Stunning is too simple of word to describe this exquisite two-piece gown! Jess’s mantilla veil is pure perfection.  Throw in the brooch bouquet and bridal party jewelry that Jess put together and… Oh Mylanta!  The perfect balance of classic, vintage and personal for a refined and polished day.  The twinkling lights in the Columbus Athenaeum and the simple elegance of the paper crafts provide only some of the reasons to check out the full gallery.

Thanks Leah Fruth for capturing such a charmingly classic good time.  Congratulations Jess and Drew!

Vendor Information:

Photographer: Leah Fruth

Event Venue: Columbus Athenaeum

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

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 Photography

Event Venue: Oak Hill Farms

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

When your married name is going to be Mason, it’s no question what’s going to incorporated into the decor,but you must see how brilliantly each detail flowed into a more rustically perfect next one.  I first fell in love with the gorgeous wood engraved invitations from Etsy that set the tone for the day so well.  Then… I saw the bouquet.  That’s when I realized if you faint in the Angel Fire woods, you land on cloud of cotton balls, roses, and poppy pods.  You wake up to the smell of glittery pumpkins, Oreo truffles and cream cheese frosting surrounded by the natural beauty of a rustic cabin and baby’s breath.  Lace paper hearts and pom-poms pull you up to a feast served on craft paper stamped place mats and Angel Fire wooden coasters.

As we head back toward the light, waved on with ribbon wands, I hope you’ll dream of the divine DIY with the same big perma-smile that crosses my heart every time I look at the blissful images from Meegan Weaver Photography.  Congratulations and thank you Casey and John for this little slice of heaven.

Vendor Information:

Photographer:  Meegan Weaver Photography

Floral Design: The Basketcase

Invitations: Wood Invitations via Etsy

Bridal Gown: Galina for David’s Bridal

Shoes: BCBGGeneration

Bridesmaids dresses: TBdress.com

Men’s Ties: Men’s Warehouse

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

I can’t really pinpoint the moment I went into sugar shock.  It could have been Jessica’s stunning statement jewelry, amazing lace gown, or maybe it was the touch of vintage in the playful brooch bouquet.  I know I hit my sugar high when I saw the rock candy cuff links Jessica gifted her soon-to-be darling hubbs.  I was bouncing off the walls from there on in.  Like two year old on  too many Pixie Stix, I clapped incessantly with the old-time candy buffet.  My case of the giggles piqued with the lolipop escort cards, and I spun until I was dizzy at the the pretty paper flowers and bouts.

You want to know the best part about this wedding?  You can’t get a stomach ache from over dosing in the gallery.  Thank you Cory Ryan Photography for catching every whimsical detail and sugar spiked moment of this special day.  Congratulations Jessica and Taylor!

Vendor Information:

Photographer:  Cory Ryan Photography

Ceremony & Reception Venue:  Mercury Hall

Caterer:  Culinary Delights

DJ:  Look No Further Entertainment

From the bride:

I knew I wear my mother’s dress from her 1979 marriage to my father– but I knew it needed work. So I took the ruffled train off and found a vintage dress gal to help me with the rest. I then found a $50 lace tablecloth on Etsy that, over the course of the summer, we were able to revamp to make into the top straps and train of my dress.  I made my veil from supplies found on Etsy and made my fascinator from scraps of fabric from the dress, some old lace from a family friend, and a hanky of my grandmother’s.

Don’t you love Kelsey’s modern vintage gown!  That wasn’t the only thing upcycled and handcrafted.  Adam proved that partners are claiming  their fair share of DIY wedding planning building the reclaimed wood ceremony backdrop and even brewing the beer himself! The hops in the bouts were grown in their garden as the potted herb favors were grown in their basement.  Food and flowers were locally sourced making this a lovely earth conscious event.  (Ummmm.  I think I have a new favorite wedding tradition of cutting the pizza, by the way.)  Lastly, adding in a vintage vibe were the fabulous thrift shop finds like the antique fire truck, (on loan from fellow antiquer Dad) the linens, and mismatched table ware.

