The phrase “DIY wedding” takes on a whole new meaning when you have a bride like Tracy, who has gone as far as designing and sewing a silk chiffon gown, that also – wait for it – turns into a reception party dress within seconds. This was no small wedding. And, when you see the infectious love these two display in their photos (shot by the lovely Heidi Ryder), you’ll understand why they had 250 family & friends in attendance. We love these two. Jim’s a grad student working towards a Ph.D in Computer Science, and Tracy is a Visual Merchandiser (hence her craft-savvy wedding). Together they’re goofy, love watching cartoons, and make each other laugh, always.
Tracy always imagined herself in a one of a kind handmade dress. “It would almost be an insult to my grandma, a seamstress her whole life, who brought me up on a sewing machine. I wasn’t a girl who dreamt what her wedding day would look like from the time she could formulate thoughts, but I did always imagine my grandma would be there to help draft a pattern, or hand stitch the beading. Since this would no longer be the case, I decided to take on this task by myself. In this way, through the talents she passed down to me, she would be there on the big day.”
For $150, Tracy designed and printed their invitations and ceremony programs. The paper came from Kelly Paper and the printing was done at 1 Up Graphics. When in doubt, stack the type on your invitations to create a full-length conversation piece that also includes every bit of 411 needed for guests.
Each bridesmaid received a unique set of fabric flower hair clips (made by Tracy) to complement her dress.
And, just like that – her gown is now reception party ready!
One of the most asked questions at weddings (we’re just throwing this out there) could be, “How do you know the bride & groom?”. One way to answer that question creatively, is with a large scale flowchart explaining how each guest is connected to the new Mr. + Mrs. Tracy made the one above with an old piece of plywood and printable apothecary labels.
Table numbers, runners, photo booth props, guest “quilt” frame and fabric were combinations of thrift store finds and supplies from Michael’s Arts & Crafts.
Here’s to a lifetime of making each other laugh – congrats Tracy + Jim!
Photography: Heidi Ryder / Videography: Erin Yaeger / Catering, Rentals, Florals: Kitchen 12000 / Hair & Makeup (and cake!): Brittany Moody / Ceremony Music: Love, Resonate / Printing: 1 Up Graphics / Calligraphy: Katrina Presto / Gown & Garter: made by the bride / Shoes: Steve Madden / Jewelry: from the bride and groom’s late grandmothers / Groom’s Suit & Shoes: Zara / Groom’s Bow Tie: Upper French
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I love the purple dress! And it’s so clever how a layer detaches to make it shorter.
But I’m confused by the last cake cutting photo. It seems as though this is a different dress again?!
What a beautiful (and talented) bride.
LOVE the flowchart seating chart. Would the bride be willing to share tips or a complete picture of the chart?
LOVE this wedding and every detail in it! That purple dress is to die for. Heidi did such an amazing job!
Such a beautiful wedding, and I am a huge fan of the dress, too! And I agree with Julia – I’d love to hear more about that “How I Know…” chart!
Oooo so creative! Love all your fun ideas! And thanks for the downloads, those will be fun to use for Christmas gifts!
loving this palette of purples.
xo, chrissy
The Perfect Palette
I love everything about this wedding! The more I kept scrolling down, the more I loved it. Such a cool way to do the seating chart!
Love everything. I love the sentiment behind the dress.. the newspaper is fantastic.. as is the other details like the question board.. the seats of the bride and groom.. I could go on and on..
that dress is so rad!
Love this wedding! So adorable!
The “How do you know the bride and groom” board is such an awesome idea!
I LOVE this! The unique program is my favorite!
this wedding was all types of awesome <3
What a wonderful creative wedding! Each of these aspects are gorgeous and beautifully implemented. Love the bride’s gown as well.
Gorgeous dress, love love love, lots to love!
absolutely ADORABLE!!! I can’t pick a favorite detail! I LOVE them all!
It’s so awesome to featured on 100LC! Thanks for all the lovely comments!
To My Honest Answer, the dress in the cake cutting photo is a different one I put on once the dancing got underway. I found that dress at Buffalo Exchange for $25 and couldn’t pass is up!
To Julia & Carrie, the complete seating flowchart, and tips on creating it, can be seen here: http://fizzydrank.wordpress.com/2011/10/21/seating-flowchart/
Love all the creative ideas throughout this wedding, It has such a personal look and feel.
I was wondering what your whole invitation looks like? I am really liking the design of it.
Hi Mandi,
Sorry for the late reply! Here is a link to the invitation:
http://pinterest.com/pin/208150813997011871/
Tracy