Brown Weddings - DIY Bride

Knitted Fairytale Winter Wedding Styled Shoot

We’re featuring a super lovey-dovey winter styled shoot that’s not only romantic and sweet, but knitted-themed. Brought to us by Warmphoto, this styled shoot/e-session was shot in Russia earlier this year. With the main color palette full of browns + pinks and lots of vintage items and knitted and woven lovelies (from Miss Woolly), this shoot was not short on lots of warmth and sizzling fuzzy feelings from Elizabeth and Vladimir.

From Warmphoto:

“There was a decorated area in the park with large coils, tangles, knitted accessories and vintage items, hot tea, candles, birds, baskets with pine cones. It was comfortable and stylish! Nearly the whole decor was created manually by talented decorator Funt of Happy.
Photographer: Warmphoto//Shoot Date:02.09.2014//Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Christine + Keith’s New York Rustic Wedding

We’re kicking off this Monday with a pretty DIY rustic wedding from Cassi Claire Photography. Right from the get-go, Christine + Keith knew what type of wedding they wanted: Adirondack-themed wedding- rustic, vintage, country, and just so them. They scoured up and down the Hudson River looking for the perfect venue that has the right rustic vibe, and they found it at Fox Hollow. With pretty pink and blue as the main color palette, this DIY New York wedding is just oh-so-sweet!

To create that rustic romantic vibe, Christine + Keith decorated the venue with hints of burlap, wood, baby’s breath, twine, raffia, and lace everywhere. From the bride: “The centerpieces were curly willow branches in various spray painted liquor bottles with distressed and wood burned hearts to show table numbers and a quote like “laugh” or “lucky”, along with embellished mason jars which held flowers and floating candles, using burlap, twine, paper and crochet flowers to help make each table unique. The fireplace mantle showcased our Love Story in a barnyard wooden frame next to both of our parents wedding pictures. Our DIY card box was that of a wooden treasure box burned and stained which matched our somewhat untraditional guest ‘log’, a slab of varnished wood with our symbol of C+K burned in the middle for everyone to sign. On their way into cocktail hour, guests got to take their lantern favor with the DIY distressed escort card and skeleton key attached to show you where our favorite people in the world were sitting.”
Just how lovely was Christine + Keith’s night ceremony? All the gorgeous light shining upon the beautiful couple and that romantic arch. They definitely pulled off their vision of beautiful rustic vision with the warm colors and all the personal touches. And just how fun was the dance party!

Congratulations to Christine + Keith!

Photographer: Cassi Claire Photography//Wedding Date:09.14.2013//Etsy Designer:Amber and Earth //Bridesmaid Dresses: Bill Levkoff//Dress Store: Bridal Reflections//Jewelry:Brookstone//Etsy Designer:Crafts and Goodies//Jewelry:Cynthia Cool Beans //Dress Store: David’s Bridal//Apparel:Enchanted Atelier//Favors and Gifts:Favor Warehouse//Reception Venue: Fox Hollow//Other:Gingham Grins //Jewelry:Maria Elena Headpieces//Shoes: My Glass Slipper//Shoes:Nina Shoes//Invitation Designer:Paisley Pear Designs //Cinema and Video:Paul Nameck Videography//Musicians:Shake Rattle Roll Pianos//Etsy Designer:The Art of Handmades//DJ:We Like 2 Party Entertainment //Etsy Designer:When Dreamz Come True//

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Christine + Clay’s Sunflower & Burlap Wedding

For Christine + Clay, faith is really their number one virtue. Not only did our couple met online through christianmingle.com, but lots of praying and patience were exuded for their wedding. This couple originally had a reservation in Yosemite, but with the Rim Fire incident and government shutdown, Christine was forced to arrange a last minute switch for a hotel in South Lake Tahoe. Whew!

With a strong family support, Christine + Clay were able to pull this traditional outdoor wedding together. Captured by Larsen’s Photography, this sunflower + burlap rustic theme wedding is full of DIY from bride’s parents.

I love Christine’s radiant smile, Clay’s camouflage vest and blazer, but mostly, I love all the sweet DIY details Christine’s parents put together. Christine’s mom and friends baked and decorated their pretty multi-tiered cake, while dad, the mr. handyman, got all the wood signage and other details together, including the flowers. I also enjoyed seeing a different way to a “sand ceremony”… instead of colored sands, they poured different seasoning in a nice jar.

Despite all the nerve-wrecking setbacks that nature (and government) hurled their way, Christine + Clay sailed through it all like a champ. Congratulations Christine + Clay!

