I am sure there are many of you out there who always dreamed of planning your wedding with your mom - the dress shopping, the cake tasting, and dancing the night away together in celebration of your new marriage. But for me, that dream was crushed when I was a sophomore in college. And as my wedding day approached, it was harder than I had imagined. I almost didn't want to have a wedding day at all without my mommy there with me.

So for those of you who are in the same boat as I was, whether it is a sister, a best friend, a grandparent, aunt or brother, I can't offer you a solution to the pain. But I can offer you how I got through that difficult time and hope that it resonates with you as well.

Today's throwback article is "She Wasn't There." Click on the image below to read the article!

It is hard to go through a wedding day without some of your most important family members present. And I just how hard it is from experience.

My mom passed away when I was 19 years old so when it came time to plan my wedding at 23, believe me it wasn't easy. And I am sure there are many of you who are experiencing this. Whether it is a grandparent, a sibling, an aunt or uncle or close friend, death is never easy. And all of the planning along the way is just more reminders that they are not there with us to "say yes to the dress" or to taste those delicious cake possibilities. No matter what it is, it is not easy.

So in many cases, couples like to honor those who have passed, but I have one piece of advice for you:

Don't go overboard. This is still a wedding, and is a happy occasion. And bringing up those memories may cause grief and some tears. And while that is all okay, just don't go too overboard, as you don't want to spoil the happy moments, but instead, represent those loved ones subtly.

Here are some of our favorite ways to honor your loved ones who have passed in simple, subtle, and stunning ways.

A Simple Frame

Having a simple framed saying set up somewhere on a welcome table, is the perfect way to honor those loved ones without being too over the top.
(click each photo to purchase)

honoring loved ones military frame wedding

A Candle

You could light a candle during your wedding ceremony, or even just have a candle lit in your reception room throughout the evening.
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Save A Seat

Save a seat for your loved one at your ceremony or at your reception. You could place a photo of them there, a burning candle, or even their favorite ball cap or piece of jewelry in their place. This is one of my absolute favorites!

Bouquet Charms

A simple charm hung from your bouquet - a photo, a piece of jewelry, or even a handkerchief of theirs used as the handle wrap. These are all beautiful ideas which add a beautiful addition to your detail shots too!
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A Photo Gallery

Not only are photos beautiful for guests to look at, but they can add some simple yet stunning decor to your ceremony or reception! It's as simple as that!

A Little Piece of Him

Whether it is a piece of your dad's old shirt, a handkerchief, or even a piece of your aunt's wedding gown, this little addition to a tie or your gown is absolutely stunning in my eyes!
(click photo to purchase)