Kristin + David’s “Words With Friends” Wedding

We’re kicking off this week with a lovely yellow + grey scrabble-themed DIY wedding from Love Tree Studios. Our couple Kristin + David were encouraged by a mutual friend to start playing “Words With Friends” game with each other, and this beautiful friendship eventually bloomed into real love. Our bride Kristin is talented at DIY crafting and used her skills well to honor the game that changed their lives forever into a theme.

Let’s see, where do I start? So many lovely aspects to this DIY wedding. I love the large pinwheels that decorated the ceremony backdrop as well as vases of the yellow cut-out birds sitting on small bunches of white branches. I especially adore the different center pieces that Kristin created by choosing different photos of her + David as well as spelling out different words such as “cherished” with scrabble letters. And my favorite? Kristin’s gorgeous work on all the bouquets and boutonnieres.

Congratulations to Kristin + David!!!

 

Photographer: Love Tree Studios//Wedding Date:04.06.2013//Dress Store:David’s Bridal//Floral Designer:Hyvee//Tuxedo and Mens Attire:Savvi Formalwear//Floral Designer:Addie Jane Originals//Jewelry:Buchroeders Jewelers//Reception Venue:Cherry Hill Event Center//

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Jennie + Jei-Wei’s Intimate Vegas Extravaganza

Fellow DIY Brides + Grooms, be aware! Today is a long and lengthy one because… well, we’re featuring my wedding! When the idea of me writing and publishing about my own semi-DIY wedding came up, I wasn’t entirely sure if I was up for the challenge. It’s just so much easier to marvel over other peoples’ gorgeous weddings and to criticize your own. But Khris mentioned how nice it would be that since I’m the one writing about my own wedding, that I could share with all you lovelies my experience as a DIY bride.

First and foremost, I want to mention that our wedding was a destination wedding. We, along with most of our friends and immediate family (both of our families are from Taiwan, so only our immediate family members live in the US) reside in the southeast United States, so it was a lot of effort and planning to get everyone to Las Vegas. We were engaged close to 1.5 years before our actual wedding, but we had been together for 9 years prior to getting engaged so I pretty much knew some basic stuff I wanted… a Fall wedding, gorgeous venue, delicious wedding food, and my flowers amazingly pink and romantic- a theme that I wanted to carry through everything set in place for the wedding. To get things started, we took a trip out to Vegas exactly one year before our chosen wedding date and interviewed a lot of vendors. I’m so glad we did that because I really needed to feel a connection with the people I worked with and feel at ease that they know my vision.

We definitely could not have pulled off our dream wedding without the constant support from friends and family, especially my amazing bridal party, and of course, my ever-so-patient vendors. Seriously, I don’t remember how many phone calls/e-mails were exchanged with my super talented florist, Catherine of Layers of Lovely, or with my awesome, multi-tasking venue manager + coordinator, Gina of Red Rock Country Club. They always made themselves as available to me as they could, and tried their hardest to stay true to my vision and budget.

Because we totally splurged on our venue + catering and insisted on having both a photographer (Ron Miller Photography) and a videography team (Something New Films), we tried to DIY everything else that we could. *Keep in mind that we had to worry about shipping and the time we would actually have to set up once we’re in Vegas.

We had a super small and intimate guest list of less than 30 people, so my husband and I set out to make our own invitation suite. I love making my own Christmas cards and already am a proud owner of too many craft tools (Cricut, anyone?), and my husband is pretty handy when it comes to doing quick designs on the computer. I wish Ron was able to take photographs of my Save-the-Date and invitation suite so that I can show you, but here’s a fun fact: Our invitation was modeled after Khris’ own Vegas-themed Save-the-Date shaker in her The DIY Bride: 40 Fun Projects for your Ultimate One-of-a-kind Wedding book.

My best friend and maid of honor, Eunice, worked with me to construct the invite and all the tissue paper pom-poms that were hung over the reception area. We kept all the pom-poms flat so that they’ll be easy to ship, and once we got to our hotel in Vegas, we had a fluff up pom-pom party with all the girls.

