The Summer I Turned Into A Bride

Davis & Grey Farms Outside Chapel / Photographer Molly Murphy Photography

Summer is a season of warmth, romance, and endless sunsets—the kind of magic that makes your wedding unforgettable. If you’re a bride who swoons over The Summer I Turned Pretty, you know that there’s something about summer that just screams love, laughter, and fairytale moments. The story captures the nostalgia of sun-soaked days, first loves, and magical nights, and it’s easy to see how those vibes translate perfectly to your wedding day.

Planning a summer wedding can feel overwhelming, but taking cues from Isabel’s effortless style and the soft, whimsical aesthetics of the story can make the process feel a little lighter and a lot more magical. From choosing the perfect gown to planning a romantic beach ceremony, here’s a guide to creating a wedding that feels like it belongs in a summer love story.

1. Soft, Romantic Summer Wedding Dresses

Just like Isabel’s effortlessly romantic style in The Summer I Turned Pretty, summer brides can embrace gowns that are light, airy, and dreamy. Heavy fabrics can feel suffocating under the summer sun, so look for materials that move gracefully and feel comfortable.

Key styles to consider:

• Lightweight gowns (Chiffon, Crepe or Georgette): Perfect for flowy movement during an outdoor ceremony or dancing under the stars.

• Lace detailing: Adds timeless elegance without overwhelming a soft, romantic look.

• Off-the-shoulder or spaghetti strap silhouettes: Keeps you cool while feeling effortlessly chic.

• Soft pastel Tones: Blush, champagne, lilac, and light peach create a whimsical summer vibe.

Extra inspiration: Consider dresses with subtle embroidery or floral appliqués for that extra whimsical touch. These details catch the light beautifully and look amazing in photos during golden hour.

2. Beach & Outdoor Summer Wedding Inspiration

One of the most iconic elements of The Summer I Turned Pretty is the connection to the beach with the sunsets, salty breezes, and endless horizons. For a bride planning a summer wedding, bringing these elements into your day can create a serene and romantic atmosphere.

Ideas for your summer wedding:

• Sunset beach ceremonies: Nothing says summer romance like exchanging vows as the sun dips below the horizon.

• Flower crowns or delicate hairpieces: Adds a whimsical, natural touch that aligns perfectly with outdoor settings.

• Soft, flowing bridesmaid dresses: Blush, peach, or pastel blue dresses create cohesion and feel effortlessly elegant.

• Golden-hour photography: Capture those dreamy light-filled moments that feel lifted straight from a storybook.

Extra touch: Set up a small lounge area with light fabrics, pillows, and candles for guests to relax before sunset—it adds both comfort and visual appeal for photos.

3. Romantic Summer Wedding Colors

Color is one of the most powerful ways to channel the Summer I Turned Pretty aesthetic. Soft, warm tones evoke nostalgia, romance, and that sun-kissed glow.

Perfect summer wedding color palettes:

• Blush, peach, cream, and soft yellow: Soft and warm, these shades pair beautifully with natural greenery.

• Light greenery: Adds contrast without overpowering soft pastel tones.

• Gold accents: Candle holders, table runners, or flatware can elevate your look and bring a magical glow.

Tips for use:

• Include color in your bridesmaids’ dresses, floral arrangements, and table decor.

• Pastel-colored invitations and stationery also set the tone for your dreamy summer wedding.

Extra inspiration: Use ombre touches in flowers or bridesmaid dresses to mimic the gentle shifts of a sunset for the ultimate Summer I Turned Pretty vibe.

4. Summer Wedding Details That Shine

Small details can make a wedding feel personal and magical, especially in the summer when everything feels lighter and airier.

Ideas for details:

• Flowy chiffon drapes and airy tents: Create an ethereal feel for outdoor receptions.

• Seasonal flowers: Peonies, roses, hydrangeas, and wildflowers feel fresh and romantic.

• Candles, fairy lights, and lanterns: Perfect for evening receptions to evoke warm, whimsical lighting.

• Signature summer cocktails or mocktails: Think lavender lemonade, peach sangria, or tropical mocktails for a fun, personalized touch.

Extra inspiration: Create small vignettes around your venue, think a cozy photo corner with a vintage rug and soft lighting, or a lounge with pastel cushions and summer blooms for a cozy, Instagram-ready look.

5. Summer Wedding Photography Tips

Capturing the magic of your summer wedding is essential. Golden-hour light, soft pastels, and candid moments make photos feel like they’ve jumped right out of a summer romance novel.

