Orange Weddings - DIY Bride

Jackie + Chang’s Classic Autumn Wedding

For our Monday feature this week, we’re sharing a traditional Autumn affair from Lindsay Docherty Photography. Jackie + Chang had their traditional church wedding in Delaware at the same location where Jackie’s sister, parents, and grandparents were also married in. For their celebration, they decided to hosted it at Kings Mills in Pennsylvania, where Jackie allowed her creativity to shine.

Jackie incorporated lots of yellow, orange, and gold all over the details for her Fall wedding. What was pretty amazing was that Jackie + Chang had only visited and seen their venue once and were able to visualize how they want their reception to look. Jackie went to work and created each unique center pieces for the tables, the cake topper, signs, favors, and the masks worn by the wedding party.

Lots of fun dancing, bright sparklers, and sky lanterns send-offs to round out a beautiful wedding, Jackie + Chang’s classic autumn wedding was one they’ll remember for the rest of their lives. Jackie’s unique center pieces were the stars of the show (next to Jackie + Chang, of course), and the matching bridesmaids’ gold glittery heels were great complements to Jackie’s own heels in hot pink.

Congratulations to Jackie + Chang on their marriage!!

Photographer: Lindsay Docherty Photography//Wedding Date:11.02.2014//Dress Store:Francesca’s Collections//Jewelry: Jared//Caterer: Kings Mills//Reception Venue:Kings Mills//Veils and headpieces:Simply Blue Bridal//Musicians:Sky Brady//Floral Designer:Wildflowers by Alicia//

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Amanda + Adam’s Steampunk-theme Wedding

What a neat, offbeat feature we got in store for all of our lovely readers today. Our featured wedding today comes to us all the way from Sätra Brunn, Sala, Sweden. Yes, we love weddings from all over, but what make this wedding so cool is that it has a steampunk theme. Yep, you read that right! With a bit of Victorian-era style mixed with art nouveau design, Amanda + Adam gave a brand new meaning to vintage. The mad talents behind 2 Brides Photography have, hands down, some of the coolest wedding photographs I have ever seen.

Usually the bride likes to tell us about their wedding, but this time, Adam is dishing all the details!
From Adam:

“The whole wedding is a DIY story. As the wedding day approaches I made a How-to-list. It contained what I needed for equipment and materials and how to do it, alongside with pictures fore inspiration. It helped me a lot and made it easier for me to give the assignment to family and friends. We made everything from scratch, from the drape to the label on the ”Drink me” bottle, even the teacup towers. It was so fun creating!”

There are just so many awesome details to this wedding. I love all the little touches like using apples as place cards, the amazing teacup towers as center pieces… and the cake! Love, love love! I also love how all the guests dressed to the theme to make this awe-inspiring wedding look like it’s completely from another era. Thank you to 2 Brides Photography for sharing this unique Steampunk wedding!!

Much congratulations to Amanda + Adam!!

Photographer: 2 Brides Photography//Wedding Date:08.10.2013//Transportation:Bilförmedlingen//Veils and headpieces:Linekka//Location:Ranstaby//Dress Designer:Viola Lahger//

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Amanda + Tom’s Stunning Rustic Mint Green Wedding

There are so many reasons why this northern San Diego wedding is just perfect. Amanda + Tom are a beautiful couple, to say the least, but their decision to have their picturesque wedding at Hidden Valley Retreat has got to be one of the best decisions they made for their big day. It’s incredibly beautiful, seemingly secluded, and naturally rustic… and captured perfectly by one of our favorite photographer- heidi-o-photo, everything about this wedding is just absolutely amazing, like Amanda + Tom are with each other.

Amanda + Tom created ALL their decor pieces. Some of my favorites that they did:

~They covered the letters for the word “LOVE” and attached them above the entryway to the ceremony site.
~The silverware was tucked into cute burlap pockets they sewed (love the lace touch!).
~The table numbers were constructed by attaching mismatched house numbers to wood slices.

And of course, to pull it all together, they set up the day before with the help of their friends under the guidance of their event planner, Hannah Smith Events.

I love that not only you can tell how much fun their guests were having, but also just how much fun Amanda + Tom were having. I adore the cowboy boots Amanda and her bridesmaids were wearing, keeping the whole wedding vibe lighthearted. And just how delicious do those pies look! Talk about a great non-traditional alternative! Anyone wants a slice of peach pie?? I do!!

Much congrats to Amanda + Tom!!!