Our favor is a laser-cut “Double Happiness” box, a traditional Chinese wedding symbol that’s also represented as our cake topper. I filled the box with some of our favorite Chinese candies, and I made my own place cards and attached each on top of the box. The cake topper was originally a metal silver color, so Jei-Wei left about an inch and a half on the bottom untouched and spray-painted the rest with the traditional red wedding color.

For all of our signs, we found a free floral design that we liked online, and Jei-Wei used his photoshop skills to make matching signs for our menus and instructions for the wishing tree and sparklers exit. I decorated our “bride” and “groom” signs with small accents that you can buy from art stores. We used the wishing tree tags as our “guest book” and asked people to write their well wishes and hang them up. I made those tags with kraft cardstocks and used my Cricut machine to cut out the tags. I then decorated one side with stamps using our wedding date and distressed the edges to make them look rustic.

My scrapbook making skills kicked into high gears for my photo garland and sweets table decoration. Since I have two things to keep in mind: cost and ease of shipping; I had to make sure that whatever I made could be easily packed and transported in our luggage. I used lots of coordinating cardstock, accents, and photographs for both projects, and to save cost, Gina was able to provide a bunch of sign holders to hold my scrapbook photo art.

I also made the tags for the bubble send-off after our ceremony. I found some wide washi tape and address labels small enough to fit on the tape to make the tag and attached it onto the bubbles using ribbons and gold tape I also used on our invites.

I wanted to have a pretty cake stand for my small wedding cake. My florist Catherine is a super amazing woman and found one for me a couple of weeks before the wedding. She spray-painted it to pink and added jewels garland all around to glam it up

Since our furry baby, Machi, was going to be our ring bearer (he wore a chinese red pouch attached to his custom-made bow-tie collar), we had to make sure that our venue would accommodate him. Even though having an outdoor ceremony wasn’t on the top of our list, Gina made having Machi there possible for the entire wedding, and all 3 of us love her and the Red Rock Country Club more for it!

I’m pretty proud to say our guests truly had a blast at our wedding. We turned it into a long weekend extravaganza where most of our guests flew in a couple of days before our Friday affair. We were all able to enjoy and spend time together as a group and party before AND after the wedding. We were worried that because we had such a small party that no one would dance, but hello! parents. Yes, my brother and my parents kicked off the dance party with Gangnam Style and Bee Gees. And the dance party continued on during the after party on the party bus we rented.

In the end, I received everything I asked for and more- amazing food (yes, and even today, I still get raves from guests who came to the wedding) and music (Gangnam Style was hot then and DJ Patrick got everyone dancing… my brother and I even shared a brief special stage together!), beautiful pink and romantic flower and decor, and a gorgeous venue and an equally amazing catering manager/coordinator who saved me a ton of headaches. Planning a destination wedding was hard, but when you hire the right people for you, everything will just naturally fall into place.

I want to give a big shout out to my photographer, Ron Miller, and my videography team, Jimi + Sandi of Something New Films, for staying an extra hour or two after the wedding to fulfill our vision of having a Vegas experience by shooting all over the Strip that night. That was one of our favorite highlights of the wedding, and they were just totally awesome! I also want to give another shout out to Gina and her staff at Red Rock Country Club for being complete angels and taking the task of decorating all of our DIY projects off of our hands.

I hope all you lovely fellow DIY brides/grooms were able to find some sort of inspiration from my wedding. I loved sharing it with you and feel free to ask me for more details!

XOXO,
Jennie

See our awesome Highlight Film from the talented Jimi + Sandi of Something New Films: HERE

 

Photographer: Ron Miller Photography//Wedding Date:09.28.2012//Reception Venue: Red Rock Country Club//Videography: Something New Films//Florist: Catherine of Layers of Lovely//Cake: Las Vegas Custom Cakes//DJ: DJ Patrick of Music Solutions//Hair+Makeup: Your Beauty Call//Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Meg + John’s Yellow Vintage DIY Wedding

Meg + John have spent most of their lives together. They were childhood sweethearts that survived high school and long-distances when they attended college. Needless to say, they are pretty in love with each other. The talent behind M.Studios captured photo after photo of all the sweet lovely moments they had.

