1. Real Weddings

An Aqua and Orange Wedding at a Private Residence in Auburn, Alabama

Candace Aikens (26 and a communications specialist) and Conner Robbins (22 and a student) had a specific goa

Candace Aikens (26 and a communications specialist) and Conner Robbins (22 and a student) had a specific goal for their wedding in Auburn, Alabama: to personalize every detail. "We wanted it to reflect who we are—from the clothes and shoes we wore to the location, food, and decorations," Candace says. "It all reflected the things we love most.” Aqua and orange (their favorite hues) also covered the celebration. We're talking DIY aqua and coral bow ties, aqua bridesmaid dresses with lace details, orange DIY daisy bouquets. To make things that much more tailored to them, the reception at her parents' house in Auburn, Alabama, also included a checkerboard dance floor made by her father. Candace's parents also added to the party with a surprise. "We expected two of our friends to sing live for our first dance, but my dad hopped up on the microphone and sang "I Loved Her First," Candace says. See these moments and more, shot by Fotowerks Custom Photography, below.

DIY Wooden Wedding Hashtag Sign
Since Candace knew exactly what color she wanted, the bridesmaid dresses were the first thing she picked out. She did tons of research online and ended up finding these short aqua dresses with illusion lace necklines and chiffon skirts at Francesca's, her favorite boutique. “I can always count on Francesca's to have what I need,” Candace says. Each woman changed up her look with a different hairstyle and her chosen neutral shoes. Bright DIY bouquets of orange daisies also helped tie it all together.
When Candace couldn’t find flower arrangements she liked—aside from her gorgeous bouquet—she took it upon herself to make them. Her accessory was no exception. After her hair was styled into curls, she placed a bunch of baby’s breath into the twisted half-updo for a natural touch.
Before they started dating, Candace was interested in Conner and asked him to help her pick out a pair of DC high-top sneakers at the mall. “They were totally not my normal style,” Candace says. “Conner went, and we've been inseparable ever since.” To make their wedding day more personal, she wore these same bright DC shoes with her ball gown.
Aqua Ring Bearer Bow Tie and Coral Suspenders
Candace’s engagement and wedding bands were both chic! She paired her cushion-cut ring and its rose gold band with an infinity wedding ring. Conner wore a classic, matching gold ring.
Candace went into a bridal boutique not knowing what dress she wanted, but left that day with a gorgeous dress. The classic white Sophia Tolli ball gown had a chic overlay covered with silver beading and some light ruching below the sweetheart neckline. “I loved it so much, it was so hard to take off,” Candace says.
Vintage Guest Book Display
These mason jar cups were important to the reception design. Its blue tint inspired Candace and Conner to give her parents' home in Auburn, Alabama, a little antique flair, including vintage desks and a typewriter. The glasses also served as their wedding favors with a chalkboard accent so guests could label their gifts.
Their father-daughter dance was ultra unique! “We danced to a medley of songs including: 'Butterfly Kisses,' 'The Twist,' 'Grease Lightnin,' 'Thriller,' 'The Wobble,' 'Jump on It,' 'YMCA' ... the list goes on and on! It was so fun! My dad and I practiced for weeks,” Candace says. In addition to busting out a few moves (including some disco), Lauren's father made their dance floor.
Even their wedding cake had a personal touch. To make the topper, Conner grabbed his Polaroid camera and snapped a few pictures of them that day! Below the accent, their confection was filled with chocolate, lemon, strawberry and red velvet cake covered by a layer of buttercream frosting. Orange roses and baby's breath decorated each tier to tie in their DIY arrangements.
“I made all the bow ties,” Candace says. “I had never made a bow tie until about two weeks before the wedding, but I was determined to make it happen. Now I know how to make one.” Conner and his groomsmen wore the coral and aqua DIY accents with their chosen light gray suits.