Vineyard - DIY Bride

REAL WEDDINGS: Travis + Desirea’s Vineyard wedding

When it comes to DIYs there is not much this couple didn’t tackle. We are absolutely obsessed with all of these personal touches that Desirea and Travis included in their April 11th, 2015 vineyard wedding.

This fun loving couple met in a calculous class while attending college in North Carolina. While the bride is a self proclaimed chocolate lover, and the groom loves pickles, one thing they could agree on was their love of beer and of each other… of course! How fun is their alcohol themed guest book?

Their love of beer was also incorporated into these fun boutonnieres for the groomsmen.

The couples’ shared love of literature was also showcased throughout their table decorations.

From library card themed seating arrangements to hand painted book covers done by the groom. There are so many other subtle touches mixed around their table decor.

We cannot forget the stunning bride. Just about every accessory was a DIY project, from her bridal sash to her bouquet created by her mom!

How about this adorable cake also courtesy of the Fontaine Vineyards.

A special thank you to Fete Photography, Desirea, and Travis for sharing this beautiful Asheville, NC wedding.

Venue: Fontaine Vineyards / Flowers & Wedding Planning: DIY (Mother of the bride) / Decor: DIY (Groom and other family) / Photographer: Fete Photography / Cake & Catering: Fontaine Vineyards

Russa + Andy’s Pink and Red Vineyard Wedding

Our featured wedding for the day comes to us from a gorgeous Californian vineyard. Russa + Andy got married on a beautiful day in late October, and the celebration was sentimental and full of lots of fun and love. Captured by Cherie Mariko Photography, this wedding is not short of gorgeous details. They incorporated lots of small personal and meaningful details to make this wedding theirs. Their color palette of soft pink and vibrant reds really spoke romance, and I love how Russa coordinated both colors into her bridal party attire.

I want to highlight the DIY project that Russa’s uncle did for her wedding. He built all of the wooden boxes that they used as the base for the floral center pieces. What was so special about these boxes is that these are the same 100-year old barn wood that Russa’s parents used to originally build their first home! I love how these wooden boxes fit in harmoniously with the rest of the decor, and definitely with the setting.
Russa + Andy’s wedding has so much swoon-worthy moments, and I honestly think it’s because of all the sweet details (I really love that Russa had henna drawn on her hand as a nod to Andy’s Indian background!). It also helps that they have a gorgeous place and a super-talented photographer (Cherie Mariko Photography) that knows all the right moments to capture (one of my favorites is the one of Andy twirling Russa during their First Look). Although I kept ooh-ing and aah-ing all over their photos, what really got to me the most is seeing Russa’s gold locket that she carried on her bouquet. In the locket are two photos of her late father, one of which was one of her and her dad when she was little. She attached it to her bouquet because she wanted to make sure that her father got to walk her down the aisle. I’m not ashamed to admit it, it got me a little teary-eyed to see it and to know about it!

Congratulations to Russa + Andy!!!

Photographer: Cherie Mariko Photography//Wedding Date: 10.26.2013//Dress Designer: Bridal Galleria//Dress Designer: Monique Lhuillier//Caterer: Beth Sogaard Catering//Floral Designer:Blossoms by Lisa//Event Planner: So Eventful//

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Amy + Max’s Charming & Playful Yellow Wedding

Happy Valentine’s Day to the fellow lovely DIY brides and grooms! We have tons of beautiful photos from the talented Matei Horvath Photography to share with you today. Amy + Max is a super playful couple, whose personalities really shone through with their sense of style. Our gorgeous bride donned a short and adorable tea-length wedding dress, but my eyes were in love with her cute mustard yellow booties she wore to complete her look. They are so sweet and playful to each other, it’s no wonder that their photographer had a ton of great photos to share with us!

Let me tell you, I was caught off-guarded by Amy’s white ruffle shorts that she wore underneath her dress… and she absolutely had no problems showing it off. What a fun, cool bride!

Amy + Max fell in love with their venue as soon as they saw it. It allowed them to decorate it as they see fit to their personality, from the giant jenga game to the charming yellow VW bus and the camper that allowed them to have a special quiet moment away from the festivities. But my favorite aspect of this awesome wedding, which also happens to be Amy’s favorite as well, is their First Look with the battle of the nerf guns. You just can’t help but laugh and smile along with them.
I want to share something sweet and romantic about Amy + Max’s engagement. They were college sweethearts, and Max confessed he loves Amy (accidentally!) about one month into their relationship. It happened in what’s got to be one of the most unromantic places- gas station, during one of their pit stop in Seattle while on vacation. BUT it became their super special spot and a must visit (gas pump #9!) whenever they are in the area. So, it’s not very surprising to the rest of us romantic gals that Max would choose to propose to Amy at the exact same spot where he first told her he loves her!

