What better place to have your engagement photos taken than the sweet and simple countryside of Australia–such a natural elegance! And were you thinking that her flowing, grey/blue dress could double as a wedding dress? We were too.

Photography: Jemma Keech // Dresses: Lisa Ho // Makeup: Jill Cowin

Photography: Ozzy Garcia // Venue: The Moore Building // Flowers: Vivian Colls // Wedding Dress: Vera Wang // Shoes: Miu Miu

Music isn’t just something that plays in the background on your wedding day, it’s an expression of your personalities as a couple, what maintains the energy of your reception and ultimately sets the tone for your big day. The marquee level wedding DJs at our sponsor, Scratch Weddings, are some of the best in the business and understand the important role music plays. They are experts at song selection, mixing, blending and reading the energy of the crowd. Every DJ has to pass a 10-step screening process which ensures you’re only getting the best of the best on your wedding day! Not to mention, they offer each couple a risk-free and stress-free experience backed by their 72 hour “change of plans” refund policy. No matter what music you pick for your special day, Scratch Weddings DJs are experts at entertaining guests of all ages and cultures!

Nothing quite says wedding to me like springtime in the garden. With fresh blooming flowers, bright green pastures, and crisp cool air, we couldn’t wait to head up to Serenbe to capture the newness of the season. Especially when we got to enjoy these lovely dresses from Alberta Ferretti and BHLDN.

Photography: Brooke Boling // Styling + Flowers: Joy Thigpen // Hair + Makeup: Joanna Ballentine // Short Dress: Alberta Ferretti // Long Dress: BHLDN // Calligraphy: Meagan Tidwell // Papercut Invitation Band: Erica Loesing

Having a fun favors for your wedding guests can add such a lovely touch to your wedding day, don’t you agree? If you’re on the lookout for personalized, affordable wedding favor options then you should take a look over at Favors with Love. There are hundreds of creative ideas for you to chose from and many options for bridal party gifts, bachelorette party gifts and even baby shower gifts as well. And they even allow you to look at gifts based on the theme or season! With so many options to chose from, you will definitely be able to find the perfect favor for your guest to take home and remember your big day by. So hurry on up and check out Favors with Love today!

photography: jose villa  //  creative direction, styling + floral: joy thigpen  //  location: magnolia plantation, charleston, SC  //  dress + veil: claire pettibone  //  hair + make up: elle german  //  wholesale flowers: FiftyFlowers.com  //  event coordinator: lindsay schwak  //  caterer: ashley clemence  //  cake: wildflour bakery  //  paper goods + calligraphy: meagan tidwell  //  letterpress: meg mclelland  //  crocheted stones: monica johnson // shawls: trendy knittingand star knitting

There are people who come into your life for a reason and I am so glad Meagan came into mine. I first met Meagan when she applied for an internship with Once Wed. When we met I felt an instant connection with her and was so excited she agreed to move to Atlanta for the summer to intern with Once Wed. It’s been a joy getting to know Meagan over the last 2 years, so when she and Tim became engaged, Joy Thigpen and I jumped at the chance to be a part of celebrating this couple and marriage. Thankfully, the amazing, Jose Villa, agreed to join us. This past winter we all made the trek to Charleston, SC one weekend to play a role in their wedding day. It was truly a collaborative with friends and family all pitching in with flowers, decor, etc. We couldn’t have asked for better weather, and Magnolia Plantation was the perfect location. Thank you Meagan and Tim for letting us be a part of your wedding! We love you guys!!

photography: jose villa  //  creative direction, styling + floral: joy thigpen  //  location: magnolia plantation, charleston, SC  //  dress + veil: claire pettibone  //  hair + make up: elle german  //  wholesale flowers: FiftyFlowers.com  //  event coordinator: lindsay schwak  //  paper goods + calligraphy: meagan tidwell  //  letterpress: meg mclelland  //  crocheted stones: monica johnson // shawls: trendy knitting and star knitting

These elegant, yet playfully and eclectic paper lanterns from Luna Bazaar would bring a twinkle to any romantic evening. Just imagine an evening reception lit up with paper lanterns, votives and moonlight…so much whimsy and romance! With over 50 colors and 12 different sizes of lanterns to choose from, you will have no problem finding the perfect piece for your wedding. They are easy to mix and match and each style lantern has its own uniqueness. And that isn’t all Luna Bazaar offers. There are many other decor selection including tissue pom-poms, paper parasols and vases! A endless supply of beautiful wedding goods!

Looking for today’s best cash wedding registry service? There’s really only one answer—Zankyou. With an online cash gift wedding registry and free wedding website, Zankyou is the best option for  today’s modern couples. There are no limitations on what you can register for. Your registry is your ultimate wish list –With Zankyou’s easy to use four Gift ideas, you can create your own customized registry in minutes. At only 2.85% per gift, Zankyou’s rates are among THE LOWEST on the market. You get the cash equivalent of the gift contributions to your bank account so you can take the cash or buy the actual gift when you’re ready If guests decide to cover the cost of the surcharge, then the registry is ABSOLUTELY FREE for you! Check out Zankyou today!

Joy Thigpen, the woman behind a lot of the prettiness you see on Once Wed, is hosting 2 styling workshops this summer. I never realized how important styling was for an image until I started working with Joy. You can have all the elements – great photographer, setting, details – but the final styling of all these pieces together can really make or break an image.

Whether you’re a photographer or looking to get into styling, the tools and tricks you’ll learn in Joy’s workshop can be implemented across so many creative fields – photography, weddings, personal shoots, interior design, flowers etc. Joy is the most brilliant creative I’ve ever worked alongside of.  You won’t regret attending her workshop!

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Sign-ups will be open on Monday, the 14th, at noon EST.

I’m so excited to get to show you this little teaser of one of the real weddings in our magazine. I already know your first question: Oh my gosh! what’s that dress??? Temperly London’s Jean Dress. :) And the answer to your second question: it’s in Avignon. And the answer to your third question: Tec Petaja shot it. To see more of this wedding, check out a Cup of Jo today (and of course, even more in our magazine). Yeah, I’m a mind reader. :)

Credits: Photography: Tec Petaja, via Once Wed Magazine. Event production and catering: Les Mas des Songes, a special thank you to Margot and her family for their wonderful work. Church: Eglise Notre-Dame de Suzette. Venue: les Mas des Songes in Provence. Bride’s dress:Temperley London’s Jean Dress. Groom’s suit: Zegna. Dessert: La Maison Jouvaud. Music: Denis Diaz and DJ Vito. Bridesmaid dresses: Lanvin & Sessun. Bridesmaid accessories: Maria-Xuan. (I’m a jewelry designer, and I made them earrings and bags). Decor: Our best friends and relatives all helped with DIY decorations and details.

Magazines are starting to show up on people’s doorstep! Has yours arrived yet?? Come celebrate with us! Next Wednesday, the 16th, at our friend, Max(who’s dogs make an appearance in the magazine!)’s place, Sun In My Belly, from 6-8pm. Yummy food and champagne are in order, right?? We’ll have some copies available for sale there, too, in case you haven’t ordered one yet! Hope to see you there!