Remember Kristin & Andy’s gorgeous Minnesota wedding from this summer?

Well, we’re thrilled to feature Andy & Kristin once again on Truly Engaging! But this time, they’re sharing their “trash the dress” photos with us! Let’s just say, Kristin and Andy have let their hair down and aren’t worried about perfect timing, ruining their wedding clothes, or breaking a heel this time! No … this session is casual and celebrates an old-fashioned kind of fun–one that brings out the kid in each of them! And yet–they still manage to look absolutely fantastic! Here’s our naturally-beautiful bride Kristin, to tell us about their afternoon & why they wanted to do a “trash the dress” session …

Location We ended up at West Medicine Lake Park {Minneapolis, MN}- which is just a few miles from our house. Since I didn’t have any grand ideas about our session, Erica thought the park would offer a variety of scenery and things to do.
Photographer Erica Hanna Mayer of Puke Rainbows Photography

When you’re planning a wedding, it’s hard not to get distracted by all the beautiful “trash the dress” photo sessions that exist on blogs. For me, I really wanted to have a photo session with my husband after the big day, when we were no longer anxious, nervous, stressed, etc. and could instead just truly enjoy it. I also really wanted some photos with our dog, since he was NOT allowed anywhere near me on our wedding day (didn’t want to take any chances that he would deem it necessary to “mark” my dress!) And of course, I wanted the excuse to put my wedding dress back on again!

You look like you were having so much fun—how is this photography session different from any other? We did have a lot of fun – despite the unseasonably cold temperatures We were just completely relaxed this time around. Unlike at the wedding, I wasn’t running through our memorized vows in my head or worrying about tripping when I walked down the aisle. Erica did a great job of providing some direction, but also making us feel completely at ease – sometimes I even forgot that she was there!

I love this last photo–just cracks me up! So funny. Thanks Kristin & Andy for sharing yet another special day with us. What a blast and perhaps you and other “trash the dress” enthusiasts will inspire TLC to come up with a new show called “Say yes to the dress–without all the stress!”  Congrats once again! We love your pics!

So, what do you think? Are you brave enough to “trash your dress?

Vintage Appliqué is one of our newer designs and here to explain the inspiration behind the design is none other than the designer herself … Jen.

The inspiration behind this design was the timeless pattern of lace. Such a romantic fabric, lace never loses its dreamy and enchanting demeanor and I wanted to create an invite that gave off that same classic feeling. Paired with a soft cursive script and a muted pink color, I wanted this invite to stand the test of time and be perfect for any season or wedding theme.

{click to enlarge}

Featured above: Rectangle Wedding Invitation with Half Moon Holder
Featured below: Coordinating … RSVP Postcard, Enclosure Card, Save the Date Magnet & Envelope Liner with Small Round Seal

The timeless fabric of lace has indeed stood the test of time–its current resurgence is proof of that.

Truly gorgeous Jen. I love how the design flourish is effortlessly carried from one stationery item to the next–you had me at the Envelope Liner. This design would be perfectly lovely for both a modern or a vintage-styled wedding.

images: lace bowls, lace dress

If you’re not the wedding veil wearing kind of bride, you still have so many lovely alternatives …

Feast your eyes upon these exquisite options from one of our favorite places to shop … Etsy! Here are three of my favorites–a spectacular rhinestone tiara, an adorable daisy chain headband with a bohemian feel, and a freshwater pearl headband. So feminine. So lovely.

What do you think of non-traditional headpieces?

Etsy designers: Rhinestone tiara via Myra Callan, Daisy crown & Freshwater pearl headband via Erica Elizabeth Koesler,

Birds and butterflies are two popular wedding themes that have stood the test of time! Use them as a perfect prelude to set the tone on your save the date or carry them throughout your wedding look.

Love Birds … Sweet and romantic, love birds are symbols of love, purity, faithfulness. Did you know that doves choose one partner and mate for life? How incredible and extremely symbolic for a wedding. From artful to whimsical, here are 5 save the date magnet options with a bird theme. If a certain design has you tweeting and singing, carry the bird theme to your invitation suite, thank yous, favors–and perhaps even to your holiday cards for this year.

{click to enlarge} Browse all of the bird-themed designs at MagnetStreet Weddings.

{top left} Elegant lovebirds,{large right} Birds in Bloom, {bottom left}Love birds, {bottom middle-Holiday Card} Christmas Love Birds, {bottom right} Loyal Birds

Carrying the Birds in Bloom Save the Date design to the Tea-length wedding invitation, Table Number Cards as well as Thank You Cards. {click to enlarge}

Delicate butterflies … lighthearted and fanciful. Butterflies are found in many cultures–symbolizing transformation, new life and lightheartedness. American Indian lore says that if you catch a butterfly, whisper your wish to it and set it free–your wish will be taken straight to the heavens. So gentle and ethereal–it’s hard not to fall in love with the fancifulness of butterflies and these butterfly save the date designs!

Love butterflies too? Browse all of the butterfly-themed stationery designs Change the colors to reflect your wedding colors on any design!

{click to enlarge}

{top left} Enchanted Butterfly, {large right} Romantic Archive Mini Magnet, {middle left} Inquiring Butterflies,  {bottom left} Polka Dot Butterflies, {bottom middle} Butterfly Breeze-Photobooth style, {bottom right} Fluttering Bliss-Mini Save the Date

Carrying Fluttering Bliss across your butterfly theme across to the layered invite, enclosure card, thank you and address label. Check out the entire Fluttering Bliss suite here.

Which is your favorite design?