Photographer: heidi-o-photo//Wedding Date:08.31.2013//Linens and Coverings:Abbey Party Rentals Temecula//Caterer: Carriage Trade Catering//Event Planner: Hannah Smith Events//Event Venue:Hidden Valley Retreat//Floral Designer:Jill Again//Equipment Rentals: Teal Green Design &rentals//Musicians:Three Blind Mice//Makeup Artist:Touch of Grace//Cake Designer: VG’s Bakery//

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Kirstin + Jeremy’s Orange & Teal Wedding

Kirstin + Jeremy’s hot summer wedding in Virginia was full of vibrant colors such as orange and teal. This fun wedding photographed by Beth Hamilton Photography was full of lighthearted moments, bright colors, and topped with a water view.

Kirstin + Jeremy worked on many DIY projects for their summer nuptials. I’m super impressed with the beautiful arbor Jeremy hand built for the ceremony. But the paper crafting is the main show here. All paper decors, including the programs, were DIY. The two framed “B”s in buttons were awesome and completed the look of the hanging paper wheels and paper flowers in matching colors. I also really like their use of big project board and turned it into a “Love” board for the gifts table. The unique centerpieces were eclectic, simple, and playful… and I just love it!

Kirsten + Jeremy’s wedding at The Planter’s Club in Virginia has been super fun to feature. Not only was the decor awesome, but the vibe that our couple set for themselves and for their guests were evident everywhere- from the shades they all wore to the group merry-go-around/laying-on-each-other at the end of the night- that this wedding is a big party for all the friends and family.

Congratulations to Kirsten + Jeremy!!!
Photographer: Beth Hamilton Photography//Wedding Date: 06.29.2013//Floral Designer:Kelly Gish Floral Designs//Event Venue:The Planter’s Club//

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Sara + Nick’s Intimate Soiree at Lord Jeffery Inn

We’re kicking off the first wedding of the month by featuring a super intimate soiree at the Lord Jeffery Inn, starring Sara + Nick. Michelle of Michelle Girard Photography did an incredible job of encapsulating all the charming and romantic details. With palette of orange and pink, Sara filled the space with lots of warm colors and candles.

The Inn’s library was the perfect setting for Sara + Nick’s intimate ceremony. The fire in the fireplace and the candles filled the room and created a warm and inviting environment. Sara also continue the theme by having candles and lights all over the reception, making it super romantic. Though she had a few mini DIY touches to complete her wedding, my favorite DIY element were the center pieces that Sara created for the tables (Is she a pro?!)
How cute was the First Look? I think it’s a superb idea (and great photo opportunity!) to include family/wedding party. I totally love that for Sara + Nick, their wedding party had a “sneak peek” for one of the big moments of the day. And the look on Nick’s face when he saw Sara? SWOON. Just exactly what every woman dreams of when the love of her life looks at her. Major bonus points there, Nick!

Sara + Nick did not need to DIY every aspect of their wedding to make it romantic, warm, and literally, filled with lots of love. And did I mention I *heart* their wedding cake & the “we do” cake topper and the map of hearts “guest book”? Congratulations to you both!!!

Photographer: Michelle Girard Photography//Wedding Date: 09.01.2013//DJ:And The Beat Goes On//Floral Designer: Forget me not Florist//Bakery: Greggory’s Pastry Shop//Tuxedo and Mens Attire:Joseph A. Banks//Reception Venue: Lord Jeffery Inn//Hair Stylist: Salon Herdis //Dress Store: The Bridal Barn & Tux Shoppe//

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Martha + Ryan’s Country Wedding in New Hampshire

So many of our talented couples we featured on our blog completely DIY their wedding, except well, the photography and videography. Our couple today, Martha + Ryan, is of no exception. With photography by Steve Holmes Photography, Martha + Ryan set their stage at a large field owned by their neighbor. With literally nothing on site, they had to figure out ways to not only to decorate, but also bring in electricity, water, and bathroom… and even make their own bar!

Bagpipes, fireworks, bird seeds tossing, sand ceremony, classic red pickup truck- this wedding with a country flair has it all. I adore Martha’s dances with their dog Axe, and gosh, that firework show! Lots of warmth brought in by the bright hues of red, gold, and orange, Martha + Ryan make sure their guests felt welcomed, had loads of fun, but most of all, a wedding they’ll all sure to remember for ages.

Congratulations to Martha + Ryan!!

Photographer: Steve Holmes Photography//Wedding Date: 08.10.2013//Caterer:Fiddleheads Catering//DJ:Peak Entertainment//Makeup Artist:Studio H//Submitted via Two Bright Lightstephanie Court Photography // Felice and Ben /// 9/14/2013

Erin + Randy’s Antique in the Fall Wedding

Erin + Randy’s Vermont wedding isn’t exactly the type of DIY wedding where everything was done by themselves or family and friends. But that doesn’t mean that they didn’t do a whole lot of personalization and created a celebration that was truly theirs. Photographed by Orchard Cove Photography, this wedding features rich hues of the Fall colors- spiced wine, burnt orange, antique gold and lots of ivory.

