We pin them to our Pinterest boards [1] for inspiration. We bookmark them on our computers. We forward them to our best friends with the note, "Can this please be me now?" Yes, we're talking about wedding photos. The truth is, Winter white [2] gowns, lace-embroidered veils [3], and bright bouquets are the stuff we dream about.
But here's the thing: while we gaze longingly at Amal Alamuddin [4]'s wedding album just as much as we do our own sister's, real-girl snaps always feel just a bit more attainable to us. Whether the bride in question was slipping on her dress and Converse sneakers [5] or giving her maid of honor a squeeze before walking down the aisle, the 35 candid moments below were the ones that really pulled at our heartstrings and also made us realize what a stylish [6] year it was to get married.
Source: 100 Layer Cake [7], Style Me Pretty [8]
A Mad Dash Into the Sunset Looks Better With Satin Details
Photo by Susan Stripling Photography [9] via Style Me Pretty [10]
A Swirl-Embroidered Dress That Says "Spin Me Around"
Photo by Steve Steinhardt [11] via Style Me Pretty [12]
Braving the Long Road Ahead Equipped With a Delicate Lace Train
Photo by Ella Photography [13] via Style Me Pretty [14]
He Swept Her Up in Satin
Photo by Michelle Lange [15] via Style Me Pretty [16]
A Truly Perfect Day Isn't Complete Without a Ruffle
Photo by Esther Sun Photography [17] via Style Me Pretty [18]
She's Wearing His Heart on Her Sleeve
It's a cutout of the groom's button-down!
Photo by Sequins and Candy Photography [19] via Style Me Pretty [20]
The Bridesmaids Wore Gray, but Each Dress Was Bright in Its Own Way
Photo by Marissa Lambert [21] via Style Me Pretty [22]
Two Brides Make For Double the Style and Double the Details
Eyelet lace meets a netted headpiece and sleeves of beads.
A Solid Support System With Sweetheart Necklines Puts the Bride at Ease
Photo by Onelove Photography [23] via Style Me Pretty [24]
A Vintage-Inspired, Bohemian Moment Looks Better in Cream
He Wore Matching Sneakers to Her Striking Belt
Photo by Stephanie Yonce Photography [25] via Style Me Pretty [26]
It's a Good Day When You Get to Wear Wool and Plaid
Photo by Megan Hayes [27] via Green Wedding Shoes [28]
Bow Tie Straight, Veil in Place, Shades On
Even Colorful Confetti Can't Hide the Dainty Blossoms on This Bride's Dress
Photo by Peaches & Mint [29] via Style Me Pretty [30]
The Bride May Have Chosen Sleeveless, but These Two Don't Even Feel the Cold
Photo by Dylan and Sara Photography [31] via Style Me Pretty [32]
You Know You've Got a Good Guy on Your Arm When He Matches His Tie to Your Lipstick
Photo by Jessica Lewis Photography [33] via Style Me Pretty [34]
You Can Even Wear Uggs to the Ceremony
Photo by Eric Rudd Photography [35] via Style Me Pretty [36]
This Bride's Stylish Sister Knows It's All About the Feminine Details
And she's not the only one [37].
A Look That's Fresh as a Pearl
Photo by Kurt Boomer [38] via Style Me Pretty [39]
Dare to Be Different With Purple Gemstones and Dainty Back Detail That's Truly Golden
A Thin-Yet-Stylish Stitch of Something Blue
Photo by McGowan Images [40] via Style Me Pretty [41]
You Couldn't Possibly Hit the Beach Without a Flowing Gown That Catches the Breeze
Photo by KT Merry Photography [42] via Style Me Pretty [43]
A Carefree Bride That Doesn't Even Mind Getting the Hem of Her Dress Sandy
Oh, this old thing?
Photo by Jeremiah and Rachel Photography [44] via Style Me Pretty [45]
Metallic Loafers and Kooky Socks Make These Two Stand Out
Who Says the Bride Can't Work a Slit?
Photo by Brandi Smyth Photography [46] via Style Me Pretty [47]
Cutouts to Make Any Girl Swoon
Photo by Sandra Åberg [48] via Style Me Pretty [49]
A Navy Sash to Seal the Deal
Photo by Adeline & Grace Photography [50] via Style Me Pretty [51]
A Love That Makes You Want to Just Take Your Shoes Off
Even if they've got killer sequin details like these cutout heels.
Cutting the Cake? Try Slashing It
As long as the icing stays away from the bride's dress.
This Poofy Dress Isn't Playing Around
Coming Undone
Even when the shoes and jacket come off, they still look like a dapper twosome.
An Elopement in a Dark, Hidden Forest Makes This Bride's Dress Stand Out Even More
Now that's natural lighting.
Photo by Benj Haisch [52] via Green Wedding Shoes [53]
An Embellished Garter We'd Love Almost Too Much to Take Off
. . . Almost.
Photo by Logan Cole [54] via 100 Layer Cake [55]
The Whole Gang Is Ready to Rock, Sporting Every Color of the Rainbow
Photo by Golden Hour Studios [56] via Green Wedding Shoes [57]
An Airy Skirt and Veil That Would Put Any Bride on Cloud Nine
Photo by Jen Wojcik Photography [58] via 100 Layer Cake [59]