As a bridal designer, I've seen hundreds of wedding dresses make it through wedding days beautifully. The truth is that most gown emergencies aren't major emergencies at all…they're small, fixable issues that can happen during a long day of hugging, dancing, eating, and celebrating. I recommend putting together a small wedding dress emergency kit and here are the dress-specific items I recommend every bride pack.
Read MoreMany couples wonder whether they need both Save the Dates and wedding invitations. Learn the difference between the two, when to send them, who should receive them, and how to decide what makes the most sense for your wedding.
Read MoreAs a Chicago wedding photographer with over ten years of experience and over 300 weddings under my belt, I think it’s fair to say that I’ve pretty much seen it all. I’ve witnessed the good, the amazing and the…ah…not so amazing?!
Here are five of the biggest decisions you’ll make that will impact your wedding experience:
Your timeline is the most important thing nobody sees. It's the invisible architecture of the whole day — and it's the difference between a wedding that happens to you in a blur and a day you actually get to be present for.
Most of the best decisions cost nothing. They're just about sequencing the day around the moments you want to feel. These are the ones we build in again and again.
Every year, the wedding industry publishes reports: spending trends, booking behavior, consumer insights. These publications are treated as the authority on how couples plan, budget, and make decisions. The problem is that most of this data was never built with Black brides at the center. Not intentionally excluded, just overlooked in the process.
Read MoreIf 2025 was about rethinking tradition, 2026 is about owning your point of view. Couples aren’t asking what they should do anymore - they’re asking what feels like them. And I love that. Today’s wedding planner Nicole Fauls and owner of Urban Allure Events shares the biggest and best 2026 wedding trends.
Read MoreBridal insider Tina Wong has organized some of Chicago’s best bridal shops by shopping timeline, with notes on who each boutique is best for. The “best” bridal shop isn’t universal—it’s the one that aligns with your timeline, style, and decision-making pace.
Read MoreTaylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement has everyone buzzing, and for good reason. If you’re dreaming about a 2026 wedding, here are some ideas you can take from their engagement and upcoming celebration.
Read MoreWhat are the Top Trends in Rehearsal Dinner Dresses for 2025 Weddings? Grace + Ivory spill the tea on all of the best looks, especially for the bride who wants to soak in every bridal fashion moment!
Read MorePlanning a wedding can be a fun and emotionally exhausting undertaking. When you are doing that as an individual with a disability, that exhaustion can become even more challenging but it doesn’t have to. Disability advocate and wedding photographer Kellie Hetler shares tips for finding vendors that will work well with you and your special needs!
Read MoreWhether you are shopping for a special 2025 bride in your life, looking to treat yourself, or need an easy list to forward to mom, fiancé, or your maid of honor: let us, at Grace + Ivory, take care of the shopping! We get it, your wedding year is filled with endless to-do lists and there’s already so much to get…so figuring out your bridal essentials on top of it all can be overwhelming.
Read MoreThe wedding industry is constantly evolving, with new trends emerging that reflect couples' desire for personalization, simplicity, and meaningful experiences. In recent years, we've seen a shift away from traditional norms as more couples opt for unique and personally detailed celebrations. Let’s explore some of the most exciting trends shaping modern weddings and how couples are making their big day their own.
Read MoreIn a world where tradition and innovation often collide, modern couples are increasingly embracing a refreshing take on the classic wedding. Gone are the days when a wedding had to follow a rigid set of traditions.
Read MoreIt has become increasingly common for friends or family to fulfill the important role of wedding officiant. Given rising costs across the service industry, it’s perhaps unsurprising that brides and grooms are looking for ways to sign away fewer vendor checks. We are offering some thoughts on whether you should hire a friend or a wedding professional for this important wedding day role.
Read MoreThe details and decisions of planning your wedding can be stressful, and when that special day comes, you want to savor and enjoy it as much as possible. Kari Thirsk, owner of Wedding Day Chicago offers 10 expert tips for a stress free wedding day!
Read MoreToday Nerissa B Modern Calligraphy shares some of the newest trends in wedding calligraphy. Not only can you have gorgeous calligraphy involved in your wedding day but you can have a memorable guest experience, while also ticking off the box for wedding favors!
Read MoreMany couples are often surprised at how much wedding flowers cost. It’s not as simple as picking up flowers from Costco or Trader Joe's and expecting the same result as hiring a professional wedding florist. When you hire a professional florist, you’re paying for much more than just the flowers.
Read MoreIn an era where environmental consciousness is at the forefront of our minds, it's no surprise that couples are increasingly looking for ways to make their wedding celebrations more sustainable. From reducing waste to supporting local artisans, there are numerous ways to plan a wedding that's not only beautiful but also eco-friendly.
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