During Erin + Randy’s 1.5 years of engagement, they spent many weekends driving all over Vermont antique shopping- mismatched whiskey barrels to mark the aisle, hobnob milk votives, old mason jars to line the perimeter of our venue to create a magical ambiance, antique bronze vases for single buds.

From Erin:

“We repurposed a wooden flower box as our card collector, used Vermont barn board for our ‘Erin & Randy’ sign for the side of the road, found reclaimed apple crates to bring height to our ceremony flowers, created cake stands from vintage cups and platters and opted for a $5 window display with handwritten details instead of typical wedding programs. We made a series of signs to pay tribute to our guests who travelled from all over the country to be with us, noting the distance they travelled to be part of our special day. Instead of paying for calligraphy for our escort cards, we hand-wrote them and stood them up with corks (that our bridal party had a fun time procuring!). We used twine and clothespins to display old photos from our childhood, our parents’ weddings and photos of our guests from years past.

Erin + Randy did such a great job pulling together personal details to pull off this DIY wedding. I love the tribute sign post they made indicating the distance their guests travelled to see them tied the knot. However, my absolute favorite is Erin and her father’s daughter & father dance. How adorable were they!

Congratulations Erin + Randy!!
Photographer: Orchard Cove Photography//Wedding Date: 10/05/2013//Dress Designer: Allure Bridals//Bakery: Caketopia Cakes//Floral Designer:Erin Ostreicher//Dress Store: J. Crew//Invitation Designer:Minted.com//Hair Stylist:Scherdiva Salon//Band: The Grift//Event Venue: Tourterelle Restaurant & Inn//Equipment Rentals: Vermont Tent Company//Officiant:Wendy Bratt//

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Kim + Adam’s Fall Wedding at the Aquarium

For many couples, trying to establish what are the most important criteria for choosing a theme or venue is a headache. That’s not the case for our couple Kim + Adam. Right from the get-go, they knew that they both want to get married at an unique venue; Kim also required that they get married in Boston, and Adam required a venue that made food on-site. Well, with those 3 criteria, they found the New England Aquarium. Katie Slater Photography did an incredible job of capturing this offbeat, romantic, AND non-fish theme wedding at the aquarium.

Kim was determined to make her DIY wedding as romantic as possible with lots of cream, dark orange, champagne and gold hues. To do so, she purchased all her vases for the tables from the Dollar Store and sprayed painted them gold. Kim + Adam then arranged all the flowers themselves. They also created all the bouquets and boutonnieres as well. For their tables, they opted to name the tables with names of the places they have traveled together with postcards and a picture of them at that location. The place cards were postcards to each location that were addressed to the guests. Inside each postcard, they wrote a “thank you” note and why the location is important to them as a couple (how neat!). They also created their own program, where not only do they mentioned and thanked people that were important to them, but also included a few short bulletin points of defining characteristics of each other. This was done so that they can introduce each other to guests that only know one of them.

I love the fireworks and having the ceremony outside on the wharf. And I’m in love with super personalized tables this couple created for their guests. Although the aquarium doesn’t necessarily scream “romantic” by any means, Kim + Adam did a fabulous job of creating a very romantic affair. Thanks so much to Katie Slater Photography for capturing all the picturesque flairs!
Photographer: Katie Slater Photography//Wedding Date: August 31, 2013//Reception Venue: Boston Aquarium//Dress Store: David’s Bridal//Cake Designer: Konditor Meister//Band: Occasional Brass & Strings//Photo Booth Equipment:Red Eye Photobooths//Cinema and Video: Vantage Point Films Wedding & Event Cinematography//

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Jessica + Anthony’s Date at the Orchards Engagement Shoot

Romantic picnic underneath apple trees? Check. Frolicking through pumpkin patches and picking ripen apples from apple trees? Check. This super cute and romantic engagement shoot by Mon Petit Studio was just oozing gorgeous colors and love all over these photos.

I love how this engagement shoot doesn’t really feel like a photo shoot. It actually felt more like a real date Jessica + Anthony were having and Mon Petit Photography just happened to be there to capture it all (*hint* proposal ideas, anyone?). Congratulations to the gorgeous couple, and we can’t wait to see what your wedding will be like in August!
Photographer: Mon Petit Studio//Shoot Date: Oct 01, 2013//Location:Applecrest Farm Orchards//

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