Photographer: Larsen’s Photography//Wedding Date: October 05, 2013//Dress Store:Allure Bridals//Caterer: BBQ Smokehouse Restaurant & Catering//Jewelry:Diana//Jewelry:Forevermark//DJ:Goodtime Disc Jockeys//Floral Designer: Grohe Florists//Hair Stylist:Hair Couture//Dress Store: House of Fashion//Cinema and Video:Life Reflections Video//Reception Venue: Sova Gardens//Equipment Rentals: Wine Country Party & Events//Dress Designer:Wtoo Brides by Watters//Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Kaitlyn + Tim’s DIY In-the-Woods Wedding

You don’t have to completely DIY everything in your wedding to be considered as a DIY wedding. Here at DIY Bride, we very much appreciate seeing different creative ways couples and their friends and family come up with to personalize the wedding. This summer Connecticut wedding I’m sharing with you this morning is a spectacular ~~all~~ hands-on wedding from Katie Slater Photography. Kaitlyn + Tim both come from a family history of farmers, so it only makes sense for their union to be set in the beautiful outdoors. Their apparent love for nature, farming, and rustic touches dominate as the main themes for their wedding.

Oh look at that all pink peony bridal bouquet! What a beauty! Swoon. You know what else is also very dreamy and hikes up the envy-meter? Horse-drawn carriage. That’s right! Kaitlyn + Tim had horse-drawn carriage to transport all of the wedding party to where the ceremony was held… with all the guests looking on. But their picture-perfect day started even before that, where they shared a very emotional First Look.

Notable DIY details from Kaitlyn:

“Tim works for the state cutting down trees. He cut down a beautiful birch and I demanded that he take it home and not waste its beauty in a wood chipper. He cut them into round disks using our neighbor’s amazing saw. The mason jars were originally clear and we used glass paint to make them appear to be a vintage mason jar blue. The mason jar decorations were hand assembled…The table numbers were all hand made from sticks in my back woods. This was my friend Tara’s idea. She deeply regrets it because it took countless hours to make them all! The rest of the materials were from Saveoncrafts.com and were assembled by my bridesmaids and I. The tea stained doilies were actually stained using diluted coffee at 3 am two days before the wedding. Tim was laughing because he didn’t think he would ever in his life dry 300 doilies at 3 am with a hairdryer in a room full of girls…

(For wedding favors) Tim and I have 60 blueberry bushes. We honestly picked every single blueberry produced by our bushes the summer prior to our wedding. They are heirloom organic berries. The mothers and I made made several batches of our secret blueberry lemon jam recipe. It took days! My maid of honor designed the labels for the jars. My bridesmaids helped cut the fabric and tie each and every jar.Place stickers were also designed by my MOH.

The archway decoration for the ceremony was made with materials from saveoncrafts.com and my MOH and I created it together over a few days…” Fantastic job done on the arch you two! I love it when besties work on pretty projects together!

I want to mention one last very sweet detail this couple did. Kaitlyn + Tim had a candle made (shown above) in honor of his older brother Andy who passed away when Tim was in 8th grade. Kaitlyn mentioned that it was very hard for Tim not to have his brother there, so this was their way of making sure his presence was there.

Kaitlyn:

“The candle was a vase engraved with “In Loving Memory of Andy.” We filled the vase with water and added a floating candle to the top. This way his candle will never burn down and can be lit for years to come. Tim’s younger brother Casey asked to have it for his wedding coming up in the fall of 2014.”

Thank you Kaitlyn + Tim and Katie Slater Photography for sharing with us this beautiful & super dreamy DIY wedding!

Photographer: Katie Slater Photography//Wedding Date: June 29, 2013//Transportation:Cedar Knoll Draft Horses//Cake Designer: Chocolate Rose Bakeshop//Floral Designer:Edinboro Flower Shop//Dress Store: La Reine Bridal//Dress Designer:San Patrick//DJ:Upbeat DJ//Reception Venue:Wright’s Mill Tree Farm//Bridesmaid Dresses:WToo//

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Natalie + Joey’s Theatrical Wedding

I love featuring weddings that showcase unique venues. For Natalie and Joey, their unique venue is Lab Theater, where Natalie works as an assistant. What makes this 6,000 square-foot experimental “laboratory” warehouse-turned-theater cool isn’t just its history, but the fact that this huge space has absolutely no ~~windows~~. I actually find the decision to host a wedding where there are no windows pretty daring for any couple as lighting is super important for photography-sake as well as for setting the mood. Photographer Marc over at Lens and Luma Photography championed the challenge and did a pretty incredible job of producing magnificent photojournalistic-styled pictures of their big day.

