Amanda’s Boho Bridal Session

I’m so excited to share Amanda’s bridal session with you today. If you’re not familiar, a bridal session is photo session with just for the bride in all her wedding finery that takes place prior to the wedding day. It’s a neat way to document your bridal beauty in a calm, controlled environment (‘cos, ladies, the wedding day is borderline chaos no matter how prepared you think you’ll be).

This session, of Amanda, was captured after her wedding day in a field in Oklahoma. How utterly sweet! Photographer Robyn of Robyn Icks Photography gives us the scoop:

 

We did Amanda’s Arcadia bridal portrait session about a month after the wedding, because well… summer is hot! And we managed to find a not so excruciating day to run through a field of wildflowers in her beautiful wedding gown. She couldn’t have been more the definition of a glowing bride on this day, just as she was on her wedding day.

Amanda and I spent the morning choosing the prettiest flowers out at Whole Foods and making the following floral crown. We had a grand time, and I’m so in love with how it turned out. We also chose five big beautiful sunflowers for her bouquet.

 

Amanda
Private Residence, Oklahoma
Event Date: August, 2014

 

Photographer:  Robyn Icks Photography//Dress Store: David’s Bridal//Hair Stylist: Dry Shop// Floral Designer: Whole Foods // Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Rachel’s Vintage Chic Tea Party Shower

We love when brides (and couples) share their showers with us! We don’t get too many so we’re always thrilled to receive a shower submission especially when it’s as lovely as this one from Rachel.

Showers are a wonderful way to get your feet with wet with DIY projects if you aren’t a big-time crafter and, well, they’re a heck of a lot of fun. Rachel’s shower is a fantastic mix of charm and deeply personal details. Photographer Mandy of  Mandy Fierens Photography had this to say about the event:

The bride wore her grandmother’s wedding dress to her adorable vintage chic tea party bridal shower! When her grandmother showed up I tried not to cry. She was so happy to see the dress on her beautiful granddaughter.

From Rachel’s two maids of honor:

Planning this shower was a complete joy for us. When you have a friend like Rachel, you want this day to be as special as her. When choosing a shower theme, we knew we needed to capture Rachel’s love for all things beautiful and unique. Therefore, we started with a tea party theme that eventually evolved into “Vintage Chic Tea Party”. It took the minds of all of the girls and Rachel’s mom to pull the vision off, and of course Pinterest didn’t hurt! There were countless emails back and forth about décor, food, favors, etc. The final product turned out better than any of us could have dreamed.

Using cakes as centerpieces was the idea of one of the bridesmaids and Rachel absolutely loved the idea. One of the guests at the shower created the cakes (Leah Leber) and the toppers were handmade by Chelsea, Mallory, and Cara. The toppers were inspired by ideas found on Pinterest. The cake stands were handmade by Chelsea using vintage china plates collected from second hand stores and gluing them on to juice glasses bought at Olde Time Pottery.

The prizes were succulents and were potted by Rachel’s future sister in law, Amy and mother in law.
They were potted in a variety of pots purchased at Anthropology and Olde Time Pottery. The R&R books displayed by the gifts were also purchased at Anthropology.

The china for each place setting was borrowed from one of the bridesmaids, Jessica Kappel; it is her personal collection. She collected all of the china from various second hand and antique stores in our area.
The favors (1oz honey jars) were made by Bonne Maman. They were embellished with a square piece of fabric tied with coral ribbon and a custom stamp purchased from Etsy. We decorated the honey jars as a bridal party team.
The invitation for the shower was purchased from Etsy. Leah Leber designed the recipe cards that were sent out to each guest with their invitation.

The idea for the “Travel Sticks” was modified from an idea seen on Pinterest. One of the bridesmaids suggested altering it to travel ideas to better fit Reid and Rachel’s interests. This is what we used to determine who would be taking home the potted succulent prizes.
The game was created by Whitney and her boyfriend, Jake. Whitney contacted Rachel and Reid to have them answer questions, which were then used to make the game. Jake designed the layout and then they were professionally printed.
The food was all made by the bridesmaids and family members.

Rachel’s mom handmade the fabric swags that decorated the sides of the room.

Tokarski & Wellock

Rachel & Reid
Angora Gardens, Pennsylvania
Event Date: May, 2014

Photographer:  Mandy Fierens Photography//Event Venue:Angora Gardens//Favors and Gifts:Bonne Maman//Shoes: Christian Louboutin//Cake Designer:Leah Leber//Invitation Designer:The Colorful Scoot//

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Monica & Shaun’s Theater Wedding

Theme weddings are notoriously difficult to pull off. For many couples, a theme can be a convenient way to communicate the look or feel they want for their wedding but it doesn’t always fit who the couple really are. This wedding, however, is the opposite of that: it’s absolute perfect fit for Monica and Shaun, two film buffs who connected as a couple partly because they both wanted to watch all the AFI 100 Best Movies together. (Seriously, how awesome is that?)

