I took one look at today’s featured wedding and knew that I had to post it. It’s everything that you guys love…it’s beautiful, it’s incredibly chic AND it was designed by the bride on a budget. Does it get any better? So, without further ado, here is Nicole and Grant’s Rustic, Chic Affair…
all of the insanely gorgeous photographs by Lauren Brooks
From the gorgeous bride, Nicole…
We were married September 20th in Bend, Oregon. Being on a tight budget we ended up using a venue owned by Bend Parks & Rec department (a great but often overlooked option if you are on a budget). Aspen Hall was perfect – absolutely beautiful outside and a nice lodge style hall for the reception. It also allowed us to do everything ourselves, which was incredibly important to me.
When I envisioned my wedding day several things were important – that it be unique and representative of us, that we avoid going in to any debt, that we hand make as much as possible, that we have a huge dance party reception. I tried my best to keep these things in mind as I made decisions.
I knew early on I wanted to use earthy/fall colors and for there to be a vintage/rustic look to things. I was afraid finding a dress to fit this vision and my hard to please aesthetics would be difficult, but it proved otherwise. I found it in a small Seattle boutique – I Do Bridal (the first time I went dress shopping – it was the first one I chose, but the last one I tried on). I have no idea who the designer is and haven’t seen it anywhere else.
For my bridesmaids I wanted them to be all look different and comfortable. Looking back I wish I would have just said “Go get a brown dress,” instead I picked a designer and fabric and let the girls choose the style of dress – we ended up with 2 and 2 just by coincidence of taste. We bought my husband a Michael Kors suit that he loved and had the guys get any brown slacks, off white shirt, and a tie in a color that fit our scheme. I loved how that turned out – their personalities showed in their attire.
So much more to come!