All Posts Tagged Tag: ‘outdoor wedding’

Melissa + Derek’s Eco-Friendly Backyard Wedding

I am quite keen on green weddings. Although I do love the color, I mean the green, eco-friendly- reduce the carbon footprint your union, kind of green. And although Kermit may have said it’s not easy, Melissa and Derek prove that it’s not only possible but beautiful too. Lucky for us, Sharalee Prang Photography was there to capture the beauty of green surroundings, environmentally friendly DIY, and a couple so darling it will make you green with envy

Melissa + Derek's Eco-friendly Backyard Wedding

Held on a relative’s property, (which is always a great way to reduce energy usage for those looking to go green) Melissa created the succulent bouquets, bouts, and centerpieces herself. The groom and his boys even wore recycled rubber tire sandals blending fashion conscious with eco-conscious. The fabu favors of home roasted coffee and homemade jam make a great breakfast treat for guests the day after ensuring not dust collecting goodies here. And in what I think might the best bridal entrance I’ve seen in a while, the bride’s dad rowed her in on a boat while Derek’s brother played guitar. Minimal carbon emissions and an in-house band, double earth friendly bomb! The clincher of this carbon friendly day, was a tree potting ceremony symbolizing their union. (Move over sand ceremony, I may have a new favorite tradition…)

All in all this is the kind of wedding that makes you look at all the ways you can declare your love to each other and the earth without sacrificing design and style. A little bit of boho and whole lot of chic Melissa and Derek’s wedding is great blueprint for leaving a smaller footprint. Thank you, Sharalee Prang Photography for capturing this gorgeous green day. And congratulations Melissa and Derek!

Vendor Information:

Photographer: Sharalee Prang Photography

Catering: Formaggio Fine Foods & Catering

Tiff + Dave’s Sentimental Rainy Day Wedding

I’m feeling sentimental today, so I’ve decided to share another great wedding! Perhaps because it rained on my big day and I have been blessed since, I can’t help but smile at rainy day weddings. There’s something that happens at rainy day weddings, especially to DIY ones, that makes the day extra special.

Be sure to check out the gallery to see the super sentimental vintage details like the typewriter that belonged to the bride’s late grandma and the sparkly family brooch bouquet. There’s also some pretty pastel bunting, a ring pillow worthy of display, and a swing…weeeeee!

While some might stress that the hard work and perfectionism will get washed away, rain somehow makes all these little details shine brighter than any rainbow since they become a reminder of why you worked so hard to begin with; pure, spectacular love! A fabulous planner like Easy Entertaining Inc. and a kick-butt pair of rain boots with a gosh-darn purdy dress never hurt either. Lovely couples like and Tiff and Dave and a great photographer like Justine Johnson Photography can overcome any shower. Thanks for sharing, and nothing but blue sky wishes for the happy couple!

Vendor Information

Photography: Justine Johnson Photgraphy

Event Planner: Easy Entertaining Inc.

Floral Designer: Robin Hollow Farm

Reception Venue: Kinney Bungalow at Sunset Farm

Dress Designer: Maggie Sottero,Vera Wang

Other: Bartending by Dennis

Cake Designer: The Cupcakerie

DJ: Moondance Productions

Makeup Artist: M.A.W.Beauty Hair & Makeup Studio

Transportation: Viking Tours

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Krystyn + Matt’s Garden-Style Waterfront Wedding

Oh Canada! You have outdone yourself. Warning! Prepare your pin fingers people. This one’s a beaute!

A Brit & A Blonde photgraphers have done such a fabulous job capturing Krystyn and Matt’s outdoor garden wedding on Lake Rosseau that it will have you wondering why they call it “Great White North.” It should just be Great. A Brit & A Blonde summed up this wedding weekend perfectly calling it “A really sweet cottage feel with garden party fun. Muskoka is one of those places where Canadians love escaping the city and enjoying pure cottage country life and air.” I know I certainly wouldn’t mind escaping to Windermere House after seeing these shots.

The bride Krystyn added the perfect touches of vintage garden party to the day taking care of all of the paper and design details herself. I highly recommend viewing the entire gallery for some serious pretty. (I must say I am drooling over the glittery Kate Spade’s. I mean glitter and shoes?! Does it get any better?)

A couple of awe inspiring DIY creations from the breathtaking and stylish bride herself that are absolute must-sees are the phenomenal moss covered initials and table number, the lace embroidery circles over the dessert table, and the punched tin can candle holder centerpieces on the cocktail tables.

It doesn’t end there. The birch place card settings are the perfect earthy balance to the other natural, vintage elements. And those photo fans at the ceremony…um, love them! I know many will be asking about the “love is sweet” and “happily ever after” books, so for the record, those the bride purchased on Etsy. These and the florals created by Seasons in the Country, worked in perfect harmony Krystyn’s super star status DIY projects.

Congratulations Krystyn and Matt!

Vendor Info:

Photography: A Brit & A Blonde
Reception Venue: Windermere House
Flowers: Seasons in the Country
Catering: Creative Catering by Cathy Beneway
Wedding cake and sweets table: Le Delice Pastry Shop
Wedding dress: White by Vera Wang
Bride’s shows: Kate Spade
Groom’s outfit: Harry Rosen

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

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

The Rustic Bourbon Distillery Engagement of Lindsay + Zach

Sometimes I feel like engagement sessions get the shaft in the grand scheme of wedding planning. Which is a bummer, because they can play such an important role in the journey to the wedding day. Not only do they create an opportunity for important bonding time with your photographer, but it’s a chance to connect with your partner inside the giddy haze of post-proposal excitement . You get to cuddle, make smoochy faces, and wear coordinating outfits – now that is a lovely way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

In the case of Lindsay and Zach, not only did they get pre-wedding time with their photographer to get comfortable in front of the camera, but they were also fortunate enough to utilize the location of their wedding to shoot their engagement photos. An outdoorsy couple with a strong country vibe, they made great use of the bourbon barrels and beautiful grounds for a stunning gallery of images.

Couple: Lindsay Harris + Zach Arnett

Date: July 12, 2012

Location: Frankfort, Kentucky

Photography: Seriously Sabrina Photography

Venue: Buffalo Trace Distillery

Michael + Emily’s Inspirational Purple Wedding

Talk about a super nifty way to meet your spouse – Emily and Michael met white water rafting. Michael was an instructor on the New River in West Virginia, and when they were settling on a place to get married they selected the Confluence Resort – right at the junction of New River and Gauley River.

This is where I swoon. ::sigh:: I just think it’s so romantic to return to the place where your relationship began to pledge your lives and love to one another with your family and friends.

There are also horses! And a dog! And some of the most adorable flower girls I’ve ever seen.

Described by their photographer as “amazing, resourceful, earthy and adventurous,” Emily and Michael were the creative force behind all the details of their wedding day. The decor, including flowers, signs, and memory table were made by the couple. They also crafted the welcome bags for their guests and gorgeous wooden ring boxes for their ceremony.