Massachusetts - DIY Bride

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

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

Liz + James Boston Engagement Session

Although I’m a die-hard New Yorker, I have a little obsession with the city of Boston. It has maintained it’s small town vibe among the skyscrapers and hustle and bustle. So when Prudente Photography shared this little love shoot with us, it only took me a city minute to fall in love. A city with equal amounts of garden, concrete, and cute coffee shop backgrounds depending on which corner you turn, the one thing that stands out in this shoot is that Liz and James’ love stands out from it all! (And the pretty pinwheel backdrop of one of our favorite shops, Paper Source, kind of stood out too.)

Just like Bean Town, these two are the perfect blend of modern and classic. Capturing every sweet gaze and superb spring lighting, Prudente Photography has created a gallery of pretty that not only do justice to this fantastic city, but to Liz and James’ devotion! Thanks Prudente Photography! Congratulations Liz and James!

Vendor Information:

Date: April 27,2013

Location: Boston, MA

Photographer: Prudente Photography

Event Venue: Boston Public Gardens

Jeanette + Andrew’s Warm Winter Wedding

Weeee!!! It’s like Christmas in July today here DIY’ers. Zac Wolf Photography has shared this festive gathering filled with glittering lights, shiny presents, shimmering snowflakes, and a couple whose love sparkles even brighter. Not only did Jeanette and Andrew’s winter celebration take place on an unusually warm New England day just before Christmas, but this wedding is filled with some serious DIY eye candy, (No…I’m serious…There’s eyeballs…And they’re pretty cool!) and there’s a milk and cookies bar for good little guests. Umm? Yes please!

Jeanette + Andrew are certainly on my “nice” list with all of the dazzling DIY that made this purple and silver wedding sparkle. From programs to thank you’s, guestbook to table numbers, eyeballs to favors, Jeanette added some handcrafted winter warmth to personalize this enchanting affair. And though we are well too aware that you control Mother Nature on you big day, what a great gift to be given but a freak heat wave in December! If the rest of the day wasn’t styled so perfectly warm and cozy, I never would have guessed to be prepared with a crocheted beard.

Haha! I love the fact that Jeanette and Andrew added some lighthearted touches to incredibly timeless and elegant winter soiree. It just adds that something special that brings an unexpected and heartwarming smile to simply stunning day. Thank you Zac Wolf Photography for sharing such a special day with us! Congratulations Jeanette and Andrew!

Vendor Information:

Photographer: Zac Wolf Photogrpahy

Reception Venue: Willowdale Estate

Dress Designer: Bill Levkoff, Paloma Blanca

Cake Designer: Konditor Meiser

Shoes: Badgley Mischka from shoes.com

Tuxedo and Mens Attire: Jos A Banks

Erin and Ryan’s Rustic Orchard Engagement

Picture arriving exhausted from a Christmas Eve filled with football fun only to be told that you have to work to earn an early treat. That’s what Ryan did Erin when he sent her on a scavenger hunt for the early gift he insisted she open. SURPRISE! Best Christmas Ever! Erin was rewarded with Ryan waiting on bended knee for a treasure well earned!

Sandra Costello Photography was there to capture the adorable picnic love shoot styled by Eutopia Events. Shot at their future venue location of Quonquont Farms in Massachusetts, Erin and Ryan frolicked among apple, blueberry and peach orchards. Complete with a perfectly packed picnic lunch, kite-flying, Scrabble, and beautiful barn backdrop this engagement shoot is just too cute to be missed.

Thanks Sandra Costello for letting us share in the fun. Congratulations Erin and Ryan!

Vendor Information:

Photography: Sandra Costello Photography

Shoot design and coordination: Eutopia Events

Event Venue: Quonquont Orchard and Farm, Whately, MA

Lucia + David’s Rustic Spanish Boda (aka Wedding)

Aye Caramba!