Meg + John were together for 10 years by the time they got engaged, so she definitely already knew what she wanted their wedding to look like. As a super sweet person, she has trouble telling people no and what she doesn’t like, so her solution is to DIY!!!

From Meg:

“For the centerpieces I purchased grey tablecloths to layer with the white provided by the caterer. We had lanterns which we spent hours spray painting to be the right color yellow and then I bought material from Jo-Ann’s and my mom sewed mats for the lanterns to go on. I had a lot of vintage orange glasses from my grandmother which we also incorporated into the centerpieces. I had a really specific idea of what I wanted the bridal party jewelry to look like, so when that didn’t exist I decided to make them. I ordered pearls from etsy and went to work… I bought lokta paper from paper source and strung those up in a cabinet that I bought at TJ Maxx. The table numbers were also lokta paper with numbers that I cut out with my cricut, adhered and finished off onto a tile from Lowe’s with mod podge. Instead of a guest book that people would have to wait around to sign, my sister-in-law suggested that we do cards that we could then open on our first anniversary. I bought envelopes and embossed them with a stamp that said “just married”… we ordered flowers from fiftyflowers.com and I was able to make my dream bouquet at a fraction of the quote I had been given, and had plenty of flowers left over for aisle decorations!”

What a gorgeous bride Meg was! I love it when a bride knows exactly what she wants AND create her vision by DIYing. Thank you so much, Meg, for sharing your DIY details! And much thanks to M.Studios for sharing this awe-inspiring wedding with us!

Much congratulations to our storybook couple Meg + John!

 

Photographer: M.Studios//Wedding Date:08.02.2013//Caterer:Emery’s Catering//Hair Stylist:Glam by Torie Bliss//Event Venue: Linden Place Mansion//Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Britney + Brian’s Vintage Mechanic Wedding

I can’t even begin to describe just how much I’m in love with our gorgeous couple, Britney + Brian, today. I’ve been going nuts over their photos by Allie Lindsey Photography all morning, and I’m so excited to share them with you now! Britney + Brian are such a beautiful couple- they’re so in love with each other that it shows on every photograph of them on their wedding day… photogenic couple plus the talent behind Allie Lindsey Photography equals stunning photos.

Britney + Brian chose “vintage mechanic” as their theme to represent their style. Since Brian is a mechanic, Britney really utilized the materials from his shop to DIY their wedding. I’m incredibly impressed with Britney, as this wedding is so beautifully decorated and thought out!

Did I mention how in love I am with this couple? Let me say it again! I super adore their First Look and their portraits. So much love and so much gorgeousness! I totally love how Britney really fuze her sense of style with Brian’s mechanic background to make this wedding truly theirs and totally unique. I’m also super impressed with the engraved tags as place cards- what a cool idea to double as a favor as well!

Much congratulations to our beautiful couple Britney + Brian, and much much thanks to Allie Lindsey Photography for bringing us this breathtaking wedding!

 

Photographer: Allie Lindsey Photography//Wedding Date: 10.13.2013//Cake Designer: Amazing Cakes//Floral Designer:Avante Gardens Florist //Caterer: big b’s bbq//Reception Venue: Fullerton Arboretum//

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Alison + Christian’s Yellow and Grey Rustic Farm Wedding

Featured wedding for the day comes from the talented Jeff of Brooke Courtney Photography. This Pennsylvania wedding at The Farm at Eagles Ridge was love at first sight for our couple Alison + Christian. They had a vision of getting married at a “big open barn with lots of natural light, hardwood floors, and rustic charms”, and that’s exactly what they got. Alison has always loved the colors yellow and grey, so obviously, she felt that golden yellow with grey accents would be perfect for her early Fall wedding in the country… and I couldn’t agree more with her!


