Georgia - DIY Bride

Amanda & Victor’s Lake Lanier Georgia Rehearsal Dinner

It’s not often we share pre-wedding party shoots with you lovely readers so you know this one is going to pretty darned special.

Amanda and Victor, fun and stylish couple, created a rehearsal dinner theme around their shared love of books.

Amanda says:

Victor and I are both avid readers and our first loves were books. Some of our favorite childhood stories were crossovers that we both read when we were younger. We thought the best way to put our stamp on this night was through the books that we’ve loved throughout the years.

In a few of our favorite books, a deer or stag motif is a large part of the storyline. For instance, Harry Potter’s Patronus, the stag in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. So we decided to use that as a large design element for the dinner, along with bright pops of sunny yellow to bring the outside in.

I wanted to DIY as much as I could for the rehearsal dinner! I created the staghead that sat on the cake table along with each table name, the heart-shaped confetti, the corn hole boards, & the centerpieces. All in all, it was the perfect evening!

The result? A bright, fresh, and relaxed day for Victor and Amanda to spend time with their family and wedding party. Perfect!

Amanda & Victor
Lake Lanier Georgia Rehearsal Dinner
Event Date: October, 2014

Photographer: Lacey Gabrielle Photography//Linens and Coverings: Fabulous Events//Event Planner: Kate and Campbell Weddings//Jewelry: Kate Spade//Caterer: Lake Lanier Islands//Event Venue:Lake Lanier Islands Resort//Cake Designer:Magnolia Cakes and Confections//Apparel: Shoshanna//Floral Designer: Unique Floral Expressions//Submitted via Two Bright Lights

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

Candice + Anthony’s Handcrafted Vintage Wedding

Oh this wedding my crafties… it is simply spectacular! I don’t even know where to begin! This wedding combines beer and coffee in the same beverage (cool right?), with dried flowers, a handmade gown to die for and vintage elegance made even better by the photos captured (on film, SWOON!) by Kendra Elise Photography!

From the photographer:

Candice and Anthony requested most of their wedding to be shot in film (a dream come true!)The location was perfect, the sun was shining, love for the couple was evident in every detail hand made by friends and family.The bride made her own dress..HER OWN DRESS! The groom roasts his own coffee & one of his friends brews beer, together they made a special beer using the grooms coffee!

I’m not sure becomes my new DIY wedding superhero more: Candice for creating that stunning gown or Anthony for combining two of favorite things!

Down to the last burlap rose, there is not an inch of this wedding that is short of phenomenal! Thank you for sharing this wedding Kendra Elise Photography (and for still knowing the art of film)! Congratulations Candice and Anthony!

Vendor Information:

Date September 13, 2013

Location: Roswell, GA

Photographer: Kendra Elise Photography

Event Venue: Roswell River Landing

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Jane’s Vintage Styled Bridal Session

When this next session ran across my screen I was so super excited! Not only because the photos, details, and the bride herself are amazingly stunning, but because I loved the entire concept. You see, this session was gifted to the bride. As many of us are, Kate was on tight budget for her wedding. She wasn’t able to have a photographer capture her gorgeousness and the sweet deets of the day, so to make sure she had something to remember the day, she was given a session with L’art Orange Photography. Now, I’m not sure about you, but that beats a toaster oven any day in my book!

From the photographer:

As a wedding gift, this young bride received a bridal session. I was beyond thrilled to do it for her, to make her feel the excitement of getting dressed up again and having her oh-so-wanted bridal session. She’s a true natural beauty and her whimsical style shines through in this session full of simple and gorgeous details. The bride styled everything herself, a true do it yourself-er.

Jane did such a beautiful job styling this session that it almost makes me sad we couldn’t peek at her wedding. Then I start staring at that fantastic hair piece and get lost in the bride’s eyes and am just so happy to see this piece of art, that it puts everything in perspective. As Analy from L’art Orange so well phrased it,

Sometimes expensive china and wedding registry gifts are overrated; the most simple and thoughtful of gifts are what really makes a couple feel special. This bridal session is by far one of the most special gifts she received.

I love this idea, because the only thing better than the happiest day of your life, would be getting to re-live it! We can’t thank Jane’s fairy photo-gift-fairy for granting this wish and choosing L’art Orange Photography to capture every sweet summery detail. Congratulations Jane, and thanks for putting this together so perfectly. We hope you a million more magical moments like this!

