We gave you a sneak peek of this gorgeous wedding last week on The Bride’s Guide but we have the entire, beautiful spread here for you today. I fell for this wedding, photographed by Andrea and Casey Cunningham, for a couple of reasons. First, the bride and groom are literally glowing. Second, I was blown away when I read about all of the DIY that the families did to prepare for the wedding…literally transforming the grounds into something that seemed to be born for a wedding. And third, I can’t seem to get over how blissfully happy everyone looks. So, without further ado…
The inspiration for the day was rustic elegance. An personal, intimate, totally handmade wedding that reflected the bride and groom to perfection. And from the DIY projects like the peachbottom jam to the decor that was literally plucked from the homes of their family members…it looks like they did just that. We asked the bride a few questions and here is what she said.
What were your DIY projects?
EVERYTHING! Our wedding favors were jars of peach jam to go with the location name – Peachbottom. My grandmother, mom, and I made just under 200 jars! My dad, grandfather, and brother built the natural steps leading down to the altar, along with re-doing the pond, leveling out the land, building the arbor, etc etc!
What were your favorite touches or details?
There are so so many! Probably my most favorite touch would be the flowers in my hair and on our ring pillow. They were taken from my Mom’s wedding dress which I so desperately wanted to wear for the day but could barely fit my elbow into the sleeve! Another favorite touch was the Schnapps table. Andreas and I wanted to incorporate his German culture somehow, so what better way?! After looking at the photos and the aftermath the next morning, I’d say everyone else thought it was a hit too!
What was your favorite moment of the day?
My favorite moment would probably be just looking around the property throughout the night. So many friends and family contributed to this day, which translated to us as unconditional love and support. We had a reception tent “set-up party” Thursday evening, which setting up & decorating was no easy task. And, my parents and grandparents contributed so much to the day that it meant the world to us… From loaning 20 of their Waterford crystal vases for the centerpieces, an antique wooden ice chest for cold drinks, lounge area furniture and a wrought iron table for the wine station, an antique French desk for the guest book signing, installing a 30 ft fountain in the pond(!), and just giving us more than we could have ever asked for!
Tell us about your photographers?
They captured every step of the day! It was so nice to not only come away with fantastic photos, but to have photographers who are not pulling you each way & still being able to capture the moment without interrupting anything! I never would have noticed Casey standing on chairs to shoot the dance floor or Drea on her knees shooting the ceremony except it was on video! (I even caught a little of Drea boogying at the reception!)
Vendors: Photography by Cunningham Photo Artists / Music by The Dominos Band of Roanoke / Coordination by Kelly Scott & Ty Rosenbaum / Stationery by Invitations by Lee of Charlotte / Calligraphy by Scottie Pritchard / Gown by Amy Michelson (Style Grace) found at Divas of Greensboro / Bridesmaids Dresses by Melissa Sweet / Flowers by Grayson Florist and Coulter’s Florist / Catering by Scott Jeffries and Merriweather Godfrey’s / Cake by Creative Cake of Abingdon