Alison + Christian wanted to DIY their decor to make sure that their wedding is truly about them and added vintages pieces wherever they see fit. They “collected vintage postcards from all of the places [they] had traveled for [their] guests to write special messages on. [They] made homemade butterscotch walnut fudge for [their] favors.” From Alison: “My maid of honor, Kendra, made all of the bunting that was hung in the barn. She cut yards and yards of fabric and sewed for months, and her family even helped hang it all the day of. The groom’s sister, Larissa, is an amazing cook and baked our entire wedding cake from scratch. She customized it to fit the fall season and flavors we love, like pumpkin spice and caramel apple. My father cut all of the wood slices from fallen trees near our home that our table centerpieces and wedding cake sat on.”


Alison honored her mother by wearing her wedding dress. Not only was it super comfy for her to wear, but it made her feel her mother’s presence. I love the photograph of Alison holding a framed picture of her mother… there’s just something so sweet and heart-tugging about it.

Thank you so much to Jeff of Brooke Courtney Photography for submitting this uber-sweet wedding… Much congrats to Alison + Christian!!

 

Photographer: Jeff of Brooke Courtney Photography//Wedding Date:10.06.2013//Event Venue:The Farm at Eagles Ridge//Videography:Foundation Videography//Flowers:Country Lane Flowers//Event Planning:Stylish Occasions//

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Dawn + Dan’s Sweet Summer Wedding in Virginia

Today’s wedding is a sweet mix of traditional, rustic, and romance. Lauryn of Lauryn Galloway Photography did a wonderful job capturing all the small sweet and darling moments throughout Dawn + Dan’s summer Southern wedding in Virginia. Using a romantic palette of dark grey, yellow, and fuchsia pink, their family and friends all pitched in their time and talent to decorate their day.

My top favorite details of the day: Tissue pom-poms and paper lanterns stranded with lights and hung all over the reception area; Rustic details on the ceremonial mantle that acted as the backdrop. Every single little detail, like the fuchsia rosettes adorned on the “love always” wedding banner, tied all colors together and just added that little something extra and different.
Thank you so much to Lauryn Galloway Photography and Dawn + Dan for sharing such a lovely wedding with us. It is a perfect combination of traditional, rustic, and modern at the same time!

Congratulations Dawn + Dan!!!
Photographer: Lauryn Galloway Photography//Wedding Date: 08.24.2013//Venue: Cloverdale Barn//Caterer: Shaffer’s Catering//Floral Designer: Bluebells//Doughnuts: Marker Miller Orchards//Music: The DJ Connection//Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Ellen + Wes’ Idyllic Winter Wedding

Such a treat I have for all you lovely DIY brides and grooms today. Ellen + Wes’ perfect southern-style winter wedding incorporated lots of white, blue, and grey details photographed by Catherine Guidry. Ellen is an interior designer graduate, so obviously, she had a clear vision on what her dream wedding would be and executed it very well. With a little mix of traditional and rustic, Ellen + Wes created their own dreamy wedding.

There were tons of details I just adore. I love that Ellen incorporated rice into her florals as well as created a rice bouquet for her flower girl since Wes is a rice farmer. Instead of expensive draping, she opted for making tissue pompoms and draped them with lights. True to the southern style, Wes had a pretty impressive groom cake featuring his favorite football team. And their kids dessert bar is completely decadent and to die for!

Gorgeous bouquets, gorgeous decoration, gorgeous bride and her equally stunning bridesmaids… complemented by lots of lights and tissue pom-poms, this wedding is definitely not lacking in the prettiness department. Thank you, Catherine Guidry, for capturing all the breathtaking details and sharing them with us.

Congratulations to Ellen + Wes!!!
Photographer: Catherine Guidry//Wedding Date:02/05/2013//Dress Store: A-Nets Enchanted Dream//Caterer: Chef Bobby and Dot//Cake Designer:Daisey Cakes//Pre Ceremony Location:Maison D’Memoire//Cake Designer: Short and Sweet Cakes//Reception Venue:The Warehouse//

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

A DIY Ethereal Styled Inspiration Shoot

Sometimes wedding vendors need to scratch their creative itch too.  And when they do; Oh, the magic they make!!!  This super, natural inspiration shoot from Samantha Bonpensiero Photography is like an intimate, ethereal wedding dream full of texture and soft colors that reaches every last sense and  leaves you aching for more.

