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Rustic DIY wedding: Laura + Thomas

November 18, 2011

Happy Friday, Cakelets! Before you start falling knee deep in Thanksgiving prep we’re going to leave you with Laura + Thomas’ charming 200 guest DIY Missouri wedding, shot by MNC Photography. If the invitations, designed by Laura, aren’t enough to lure you in, then perhaps their $10k budget will. A rustic truck shop surrounded by acres of open land (that belongs to her parents), handmade signage and centerpieces, vintage decor, a slight modern design – put it all together and what do you get? A big wedding, on the cheap, with major inspiration! Budget conscious brides, this one’s for you!

rustic diy wedding

I have to say the invitations were the most challenging part of planning our wedding. I design wed­ding invites all the time, so I know they can get pricey. Besides designing our invitations myself, I cut costs with paper, printing and postage. I used a variety of paper colors and weights so I was able to order large sheet samples and trim them down instead of purchasing huge reams. Instead of the entire suite, I only had the main invite letterpressed. All of the other pieces I printed myself on my trusty Epson. My sister and I hand screen printed the chevron pattern on the inside of the kraft envelope. The registry cards were hand stamped with a custom rubber stamp. And the map, my favorite, I printed on a text weight butcher paper. Instead of buying new stamps, I used all vintage stamps from my grandma’s collection, then I used the left over paper for our programs (which were sewn together), placecards, menus, etc. In all, I spent around $300.

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A bit about L + T: Laura’s a graphic designer, obsessed with typography, collecting vintage cameras, and hopes to own a letterpress some day. Thomas loves to cook…always trying new recipes and making things from scratch (high five!), and is obsessed with music, motorcycles and old cars. They have the cutest 2 year old son, Jaxon, who you can read about on Laura’s super sweet blog, Little Frills…and they’re expecting baby number 2!

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The bouquets, that softly highlight their neutral dresses, were made of blush spray roses, silver brunia, wheat celosia and baby’s breath.

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What do you do when you want music played at your ceremony, but don’t want it coming from an ipod? Have a friend bring his guitar to your wedding (we all know someone that plays the guitar, right?). Live acoustic versions of your favorite songs are so much more romantic. Laura’s brother-in-law and friend played the acoustic version of Here Comes the Bride as she walked down the aisle and sang Heavenly Day by Patty Griffin during their sand ceremony.

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Each table had a mason jar filled with baby’s breath and a handmade wooden box filled with succulents and fresh herbs.

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Favors were little jars purchased at Michaels Craft Store and filled with natural honey from Mo’Honey. Total cost, about $175.

rustic diy wedding

Um, did you see that wall behind their table? It was made by Thomas, his brothers and Laura’s stepdad out of old barn wood!

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We have a soft spot for Laura because not only did she share her wedding with us, she uploaded her one of a kind barn signs (Bar, Drinks, Photobooth, Gifts), and adorable pendant table numbers in our Marketplace! Go check them out!

Congrats on your wedding and sweet baby #2!

Wedding Photography: MNC Photography / Ceremony + Reception Location: Private Residence in Jackson, Missouri / Flowers: Cassi Bock Landscaping + Flower Gardens / DJ: Charlie’s Music Revue / Music: Travis Niswonger and Trey Busch / Rentals: Wedding Rental Solutions / Hair + Make-up: Joan Schade / Wedding Invitations + Paper Goods: The Bride / Letterpress: Sensura Studio / Favors: Mo’ Honey / Bride’s wedding gown: Sophia Tolli / Reception gown: Adrianna Papell / Bride’s shoes: Michael Antonio + TOMS + Carlos Santana / Garter: Rosebud Lips / Groom, Groomsmen + Ringbearers: Calvin Klein / Shoes: Converse / Bridesmaid Dresses: J. Crew + H&M + ASOS / Earrings: Anthropologie / Flower girl dress: made by Bride’s Mother / Wedding Rings: Paramount Jewelers + Michael Hester Jewelry