Vendor Information:

Date: May 9, 2013

Location: Duluth, GA

Photographer: L’art Orange Photography

Event Venue: McDaniel Farm Park

Hair & Makeup: Mariana Navarro

Dress: Barbara Allin

Hairpiece and Bracelet: Daniel Herrera Designs

Table Linens & Accessories: Pier1 Imports & Z Gallerie

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Morgan + Ty’s DIY Plantation Wedding

I couldn’t wait to share this modern day fairy tale with you today! It’s the kind of wedding that makes you dream of being a southern belle, or a princess, or both. With a sweet tale of love, some crazy-cray crafting, a touch of nostalgia and whole lot of step off a magazine pretty, Morgan and Ty’s wedding is the kind of wedding that will just have you at hello. Throw in the perfect images of Kaylan Bradley at Happy Everything Photography, and you will see why this “once upon a time” doesn’t need any evil witches or plot twists to get to “happily ever after.”

From the Bride:

Our parents still live in the same houses where my husband and I grew up; I had no idea that the future love of my life was just down the street. I have crushed on Ty my entire life. I will never forget our first encounter at the local softball field; he asked if he could marry me one day; I said yes.

With a love that grew so close to home, Morgan and Ty’s choices to incorporate a lot of nostalgic and homey antiques created a wonderfully charming and comfortable atmosphere. All of the centerpieces were borrowed or personally curated antiques. And the “rentals” were antiques from home too. I love the buffet that served as the appetizer station for the yumscious appys handmade by Morgan’s mom. And the frames and decor on the buffet accent wall, GAWGEOUS!!!! Morgan has a great MIL too! She made every table cloth and the bride’s cake! We can’t forget to mention the beautiful handmade milk glass and teacup cup candles that were poured by a local candle maker into antique vessels, and the magnificent monogram that adorned the doors and archways.

And while I was swooning over the perfection of the Tucker Plantation venue, every photo from Happy Everything Photography that captured the sweet southern charm of Morgan and Ty made me get lost in this updated fairy tale. Thanks Happy Everything Photography. Congratulations and happily ever after wishes to Morgan and Ty!

Vendor Information:

Date: July 1, 2012

Location: Colbert, GA

Photographer: Happy Everything Photography

Venue-Smithonia Farm (formerly Tucker Plantation)

Caterer- Wagon Wheel

Florist- Southern Floral’s

Wedding Party Attire:

Bride-Bella Bridal

Groom- Ralph Lauren by Macy’s

Bridesmaids-David’s Bridal

Other: Candles by Humble Candle

Event design by Lindsey Haynes, family friend

Kim + Nate’s Luminous Winter Wedding

As the scorching summer weather melts many of us down, today we are going to cool you off and light it up with a winter wedding that’s my kind of everything! Kim + Nate have created a gorgeous winter fete that is surely going to brighten up your day! The venue, the dazzling dress, the sweetest couple, the sparkling DIY, the effortlessly elegant photos from Bri McDaniel Photograhy– it all screams uber-stylish without being overdone. You are guaranteed to be glowing after seeing this one!

Kim + Nate chose a theme of “Lights,Lights,Lights.” Using string lights to illuminate the refined and relaxed Brickyard space, they created a luminous and laid-back-chic event that’s lustrous beauty even brought a tear to Bri McDaniel’s eye. You will see why when you browse through this blindingly beautiful gallery of goodness. The string light backdrop added such a heavenly, glowing aura to Kim + Nate’s the modern and timeless romance.

Shining stars go out to Kim’s LED lit handmade rose bouquet, and the cardboard and string light marquis. I absolutely must have my name in lights now thanks to this inspiration board come to life wedding. Bri McDaniel Photography has done such an amazing job capturing light, beauty and love in in these images that we must profusely thank her. Thank you and a big congratulations to Kim + Nate!!!

Vendor Information:

Photography: Bri McDaniel Photography

Event Venue: The Brickyard

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Alex + Travis’ Sneak Peak Engagement Session

Today’s engagement session has me super excited for fall and summer hasn’t even officially started yet. Alex and Travis are getting married in September and their love shoot is a preview of the DIY to come. Jacquie Rives Photography snapped these sweeties at the new rustic hot spot just outside of Atlanta, where the soon-to-be’s will tying the knot this fall!