There is just so much DIY beauty in this wedding that thanks to Jessica Watson Photography, you simply must indulge in the gallery for a while.  Congratulations Kelsey and Adam!

Vendor Information:

Photographer:  Jessica Watson Photography

Event Venue: Kraxberger Farm

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Carrie and Mike’s soiree was full of smooth criminal style.  With a statement necklace and gown that I’m still drooling over and a classic red and black color palette, the whole day had a very sweet yet sultry vibe which Carrie captured at the Post Card Inn first look.  You might remember I’m big sucker for a raw, brick, industrial space, so you can imagine my glee when I saw they combined this rustic elegance angle with a reception space at Nova 535.  Mike built the amazing red and white backdrop for their outdoor ceremony and a handmade marquis for over the sweetheart table.  Poker tables and caricaturist (is that a word?) completed the funky vibe.  You know an invite to this wedding was big winnings!

The only thing that could possibly make it better was a special celebrity guest like your favorite artist.  Perhaps…say, Michael Jackson?Owwww!!!! JACKPOT!!!!!

Make sure you take a good looksie through the whole gallery and “don’t stop til you get enough,” because Carrie and Mike’s wedding looks like that good of a time!  It’s the perfect combination of all things fun, sexy, romantic, beautiful, and personal that a wedding should be.  It’s sure to help you get past the Monday blues.  A big thanks to Carrie Wildes Photography for capturing every entertaining moment of this special day!  Congratulations Carrie and Mike!

Vendor Information:

Photographer: Carrie Wildes Photography

Event & Reception Venue:  NOVA 535

Pre-Wedding Venue: Post Card Inn

Caterer:  StoneChef Caterers

Floral Designer:  Mylez Edward’s X Floral Salon

Makeup Artist:  Colours by Linny

Officiant:  Rev Tom Greene

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Bahamas, Hawaii, Mexico … Destination beach weddings are super popular, and couples who go this route might have the difficult task of choosing which gorgeous part of the world to say their “I Do”s.  But there’s one country that is amazingly gorgeous that you may have not considered before: Ecuador.

Ecuador is a small country in South America that sits on the equator and has a tropical climate along the coast and a mild climate in the mountain areas.  The language is predominately Spanish and the currency is the US Dollar, so there are no confusing cost conversions to deal with when budgeting for your wedding.  Ecuador is also the home to the Galapagos Islands, famous for giant turtles, Charles Darwin, and now, beautiful weddings.

For the last five years, Terrasenses and Etica Events have created luxury and environmentally responsible destination weddings and honeymoons in Ecuador for couples seeking something a little different and adventurous.   They take on a limited number of weddings every year so every event gets their full attention.  They strive to create an event that is unique and personal to each couple, and they love working with DIY brides to bring their vision to life.  Your wedding package includes everything you need for your big day, including your hotel stay, ceremony and reception venues, photography, food, cake, hair and makeup, and decor.  Plus, we love  Terrasenses and Etica Events for their commitment to the environment.  Everything about your wedding is locally sourced in Ecuador – from the food to the flowers – and with certain locations you can even plant a tree in your name!

There are several wedding locations available, from the beach to the forest to the Amazon jungle to the Andes Mountains to the Galapagos Islands.  AND, if you package your wedding event with a honeymoon in Ecuador, you can experience everything this diverse country has to offer.   Take a look at their Destination Weddings and Honeymoons e-brochure on their website and gasp over the beauty of, well, everything.  Seriously, every single wedding package looks like a fantasy.  Choosing a wedding or honeymoon in Ecuador is the easy part – the hard part is deciding which location.

Snokeling with Sea Lions in Isla Lobos (Photo Credit: Ecuador Adventure)

And because Terrasenses and Etica Events love DIY Bride readers, they have some special offers just for you:

*** Book a honeymoon with Terrasenses and Etica Events and receive one massage or spa treatment of your choice per person at the Papallacta thermals + Turkish bath at the Thermal Steam Cave.
*** Complimentary hair styling,  make-up,  manicure, and pedicure if you book a wedding or vow renewal package over $10,000 (a $535 value)
*** Complimentary photography package (bride and groom getting ready, details, ceremony, and beginning of reception) if you book a wedding or vow renewal package over $15,000 (a $899 value).

