When planning their classic wedding in Pennsylvania, Kate and Austin Simpson knew they wanted to focus on being present throughout the big day. Despite unexpectedly rainy weather, Kate stayed grounded by journaling in her hotel room ahead of the ceremony and spending time alone with her new husband afterwards. “After the ceremony, Austin and I went upstairs to the bridal suite and had our first drink together as husband and wife. It was such an incredible feeling to spend alone time together. We really soaked that moment in.”

Their focus on staying in the moment extended to the look and feel of their nuptials. The couple chose a black and white theme to not over-complicate the aesthetic of the celebration, which the bride describes as, “Classic yet modern, with a touch of trendy.” For her wedding dress, Kate chose a strapless ball gown with a sweetheart neckline from David’s Bridal. “When I’m fifty, I want to be able to look back at my pictures and still love my wedding look,” she explains. “I loved the train on my dress, with the buttons down the back. It looks timeless and elegant.”