Photography tips:

• Golden-hour sessions: Schedule key shots an hour before sunset to capture warm, flattering light.

• Candid moments: Laughs, dances, and playful interactions are timeless.

• Include beach and floral shots: If your wedding has seaside or garden elements, these will highlight the dreamy summer vibe.

Extra tip: Encourage your photographer to capture small details like your dress flowing in the breeze, soft floral arrangements, or rings glinting in sunlight which all add to the storybook feel.

6. Summer Wedding Fashion for the Whole Bridal Party

It’s not just the bride who can bring summer vibes into a wedding the entire bridal party can elevate your aesthetic.

Ideas for bridesmaids:

• Soft pastel dresses in blush, lavender, or dusty blue

• Lightweight fabrics to stay comfortable in the heat

• Accessories like delicate jewelry, flower crowns, or soft shawls

Groomsmen inspiration:

• Light-colored suits: beige, light gray, or even soft blue

• Linen materials for comfort

• Coordinating ties or pocket squares in your wedding palette

Extra inspiration: Mix textures and shades in the bridal party for visual interest—think chiffon bridesmaid dresses paired with lace accents, or pastel ties with floral boutonnières.

7. Making Your Summer Wedding Personal

At the heart of The Summer I Turned Pretty is emotion, memory, and love. Bringing personal touches into your wedding makes it unforgettable.

Ways to personalize:

• Handwritten notes for guests or personalized favors

• A playlist featuring summer love songs or nostalgic tracks

• Unique rituals or ceremony ideas that reflect your love story

• Incorporate family heirlooms, vintage details, or personal mementos

8. Choosing the Perfect Summer Wedding Venue

The right venue sets the stage for your entire wedding day and can bring that Summer I Turned Pretty magic to life. Summer brides have endless options: a sun-kissed beach with soft sand underfoot, a charming garden overflowing with seasonal blooms, a rustic barn with flowing drapery and twinkling fairy lights, or even a chic rooftop terrace with golden-hour views of the city skyline. When choosing a venue, think about the mood you want to create—romantic, whimsical, or serene—and how it fits with your wedding colors and décor. Don’t forget practical considerations too: shade for guests during peak sun hours, proximity for photographers capturing golden-hour shots, and indoor backup plans in case of summer storms. A venue that complements your soft, airy bridal gown and pastel color palette will tie the entire look together, making every detail—from ceremony to reception—feel like it belongs in a summer romance novel.

• Davis and Grey Farms - set the stage for your dream wedding as if it's straight out of The Summer I Turned Pretty and make it into The Summer I Turned Engaged. This event venue is having an open house that has all the Summer I Turned Pretty weddings and bridal inspiration coming to life on Thursday September 4th. This is a great opportunity to meet vendors in person and ask all the questions. Come and see our dresses and meet us along with these amazing vendors below.

  
  

• Vendors - Can get first looks and talk to real vendors about their work and how they can fit into your wedding day magic. Some featured wedding vendors are: 

  
  

  • Trio Snack Co. offering snacks, sips, and sweets. 

  • Corona Entertainment - Dallas based award winning DJ.    

  • Fireova Pizza - Wood-Fired Catering 

  • Firestar Event Services - Catering 

  • Magnify Coffee Catering - Dallas Mobile Espresso and Beverage Cart

  • Letters in Love - Custom signs and goods for weddings and showers

  • Two Pour Girls 

  • AisleArchives - California and Texas Wedding Content Creators

  • Big City Farm - Beer Burros

  • Soft Swirlz - Soft serve rentals and catering  

  • The Tamale Company - Catering

  • Asher Lane Bridal Shop - Wedding Dress shop offering a personalized bridal experience 

  • AV.Entertainment.dtx - Professional DFW DJ’s with professional lighting and audio 

  • Blissful and Blessed Unions

Summary

Summer weddings are all about warmth, romance, and moments that feel like a scene straight out of a love story. By taking cues from The Summer I Turned Pretty, you can design a wedding that feels effortless, whimsical, and unforgettable. Whether you’re dreaming of a beachside ceremony, a pastel garden reception, or golden-hour portraits that glow like magic, summer gives you the perfect backdrop.

Embrace the season, let your love shine, and let every detail—from your gown to your décor—reflect the dreamy, romantic essence of a summer love story.

If you’re a summer bride looking for your dream gown that captures this magical vibe, visit Asher Lane Bridal Shop for a consultation. Let’s make your wedding day feel like it's straight out of a rom-com movie!