Alex shared some of the special DIY to come during the shoot adding craftiness to the sweetness and bucolic beauty of the day. Sounds like a perfect trifecta to me! Jacquie Rives grabbed every special glance, sweet swing, and cute kiss with some awesome angles and perfect sunlight to boot.

I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to see what Alex and Travis’ awesome nuptials are going to look like. Congrats Alex and Travis! We wish you a wonderful wedding! Thanks Jacquie Rives for sharing this shoot.

Vendor Information:

Photography: Jacquie Rives Photo graphy

Event Venue: Oak Hill Farms

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Robin + Paul’s Breathtaking Beach Wedding

Part two of today’s bonus holiday DIY wedding inspiration is sure to get you in the mood for some summer lovin’. Full of romance and adventures in DIY, Robin and Paul’s St. Simon’s Island, Georgia destination wedding is the kind of wedding you that needs a hyperventilation warning. Trust me, you’ll be gasping so much at the gorgeous photos of April Lambert Photography that capture such simple and modern holy-moly-beach-beauty there’s a good chance this wedding could truly take your breath away.

There’s just something about this one. Maybe it’s the simplicity of the easy, breezy style of raffia and starfish and thinking of sinking my toes into the sand. Maybe it’s the way adoring, arbor building Paul looks at Robin that shows you how special their connection is. It could be Robin’s handsome guitar playing son who broke a pick and caused an pre-ceremony treasure hunt across the island for a new one. Or maybe it’s Robin’s screen siren style complete with beach curls and shell adorned gown that’s grabbing my attention?

Ultimately, I think it’s the fact that April Lambert Photography captured the relaxed and equally sophisticated style of a couple that is so very in love. The kind of love that just takes your breath away and has remembering those summer nights forever. Thank you April Lambert Photography for sharing this, and congratulations Robin and Paul!

Vendor Information:

Photography: April Lambert Photography

Event Venue: St. Simon’s Island, Georgia

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Mallory + Jarrod’s Rustic Woodsy Wedding in the Mountains

OMG! I love this wedding! Its just 2G2BT!

Hopefully this next wedding will be enough to make up for all of the downtime we’ve had. (Sorry about that. :/) Here’s a hint, there’s hankie invites and horses. That was enough to have me hooked, especially when the photographer let us know that hankies were pretty useful when the groom read his vows. The fact that grandma jumped in on the diy to make hundreds of candles adds to the “home sweet home” nature of Mallory and Jarrod’s fantastic fete.

TBH- Kellum Valley Farms in Georgia might be the dreamiest woodsy-meets-rustic stone ruins backdrops on the side of a mountain I’ve ever seen. If this venue decorated with some antique fans isn’t enough to blow you away, then the work of Alex Gibbs Photography surely will. You have to check out the full gallery to see all of the coo details and intense love bubbling over between these two.

Vendor Information

Photography: Alex Gibbs Photography

Venue: The Ruins at Kellum Valley Farms

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Amanda + Daniel’s Old Hollywood DIY Wedding

Amanda and Daniel brought Old Hollywood style to Decatur, Georgia with their classy spring wedding. Even a few showers couldn’t dampen their dapper spirits. Their palette of black and red fit their theme perfectly, as did the Frank Sinatra cover band that kept guests jumping and jiving all night.

This wedding also is abundant with handmade details – the couple created the photo booth and props, and the bride arranged all the bouquets and centerpieces, as well as made the hairpieces for herself and the bridesmaids, AND added the lace applique to her shoes (*whew*)! Last but certainly not least, the bride’s sister owns Savoreaux Cupcakery and made the mini-cake and cupcakes. What a lucky couple!

From the photographer: Amanda and Daniel met their sophomore year at Young Harris College. After several classes together, they discovered how much they had in common and became close friends. They bonded over their mutual love of stage shows, classic cinema, and their own quirky senses of humor. After they were cast together in their college production of The Music Man, Daniel started asking Amanda out, but she didn’t take him seriously, but he was persistent and six years later, they’re even more inseparable, goofy, and head over heels in love with each other.

Any couple that brings NERF guns to their wedding is okay with me! Congrats on your beautiful wedding, Amanda and Daniel!

DETAILS:

Photography: Christi Falls Photography

Venue: Old Courthouse on the Square, Decatur, Georgia

Submitted via Two Bright Lights