Some things are just meant to be: arroz con pollo, me and this job, mannequins and cars, TOMS and Vera Wang, Lucia and David. The Spanish elements of this wedding reminded me of some of the family weddings I attended as a kid, so I felt a little connection here. But Lucia and David’s fiesta didn’t just speak to my Spanish roots; it was literally spoken in Spanish.

The amount of romance in this wedding is ridiculous! David spoke his traditional vows in Spanish. (Swoon!) Lucia’s mother is an opera singer and sang during the ceremony. You know that got some tears. (Aye, aye, aye!) Not to worry though, there were hankies with hand sewn Spanish phrases like “I love you” to keep any make up smudges from ruining the gorgeous work captured by Evangeline Lane Photography

If for some reason that isn’t enough to make you feel all warm and gooey, two adorable ring bearers in light summery linen carried one of the many handmade signs that add fantastic personal Spanglish touches. The Mexican papel picado details combined with the beautiful rustic gardens of the Larz Auto Museum are perfect compliments to one another.

Since we are the topic, this reception venue is just another example of things that are meant to be; lush gardens and brick castle-like structures, cars and well-dressed mannequins?! This must have been designed by a bride and groom for a future happy couple. Lucia and David added rustic touches like baby’s breath and wildflowers in rustic mason jars which offset the stylish brick surrounding and chevron runners.

Whoever designed it, I’m glad they did. More importantly I’m thrilled that Lucia and David chose this fabulous location and to share it with us here at DIY Bride!

Felicidades Lucia y David!

Vendor info:

Photography: Evangeline lane photography

Hair Stylist: Jean-Pierre Salon

Caterer: Season To Taste Catering

Floral Designer: : Nellie’s Wildflowers

Reception Venue: Larz Anderson Auto Museum

Invitation Designer: Wicked Bride Stationery

Dress Designer: Vera Wang

DJ: DJ RMC Productions

Ceremony Location: Larz Anderson Auto Museum

Makeup Artist: Jamie Perez Makeup Artist

Shoes: TOMS Shoes

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Krysia + Michael’s Charming Backyard Wedding

Apparently this week of Real Weddings is the week of gorgeous and adorable nuptials featuring dogs and horses. I just cannot get enough, from the sweet dog on Monday, the horse and buggy on Tuesday, and the escorts for the bridesmaids from today’s sweet event. If I get married again, I’m most definitely including goats – I do live in Portland after all, I can get away with it. Perhaps some chickens, as well? Enjoy.

From the photographer: Krysia, Michael and their families put so many personal touches into this beautiful backyard wedding. Krysia’s parents offered their beautiful property for the wedding – they even prepared it especially for the event with new landscaping, all of which was done by Krysia and her mom. Special wedding party participants included the family’s pony, goat and dog, all of which walked down the aisle with a bridesmaid. Krysia and her sister prepared the pony’s mane themselves that morning, all done up with their hair and makeup, getting the pony ready, too!

The flowers, origami cranes and other decorations were all done by the couple and their families. They even prepared most of the food themselves ahead of time!

Couple: Krysia + Michael Esham

Date: June 18, 2011

Location: Massachusetts

Photography: Brett Alison Photography

Tabitha + Taylor’s Nature Inspired Wedding

Today’s green wedding comes to us from High Pocket farm in Massachusetts, complete with handpicked wildflowers and centerpieces made with elements found in nature. Which is totally fitting since Tabitha and Taylor met in college when they both joined the wildlife society.

The couple really wanted to showcase the environment in their wedding. As mentioned earlier, they hand picked all the beautiful wildflowers used in the wedding from a farm via their local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) and the bride and the maid of honor arranged them all.

As part of the ceremony, they had each guest hold a rock and make a blessing, and then everyone put the rocks in a jar, which the couple now keeps at home. This ties into Taylor’s proposal, when he spelled out “Marry Me?” using tiny rocks while on a nature walk.

