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A bridal gown designer’s intimate Ukraine barn wedding

August 15, 2019
Rustic summer barn wedding

We’ve seen so many lovely receptions at barn weddings in the past, but would you consider one as a backdrop for your ceremony, too?! Wedding designer Claire of My Wood Nymph Bridal was able to pull off her rustic Ukraine wedding on a budget ($20K, USD) by choosing a unique, under-the-radar venue and, of course, designing all the wedding fashion herself. With just 35 guests in attendance, their countryside nuptials were romantic, playful, and oh so stylish. Thanks to Andrey Harchenko for sharing the photos below!

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There were lots of pretty places for getting ready and taking photos at their venue, Event 100 Dola.

Rustic summer barn wedding Bridesmaids robes

Major perk of your bestie being a dress designer: She can create custom bridal party fashion depending on what each ‘maid wants!

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Their barn venue was located in a small village in Western Ukraine. It was super out of the ordinary for weddings there and they loved the unique property.

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Claire explains, A couple years ago I created a dress for Mywony Bridal that I’d wear for my own wedding, but back then I wasn’t even in a relationship. It has been ordered so many times that I wanted something new. So when it was time for my dress I just put together the elements which I liked most of all—lace and open back. I wanted something classic, with a slight nod to vintage design. I wanted the long sleeve as well because it tends to be rather cold in the beginning of September.

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This gorgeous spot was adorned in florals by Mulberry Design for the ceremony, but the doors opened for a romantic reception later on. Take a peek…

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I made about three thousand brides all over the world happy with their gowns before I started working on a dress for myself. So I knew exactly what I wanted. I had about four months in between saying “yes!” to saying “I do!” to create a dress for myself. I decided on an off-white lace, accented with embroidery (which is traditional for Ukraine) in light blue. I wanted to have a detachable skirt to really have fun and dance all night at my wedding after the ceremony and the photoshoot. I myself decorated the dress with beads a week before the wedding, and the embellishment took about forty hours.

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They were able to pull of their wedding on a budget by foregoing over-the-top florals (luckily their venue was so naturally beautiful!) and keeping their guest list to just 35.

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Such a pretty scene!

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See more from this summer barn wedding by flipping through our inspiration gallery…

So sweet. Congrats to Max + Claire!

Photography: Andrey Harchenko Photography / Venue: Event 100 Dola / Hair: @8ictoris / Makeup: Ivanna Mamchuk / Florist: Mulberry Design / Wedding Dress: My Wood Nymph