We’re welcoming you back to another wonderful week of pretty, pretty inspiration with this insanely gorgeous DIY affair courtesy of the brilliant Elyse Hall Photography. And what a welcome it is. With a plethora of beyond fabulous details crafted by the talented (and uber-adorable) bride and groom, the greatest sweetheart table of all time and my new favorite wedding gown, this soiree is garden party perfection in absolutely every way possible. And I am in LOVE. Needless to say, I’ll be spending the next few hours (or days) wrapped up in every last beautiful moment… And I suggest you do the same. Join me in the gallery for even more!
Click here to see the entire gallery of images!
From the Bride… I hadn’t been to very many weddings; my parents’ wedding was on a mountain with less than ten guests and other family weddings were similarly small. No one really had any idea of etiquette or how to even begin planning (that’s when blogs like SMP became invaluable in inspiring me and helping focus my ideas). I had a vision for the day that I often had trouble articulating. I wanted it to feel like a 1920’s garden party, like something out of The Great Gatsby, but I also wanted eclectic, artsy, feminine touches. Too, it was important to me to be as environmentally conscious as possible. My husband was very easy-going, whatever made me happy made him happy, although he made it very clear he did not want to wear suspenders or a bow tie, and that some level of formality was important to him. We agreed that we didn’t want it to feel like a cookie-cutter wedding, and that great food, beautiful, natural surroundings, and good company, were our priorities.
We didn’t have a “color palette” or unifying theme (Which seemed to constantly stress people out…You don’t have a color scheme? You don’t have a theme? You are planning to do WHAT yourself?! Are you crazy?!). I had a million different ideas and at times wasn’t sure if I even knew the aesthetic I was “going for.” How could a wedding be ethereal and whimsical, simple and clean, artsy and earthy and fun and formal all at the same time? When one guest claimed, rather drunkenly, to be Jay Gatsby, and another, very sweetly, told me it looked like “an Anthropologie wedding” I knew somehow my vision had become reality.
I think the wedding felt very intimate, very homespun, because that’s exactly what it was, and had to be. We had a pretty small budget, and managed to stay under $10,000 for around 100 people. It helped that I am an artist, and was able to make a lot of things myself. I also did my own hair and most of the bridesmaid’s hair and make-up. DIY was the theme of the day, and probably a bit of an understatement. Aside from our gorgeous venue, Agua Linda Farm, and our absolutely amazing photographer, Elyse Hall, everything, from food to flowers to invitations, was done by friends and family.
There were times throughout the planning process, especially as I completed my student teaching and other degree requirements simultaneously (Did I mention, my husband and I graduated from the University of Arizona the WEEK before the wedding? It was a crazy time, absolutely bonkers, and I had the grey hairs to prove it.), when all I wanted to do was go back in time and elope. There were a ton of things that I’d had my heart set on but ran out of money or time to make them happen, or that didn’t happen quite as I’d planned, but now that it’s over I am so very thankful that I got to spend that time with the people who I love most in the world and feel overwhelmed, when I think back on it, with the support and graciousness of my beautiful family.
Wedding Photography: Elyse Hall Photography / Catering: Solaris Restaurant / Videography: Friend of the Bride / Music: Friends of the Bride / Wedding Venue: Agua Linda Farm / Wedding Ceremony Dress: Raylia Designs, Inc. via Maya Palace / Wedding Reception Dress: J.Crew via eBay / Bride’s Shoes: Steve Madden / Bride’s Rings: Antique Jewelry Exchange (1920’s Antique) + Bride’s Grandma (vintage turquoise borrowed and old, and blue) / Bride’s Earrings: J.Crew / Bride’s Make-up: Dana at MAC Cosmetics, Tucson Mall / Bride’s Hair: The Bride / Bride’s Hairpiece: Twigs & Honey / Bridesmaid Dresses: Coralie Beatrix / Bridesmaid Jewelry: The Bride / Groom’s Suit: Banana Republic / Groom’s Ring: Fabluster / Groomsmen Suits + Ties: Men’s Warehouse / Button Production: Small World Buttons / Ring Warming Dishes: The Bride / Flowers: The Bride + Her Aunts / Styling + Planning: The Bride / Guestbook: Bride’s Mother / Button, Program + Invitation Artwork: The Bride / Dessert: Friends and Family of the Bride