Advice: Real Bride, Real Talk

Exquisite Weddings’ own Krissy Walsh (and her now-husband Nick) tied the knot this May with a garden-party-chic event in her parents’ backyard. Here, our account manager dishes about her wedding deets and finding the perfect dress.

How did you pick your dress? I knew I wanted something nontraditional; I tried on dozens of gorgeous gowns. I’m not sure the dress I got was meant to be a wedding gown, but it was flattering and suited our venue perfectly.

Where did you find inspiration? I looked at magazines and blogs and put everything on a private Pinterest page to stay organized.

What planning advice would you give to brides? There are no rules! We opted out of having a bridal party, skipped a cake in lieu of various desserts, and I had my dad and mom walk me down the aisle. Just because something’s been done at every wedding, doesn’t mean you need to do it.

What about dress shopping? Look everywhere and be open-minded. Bring a friend who knows your style and will give you an honest opinion. Take photos of yourself. There were a few dresses I loved, but when I saw the photos they weren’t as flattering as I thought.

What would you tell your pre-wedding self? Get excited! You’re marrying your best friend, and everyone you love is going to be there to witness it.

“We wanted our wedding to feel more like a party, and I think we nailed it!”