearing down the aisle.

Part 2: Saying Yes To The Dress & Personals

Once the venue and date were confirmed, Jean had only four months to look for a dress. Because of her busy schedule and short timeline, she sometimes attended bridal salon appointments alone and her sisters and mother joined whenever possible. One afternoon, she and her oldest sister, Joanne, made another visit to Monique Lhuillier on the Upper East Side. The esteemed fashion designer is known for her frothy tulle skirts, dramatic silhouettes, and decorative flourishes. Jean, on the other hand, envisioned herself wearing something classic and simple, but with a modern sensibility. So when her sister pointed out the Fleur gown, she didn’t think much of it at first. “I would never have chosen the dress for myself. It was completely the opposite of what I ever pictured myself in!” says Jean. The blush colored design featured a voluminous, multi-tiered ball gown skirt and strapless lace top. “After trying the dress on for my mother and other sisters, it was clear this was the one.” Jean accessorized her stunning gown with a cathedral length veil, also by Monique Lhuillier, and Ferragamo patent leather sandals.
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Weddings

Kate & Chase Celebrate Saying “I Do” With a Romantic, Fun-filled Reception

by Kate Murphy

Kate & Chase – Mansion at Natirar – by Sally Pinera

After exchanging hilltop vows at Natirar Mansion, Kate and Chase welcomed guests to a breathtaking reception where décor expressed the couple’s romantic side. The warm and festive atmosphere combined with a fantastic performance from the couple’s wedding band had everyone partying well into the night. In today’s post, we present the final chapter in Kate and Chase’s Real B&B Wedding story.

Part 4: Reception, Centerpieces, Sweetheart Table

Kate and Chase’s picture perfect ceremony was followed by a celebratory cocktail hour. Guests mingled, enjoying delicious hors d’oeuvres and drinks while the Highline Quartet played music, putting a classical twist on modern hits. Afterward, everyone headed to the reception in Natirar Mansion’s Grand Ballroom where they were greeted by an enchanted scene.
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