What we really love about this wedding are the thoughtful details that support the theme but down take away from the focus of the day: Monica and Shaun.

According to the photographers at BG Prodcutions:

It was only fitting Shaun and Monica got married in an old theater! We had so much fun capturing them and their bridal party and LOVE the throwing popcorn shot soooo much! It was such a perfect day and after the brief rain there was a rainbow as we were all going to the reception so couldn’t resist capturing it with them before their party began!

 

Monica and Shaun
The Ambler Theater, Pennsylvania
Event Date: May, 2014

THE CAST:

Photographer:  BG Productions Photography and Videography//Cinema and Video: BG Prodcutions- videography//Location:Maggio’s Ballroom//Hair Stylist:Salon on Main//DJ: Synergetic Sound and Lighting//Event Venue:The Ambler Theater//Submitted via Two Bright Lights>

Vicki & Dana’s Vibrant And Fun Reception

When did you know that your beloved was The One? For Vicki, when she met Dana at church, she knew instantly that she was the one for her! Seven years later, they got married in New York then held their DIY reception in Florida that included a short sand ceremony.

Debra of Debra Kapustin Photography recalls the day:

I arrived early to watch Vicki, Dana, and their friends setup the rooms including a candy bar and centerpieces containing a gold fish with lighted bottles adorning each table. It was a “Shuster Team Effort” that was amazing to watch as an empty room was transformed into one of magical beauty. Their colors were orange and blue with a little pink thrown in for their little girl, Journey, who is all about pink! The warmth at this reception was absolutely amazing along with some fancy dance moves!

Dana and Vicki show us that you needn’t spend a gazillion dollars to have a fun and vibrant celebration:

Vicki and Dana
Heritage Harbor, Florida
Event Date: May, 2014

CREDITS

Photographer:  Debra Kapustin Photography//Event Planner: AEevents//Reception Venue:Heritage Harbor//Location: Heritage Harbor Golf & Country Club-Harbor Terrace Restaurant//DJ:Music and Life Entertainment// Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Bethany & Dan’s Rustic DIY Ranch Wedding

We’re always so pleased when we receive a wedding submission that redefines or refines a trend. Bethany and Dan did just that with their big day that takes the ubiquitous-but-lovely rustic trend and incorporates elements of Arizona’s Salt River Valley. It makes for a beautiful – and unique – combination as you’ll see below.

From photographer, Dina, of Dina Remi Studios:

When I think of Bethany and Dan I think of effortless charm. They are one of those couples that are just perfectly matched. Each of them bring their own set of wonderful differences and strengths but together it’s a perfect storm of awesome. Attention to detail is the phrase that comes to mind when I think about all the wonderful, intimate and personal details that went into this wedding.

The venue, River Ranch, is actually the home of a mutual friend and a Scottsdale, Arizona based interior designer. Every piece of her property has little bits of Arizona history and each unique item has a story to tell. Bethany and Dan’s wedding was the first official wedding held there and I am so incredibly blessed to have been chosen to document their day.

Bethany teaches home economics and has a passion for food and cooking so it was no wonder that her and Dan paid extra attention to the delicious details of the day. They started the reception with appetizers and drinks out of mason jars labeled with all the names of their guests as a take home. For the main course they hired a gourmet cheese truck and had menu’s designed for each place setting that could be filled out and given to the awesome cooks behind the grill. Not only did Bethany and Dan put on custom aprons and serve their guests before themselves, but they also included her students in a special way.

Bethany’s students were given the assignment of writing meaningful quotes and phrases on each dinner plate served to their guests. They ended the evening with gourmet s’mores and dancing around the bonfire. Bethany and Dan are the perfect blend of confidence, passion, kindness and gentleness. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for these two!

Noteworthy Details: Bethany’s engagement ring was a custom design. She had been told that she would be getting a simple gold band at the wedding. Little did she know that Dan surprised her with a “little sister” to the original engagement ring made by the same designer. The couple had their guests highlight favorite verses in their first Bible together as a married couple. Polaroids were taken as the guests arrived and placed in a scrapbook. During the reception the guests had the opportunity to find their pictures and write a little note to the newlyweds. Bethany had her grandmothers vintage brooch made into a hair piece that adorned her lovely side swept curls that day. Bethany’s best friends sang as she walked down the aisle. Dan’s father married the couple.

