I really can’t figure out what charms my heart most in this down on the farm fête captured by Lauren Wakefield Photography, but I suppose that’s because the entire thing is so darn darling. From the tutu-wearing flower girls to the peanut butter and jelly bar (delish) to the Bride that donned a bit of denim post ceremony – it’s easy to see why we needed to share this one with you. But if you look close, you’ll realize the best detail of all is the love between this new duo – and in our eyes that’s the best thing since sliced bread…See it all here!
From the Bride… When we got engaged, we were blessed to have people around us offer help and services. We knew we would be on a tight budget, and the first gift we were given was the offer of allowing us to marry at the home of a good friend. We jumped at the chance. We knew the barn on property was beautiful, and the price was right. From there, inspiration flowed. We knew we wanted people to feel comfortable, almost like there were in our home; we wanted it to be light, fun and personal. A lot of the decorations came from our home: suitcases, vintage cameras from my collection, ball jars from his. Both of my grandparents had passed away — my grandmother at the end of last year. It was important to me to recognize them throughout the reception. Their last name was Hoots, so I placed owls at the head table and entry. It gave me an inner smile whenever I’d catch one out of the corner of my eye. We did most of the detail work ourselves but had mini army of women pitch in to hunt flea markets, vintage stores and Goodwill, ultimately finding us our 200 mismatched plates for the reception.
We knew that because we were getting married on a Sunday that we wanted families to feel comfortable bringing their children. As a result, we set up a peanut butter and jelly station with Wonder bread and cookie cutters. It was a big hit, though I honestly believe the adults were the guests who enjoyed it most! A lot of inspiration came from browsing wedding sites, like Style Me Pretty, Etsy and Pinterest. However did we marry before the internet?! The details were so fun to create. Instead of a traditional guest book, we utilized an old typewriter and encouraged our guests to write “love notes” to the bride and groom. We used a ton of old barn wood for signs and to hang our table cards. Instead of cake, we did a pie table complete with old china pie stands. Finally, all of the centerpieces were created with love by some of our bridesmaids and family. We ordered flowers from a local grower and used old jars and milk glass to complete the look with burlap table runners. In addition, because there was no traditional photo booth in this barn, we made our own backdrop and I channeled my inner arts and crafts diva to create fun props for our guests to use in these fabulous snapshots.
The entire event was beyond doubt, a magical day for Justin and me. Justin was truly my champion and such a support throughout the entire process. To see the whole event come together was just wonderful. We couldn’t have asked for a better wedding, and I couldn’t have been happier with the end result. As our friend Kate (who officiated the ceremony) said, “They laughed, they cried, they went home happy!” It was perfect.
Wedding Photography: Lauren Wakefield Photography / Wedding Venue: Poplar Ridge Stables in Indianapolis, Indiana (Home of a Friend of the Bride & Groom) / Flowers: Harvest Moon Flower Farm / Catering: Chef Shanna Bilskie / DJ: Ben Action Jackson / Wedding Dress: David’s Bridal / Bride’s Boots: Frye / Hair: Salon 01 / Makeup: Danielle Laffey of Perchance Makeup Design