I love that Natalie and Joey used the backstage as their getting-ready room and the actual theater stage as for the ceremony. I also love that throughout all the pictures, it was clear that they were happy, comfortable, and relaxed. It was almost like they were getting ready to put on their best show without looking all frazzled.

Natalie and her friends & family worked on a few DIY projects for the wedding. The unique center pieces of origami and pom-poms, the photo booth, as well as the blue & green lighting pom-poms that were decorated across the theater were their work.
Big thanks to Marc over at Lens and Luma for showing us such a beautiful and ethereal wedding. When I saw the after ceremony photos taken at backstage, I almost teared up. It’s only at weddings when you can truly feel that the union of two lovebirds is not just a union of two people, but two family and all of their friends. And how neat was it for the guests to have the bride + groom to perform for them… Congratulations to Natalie and Joey!

Photographer: Lens and Luma Photography//Wedding Date: September 7, 2013//Wedding Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota//Venue: Lab Theater//Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Megan & Jeff’s Old Books Charm Wedding

This Pennsylvania wedding brought to our attention from photographer Rebekah Pillmore @ Pill Photography is nothing short of charms. What else can you expect from a writer and an antique collector? Megan and Jeff chose Friedman Farm as their picturesque venue with a beautiful old barn to decorate as they please. They adorned the barn with choice antique pieces collected by Megan herself, and lit the whole place up with a romantic chandelier and draping lights on tree branches. Everything was just so… timeless.

Megan collected vintage cameras as center pieces, old library card catalogue used as seat assignment holder, and framed covers of their favorite books as table signs are all part of what makes this wedding so sweet and charming. To personalize their wedding some more, even the menu was catered to their health-conscious choices: salmon, roasted veggies, and lean meats!

Before I end this feature, I want to share something special about this wedding. It’s nothing new when a couple wants to write their own vows… or to have a family member to preside over the ceremony (it’s an uncle in this one), but it’s super sweet and special for all guests to feel involved when the couple surprised everyone to ask all who came to marry them via what’s called a Quaker Wedding or Self-Uniting Marriage in Pennsylvania. They created a special paper and ask all to sign to witness their wedding!
Photographer: Pill Photography {Rebekah Pillmore}//Wedding Date: June 08, 2013//Floral Designer:Creedon Flowers//Reception Venue: Friedman Farms//Linens and Coverings:Lavender Linens//Bakery:Lynn Sandy’s Bakery//Dress Store:Something Blue Bridal Boutique //Caterer: The Epicurean Delight Catering Co Inc//

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Jackie + Mike’s Vintage Country Wedding

The new year is upon us and I figured we should go out on a bang! And Jackie + Mike’s wedding is just the what the doctor ordered! Katherine O’brien Photography has captured the perfect blend of modern & vintage with this Instagram-y meets portrait perfection and country-chic cool event. With the most amazing custom attire including the groom’s vest and an amaze two-fer gown and bridesmaids that helped DIY the hair and makeup, there’s no shortage of style for this Minnesota couple that wed in Texas.

xxx

I love the shades of whites and lace that contrast the rugged Texas backdrop. Jackie’s got some awesome pals. her bridesmaids got a DIY tutorial for Jackie’s hair and makeup (which were perfect) and the sparkly modern, yet rustic airstream-like invitations were designed by a friend. The floral and bouts were all handmade and I loved the interactive centerpieces where guests lit candles and made a wish for the happy couple!

As amazing as this wedding is, it kind of gives me the sads. Not only is it the last of the year, but it’s the last I’ll be privileged to share with you as the Real Weddings Coordinator here at DIY Bride. I want to thank all of you for letting me share in your special days. A special thanks to Katherine O’brien Photography for sharing this very memorable wedding for a me. And a big congratulations and thanks to Jackie and Mike!

Vendor Information:

Date: April 27 , 2013

Location: Round Mountain, TX

Photographer: Katherine O’brien Photography

Event Venue: Three Points Ranch

Bride’s Attire: Custom

Bride’s Ring: Vintage

Boots: Allen’s Boots

Grooms Attire: Custom Made by Heime’s Haberdashery

Groom’s Ring: Minter Ritcher Designs

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Ana + Brandon’s Rustic Budget Friendly Wedding

You know what I love more than a super sweet couple’s amazing DIY wedding photos? When I find out that the gorgeousness oozing off the page was created by craft crazy bride with a tight budget in mind. Ana + Ben are certainly adorable enough to love by themselves. And the details and moments captured by Katelyn Owens Photography are superb too. And it goes without saying our obsession over some good DIY decor. But when Ana shared that all of this amazing crafting was created for under $10k. Well, let’s just say time to start pinning my dears, time to start pinning.

xxx

I am so in love with this little outdoor chapel at Stone Oak Ranch! With a short and sweet ceremony the party moved into the barn where BBQ was cooked and served by close friend on mismatched china to tables with handmade wildflower centerpieces. A photo timeline bunting of the happy couple served as wall decor, and the pies and cake were also made by friends and fam. But Ana here was no joke, she was just having too much fun to stop at a few recycled apple sauce jar lanterns.