Bethany & Dan
Rustic DIY Ranch Wedding
Private Residence, Arizona
Event Date: March, 2014

Photographer:  Dina Remi Studios//Dress Store: Lillian Lottie Couture//Caterer: The Grilled Cheese Truck//Caterer:The Lunch Lounge//Floral Designer: Tylers Custom Design//Event Planner: What A Day Weddings//Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Hilary & Elliott’s Elegant Costa Rica Wedding

Destination weddings are wonderfully romantic, don’t you think? Who wouldn’t love to run away to an exotic location with their dearest loved ones and celebrate their love in paradise?

Hilary and Elliott did just that with their simple-but-elegant wedding at the Langosta Beach Club in Costa Rica.
From photographer Katherine Stintett of Katherine Stintett Photography:

Hilary and Elliott wanted lots of candle light, fresh natural backdrops, poolside and ocean views and, most importantly, a really comfortable and relaxed atmosphere for their guests. The colour scheme consisted of ivory and soft peachy/coral tones along with navy, gold and glitter accents. Together we created a really romantic and fun experience for the guests and focused on utilizing as much space as possible at the Langosta Beach Club by using different interactive areas for guests to enjoy. Cabanas poolside for those who wanted to drink, chat and mingle; a dance floor area under palm trees and string lights; a vanity fair inspired photo booth with handmade (by the bride) vintage feather masks; and a bonfire, s’mores bar with lounge furniture down by the beach where guests lit sparklers and danced the night away! Hilary was very hands on with custom projects and beautifully crafted décor elements for both the ceremony and reception. This certainly added a very personal touch to the wedding. All in all, a beautiful day for a beautiful couple!

Hilary & Elliott
Langosta Beach Club, Guanacaste

Event Date: January, 2014

Photographer: Katherine Stintett Photography

Kimberly & Kody’s Farm-Glam Wedding

Whether dressed up or dressed down barns provide the perfect venue for rustic-chic weddings like this one of Kimberly and Kody. But while this gorgeous weathered barn and farmland makes for a beautiful backdrop for pictures, it’s the handmade details that really stand out and make this wedding special. (Well, that and this gorgeous, happy couple of course!)

Some of my favorite shots are of the locket on Kimberly’s bouquet, an abundance of handmade signs, personal photos, and a display of home-cooked treats. I can already feel you pinning those details, my friends!

 

 

 

Kimberly & Kody
Private Residence, Georgia
Event Date: September, 2013
Photography: Photo By Gannon

Jessica & Nick’s Romantic DIY Wedding

Jessica and Nick, crafty couple, created nearly all of the details for their wedding day from the handmade paper flowers to the invitations and programs. Viva la DIY!

Photographer Joanna Day describes Nick and Jessica as “an easy-going, rad couple” who wanted their wedding to be a reflection of their love. I say they were a smashing success! There is much love, style, and radness going on in these shots, friends.

 

 

Jessica & Nick
The Hilltop, Wisconsin
Event Date: July, 2013

 

Photographer:  Joanna Day Photography//Event Venue:The Hilltop//Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Natalie & Jamey’s Colorful Engagement

Engagement sessions are the perfect opportunity for you and your beloved to showcase your personalities and have a little fun. Natalie and Jamey did just that, creating a shoot that’s full of playfulness and some lovely little details like the cute miniature cake and their soon-to-be wedding bands.

Natalie and Jamey met while she was a nanny for some of Jamey’s family in Colorado. She is from Austria, he is from Cincinnati and, together they make a gorgeous and oh-so-lovely international couple.

 

Natalie & Jamey
Cincinnati, OH
Event Date: April, 2014

Captured by Roselle Photography

 

Inspiration Wednesday: Handmade Wedding Signs

One trend we’ll never get tired of seeing is handmade signs at the ceremony and reception. They’re a clever way to do anything from guiding guests to their seats, pointing them to activities, displaying a menu, or serving as cool photo backdrops. Who says practicality can’t be fun? Here are some of our favorites from real DIY couples.

 

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS (L-R, TOP-BOTTOM):

Header: Photo By Gannon
R1: The Goodness // The Goodness // The Goodness
R2: What a Day! Photography // The Goodness  // The Goodness
R3: What a Day! Photography // What a Day! Photography // What a Day! Photography
R4: Candi Coffman Photography // Anna Grace Photography  //  Ivy & Stone
R5: Anna Grace Photography  //  Anna Grace Photography  //  Anna Grace Photography
R6: Weddings by KARA  //  Weddings by KARA  //  Weddings by KARA
R7:  Weddings by KARA  //  Weddings by KARA  // Photo By Gannon
R8:  Levi Stolove Photography  //  Michelle VanTine Photography  //  Love Be Photography
R9:  Siegel Thurston Photography  // Imagine It Photography  // Imagine It Photography
R10:  Imagine It Photography // Imagine It Photography  // Katherine O’Brien Photography

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