Category: DIY Wedding Blog
When Jen sent me an email last week filled with her lovely wedding images, I immediately asked her if she would come on Once Wed and share more. Not only is her wedding absolutely precious, but she got married at the oh-so-lovely, Serenbe. Brett and I got married at Serenbe, so of course any time I see a wedding from there I am immediately taken back with so many happy memories. Jen owns a paper company, Miss Pickles Press, and as you will see in the feature below her paper goods are sensational and I’m amazed she put everything together herself. Jen was kind enough to share details from the day…
Richard
and I met in December of 2005, while I was living in Boston working as
an art director in advertising. I had been on a series of hopeless
dates and had pretty much sworn off the horrid dating scene when we
met…and the rest if history! We were married in October 2008. The old
adage “love happens when you least expect it” is cliché for a reason:
it’s true! He’s the scientist: an
IT-computer-engineer-self-proclaimed-geek, and I’m the artist. His
logical side balances my creative side. Having such disparate
professions helps us complement each other quite nicely. Now if I could
only get him to switch over to a Mac…
I draw inspiration
from all over. Vintage treasures at flea markets, turn of the century
packaging (I seriously love packaging), textiles, patterns. I truly
don’t draw from just one constant source. The things that do, however,
remain constant for me are my love of typography, paper and color. I
get lost in color. I also get inspired by great attention to the
smaller fine and fabulous creative details – the little things that put
someone’s invitation or guest favor over the top. Smaller details can
have huge impact.
When we got engaged there was no
question it would be an October wedding, as it’s my absolute favorite
month of the year. I am a sucker for Fall – pumpkins, cider, crisp
autumn days, the changing of the leaves…the whole bit. Being from the
South, I also wanted a “southern” wedding but not a frou-frou wedding.
My husband is an overgrown Boy Scout, so something outdoors seemed
right for us. We wanted a wedding day that didn’t take itself too
seriously in terms of everything being so formal, so a BBQ reception
with a bluegrass band seemed like a natural fit. It was also really
important that our guests have FUN and enjoy themselves. I think we
succeeded!
Reception details coming up next…
[Image c/o Martha Manning for Missy Mclamb Photographers and Ashely Blencoe of Studio Blencoe]
I’ve got such a fun wedding coming up later this afternoon. Jen’s wedding was adorable and I’m so excited she contacted me about guest blogging. Stay tuned for tons of inspiration…
[Image c/o Martha Manning for Missy Mclamb Photographers and Ashely Blencoe of Studio Blencoe]
I’ve so enjoyed corresponding with Jeska of Lobster and Swan
over the last few weeks for her Table Trends feature on Once Wed. Her
blog is delightful and I was overjoyed when she so generously accepted
to put together a table for our series(if you are new to Once Wed and
want more info on what "Table Trends" is – click here). Jeska, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the love and time you put into this table…thank you.
I am huge fan
of small weddings attended only by close friends and family. Not only
do they tend to be a little bit easier on the budget, there is just an
intimacy about them that is a lot harder to achieve when you have a
wedding with 200+ people attending. The first thought that crossed my
mind when I opened my inbox and saw her beautiful images was how warm
and cozy every image felt. The enviroment she created with vintage
details, homecooked treats, and farmhouse style eating is incredibly
inviting and familiar. I really can’t think of a better way to celebrate a wedding than sitting under twinkling lights and beautiful banners laughing the night away surrounded by
friends.
The table I have designed is based
around a winter wedding with sentimental keepsakes, vintage treasures
and hand made charm. Perfect for anyone planning an intimate wedding.
I have used Rosemary as the centre
of my theme. Rosemary was once held to represent love and faithfulness.
The plant was used in wedding ceremonies in place of rings as a sign
of fidelity, and carried by newlyweds and wedding guests as a charm
for fertility. It is in-exspensive with a naive appeal and has such
a lovely scent.
Farmhouse style tables and chairs
borrowed from friends and relatives all coming together for the celebration
that is a marriage. The idea of old heirlooms dug out of a chest stored
up in the attic, like a treasured table cloth with a snowy lace pattern
and vintage linen handkerchiefs used as napkins. The glint of the family
silver used to set the tables.
Relations gathered round to hand
make decorations. Bunting with transparent flags printed from old postcards
with sentimental messages and well wishes from a bygone era. Paper garlands
made simply from preserving papers stitched onto gossamer fine ribbon.
A delicate fragrance from the Rosemary
and snowy potted plants used as the tables rustic centre piece. Edible
favors with warming wintery tastes, italian almond biscuits wrapped
in pretty paper wrappers and spiced chilli and orange infused nuts.
The glitter of plain fairy lights
amongst the paper decorations and glimmer of twinkling votives give
a cosy feel as the evening draws in and the celebrations continue into
the night.
Flower embossed plates, plain plates,
water glasses, champagne glasses and curtain used as a table cloth all
from Ikea.
My design is thrifty so search for
old linens and silver wear in antique or junk shops, garage sales and
flea markets.
If you are short on time for such
legwork find similar items on Ebay.
Guests keepsakes hand made from faux
rosemary sprigs, velvet flowers, millinery pearl strands, wrapped in
scraps of lace and tied with a mother of pearl button. Find all the
elements for these online. Some great suppliers are Vvrouleaux, MJ Trimming, and Tinsal Trading Company.
Of course Etsy has an abundance
of suppliers, my favorite for trims is Namolio and for
bits and pieces to make your own favors try Caramelos.
Potted herbs from local plant nursery.
Tea light holders from Lombok.
For invitation inspiration and custom
designs I love the work of Moon Tree Arts or for a smaller budget I like this simple
design.
The recipe below is for the Spiced Rosemary Nuts…
Today is going to be such a fun day on Once Wed. I am so excited to finally present our second table in our blogger "Table Trends" series courtesy of Lobster and Swan. Jeska has been working so hard behind the scenes and her efforts have certainly paid off with beautiful handmade goodies and yummy treats, which I will share you with you later on today…
I so adore this wedding for so many reasons. Not only are all the details perfectly unique and so fitting, but Alyson planned the entire wedding on a budget of $10,000…amazing! What a perfect example of how you don’t need to spend a lot money to have a wedding that is memorable and beautiful. I love her idea of finding a little white church in the country, getting married on the grounds, and having a brunch reception afterwards. There is something so wonderfully old fashioned about it. A few more details…
The Decor was potted succulents( we wanted people to be able to take
them home), white pumpkins, and origami paper flowers scattered on the
floor. I owe my friends a big Thank You for that! We had the napkins made at a paper place here in Austin. I gave them my image from the invite and we decided silver ink on grey napkins. For the favors we gave out little emergency sewing kits that had the
image from our invitation on it. It went with "Tying the knot" and my
mom said.
Alyson, I can’t thank you enough for allowing me to share your beautiful wedding with everyone today. I can’t wait to see the new collection! If you would like to see images from her wedding, check out Ashley Garmon’s blog.
[Images c/o Ashley Garmon and Emily Joyce of Ashley Garmon Photographers]
