Get Ready to Wed in Style: Bella Mansions’ 6 Favorite 2023 Wedding Trends

A unique wedding sign for Bella Mansions blog about 2023 wedding trends

Today, Bella Mansions is here to give you the scoop on what we think will be the 6 hottest wedding trends of 2023! From modern decor and bridal fashion to creative confectionery options and thoughtful gifts for guests, we’ve got all the details on what’s sure to be big in weddings next year. So if you’re getting married or planning a wedding for a loved one in 2023, keep reading to get the inside scoop on what’s going to be popular! 

Continue reading

Celebrating Love and Life: Isabel (Bella) Ramey & Kevin Martin Tie the Knot at Bella Mansions (Our First Wedding!)

Bella Mansions - The ceremony candle light angle

Love is in the air, and what better way to start our journey at Bella Mansions than with our very own Isabel (Bella) Ramey and Kevin Martin’s wedding on 11/11! Not only was it a symbolic date for beginning their journey together as husband and wife, but Isabel (Bella Mansions Owner) also made her mark by being the first-ever Bella Bride to get married here with us at Bella Mansions. The Sanger Mansion hosted this romantic, casual celebration filled with close friends and family members who shared this joyous occasion. What could be more magical than having our owner be the first ever ‘Bella Bride’ to tie the knot of her dreams?

Continue reading

The Pros and Cons of an Outdoor Wedding Venue

A wedding on the water for the Bella Mansions Wedding Venue blog

You’ve finally done it! You’ve fallen in love, found the perfect partner, and now you’re ready to take the next step: getting married! But before you start planning your dream wedding, you need to decide on one important thing – where will the wedding take place?

Continue reading

Unconventional Wedding Ideas

nontraditional wedding

From destination weddings to riding into a venue on horses or elephants, this is your moment. Why conform to the status quo? A wedding is simply a celebration of love to share alongside your loved ones, it doesn’t mean suit and tie is mandatory. While not every unconventional option is going to be accessible for you or your guests, there’s still things you can do to make this day memorable with some creativity. New non-traditional trends and quirks are gaining a lot of popularity and we’re here to share some of the best ones with you! 

Alternative Colors for Wedding Dresses

colorful wedding dress

The bride does not have to be in white dress. While black wedding dresses have been a big trend as well, you can dress as colorful or neutral as you want! Your dress should make you feel beautiful. Whether that means sticking with a more traditional color and style or stepping outside of the norms, all you have to do is make sure it does it’s main job, which is to make you smile.

Doggy Ring Bearer

cute dog

While kids make really cute ring bearers, dogs make even better ones. Have your furry friend deliver your rings at the altar and wait for the on cue “awe” as they waddle by everyone. This isn’t limited to just dogs, whatever your pet of choice may be, just train them to be the greatest delivery man!

Embrace Your Culture

cultural wedding

Cultural weddings aren’t technically considered ‘non-traditional’ to their specific culture. Though, not everyone is connected enough to their roots to pursue a wedding outside the standard norm. No matter your background, incorporating traditions outside a white dress and a suit and tie can be a beautiful thing and serve as a mix of your American and native culture.

Surprise Wedding

surprise

Surprise weddings are a growing trend that have recently gained popularity within unconventional traditions. Basically, this is inviting your friends and family over to an event but upon arrival, they realize they’re actually attending your wedding! If you’re sporadic and love a good surprise, this is for you.

Unconventional Venue

Like we said, not everyone can afford to take both sides of the family to an expensive island wedding, but a venue can take place anywhere. You can attend a music festival, dressed in white and some sneakers! Have a tent wedding in a spacious piece of land near nature and fill with possible decorative surprises inside. You can even host your wedding at your favorite cafe or restaurant. Anything is possible, don’t let traditional standards hold you back from considering certain places. 

While we’d love to host you in our beautiful Sanger Mansion, currently our work in progress is only open to the public for styled shoots. The mansion is free to use, just sign up to confirm availability!