Mention “DIY BRIDE” with your booking.

Be sure to follow Terrasenses and Etica Events on Facebook and Twitter for up-to-date news about their wedding and honeymoon packages, and for the pretty pictures they post.

First and last photo credit: Juan Carlos Paredes Photography
Remaining photo credit:  Terrasenses – José Luis Agualongo

The vintage travel inspired theme was completed with tasty Thai food and adorably finished frames of the happy couple.  The DIY decor and awesome gift ideas are riding captain and co-pilot on this journey!

One of my favorite things to come out of the DIY movement in weddings is that weddings are no longer just about a bride.  More and more,we are coming to realize that brides and grooms alike deserve some pre-wedding attention since a wedding is really about a couple.  Don’t get me wrong, a little extra attention for the bride never hurts, but the customization and we-ness options out there for couples is endless!  Congratulations Lauren and Matt!  We hope you had two wonderful weddings and enjoy your honeymoon!  Thank you mattnnat Photographers for sharing these great inspirational images!

Vendor Information:

Photographer: mattnnat Photographers

Talent like Michelle’s mom’s tends to run in families and you can see the proof in the impressive cream, pink, and succulent bouquets arranged by Michelle.  The centerpieces and Wrigley gum favors added that sweet touch of fun to a sophisticated day.  The one thing I love most is when photos capture how much fun the couple is.  You just see it their smiles! Michelle and Joe get it.  As lovely as the DIY injected into the day was, they never seemed to take things too seriously.  It was about love, and personality and sharing the day with the people you love.  And a good old fashioned cake smushing never hurts either!

Thanks Jill Lauren Photography for shooting this made to order day of DIY loveliness with the same sweetness and sophistication as Michelle and Joe.  Congratulations Michelle and Joe!

Vendor Information:

Photographer: Jill Lauren Photography

Event Venue: Wrigley Mansion 

Tuxedo and Men’s Attire:  Mr. Formal

Makeup Artist: Beauty by Erica

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Jessica’s mom is a jewelry designer and designed the all the jewelry from Jessica’s hand strung pearl headpiece and bracelet to Travis’ ring.  The DIY centerpieces are one of the most architecturally awesome pieces of work I’ve seen in a long time and I am dying over the “seating” cards.  I’m at such a loss for words for the adorable wire robots and figures adorning the room.  Can you hear my circuits overloading with joy?  All I can do is squeal in DIY delight!  And I have to say in the realm of photo booths, this one just looks like sooo much fun!

This is the kind of wedding that makes me hate my job.  It forces me to choose only a few pictures to highlight from stunning emotion filled photos and mind blowing DIY.  It leaves me dumbfounded for words to express the beauty and sentiment of such a special occasion.  It coerces me to re-imagine future anniversary shoots and party themes…Wait, that’s why my husband hates my job.  Who am I kidding!  There’s nothing I could possibly hate about being surrounded by creative and gorgeous designers and artists day after day.  There isn’t a single thing anyone could possibly dislike after seeing what Soda Fountain Photography has caught in Jessica and Travis’ whimsy and elegant wedding.  I really don’t know who to thank more Jessica and Travis for such a remarkable event or Soda Fountain Photography for catching every breathtaking detail of this emotion filled moment of what is today one of my favorite weddings yet.  How about a congratulations and GIANT thank you to you all for sharing this special day with us!

Vendor Information:

Photography: Soda Fountain Photography

Venue: Armour House, Lake Forest

Shoes: Cole Haan Air Bacara Red Ballet flats

Jewelry: Debra Zar

Flowers & Details: Gand Florist and Debra Zar

Ceremony Musicians:Highland Park Pops

Dessert: Deerfields Bakery

Submitted via Two Bright Lights