We get the feeling Kelly + Allen would have been just fine celebrating their wedding with a set of plastic picnic tables, a cooler filled with locally brewed beer and a few homemade pies. As long as their family & friends were attendance, merriment would have commenced. That’s what these two are all about. Their wedding, photographed by Keepsake Memories, was a complete DIY fete thanks to the help of their family. Homebrewed beer, wood-carved signs, floral arrangements, sweet dessert bites, welcome gift baskets… everyone contributed something to their special wedding weekend.
We really lucked out by using a local flower farm for all of our floral needs. We spent a nice morning picking out all kinds of dahlias, zinnias and fillers for what would become the beautiful centerpieces, bouquets, boutonnieres, decor, etc. As long as you’re willing to put forth the time and effort, it’s really a great way to save on what could be a really expensive part of the wedding. Great tip!
Such a cute idea to put a little activity card at each place setting for guests to fill out throughout the day. It gives them something to do while they wait to hit the dance floor, and gives you a fun little present to read after the wedding!
A few bits of advice they walked away having learned: Taking on a lot of the DIY projects taught us a few lessons on time management and planning. We spent a good part of the weekend working on these projects and although it allowed us to contribute, it was also a time-consuming part of the weekend. My husband and I also realized that we spent a good portion of the evening talking and dancing that we didn’t even take the time to stop by the dessert table. Thank goodness they had take-home boxes so that we were able to enjoy them after the wedding.
We were definitely all about going against tradition. There are always people telling you how things are supposed to be done or what is considered to be acceptable. I’m so glad that we stuck to our guns on our decision to do things exactly the way we wanted because it reflected us as a couple and that’s what mattered most.
Congratulations Kelly + Allen!
For more inspiration check out our Wedding Ideas section + Pinterest boards.
Photographer: Keepsake Memories Photography / Videographer: Kevin Hursh Films / Ceremony & Reception Venue: Hawkesdene House / Event Coordinator, Designer: Collaborative effort between Hawkesdene staff and bride’s step-mother, Mary / Invitation (Save-the-Date) Designer: Orange81 / Hair & Makeup: Dalgys Estrabao (good friend) / Florist: Stoney Hollow Farm / Cake: Homemade cakes by family and friends / Catering: Hawkesdene House
Wedding dress: Caroline Devillo purchased at Sasha’s Bridal Boutique / Wedding shoes: Jessica Simpson / Headpiece: Handmade / Groom’s Suit: Jones New York / Shoes: Allen Edmonds
