Purple and Teal Wedding Details | Real Wedding Style

Coordinating colors to create the right look for your wedding can be a challenge. I love how Abby and Matthew incorporated their purple and teal color choices into their decor. The key is to try not to make everything match perfectly–it’s impossible anyway. I think the purple and teal scheme created a fun and festive atmosphere, which really fit their dance-happy reception at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts well.

I also really liked how Abby and Matthew personalized their place settings by using favorite and meaningful locations in their neighborhood as table markers. Using photos from their Regent Square engagement session enabled guests to get a feel for the places. And last but not least–their almond torte cake not only looked incredible…it was pretty tasty, too. I mean, that’s what all the guests were saying…

purple and teal wedding details at the pittsburgh center for the arts

Sarah Chumbley - Mary! Fabulous work and great photos! Hope you are enjoying your photography sessions in DC!

Misty Morning at the National Arboretum

There’s nothing like a misty morning to contemplate deep thoughts and muse about life with a good friend. Maybe it’s the “melancholic” artist in me, but I’ve always been drawn to dreary, cool days–mostly because they’re great for reflecting and thinking. They bring a sense of peace and silence in an otherwise hustle and bustle world.

This morning was one of those days, and I shared the stillness with a friend (and Astin of course!) as we walked around the National Arboretum. I love the fact that although I live in a big city, there’s still places like this where I can enjoy nature’s raw beauty. And while I love sunshine and blue sky days, it’s nice to embrace something a little more mysterious every now and then.

misty morning at the pillars in the national arboretum in washington dc

Susan Russo - Great shot. The arboretum is one of my favorite places ever!

The Groom’s Attire | Menswear for Weddings

While the white dress usually garners the most attention on the wedding day, we shouldn’t forget about the handsome suit or tux standing next to it. Of course, the groom’s attire is usually much more simpler (and easier to put on!) than the bride’s, but choosing the right tux, suit, or outfit for the groom is just as important as picking the right wedding dress. The classic tux, with the option to choose various vests, ties, or bowties is probably the most popular choice. But for those hot summer weddings, a nice light-weight suit may be more sensible, especially for outdoor events.

One advantage that a suit has over a tux is that it’s something the groom can probably wear again, so it’s a good investment. Of course, the rented tux means he doesn’t have to worry about how hard he parties–he can just return it the next day. To see some real examples of wedding attire on real grooms, I’ve assembled some photos from this summer’s weddings (early to mid-summer). I’ll share more of the fall ensembles later. Enjoy!

a classic summer suit for this groom at an outdoor wedding in pennsylvania