From the photographer:

We chose natural elements like wood, various mosses, textured pottery and slate to set the tone at the table. Succulents, & protea helped amp up the texture level while keeping the color palette subdued. We didn’t limit sensory experience of the tablescape to visual texture though. The contrast of the rough natural elements with smooth colorless glass dishes & a slick Primordial Martini (white chocolate & hazelnut liqueurs with vodka) brings a sense of sophistication to the scene.

Pretty and yummy right?  Well it doesn’t stop at the delish signature cocktail idea, the “geodes” on the plates are a scrumptious combo of solid vanilla sugar crystals coated in white chocolate, and dusted in mixed sugars with a hint of sea salt. Every last detail from primitive pained rocks to wild wire around the hurricanes yields an awesomely modern and earthy vibe.

 

 

I don’t know about you, but anytime you combine protea, sig-cocktails, and chocolate rocks you can color me inspired!  Thank you to Samantha Bonpensiero Photography and the team that created this divine shoot.

Vendor Information:

Date: September 13, 2013

Location: California, United States

Photographer: Samantha Bonpensiero Photography

Dress Store: Marry Me Bridal

Dress Designer: Hope Stanley Bridal Stylist

Jewelry:  Bosky Bell

Makeup: Vibrant One Makeup

Marisa + Moky’s Timeless and Elegant Wedding

When bride Marissa shared her wedding with us, I was stunned.  The insanely gorgeous style, the ridiculously perfect images from Apryl Ann Photography, the utterly fab setting, and crafting that’s totally cray I couldn’t decide on a favorite piece of the awesomely elegant puzzle!  Infusing classic and timeless beauty with loads of family centered love, Marisa + Moky’s wedding is sort of amazing in ways I had never imagined.

 

Marisa is totally our kind of gal! Not only did she look stunning in both of her gowns, but she managed to get both at a super good deal!  Her first gown was an Atelier Aimee dress from preownedweddingdresses.com , and the second was a fantastic J.Mendel dress found on eBay.  Marisa’s not just a good fashion hunter, she’s down right crafty too!  Creating all the paper goods from invitations to programs and the beautiful Japanese paper signage, she also handmade the favors and the bridesmaids hairpieces as gifts.  Another stunner came from a friend.  She had the idea of using vintage thrift shop mirrors for signage and a friend hand painted them all!  Since we all know a DIY Bride can’t stop after her big day, Marisa shared that she turned one of the mirrors (a fave find) into a coat hanger in their new home.

Thank you Marissa for sharing your beautiful day with us! Big thanks to an awesome team of vendors, including Apryl Ann Photography who helped bring Marissa and Moky’s vision to life!

Vendor Information:

Date: November 10, 2012

Location: Dallas, TX

Photographer:  Apryl Ann Photography

Cinematography: Copper Penny Films

Ceremony Venue: Park Cities Presbyterian Church

Reception Venue: Dallas Arboretum – Rosine Hall

Hair: Live Hair Group

DJ: DFWDJ

Flowers: Blue Lotus Gardens

Catering: Gil’s Elegant Catering

Hannah + Geoffery’s Intimate Handmade Wedding

We absolutely LOVE a bride who will DIY her own gown! And when the result is something this pretty, elegant and modern at the same time- we are most certainly all aboard! Joy Michelle Photography has captured a beautifully intimate and totally hand crafted wedding that will perk up your Monday afternoon.

From the photographer:

Hannah’s artistic and creative eye can be seen in the wire-wrapped boutonnieres with dried flowers, custom gift boxes that she stamped and assembled for favors, and her hand-made Wedding gown that took her over 6 months! It’s touches like these that make her wedding stand out from the rest and inspire those DIY brides to go after their creative ideas. Hannah and her bridesmaids were responsible for all the decor and even their own makeup and hair.

Hannah did an outstanding job on this dress and the whole design of the day. Thanks Joy Michelle Photography for sharing these lovely images! Congratulations Hannah and Geoffrey!

Date: June 15, 2013

Location: Clifton, United States

Photographer: Joy Michelle Photography

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