Your Go To Guide for a Spring Wedding

spring wedding

Spring time is officially among us! Spring is considered the best time to have an outdoor wedding. It is synonymous with “new beginnings” as the blooming flowers and beautiful colors are renewed around this season. The scenery, adequate attire, and color palettes that are used during Spring can create the perfect setting for your wedding. Your new beginning towards the rest of your life can start with a gorgeous Spring wedding. 

We’ve compiled some of our best tips towards planning your event:

Spring Holidays To Remember

As you set the date for your spring wedding, there’s a couple of holidays to keep in mind during this season:

  • Mother’s Day: Always a Sunday in May
  • Memorial Day: Always a Monday in May
  • Father’s Day: Always a Sunday in June
  • Palm Sunday: Typically in March or April
  • Easter: Typically in March or April

Do your best to plan your wedding around these holidays. Many of your guests may be avid celebrators of these events and it may conflict with your wedding attendance if planned on the same date.

Spring Weather

The spring season is known to have unpredictable weather. Sunny days may be followed by periods of rain and extreme weather changes. You should be prepared and consider incorporating a tent into your wedding venue in case of rain or any unforeseen circumstances.

Spring Wedding Color Palette

Spring marks the transition from winter to summer colors. Color schemes around this time of year usually revolve around light, airy, and pastel colors. Your color palette can range outside the ones we’ve provided but feel free to use any of these neutral, pink, or yellow based color schemes we have selected for your inspiration!

Cake Decor

The definition of Spring is encased in light colors and flowers. One of the best ways to see spring colors brought to life is through your cake. Whether you choose vibrant colors or a more neutral palette, your cake should represent you and your personal spring theme.

Everything Floral

Spring weddings usually involve everything floral. Flowers around this time of year are exceptionally fragrant and vibrant, so keep this in mind as it can be concerning to some guests. However, a strong fragrance can also help embody the true essence of a spring themed wedding. Always choose what is best for you and your guests. Make sure to research which flowers are in season and available around your wedding date. Consult with your floral designer to get the perfect floral vision for your wedding.

Bella Mansions

Though our beautiful Sanger Mansion is currently under construction, it makes the perfect location for a Spring themed style shoot. From artistically styled to romantic and floral themed shoots, our property is free to use! All we ask is to let us post some of your pictures to our website and social media. Use the link below to book a date and time!

Fabulous Fall Wedding Floral Inspiration

fall wedding floral inspiration

The fall season makes for one of the most stunning times of the year to get married. Fall brides find themselves lucky to have a wide array of flowers in bloom to choose from. From rustic and romantic hues to those brighter pops of color, you’re sure to find a bouquet that will highlight all the best parts of fall.

Florals in Season

Many of the season’s most popular blooms can be found in orange, red, yellow, purple, and brown hues. 

Dahlias

Dahlias naturally blossom between late summer and early fall, and they can be grown in many different parts of the country, which makes them relatively simple to source. The best part is that no matter your color scheme, you’re sure to find a shade of dahlia that works for you. 

Chrysanthemums

Are you on the hunt for the perfect flowers to compliment your rustic and romantic fall wedding theme? Chrysanthemums give wedding arrangements a whimsical look with their long statement petals, and they are available in a wide range of colors including pink, orange, yellow, white, and more.

Calla Lilies

Calla Lilies are best known for their elegance and beauty. From traditional white to blush and shades of deep plum, Calla Lilies come in a wide variety of colors. They are ideal for both indoor and outdoor weddings as they are known to hold up well in all weather conditions.

Every Season is Wedding Season at the Sanger Mansion

With fall wedding bouquets as beautiful as the ones we’ve gathered here, you’ll never want to let go of yours. You can check out our Bella Mansions Pinterest board for even more fall wedding floral inspiration.

Check out our other blogs by clicking on the links below to learn more and find some other inspo:

Winter Wedding Nail Inspo

Spring Wedding Trends

Bright, Bold, & Beautiful Summer Wedding Inspo

Hauntingly Beautiful Halloween Wedding Inspo

halloween wedding inspriation from bella mansions

The leaves are changing colors, the nights are getting colder, and the pumpkins are popping up on porches, it’s officially a spooky season!

If your wedding date is anywhere near October 31st, you may be considering a Halloween-themed wedding or reception. We take all kinds of weddings gravely seriously at the Sanger Mansion, but there’s just something special and spooky about Halloween-themed weddings. 

