It isn’t often that we share love shoots on Ruffled, but when we saw these images always-incredible Caroline Tran, we knew you’d love them just as much as we do! Susan and Jade set out for this amazing shoot right at sunset, which allowed for some jaw-dropping natural light shots. Susan embraced her inner girly-girl style with Prada flats, a J. Crew frock, and an Alice + Olivia sundress we’re now lusting after!

From the couple, Jade and Susan: We are so excited to share our engagement session photos with you and the world! We were so lucky to find an amazing serene photospot in Agoura Hills, CA and were able to smile for the camera just as the sun set over the horizon. These pictures were able to capture every detail of our personalities – Jade, a self-proclaimed nerdy engineer and Susan, a true dreamer and girly girl. We were even able to get some camera time for Little Bear, the first teddy bear we ever shared over 9 years ago.

Our luggage and our hands were always filled with elements that make up the foundation of our love such as our childhood love letters, photobooth pictures, and paper elements that described lyrics from our favorite love songs, inside jokes, and nicknames. Being high school sweethearts, we share a profound history together building our friendship, our love, and our home together. The luggage represents the many travels, journeys, and adventures we’ve been through together, so it seemed only natural to capture these images under the theme, “Home is where you are.”

Shoot Location: Orange County, CA / Photographer: Caroline Tran / Photo & Wardrobe Styling: Wilmarose Orlanes of Lovely Jubilee / Susan’s Attire: cobalt dress and pumps by J. Crew, flats by Prada, navy dress by Alice + Olivia / Jade’s Attire: Jeans by AG, cardigan and boots by J. Crew, bowtie by Pocket Square / Hair and Makeup: Linda of Studio K / Vintage Furniture Rentals: Found Rentals / Monogram mugs: Anthropologie / Paper Goods: Paper Source

This California wedding is right up our alley — creative centerpieces, gorgeous photography from Katrina Louise, and a happy couple that’s as cute as can be. Danielle and Shawn filled their wedding day with succulents (a perennial fave) contained in colanders and strainers pulled from secondhand shops and garage sales. We love this eco-friendly and low-cost approach to reception decor!

From the bride, Danielle: I envisioned a simple/elegant/beautiful day filled with small unique details. I have always done things my own way and I wanted to have artist freedom. The best way to explain the process is to think of an oil painting, all the thousands of tiny strokes of color that eventually surfaced the most magical beautiful day we would ever experience. We wanted the whole day to feel like we felt when we listened to “Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole.

Our wedding was the most magical, romantic and simple vintage feel. We built it to our custom needs and created a whimsical week of love. We created and designed all most everything ourselves (fiance and I). We were on a year-and-a-half-long treasure hunt for items to be re-purposed for the wedding. We hit up second hand shops, garage sales, craigslist, some new items and friends donations to build the day.

We cloned and grew most of the succulents that we used as centerpieces and planted in the old random items I scored. We created the cool dessert pedestals that were merely spray painted candlesticks that we siliconed to plates/trays. We trekked up to the garment district in LA and bought table linens/napkins cheaper than the cost of renting linens. How could I forget about the table names that my hubby sewed lace on the card stock name tags. We had all original wacky names that meant something to us.

Any advice for brides planning their weddings now? My main advice is do not be scared to go against the grain and do what truly inspires you. Everyone will give you their opinion and strong suggestions of what you SHOULD do, follow your heart. My advice is to use craigslist and thrift stores to save a ton of money. Remember that the guests will not remember the silverware you used or other things you may think you need to pay too much money for. I would also advise people to take the help that your friends/family offer, there are so many details and it all helps. Create a funny line, or a “happy place” that you and your partner can think of when you want to pull your hair out. Too Blessed to be Stressed was our motto!

Wedding Music:
Groomsmen’s Processional: “The Cave,” Mumford & Sons
Bridesmaids’ Processional: “Over the Rainbow,” Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
Bridal Processional: “Buckets of Rain,” Bob Dylan
Recessional: “My Love is Your Love,” Terry Linen
First Dance: “Make Me Feel Your Love,” Adele

Wedding Location: Carlsbad, CA / Wedding Photographer: Katrina Louise / Wedding Venue: Levyland Estate / Wedding Flowers: Bride and family + friends / Wedding Dress: Igigi / Bride’s Hair: Diana Dawning / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Overstock.com / Groom’s Suit: Macy’s / Wedding Caterer: Smokehouse Catering / Wedding Cake: Andrew’s Creative Confections / Desserts: Cake Invasion / Wedding Music: DJ Don Juan / Officiant: Bride’s Uncle / Wedding Invitations: Printing Center USA

With temperature in the teens, this wintry wedding inspiration is perfect for today! There’s something about glitter and winter that seem to go hand in hand — throw some teal accent color in the mix, and you’ve got a shoot straight out of our design dreams. Utah Events by Design collaborated with Pepper Nix Photography to bring us a cozy winter styled wedding featuring a current favorite gown of ours, Monique Lhuillier’s “Candy”!

From the designer, Michelle of Utah Events by Design: I was dying to combine shades of mint with golds to create a winter wonderland for brides seeking a wintry yet warm setting. I simply love working with metallics and gold seemed like the perfect way to warm up a winter scene without being over the top. For the table, I combined metallic mint chargers with gold rimmed china and mint paper accessories paired with gold flatware and glittered fruit decor to spice up individual plate settings. The escort card table showcases mini snowflakes that rest in a soft blanket of shimmery white flakes.

This over the top cake was designed to be as glam as the table setting and displays four unique tears complete with edible gold and glitter trimmings. The wedding favors were a favorite DIY project: Mini white buckets spray-painted with mint glitter spray paint. For the snow rim, I then covered the perimeter of each bucket with hot glue and then rolled it in faux snow. Buckets were filled with yogurt covered peanuts to represent mini snow balls. Each wedding favor was then placed on a vintage gold jewelry tray that sets upon a vintage gold-painted wash basin. Fresh florals combined with mint silk florals were used to create the stunning pieces on the table as well as the bridal bouquet and brides maid bouquet.

And how about this “Candy” Monique Lhuillier gown?! SWOON! Perfect for a soft wintry wedding! In addition, the bridal gown is paired perfectly with a lovely mint maids gown and I couldn’t love this color combination more! Last but not least, check out the UH-MAZING venue! The Chateau at La Callie is located in Sandy, Utah and is the ideal wedding destination for brides seeking a luxurious and gorgeous experience. Overall, everything came together and I couldn’t be more in love with how this winter design turned out.

Shoot Location: Sandy, UT / Photographer: Pepper Nix Photography / Event Design, Planning, and Table Decor: Michelle Cousins of Utah Events by Design / Shoot Venue: La Caille / Wedding Flowers: Urban Chateau Floral / Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier “Candy” via Alta Moda Bridal / Bridesmaids’ Dress: Alfred Sung via Lily and Iris / Hair: Kali Wengreen / Makeup: Kristen Packard / Wedding Cake: Cake-a-licious / Table and Flatware: Diamond Rental / Wedding Invitations: Freshly Minted Invitations / Calligraphy: Distinctive Inscriptions Calligraphy