I love every aspect of this super sweet, yet quirky wedding. Amy + Max really allow their fun personalities to shine through. Thank you so much to Matei Horvath Photography for sharing this gorgeous wedding and couple with us!

Congratulations to Amy + Max!

Photographer: Matei Horvath Photography//Wedding Date: 10/27/2012//Equipment Rentals: A Rental connection//Dress Designer: Dolly Couture//Invitation Designer:Everybody! Everybody!//Bakery: Magnolia Bakery//Makeup Artist:Pure Skin and Lash Studio//Reception Venue: Saddlerock Ranch//Floral Designer: Unique Floral Designs//Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Natalie + Jason’s Pink Winery Wedding

We’re kicking the first week of February off with lots of pretty pinks and sweetness from Dianna Hart Photography. I think it’s so lovely when a bride chooses various shades of one color rather than sticking to one particular shade. Natalie uses a mix shades of pink all over… from her gorgeous bouquet to her table runner. Raspberry peonies and pink roses, however, definitely dominate Natalie + Jason’s upstate New York vineyard wedding.

Although popular choices like sparkler exits and lantern send-offs usually make very gorgeous photos, it was pretty refreshing to see Natalie + Jason opted to do a pink balloon send-off instead.

Our special tidbit to share about this couple: Since their wedding, Natalie + Jason, both teachers, have packed up their bags and moved to Mumbai to teach young children there.
Photographer: Dianna Hart Photography//Wedding Date: June 22, 2012//Event Venue: Glenora Wine Cellars//Floral Designer: In Bloom//Event Designer: Lovewell Celebration Design//

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Cristina + Craig’s NJ Vineyard Engagement

You know a couple’s wedding day is going be chock full of personal touches when they add them to an e-sesh from jump. This sweet little love shoot from Janet Lanza Photography included a picnic basket from Craig’s mom who passed away a few years back. You just know when a couple like Cristina + Craig consider their loved ones in all parts of the planning- their guests are going to be in for a very special wedding!

Like a good wine pairing, this shoot is full of great duos that are sure to spill over into their big day. Like Cristina’s great fashion sense and movie starlet looks, Janet Lanza’s photos and her ability to capture some of the sweetest looks, and most of all, Cristina + Craig bring out the best in each other! Thanks Janet Lanza Photography. Congratulations Cristina + Craig!

Vendor Information:

Photographer: Janet Lanza Photography

Event Venue: Laurita Winery

Faith + Kyle’s Fall Vineyard Wedding

Every once in while, some of you crafty couple’s get to me! Most of the time I find my self in awe and admiration of your crafting prowess. Sometimes, I am enamored by your sweet gazes amongst each other, and other times it’s the spunky style that oozes out of your DIY creations the images by your fantastic photogs. Today is the kind of day where I find myself fanning away the tears from my eyes because they get in the way of viewing all of the the ridiculously perfect images captured by Casey Hendrickson Photography. With the sweetest first touch, a sentimental foot washing ceremony, some seriously pinnable DIY, and a tear-jerker Daddy-Daughter Dance, keep your hankies handy on this one folks; Faith and Kyle are about to touch your DIY souls.

From the Photographer:

On October 19th, I arrived at Dennis Vineyards for what would be one of my most detailed weddings yet. The best part? The bride did ALL of it herself! She styled her entire wedding, bought all the decorations, sewed the pins for grandparents and honorary friends, painted, hung things, and even did her announcements.
Faith and Kyle are far from your typical couple- they strive to be totally original, and I absolutely love it!

Being the first to hold their ceremony in the field behind the standard gazebo space, having the entire bridal lay hands on them in prayer and the foot washing ceremony are just a few of the original details Faith +Kyle added to the day. Faith’s impeccable eye blended vintage touches with rustic vineyard style. Don’t you love the programs, hay bale seating, flowers, and, well, everything?! Check out that sweetheart table!

Father daughter dances get me every time! But how sweet to share that moment with your siblings. Faith let her sister cut in halfway and danced with her younger escort of the day. (Go ahead now. Together. Awwwwww!!!!!!) You really can’t go wrong with a great couple that knows how to stray perfectly off the beaten path and still create a timeless affair! Thank you Casey Hendrickson Photography for submitting this sentimental soiree. Congratulations Faith + Kyle!

Vendor Information:

Photographer: Casey Hendrickson Photography

Event Venue: Dennis Vineyards

Cake Designer: Icing on the Edge

Summer + Herbert’s Quirky Wine Country Engagement

Milkshakes, french fries, picnics, ivy covered walls, and wine for miles in a Napa vineyard. Sounds like a description of my perfect day. It’s actually the absolutely adorbs engagement session of Summer and Herbert. Made even more perfect through the beautiful lens of Vivian Chen Photogrpahy, this traveling Napa love shoot is dotted with Summer’s fab DIY deets and some seriously good eats.