What’s one of the first things that comes to mind when you think about Halloween? For us it’s that orange and black color scheme. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with it, but we are big fans of adding a little something extra to this spooky holiday. 

We’ve found that there are plenty of ways to incorporate and translate a Halloween theme into a hauntingly beautiful wedding. Check out our tastefully terrifying inspiration

Dark and Dreamy

Color Scheme

Decor

Dresses

Spooky and Sophisticated

Color Scheme

Decor

Dresses

Elegant and Enchanted

Color Scheme

Decor

Dresses

Every Season is Wedding Season at the Sanger Mansion

Aside from these spooktacular Halloween wedding ideas, we’ve also put together guides for our favorite summer, spring, and winter trends.

Check out our other blogs by clicking on the links below to learn more and find some other inspo:

Winter Wedding Nail Inspo

Spring Wedding Trends

Bright, Bold, & Beautiful Summer Wedding Inspo

Top 6 Wedding Color Palette Trends in 2021

trending wedding color palette trends

When it comes to wedding planning, there are tons of tedious tasks and details that need to be sorted before the big day. The color palette you choose for your wedding is the perfect way to showcase your style and personality.

The wedding colors you choose will ultimately guide many of the other decisions made regarding linens, invites, bridesmaid dresses, florals, and more. 

From lighter color palettes in the spring and summer to darker palettes for the fall and winter, we’ve put together a list of some of the top trending color schemes to inspire you!

Summer Color Palettes

Forest Green & Gold

You can never go wrong with a classic green, white, and gold color palette. The contrast of the crisp white on lush greenery with highlights of gold are one of the hottest trends right now.

Petal Pink & Dusty Blue

If you’re looking for a delicate color palette that creates an upscale garden atmosphere, the petal pink & dusty blue were made for you. 

Fall Color Palettes

Pretty Plum & Dusty Rose

A rich plum combined with a delicate dusty rose color wields a color theme that we can’t help but FALL in love with. You can even try mixing in a vintage copper color or gray to add some depth.

Rose Gold & Raspberry Red

If you’re looking for bold and beautiful color combinations, look no further than rose gold and raspberry red. This color scheme adds a little drama to your wedding look, while also still providing a chic and elegant backdrop for your big day.

Winter Color Palettes

Frost White & Ice Blue

Depending on where your wedding will be held, a snowy wintery landscape isn’t always readily available. The frost white and ice blue color combination brings a shimmer of snow and ice to mimic the frosting of the season. This palette is cool yet warm at the same time.

Black, White & Shimmery Gold

Black, white, and gold gives a nod to the festive wintery season while elevating the wedding look. These colors give any wedding an elegant and enchanting look and are sure to never go out of style.

Summer Color Palettes

Shades of Yellow

The color yellow represents happiness, optimism and hope, so what better way to bring back that summertime sunshine than with shades of yellow.

Lovely Lilac

Light pastel colors are a brides go-to for spring weddings, and one of our favorites is lilac. From lilac to lavender, you’re sure to find a shade that works for you.

Choosing the perfect wedding color combination is equally important as selecting your dress, venue, and decor. Each season provides so many great color options for when it comes to wedding themes and we hope that you find one that inspires you.

Check out our other blogs for more wedding tips, tricks and insights.

Summer Styled Photoshoot Inspiration

style photoshoot

Summer means freedom and living a carefree life. Summer means adventures with friends and family, and summer means living life to the fullest and trying new things. Whether you know your camera like the back of your hand or you’re just getting into the world of photography, the summer season is full of inspiration to bring out the artist in you.

Here are some summer-themed photos that we love to get you inspired for your next shoot.

Wildflowers

One of the best things about summertime is all of the beautiful florals across the landscape. In many cultures, wildflowers represent happiness and joy–the perfect moods to describe summer. Not only are wildflowers meaningful, but their uniqueness makes for a stunning backdrop for your photos. Just remember that as tempting as it may be to pick them, don’t do it! Leave them be so that more people can enjoy their beauty.

