Imagine a place that has been waiting for three centuries to provide the backdrop of your first days of forever. Here you can wander through narrow cobblestone streets leading to stately antebellum mansions and Revolutionary War structures-still intact. Come dusk, board a private horse drawn carriage where the driver guides the clip-clopping horses along side streets. Romance begins here where dancing flames from gas lit lanterns cast your silhouettes onto the facades of time-treasured icons. You have arrived at Charleston, South Carolina, a city where history and romance are intertwined to celebrate your marriage.

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The original news article I referenced in this article from the Gary Post Tribune is no longer available online but it was about this couple who had a patriotic themed wedding over the 4th of July weekend in 2005.

According to the article, the groom “loves the 4th of July”. I should say so! The couple got engaged on the 4th of July last year and were married close to the 4th this year.

The ceremony was traditional but the reception picked up the patriotic theme with red, white and blue table decorations and a complete fireworks display.

The article doesn’t go into much detail about the reception but I am envisioning flags as favors and guests lighting sparklers as the couple leaves for their honeymoon.

Considering the state of our country right now, I find this wedding theme very refreshing! No, it certainly isn’t for everyone but it shows support for our nation – which is something we don’t see a lot of in our media these days.

Since the original article is no longer available online, I found some more articles to give you some more ideas for patriotic weddings. Here are some links to help you:

• Red White and Blue Ideas from the Editors of Martha Stewart Weddings
  This one has some beautiful photos (of course) of red, white and blue bouquets as well as some favor ideas.
• I Went to an America-Themed Wedding Michael Drucker blog post on 23/6
  Clearly not Martha Stewart inspired but an American themed wedding nonetheless. This one has some photos of the decor which included the silverware wrapped in American Flag napkins, tied with a ribbon and placed in a drinking glass. Lots of American flags at this wedding.
• How to Plan a 4th of July Themed Wedding from eHow.com
  No pretty pictures on this one but interesting ideas and tips.
• Planning A Fourth Of July Wedding from Budget Dream Weddings
  This one does have some interesting pictures and ideas. One idea I like, especially for weddings in the South, is to have barbecue for the reception. If you are in the Atlanta area, check out Lydle Brothers BBQ for your Atlanta barbecue - it is delicious!
• That’s One Patriotic Party: Your Fourth of July Wedding from FavorIdeas.com
  I actually don't love the actual favors this article is pushing but the article itself has some good ideas as well as the comments.
• Patriotic Wedding Accessories from FlagandBanner.com
  Candles, plates, napkins, glasses... that sort of thing for a patriotice wedding.

While trying to find some photo ideas for you, I came across this blog article which I thought was interesting because it lists the pros and cons of having a wedding on the 4th of July. If you are considering this wedding date, have a look at this article: What Are the Merits of a July 4th Wedding Date?

I hope this helps you plan your 4th of July wedding. I will keep searching and adding to this article as I come across new information! ~ Lei

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Save the Date Cards are announcements that inform your guests of your future wedding in order to keep your special day free. They are essential in the following situations: if many of your guests are traveling to your wedding, your wedding takes place on or around a holiday, you are planning a faraway destination wedding, or your wedding will take place in a seasonally busy or tourist locale, where the flights and hotels perhaps book up early.

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I came across this new service for weddings and I love it! This company, Blue Blanket Productions, creates movie trailer type videos to use as either a Save the Date type of notice to your guests or possibly to announce your wedding.

Apparently, you supply the company with the photos and the information about your wedding and they pull together these awesome video trailers complete with dramatic music, special effects, and a commercial narrative "voice" - you know they one I am talking about - there is something like this man's voice in every movie trailer.

Anyway, check out their web site for a variety of samples - they are HIGHLY entertaining. The cost varies depending on what you want and, although the company is based in the Atlanta area and are a great choice for Atlanta weddings, they can also provide this service nationwide. I love it and definitely would have considered this for my own wedding if it had been available then...

Here's a sample (you might have to click the play arrow twice):