1. Real Weddings

A Desert Botanical Garden Wedding at Springs Preserve in Las Vegas, Nevada

In the eight years that Anna Guy (34 and a lawyer) and Marc Abis (36 and a systems analyst) dated, they survived three cross-country moves and the int

In the eight years that Anna Guy (34 and a lawyer) and Marc Abis (36 and a systems analyst) dated, they survived three cross-country moves and the intensity of law school by having a sense of humor. “Being silly reminds us how much fun we have together and why we got together in the first place,” Anna says. “We’re goofy and we enjoy being goofy together. With all the heavy stuff you get hit with in life, it’s invaluable to spend your days with someone who makes you laugh and feel supported without even trying.” Their lighthearted personalities rang out loud and clear when they played “Somebody’s Getting Married” by the Muppets before the processional. That song was selected “to get everyone in the wedding spirit and ready for some fun,” Anna says. They exchanged vows outdoors amid the natural beauty of the desert at Springs Preserve in Las Vegas, Nevada, then moved indoors for the reception, where views of the botantical garden could be seen from one side of the room and the Las Vegas Strip from the other. Vegas elements were incorporated, including Frank Sinatra music and casino-style photo booth props. Anna’s gown inspired a “light, whimsical and romantic” theme, ultimately setting the tone for the palette: shimmery silver, soft blush and metallic hues. A deep amethyst from the maid of honor’s dress tied everything together. Their wedding was “vintage-inspired romantic,” Anna says. It was fun (the last song of the night was ZZ Top's “Viva Las Vegas,” which had everyone dancing), and it was a true reflection of Anna and Marc's silly and serious sides and the love they have for each other and for friends and family, too. —Chrissy Sorenson

After scouring online sites and looking in traditional wedding dress shops, Anna felt discouraged. The gowns she saw “did nothing to capture my individual style,” she says. When she discovered BHLDN, Anthropologie’s wedding collection, it was “game changing.” “The gowns were not only gorgeous but also funky and fun,” she says. She liked every BHLDN gown she tried on, but wound up falling for the trying-on-one-more-just-for-fun dress (in part because her mom and friend loved it). “I thought it looked too fluffy for my height,” she says. As soon as she put it on, “I knew it was the one,” she says. “I couldn’t stop twirling.”
For a timeless, romantic look, Anna accessorized with a vintage-style gem-studded headband.
“I knew I wanted something light and airy feeling, something a little unstructured,” Anna says of her flowers. She showed her florist her wedding gown, discussed the color scheme and explained her concept of “whimsy and elegant romance.” The result? A bouquet of white peonies, peach stock, pink Lithuanians, cream roses, fresh lavender and eucalyptus, tied with trailing cream ribbons.
Marc wore a black tuxedo, a crisp white button-down and a black bow tie. His boutonniere was peach and lavender.
Anna customized her wedding gown by adding a long ribbon around the waist.
The only bridesmaid in the wedding party, Anna’s best friend of over 20 years, wore a floor-length amethyst Vera Wang gown; the best man wore a tux with matching purple elements.
The ceremony arch was loosely draped with white chiffon, adding a touch of elegance.
Bags of rose petals were provided to shower Anna and Marc during the recessional. The newly married couple walked out to the Flaming Lips's "Do You Realize??”
Pink rose petals were scattered down the sides of the aisle, giant pink bows and baby’s breath were tied on aisle seats, and bouquets were placed on the altar.
The couple read an Irish blessing and rang an Irish crystal wedding bell in honor of Anna’s namesake grandmother.
In lieu of a traditional “something blue” (and in lieu of bridesmaids), Anna asked her best friends to wear something blue. Before the ceremony, she handed out personalized “Bride’s Tribe” sunglasses as a special shout-out. “My girls are my family,” she says.
The couple’s cocktail hour was held in cactus alley, their favorite part at Springs Preserve in Las Vegas, Nevada. Tables were decorated with handmade baby’s breath centerpieces and both lighthearted and serious photos of Anna and Marc. A photo booth featured Vegas-style props.
Fun quiz cards were left on tables to gauge guests' opinions of the party (and provide Anna and Marc with a few good laughs while reading them the next day).
The multilayer cake included a tier of lemon, a tier of raspberry, a tier of Funfetti and a gluten- free Funfetti top. The design was selected from Showboy’s gallery, with the color of the bow customized to match the ribbon on Anna's gown.