The chuppah was built by the groom and his friends using paper birch trees. I love how guests are casually gathered around. It makes the event feel so much more comfortable and organic.

More from the bride: “The centerpieces were tree cookies cut from trees we had previously cut down in our yard. On top of the tree cookie we placed a large rock which we collected from locations we have visited together (beaches, rivers, etc.) Using a permanent marker we labeled the rocks with the table name (also places that we created memories together). The flower vases were glass jars wrapped in birch bark (harvested from already dead birch trees or bark we found on the ground). The flowers were handpicked at a local CSA wildflower farm, and the moss, lichen and twigs were also collected during hikes to decorate the rest of the centerpiece.”

“The favors were mason jars that we hand stamped for people to use during our wedding. Our goal was to reduce waste and give people something special to take home to remember the day.”

“For the place cards we used branches from our yard that we cut slits in with a sawzall. The place cards were wildflower seed paper that people could take home to plant.”

“The cake stand was also hand made using trees we cut in our yard.”

(Ed. note – I’m having difficulty processing how adorable the cake is. I mean, LOOK.)

Right before dinner, it started pouring down rain. A normal couple would panic, but not this nature-loving couple. The bride now says it’s one of her favorite memories of the day.

Rainy day wedding kayaking, anyone?

Awesome wedding, Tabitha and Taylor! Thanks for sharing it with us.

DETAILS:
Photographer: Orchard Cove Photography
Caterer: Cliff’s Smokin Barbeque
Floral: Wilder Brook Farm
Band: Destroy Babylon
Event Venue: High Pocket, Colrain, Massachusetts

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Valerie + Lloyd’s Handmade Superhero Wedding

Today’s wedding is just the right mix of traditional and offbeat. I adore Valerie’s ivory gown with a hint of red tulle underneath. And I love that the groom is showing of his nerdy side with his batman cufflinks and superhero groomsmen. Oh, and did I mention there’s a puppy? YES, THERE IS A PUPPY!!!

From their photographer, Margaret Belanger: I knew Valerie and Lloyd were amazing from the very first email Val sent me. She told me how much she loved children’s literature, quilting, and crocheting, and how much Lloyd loved comic books, especially Batman. When we first met in person, they described their wedding vibe as a Bruce Wayne cocktail party! It all sounded like a photographer’s dream!

Pretty much all of their wedding day details were DIY: the cake, the wedding dress, the groom’s vest, the ring bearer’s pillow, the ceremony program. One of the bride’s brothers officiated. Her sister-in-law helped plan. The same brother and sister-in-law sang at the ceremony. Lloyd’s nieces did the readings.

All of the groomsmen (and even the ring bearer) wore superhero t-shirts under their white shirts. Too many wonderful and personal details for me to list! Both Val and Lloyd exude love and joy and have this sense of wonder about life. Everything about their day was magical and spoke to who they are as people and as a couple. It was an honor (and so much fun) to be their photographer!

If you want more details about this creative wedding, you can visit Valerie’s blog Meek Manor! Congrats, Valerie and Lloyd!

DETAILS:

Photographer: Margaret Belanger Photography

Venue: Asa Waters Mansion, Millbury, Massachusetts

Caterer: Pepper’s Fine Catering

Floral: Red Door Event and Design

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Amy + Jared

I officially dig the color combo of pink and green. It’s bright, spunky, and full of sass – a perfect vibe for an outdoor summer wedding. Amy and her mother created all the decor and tablescapes for the wedding, as well as pulling together all the flowers, and crocheting the (hot pink!) doilies. The groomsmen also rocked some awesome matching pink socks and ties, a trend that I love and has no sign of slowing down – a great way to infuse some whimsy into your photos.

DETAILS

Location: Topsfield, MA

Photography: Ars Magna Studio

Venue: Willowdale Estate

Musicians: John D’Ambrosio

DJ: Get Down Tonight

Cake Designer: Konditor Meister