Photo by Best Photography

We are so proud to present our first e-magazine, WeddingWire’s stunning SummerBook. It’s overflowing with breathtaking photos, inspiring wedding details, fabulous fashion, informative articles, and lots more. Some of our favorite sections? Check out the gorgeous fashion spread featuring some of the hot-off-the-runway Gatsby-inspired gowns. And the beautiful real weddings, including a romantic, map-inspired affair will make you swoon. If you’re looking for great expert advice, we’ve got that too, in the form of a Q&A with our favorite caterers on their picks for the top summer hors d’oeuvre, as well as an etiquette column to help solve your toughest wedding queries.

And the icing on the cake? An amazing contest, of course! Every day next week we’ll be giving away an incredible prize, including a $2,500 gift certificate to Invitations by Dawn, a $1,000 gift card to Bloomingdale’s, and, to close out the week, an iPad Mini. You only have until Sunday, June 16 to get in on the fun, so be sure to enter today!

If you’re having an outdoor backyard wedding this summer, lawn games are must-haves! Set up the lawn games beforehand and add inviting sings like “May the odds be ever in your favor” or “Let the games begin,” so that it will encourage guests to play. They’re a great way to entertain them during cocktail hour (while you’re having pictures taken with your NEW husband) or even during the reception (as long as you don’t mind them missing from the dance floor). Choose between these fun favorites:

1. Cornhole

Photo: Claudia McDade Photography

Your wedding is a chance to be a star for the day, so why not draw inspiration from the Oscars? After you’ve walked down the red carpet aisle and struck a pose for the paparazzi, show off some glitz and glamour at your reception with a few of these academy awarded ideas:

1. Movie Screening Lounge

Play your favorite movie for those who need a break from dinner and dancing.

 Photo: Lindye Galloway Events 

Once you have finally booked your venue, it’s time to pick your color scheme! You may think the colors are completely up to you; however, you should take into account the setting of your venue, the time of year your wedding is taking place and how formal or informal your ceremony and reception will be.  Remember, not only do you want your color scheme to set the vibe for your wedding but also complement the venue. Here are our favorite color scheme combinations to inspire you:

Historic Home = Yellow + Gray

Photo: Ned Jackson Photography

Inspiration for your wedding decor can come from anywhere – and a favorite movie, especially a classic film like the1952  Gene Kelly/Debbie Reynolds favorite Singin’ in the Rain, is a great place to start. We love how the creative Savannah-based vendor team, lead by Morgan Gallo Events and Azelle Photography, took this idea to heart by creating a style shoot full of Old Hollywood glamour and a touch of whimsy. Of particular note are the bright color palette, old school-meets-modern lounge area, raindrop-inspired details at every turn (love that cake!), and the vintage umbrellas hanging above the dance floor. Who said that rain on your wedding day is a bad thing? Check out the stunning, inspiring photos below – plus a bonus video from this gorgeous shoot.