Planning

Getting Ready

This southern mama and her daughter share a special moment after putting on the veil. 

Photo Credit: Scott Hopkins Photography on Southern Weddings via Lover.ly

Getting Ready

Nothing but smiles in the bridal suite.

Photo Credit: Alyse French Photography on Southern Weddings via Lover.ly

Getting Ready

Our real bride blogger Lisa's favorite wedding memories include her mom, from spending those morning hours together getting their makeup done to finding a last-minute reception dress for mom. "On the morning of my wedding, she decided that she didn’t want to wear the same dress she wore to my actual ceremony, because she thought it was too stuffy. We raced through the dress department and found a swingy, light blue party dress that was a perfect fit for a fiesta.”

Photo Credit: Unveiled Wedding Photography 

Getting Ready

This bride’s young daughter looks in amazement at her pretty wedding hairstyle.

Photo Credit: Kathleen Hertel Photography

Getting Ready

An angelic bride leaves her mom awestruck.

Photo Credit: Kate Murphy Photography 

Getting Ready

Concerned that your dress won’t fit? Don’t worry, Mom is a wonder with a zipper.

Photo Credit: Photo Love Photography

Getting Ready

This bride’s mother had some fun with her outfit choice and chose a bold red blazer and black feathered hat. 

Photo Credit: Matthew Mead on Polka Dot Bride via Lover.ly

Something Borrowed

The only thing better than wearing your mom’s earrings on your special day is capturing a photo of her putting them on you.

Photo Credit: Landon Jacob Productions on Southern Weddings via Lover.ly

Precious Moment

A sweet moment between a bride and her little girl.

Photo Credit: S.C. Photography on S.C. Photography via Lover.ly

Precious Moment

An ecstatic mother and daughter literally jump for joy that the big day has finally arrived!

Photo Credit: Joy Marie Photographers 

Precious Moment

This mother and father couldn’t be happier to see their little girl marry the man of her dreams.

Photo Credit: Robin Jolin 

Precious Moment

The sheer excitement on this bride’s face is priceless.

Photo Credit: Peach Blossom Photography on Southern Weddings via Lover.ly

Precious Moment

A mother getting choked up at the sight of her beautiful daughter.

Photo Credit: Natalie Franke Photography on Southern Weddings via Lover.ly

Precious Moment

We love how mom's vibrant dress is perfectly coordinated with the color scheme of the wedding. 

Photo Credit: Life's Highlights

Precious Moment

A mother and daughter put their heads together to create an adorable photo.

Photo Credit: Wren Photography 

Precious Moment

Don’t be afraid to cry — emotional moments make the best pictures!

Photo Credit: Fotowerks Custom Photography

Precious Moment

We can’t help but smile when looking at this photo.

Photo Credit: Landon Jacob Productions on Southern Weddings via Lover.ly

Precious Moment

A must-have photo showcasing both of your engagement rings.

Photo Credit: Nancy Ray Photography 

Precious Moment

Such an adorable family portrait!

Photo Credit: Boro Creative Visions Photography on Oh Lovely Day via Lover.ly

Precious Moment

Part of bride Jackie’s touching vows were dedicated to her new stepdaughter. She said, “I promise to be an example to Sarah and our family of what a good wife, friend, mother and woman should be.” How sweet!

Photo Credit: Rose Street Studio 

Precious Moment

The raw emotion in this photo brings tears to our eyes.

Photo Credit: Elisa B. Photography on Southern Weddings via Lover.ly 

Precious Moment

A unity sand ceremony including your kids is a fantastic way to represent the blending together of two families.

Photo Credit: Photo Love Photography 

Precious Moment

The couple’s daughter, Willow, was a flower girl. “The most important thing to us was involving our friends and family,” says Birdie. “Our little girl, Willow, was smiling as she was pulled down the aisle in a wagon — and that brought tears to my eyes.”

Photo Credit: Andrejka Photography 

Precious Moment

This touching photo would convince any bride to share the “first look” with her mother.