I love the unexpected and whimsical touches Summer added to the shoot like the vintage picnic vignette and the gold lame pinata. (Oh yeah! I think I MUST have one of those a my next party.) And that amazing record player!? What! Every wedding should be dee-jayed with turntables like that! I heart record players has totally new meaning for me.

Vivian Chen Photography captured so many cute moments and gorgeous images during the Napa tour, you simply must give yourself a little weekend time to check it all out. Congratulations Summer and Herbert!

Vendor Information:

Photography: Vivian Chen Photography

Event Locations: Gott’s Roadside, Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, Sterling Vineyards

Dress: J Crew

Vanessa + Damian Red-Hot Romantic Engagement

Warning! The contents of this next shoot may not be suitable for all audiences. Those easily impressed by beautiful photography, adventure, romance, and easy, high style ways of creating the perfect engagement shoot should not read on. If this title sounds a little too suggestive, you now understand why my husband is convinced I have DIY and wedding voyeur tendencies. But wait! I can explain! It’s not my fault! When you have a couple like Vanessa and Damian who are so obviously in love set among the Doffo Winery with bikes and balloons, and photographed so superbly by Lovato Images, it’s impossible not to be seduced.

From the photographer: “Vanessa and Damian wanted an engagement story that told the romantic side of their story.”

Well, Vanessa has the most entrancing eyes. Damian and his father run Doffo Winery; a winery specializing in hand crafted wines and a collection of vintage and racing motorcycles. Few could overcome this deadly combination of temptation. Romance pours out of the scenery, while adventure races on the bikes, and excitement whispers in the wind with the fantastic wardrobe changes that set the mood. Before I get any more overheated about this shoot, I’d like to thank Lovato Images for capturing this fantastic love story in photos. Congratulations Vanessa and Damian!

Vendor Information:

Photographer: Lovato Images

Event Venue: Doffo Winery

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Tatiana + Rick’s Vibrant Vineyard Wedding

I like wine a lot. I like weddings a lot. Put the two together and I’m intoxicated with the amount of beauty captured by Sara Wight Photography. Combine this craftsy couple with Karma Flowers and Trunk Vintage Rentals, some bold blue hues, a beautiful Buddhist ceremony, and the grounds of Alba Vineyard and you have the perfect cocktail of vibrant vineyard charm.

I can’t possibly talk about all the cool crafts in this wedding, so I highly recommend taking a look at the entire gallery. (Well, actually I could- they are that good- but I would probably need two posts.) Along with the fabulous flowing fabric backdrop, chandeliers and the groom’s green thumb terrariums, the best part about Tatiana and Rick’s Real Wedding was that it was really real. Tatiana not only shared some crazy cute budget friendly ideas to steal like her craft paper menus and cardboard chalkboard signs, she also let us in on some of moments that can drive a DIY bride crazy.

She also shared some 20/20 hindsight on some projects that didn’t quite have the stamina to hold up to this wild party complete with youngins: like a photo backdrop without too thin ribbon and a hand-sewn ring pillow that may have been missing some ties and dropped the ring coming down the aisle. (Not that she experienced this or anything…)

From the bride:

“We had a blast and it turned out just as we had hoped. In fact, better because for a while there I was worried it was going to be too much going on. In the end it was just enough.”

Just enough is understatement. This wedding was beautifully crafted and executed and we can’t thank Sara Wight for documenting the deets so perfectly. Congratulations Tatiana and Rick!

Vendor Information:

Photographer: Sara Wight Photography

Venue: Alba Vineyards

Florals, event design, and rentals: Karma Flowers and Trunk Vintage Rentals

Submited via Two Bright Lights

The Shabby Chic Wedding of William + Allyson

Another day with two weddings? Score! Y’all hit the wedding jackpot this week. This morning’s offering is a romantic wedding out of Texas. The soft light, the romantic draping on the ceremony arch, and sparkly brooch bouquet all make for a stunning event.

From the Bride: When we started planning our wedding, we really wanted a vintage, western, shabby chic feel. Our venue was the perfect space for us. It had the country feel we were looking for and the natural beauty of the outdoor ceremony was breathtaking. The small budget, which some would have found limiting, made our special day truly homemade, DIY, and heirloom inspired. My bouquet was filled with brooches and jewelry from grandmothers, great grandmothers, and aunts. All of the bridesmaids dresses were hand made from vintage lace slips. Everything was so sentimental and it made our day even more special.

Couple: William + Allyson Merrett

Date: May 27, 2012

Location: Gainesville, Texas

Photography: Meegan Weaver Photography

Venue: Lone Oak Ranch and Retreat