Mirrors

If you are a novice photographer and you want some ideas to stimulate your creativity, consider using a mirror as a prop. You can play with the mirror’s reflection to create unexpected and interesting images. Frameless mirrors can make for incredibly unique photos that blur the line between reflection and reality.

Sundresses

Does anyone else agree that the summer wardrobe is the best wardrobe? The possibilities are endless, from light, flowy dresses paired with a cute pair of sandals to baggy tees plus some cool sneakers. Airy fabrics, bright colors, and new patterns can make for the loveliest photos. 

Colorful

Vibrant, spunky colors in photographs can’t help but catch your eye and make you smile. Colors also significantly affect the mood of the photo. Depending on what colors you use, they can remind you of the warm liveliness of summer, the cozy sleepiness of fall, the fresh renewal of spring, or the cold isolation of winter.

Edgy Looks

Are bright colors and bold patterns too flashy for your style? Try some neutrals and darker tones with cityscapes or unfinished buildings for an edgier vibe. There is something subtle and cool about wood, metal, concrete, and leather. Don’t be afraid to try different poses to see what works best for the story you are trying to tell through your photographs.

Searching for a new location for your next styled photoshoot?

Check out the Sanger Mansion for your summer-styled photoshoot location! Although Sanger Mansion is currently under construction and not yet ready to welcome Bella Brides, its current state provides the perfect backdrop for an artistically styled photoshoot. 
Hone your craft and take photos to your heart’s content. We’ll let you use Sanger Mansion for free! All we ask is that you allow us to share your talented work on our social media and website. Don’t worry; we’ll always give you credit for your images. We can’t wait to see your creativity soar! Contact us to schedule a free, styled shoot today.

Top 5 Luxury Wedding Estates in Texas

luxury wedding estates in Texas

We can’t think of a better way to make your big day shine than with a luxury wedding estate that is elegant, extravagant, and everything you’ve ever dreamed of.

Texas offers a wide range of wedding venues from grand chapels to antique mansions and we’ve rounded up our top 5 picture-perfect picks for your dream wedding destination!

________________________________________________________

Canyon Lake (San Antonio)

Just north of San Antonio, you will find Canyon Lake and a 170-acre ranch and wildlife preservation called The Preserve. The Preserve is located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, and it is surrounded by towering hillsides, tall trees, beautiful lakes, and more. If you’re looking to get married surrounded by breathtaking scenery and spectacular views, The Preserve is your perfect spot.

Dripping Springs (Austin)

Dripping Springs, Texas, is home to Dripping Springs Distilling and now a brand new wedding and events venue, Distillers Bar and Hall. Distillers Hall is a finely detailed facility that offers a range of options to accommodate weddings and parties of all sizes, from something small and intimate to something more grand and extravagant. The venue blends the best of upscale contemporary Hill Country styled with the artisanal craftsmanship that is behind the Dripping Springs Distilling brand.

Houston

As the largest city in Texas, Houston has no shortage of dreamy wedding venues. If you’ve always dreamed of a royal wedding, you can enjoy a fairytale experience unlike any other at the Chateau Cocomar.  The castle consists of a green garden, a grand foyer, a beautiful bridal suite, and two grand ballrooms. If you want to feel like a true princess on your wedding day, this is the place for you.

Buda

Nestled between San Antonio and Austin, you will find Le San Michele, a luxurious 12-acre country estate in Buda, Texas. Le San Michele features an elegant two-story limestone house inspired by original European architecture and styles. You can even party under the stars when you take the festivities outside to dance on the terrace, patio, or lawn.

Sanger (Dallas)

For 30 years, an abandoned mansion sat hidden away in the beautiful Texas landscapes of a quaint town called Sanger. The 27,000 square foot mansion showcases a 3-story floating staircase in the middle of the house, which makes for the perfect grand entrance and photos. The Sanger Mansion also features captivating landscapes for outdoor weddings and a beautiful vineyard where you will have full access to the ripest grapes. 

While the mansion is not currently open for bookings just yet, it is open for artistically styled photoshoots! Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a date.

We also invite you to follow along and watch our progress towards becoming one of the top luxury wedding estates in Texas. You can sign up for our monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all things Bella Mansions.