Photo Credit: Ali Siart Photography 

Precious Moment

Capture the last few moments of motherly advice on the way to the ceremony.

Photo Credit: Tinywater Photography on Wedding Chicks via Lover.ly

Precious Moment

No grass stains on Mama’s watch!

Photo Credit: Abby Jiu on Snippet and Ink via Lover.ly

Precious Moment

A dreamy beach backdrop makes for a beautiful mother daughter photo.

Photo Credit: Braedon Photography on Inspired By This via Lover.ly

Precious Moment

A moment of quiet prayer between a mother and daughter.

Photo Credit: Paul Von Rieter on Grey Likes Weddings via Lover.ly

Like mother, like daughter

This mother-daughter duo flash the same subtle but glowing smile. 

Photo Credit: Lauren Larsen on Southern Weddings via Lover.ly

Walk Down the Aisle

The bride's mom walked her down the aisle as Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl" played.

Photo Credit: Brent Lukey on Polka Dot Bride via Lover.ly

Walk Down the Aisle

This mother gazes adoringly at her stunning daughter.

Photo Credit: Justin Beck Photography

Walk Down the Asile

Everything about this rustic-chic wedding screams family, from the two open doors in the aisle to the bride having both her parents give her away.

Photo Credit: Wren Photography 

Walk Down the Aisle

This mother-of-the-bride couldn’t be happier to be walking her daughter down the aisle.

Photo Credit: ZADesignz 

Walk Down the Aisle

Mother and daughter stroll hand-in-hand to the ceremony.

Photo Credit: Jonas Peterson on Wedding Chicks via Lover.ly

Walk Down the Aisle

Add a unique touch and give mom a miniature version of your bouquet!

Photo Credit: Rachel Pearlman Photography 

Warm Embrace

A sweet kiss on the forehead before walking down the aisle.

Photo Credit: EMinDee Images 

Warm Embrace

A kiss for the blushing bride that’s doubly sweet!

Photo Credit: Two One Photography 

Warm Embrace

A bride plants a big smooch on her elated mother’s cheek.

Photo Credit: Matt Andrews Photography 

Warm Embrace

This mother can’t hold back the tears as she embraces her daughter.

Photo Credit: Jordan Quinn Photography 

Warm Embrace

This MOB is squeezing her daughter so tight, it looks like she never wants to let go.

Photo Credit: Ryan Flynn Photography 

Warm Embrace

Eskimo kisses in the bridal suite equal a picture-perfect moment.  

Photo Credit: Hailey Erickson 

Celebrating Culture

The bride's mother beams with pride that her daughter decided to share her cultural traditions with her guests. 

Photo Credit: Thomas Marlow on Maharani Weddings via Lover.ly

Celebrating Culture

Borrow this Hindu tradition and give your mom and dad seats of honor. 

Photo Credit: Cory Ryan Photography

Celebrating Culture

A hysterical photo of a mom being hoisted in the air during the Hora.

Photo Credit: Scobey Photography on Southern Weddings on Lover.ly 

Don't Forget Grandma!

A radiant bride looks on as her new husband shares a dance with her lovable grandmother. 

Photo Credit: Choco Studio 

Sweet Gesture

Say a special thank you to mom by gushing about how amazing she is in front of all of your guests. And instead of tossing your bouquet, give it to the most important woman in your life.

Photo Credit: Angel Canary Photography 

Sweet Gesture

Sewn into bride Vanessa’s dress was a piece of her mother’s wedding dress, hand stitched with Vanessa and Andrew’s names and wedding date.

Photo Credit: Dominique Bader on Snippet and Ink via Lover.ly

Sweet Gesture

Mom grins from ear-to-ear as the bride concentrates on making her corsage look perfect. 

Photo Credit: Diane Askew Photography 

Sweet Gesture

This adorable couple shared one last kiss with their moms before walking down the aisle as husband and wife.

Photo Credit: Jeremy Beasley

Mother-Daughter Dance

Pure joy is radiating from this mother-daughter duo as they take a spin around the dance floor.