From the bride:

We had a very small budget to work with (under 10,000) but with a LOT of help from family and friends and some creativity, we were able to have our dream wedding at an affordable price. With an “I can make that!” attitude I worked late into the night making save the dates, invitations, flower girl baskets, a ring-bearer pillow and the list goes on and on. Everyone thought i was crazy, but it was too much fun too quit.

All of Ana’s crafting insanity and beautiful vision of a rustic chic event was brilliantly captured by Katelyn Owens Photography. And while we are super excited about this, she also managed to capture the real details that make every wedding unique- the special love between the bride and groom.

All of Ana’s late night crafting really did pay off with this country beauty. Thanks Katelyn Owens Photography for sharing this with us. Congratulations Ana + Brandon!

Vendor Information:

Date: March 30, 2013

Location: Murchison, TX

Photographer: Katelyn Owens Photography

Event Venue: Stone Oak Ranch

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Stephanie + Lucas’ Intimate Country Wedding

This wedding? Ummmm? I’m a little bit floored. I just still can’t get over how you crazy kids dream up these amazing details! You know that moment when your head over heels in love with a ridiculously perfect and sweet country wedding and you see a DIY project and you think: “Now why didn’t I think of that!?” Yep. That’s the kind of wedding we have here today. A slap yourself silly kind of wedding with some stellar country chic niceties and oh-so-pretty images from Sara Lynn Photographic.

Since Stephanie happens to be a photographer, you could of gotten pretty good odds that the details and location were going to be top notch. From the photographer:

Almost every little detail was hand-made. Her bouquet was made from wheat, which was also picked up in the boutonnieres and centerpieces- all made my Stephanie. The centerpieces were a collection of bibles that the family had came across along with mason jars filled with vintage portraits of the bride and groom (touching on the photographers in them) that Stephanie has printed and torn to give that rustic, worn feel too.

My “D’Oh!” moment had to be the scrapbook paper place mats that created such a simple, shabby-chic touch that pulled everything together. (If you’re with me, let’s say it together…Why didn’t I think of that!?) And in true DIY/DIT style, family and friends banded together to make many of the dazzling details. From sweet treats and the potluck buffet to every last one of the picnic benches and clearing the brush and poison ivy under the amazing naturally arched altar Stephanie and Lucas married under, Lucas’s family farm was transformed into an al fresco wedding wonderland dotted with dried florals.

Thank you Sara Lynn Photographic for capturing this lovely day! Congratulations Stephanie and Lucas!

Vendor Information:

Photographer: Sara Lynn Photographic

Event venue: Private home

Dress designer: David’s Bridal

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Kim + Mike’s Intimate Outdoor Wedding

There’s just something about saying “I do” to the one you love the most in front of those that love you most that’s oh so romantic. Intimate weddings are always so meaningful. Maybe it’s just because couple’s like Kim + Mike put so much extra effort into making them as equally special for the guests as it is for them. With its beautiful alpine lake scenery, gorgeous photography of Dev Khalsa Photography, and super special touches this intimate wedding is the reason I cherish these cozy weddings.

I love the warm beachy feeling to this fall fete combined with the totally chill atmosphere of the day. The brown color palette and the autumn florals offset the woodsy vibe so perfectly. And of course they match perfectly with the handmade chocolate box favors. Mmmm. Yumm! Every little detail these two created just accented the fact they wanted to share the most important moment of their lives with the most important people in their lives.

Don’t you just love the look between Kim + her aisle escort?! Priceless!! Dev Khalsa Photography perfectly captured all of the fun and endearing moments an intimate gathering allows. Kim, Mike and every one of their guests are having such a good time, you almost wish the wedding was a big so you could have been invited. Either way we want to congratulate Kim and Mike and thank Dev Khalsa Photography for submitting this fantastic day!

Vendor Information:

Photography: Dev Khalsa Photography

Floral Design: Tara Bella Flowers

Submitted via Two Bright Lights