It was really important to me to bring on a real LGBTQ+ couple, and not just two models. I also loved being able to represent plus size women and work with Love and Lace Bridal to find something they would look amazing in. The more I work with publications and the wedding world in general, these are two areas in which I see a lack of content.

Perhaps this investment of both time and money is why I feel so strongly about what happens to my wedding dress after my wedding. I want to avoid what seems to be the inevitable fate of all wedding dresses: a long confinement at the back of a closet that ends with a pile of dress-shaped dust. After doing a bit of research, four options became clear.

Ryan and I wanted to have an epic wedding that was unique to us. We love nature and traveling so we immediately knew we’d love to exchange vows in a national park. We picked Bovee’s Meadow at Olympic National Park based on its tranquil water views and the deep woods surrounding us. It was a huge bonus that it was very accessible for our guests as well. 

We’ve decided it would be more intimate and self-respecting to have an elopement as soon as we’re able, and a honeymoon when we can afford it. This style of wedding wasn’t my top choice but it seems like that’s because of what the wedding industry tells us is appropriate.

Radical Wed Retreat is an annual retreat and workshop for inclusive wedding vendors hosted by wedding coordinator and stylist Justine Broughal of Together Events and photographer Jamie Carle. In addition to talks and workshops around intersectional topics, the retreat included a styled shoot for a colorful double ceremony for two LGBTQ+ couples.

We knew of each other through the Deaf community but we never really talked until a friend’s birthday party. I remember thinking “Wow, I really like her!” The sparks were there, and I really wanted to kiss her. One thing led to another, we just ended up kissing non-stop all night.

Women and femmes are not the only ones that love jewelry, and that’s why we love that all of the jewelers in our vendor directory offer a variety of masculine engagement rings for all the men, masc, and non-binary folks looking to get engaged this year.

Three years ago the Catalyst team was orchestrating the third {un}convention conference and was lucky to be host to this amazing styled shoot at The Quirk Hotel. Erik & James are a real-life couple and they agreed to be the models for the shoot. It was such a fun day, both while celebrating in the hidden courtyard and while looking out over the Richmond skyline from the rooftop.

As a wedding planner, I’ve worked with clients to develop their guest lists many times and any time the mention of an ex getting invited comes up I give them these three questions to ask themselves.

We checked in with the wedding pros in our vendor directory and here are all of their tips for how to ensure your seating plan is a total success.

Alex and I grew up in two different east coast cities. After college, we both were hired to work for the same aircraft manufacturing company in Washington.

The proposal was beautiful. You’re on cloud nine. You post a picture of yourselves elated and over the moon. The comments start with “Congratulations,” but soon deviate into advice — advice you didn’t ask for. Before you know it you have a small battalion of people needling you for answers about your upcoming nuptials. It can make you want to stop before you even start. Follow these tips to help get started on the right foot together. 

Have you ever had a project to complete that seemed absolutely pointless only to find years later that it prepared you for something real? That’s wedding planning.

Inspired by celestial elements, geodes, and gemstones, we set out to create a wedding inspiration photoshoot that captured these trends in a new and unique light.

No lace. No beading. No cleavage-showing. And no white. Those were my only preferences when it came to wedding gowns. Just as I was thinking I should downplay the whole pageantry and wear something all-black, Karol asked me something. “Have you considered a qipao?” 

“I’ve read all of the books below in my work as a wedding coordinator and let me tell you, each offers something important to help you and your partner have the wedding you want, from why we do this thing called marriage to how to have the disco-inspired ceremony of your dreams. Happy reading!”

Even with a wedding planner, 90% of planning is the difficult work of sorting and processing emotions. This isn’t a cut and dry corporate party. This isn’t a normal project that you can delegate tasks to and move on. Whether you want it to be or not, a wedding is an emotional nuclear bomb. Your job is to find a way to disarm it.

We met as all star-crossed lovers do: with a super-like on Tinder.

When picking out household items for your registry, we always recommend going with a more minimal style. You’re likely to change your style over the years, and sticking with neutral tones and clean lines means that your registry picks will always fit in no matter how much your tastes change. Here are 25 of our minimal faves to keep your kitchen functional and beautiful for years to come.

It’s a vacation or staycation you take before your wedding. It sounds insane to add a vacation to your list of things to do before a wedding, but it’s absolutely necessary.