Photo Credit: Jared Wilson Photography 

Rosé Crush

2 scoops of crushed ice
2 shots of rosé wine (recommended: Minuty)
1 shot of orange juice
1 shot of cranberry juice or raspberry juice
Fresh cranberries, fresh raspberries, and fresh mint to garnish

Add crushed ice to a martini glass. Pour 2 shots of rosé and 1 shot each of orange and cranberry or raspberry juice in a mixer and shake. Pour over ice and garnish with cranberries, raspberries, and a sprig of mint.

Courtesy of Stix on Grace Bay at Grace Bay Club in Turks and Caicos

Fire & Passion

2 oz. Belvedere Vodka

Pulp from one passion fruit

Dash simple syrup

1 oz. blood orange juice


Build over crushed ice into a rocks glass. Garnish with a slice of ruby red grapefruit.

Courtesy of Belvedere Vodka

Love Blooms


In a shaker, combine:
1½ parts American Harvest Organic Spirit
¾ parts Lillet Rose Aperitif
¾ part grapefruit syrup*

Shake well with ice, strain into a champagne flute, and top with champagne. Garnish with an edible flower, like a pansy.

*To make the grapefruit syrup, mix equal parts sugar and freshly squeezed and strained grapefruit juice in a sealed container. Shake until dissolved. Keep in the refrigerator; it will last a week.

Courtesy of American Harvest Organic Spirit Vodka

Happily Ever After

1½ oz. Lucid absinthe
½ oz. simple syrup
Club soda
Kiwi fruit
Cucumber

Muddle two cucumber wheels and two peeled kiwi wheels with the simple syrup in a double rocks glass. Fill with ice and add the Lucid absinthe. Top with club soda. Garnish with an unpeeled kiwi wheel on rim of the glass.

Courtesy of DGC

Enchanted Tea

In a shaker, combine:

1½ parts Absolut Wild Tea Vodka

1 part Bärenjäger Honey Liqueur

1 part Celestial Seasons Mandarin Orange tea

¾ parts fresh lemon juice


Shake with ice and strain into a highball glass with fresh ice. Garnish with an orange slice. 




Courtesy of Absolut Wild Tea Vodka

Summer Passion

1 oz. Frangelico hazelnut liiqueur
1 oz. passion fruit juice
Laurent-Perrier Brut NV Champagne
Grenadine

Combine Frangelico and passion fruit juice with ice and stir. Top with champagne and a splash of grenadine. Garnish with a floating orchid.

Courtesy of DGC

The First Dance

3 oz. Flor de Caña 7 Year Rum
1 oz. triple sec
1 oz. fresh lime juice
1 oz. simple syrup
4 watermelon chunks
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Whirl all ingredients together and pour into a glass. Garnish with a watermelon segment.

Courtesy of DGC

Blushing Bride

½ oz. peach schnapps

½ oz. grenadine

4 oz. OneHope Sparkling Wine

Pour the peach schnapps and grenadine into a champagne flute or coupe. Top with sparkling wine.

Created by OneHope Sparkling Wine, which donates 50% of its proceeds to End Childhood Hunger

Cantaloupe Tea Daiquiri

1½ oz. Numi Emperor’s Pu-erh Tea
1½ oz. Van Gogh BLUE Vodka
3 oz. frozen cubed cantaloupe
1 oz. coconut milk
Splash of lemon juice

Steep tea at four times the normal strength for two minutes, then remove tea bag and chill liquid for later use. Combine and blend ingredients in blender, adding a splash of lemon for each serving. Serve on the rocks, garnished with lemon wedge.

Courtesy of tea sommelier James Labe for Numi Emperor's Pu-erh Tea

Rhuby Margarita

3 oz. Rhuby rhubarb liqueur
1 oz. light smooth tequila
Fresh basil
Lemon juice

Muddle fresh basil, add Rhuby and tequila, and shake over ice. Strain into a chilled salt-rimmed tumbler, and add a bit of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Garnish with a basil leaf.

