Gazing at this cheerful romantic Willowdale Estate wedding makes for one happy Monday morning. This crafty bride in a too-chic BHLDN sheath- who originally thought she was missing the bride gene- DIY’ed the adorable meus, programs, escort cards, signs, and the majorly drool-worthy table numbers. Allison Phalen Floral Design provided the pastel blooms that push the pretty over the top, and Joyelle West Photography shot it all, so start your week off right here in the full gallery!
From the Bride… Ironcially, I was not the a bride who had always envisioned her wedding day since she was a little girl, but somewhere throughout the planning process, I became completely enthralled with all the elements. Shortly after getting engaged in Paris on the last day of a European backpacking trip, my then-fiance and I went venue searching and immediately knew the Willowdale Estate was the winner. Once the date was set for a May wedding, I created a vision of a soft, spring garden theme and found myself being drawn to a palette of cream, blush pink, soft peach and seafoam green. We wanted the day to have a natural, laid-back feel filled with elegant touches, and the Willowdale Estate set the stage perfectly. Everything flowed from the ceremony in the courtyard out back, to the cocktail hour inside and the reception in the tent. Luckily we were blessed with a warm, sun-filled, New England day, and we could not have been happier.
My biggest DIY project was the antique picture frame table numbers. I collected mismatched picture frames and various sheets of scrapbook paper that matched my color scheme, then applied the paper over the frame glass as the number backing. Wooden numbers were spray painted neutral colors and glued onto the scrap book paper. Each one was done in a different color pattern, but they all blended together nicely and helped to add an additional pop of color on the tables.
Music was very important as I wanted people out of their seats and on the dance floor. Throughout dinner, the DJ played old school R&B/soul music filled with classic hits that put people in the dancing mood. Once the party started, we had requested him to play a mix of the top pop/dance hits from different genres with disco, ’80s & ’90s to satisfy everyone from grandma to the teenage cousins.
We continue to receive so many lovely compliments from our guests, and it is such a great feeling when people acknowledge the hard work that was put into the planning as I really tried to think of each element from the guests’ perspective. At the end of the day, all the planning, crafting and organizing were worth it, and it really was the best day of our lives. It was such a great experience to have everyone we cared about together and celebrate with us and share our memories for years to come.
Wedding Photography: Joyelle West Photography / Wedding Venue: Willowdale Estate in Topsfield, Massachusetts / Floral Design: Allison Phalen Floral Design / Wedding Cake: The Icing on the Cake / Wedding Invitations: Minted / Save-the-Dates + Sign-In Frame: Devin Hunt Illustration / Menus, Programs, Escort Cards, Bar Signage, “Here Comes the Bride” Flag + Table Numbers: DIY by the Bride / Favor Tags, Drink Straws, “Cards” Sign + Bride’s Veil: Etsy / Favors: Macaron Sweeterie / LOVE Mugs: Anthopologie / Escort Card Décor + Setup: Allison Phalen Floral Design / Wedding Dress: BHLDN / Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Bride’s Bracelet: Haute Bride / Earrings: Nadri / Rings: Santisi & Bove / Hair: Hair by Cathleen Foster / Makeup: Joya Beauty / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: J.Crew / Groom’s Tuxedo: JoS. A. Bank / Men’s Ties + Pocket Squares: Bows ‘N Ties / Guest Book Poster: Save the Dates By Devin Hunt Illustration