When Elizabeth McDonnell Photography showed us snaps of Mary’s bright Mara Hoffman wedding dress, we just had to learn more about these two + their day. As suspected, they’re tons of fun. Like four days of straight parties fun. And designer Mary just so happens to be the biggest (and best) DIYer there is. Invitations, décor, signage… Naturally we had to get deets.
Obvs Butterfly Petals knows a thing or two about southwest-inspired bouquets…
Elizabeth of Elizabeth McDonnell Photography says, Mary + Tommy are one of those couples you dream about working with. Creative, laidback, stylish, and FUN. Every vendor I worked with remarked on how amazing they were to work with and how incredibly creative the bride was. The bride, a designer by trade (and by nature), was a true DIY bride. Everything from the hand stamped table runners, the hand painted table numbers on wood blocks (that she built), and the custom invitations—not only coordinated perfectly, but were one of a kind designs by the bride herself.
Neat seating chart, yeah?
Tommy is from Pittsburgh so they wanted to include the Pittsburgh tradition of a cookie table, and the cookies all adorned platters brought by friends + family.
You’re probably wondering how Mary managed to handcraft everything, right? Here’s what she said:
Everything we did was dedicated to trying to create as many opportunities to catch up with all of our loved ones… For four days straight, we had parties and celebrations, from a pool party to Whiskey Western Night, and finally the ceremony and reception! And, as a designer and maker, I had handmade details at all of them. It was beautifully exhausting to plan, but worth every moment. By the morning of the wedding, I was already so tired that I worried I wouldn’t be able to make it through the day….Like, I literally broke down. I had been planning and making and imagining this day for a whole year and I was so tired from the three parties we had already had I couldn’t imagine having another HUGE party! But, it ended up being the most perfect end to a magical weekend. And, my very favorite day of the whole weekend.
Cheers!
Photographer: Elizabeth McDonnell Photography / Photography Assistant/Second Shooter: Kelsey Shirley Photography / Venue: Tubac Golf Resort & Spa / Florals: Butterfly Petals / Invitations: Bride / Dessert & Cookies: Sugar Sweet Bakery / DJ/ Band: Hans Hutchison / Bridesmaids Gifts: Avenue Boutique / Bride’s Dress: Mara Hoffman Bridal / Shoes: Halogen / Bridesmaid Dresses: BCBG / Groom’s Suit: H&M