Courtesy of DGC

Blissful

1 cup CAMUS VS Elegance Cognac
½ cup X-Rated Fusion Liqueur
½ cup triple sec
½ cup sparkling water
½ cup zero calorie sweetener
Juice of 1 lemon
1 cup strawberries, pulsed in blender
1 cup ice

Pulse the strawberries in a blender; slowly add the lemon juice and sweetener to the mix. Place mixture in the pitcher and add cognac, liqueur, triple sec and sparkling water. Lastly, add ice and serve. Garnish margarita glasses with lemon twist. Serves 4.

Courtesy of DGC

Bed of Roses

3 oz. Rhuby rhubarb liqueur
1 lemon
Splash of Cachaca

Muddle lemon. Pour Rhuby over the lemon and plenty of crushed ice. Top it off with a splash of Cachaca, and garnish with a pink edible flower.

Courtesy of DGC

Cool & Skinny

1 oz. Lucid absinthe
3 oz. fresh brewed peach tea
1/3 tsp. orange blossom honey
5 mint leaves
2 oz. of diet ginger ale
Slice of fresh white peach

Muddle the orange blossom honey and the mint leaves. Add Lucid and peach tea. Shake in a cocktail shaker with ice and then strain into a rocks glass over ice. Top with diet ginger ale. Garnish with a slice of white peach on the rim of the glass or floating on the rocks.

Courtesy of DGC

Green Iced Tea

1 Numi Decaf Ginger Lemon Tea bag
3 oz. fresh cucumber juice
1½ oz. tequila
Splash of lemon juice

Infuse one tea bag in tequila for thirty minutes, then remove bag, squeezing out excess. Combine and stir ingredients. Serve on the rocks. Garnish with lime wedge.

Courtesy of tea sommelier James Labe for Numi Organic Tea

Rum Old Fashioned

1½ oz. South Sea Rum
1 tsp. simple syrup
1 orange peel
3 dashes angostura bitters

Directly in a rocks glass, stir the rum, simple and bitters with ice. Then add the garnish.

Courtesy of South Sea Rum

Sparkling Romance

1 part Rhuby rhubarb liqueur
2 part bubbly (Champagne, Cava or Prosecco)

Simply combine chilled in champagne flute or coupe. Garnish with frozen raspberries, strawberries or edible flower for a splash of color.

Courtesy of DGC

Blondie

2 oz. South Sea Rum
½ oz. pineapple juice
2 oz. club soda
1 to 3 mint leaves
½ oz. honey or agave (optional)

Combine South Sea Rum and pineapple in a highball glass. Add club soda and drizzle with honey. Place mint leaf on top.

Courtesy of South Sea Rum

Cucumber Martini Sorbet

Yield: Eight portions

Ingredients:
½ cup sugar
½ cup water
1 cup Tanqueray or other good quality gin
6 tablespoons dry vermouth
6 cups washed, English/hothouse cucumber, juiced
12 mint leaves
½ cup lime juice
2 egg whites
½ cup white balsamic vinegar
½ cup sugar
1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
8 mint leaves

Method:
Gently heat water and sugar to melt. Chill. Pour into blender. Add gin, vermouth, and cucumber juice, and blend. Add mint leaves and puree, then add lime juice and puree. Chill.

Whisk egg whites until soft peak fluffy. Fold into chilled cucumber puree. Chill for 15 minutes. When puree is cold, churn it in ice cream maker.

For the drizzle, gently heat the balsamic vinegar, sugar, and red pepper flakes to melt and infuse. Chill.

To serve:
Scoop sorbet into a martini glass. Pour a teaspoon of the drizzle over the top. Garnish with a mint leaf. The sorbet will gradually melt, so you can drink it or lick it as you see fit!

Courtesy of Barraud Caterers Limited

Vodka Orange & Rum Mojito Poptails

Available exclusively through L.A.-based Comtemporary Catering.