“This beautiful wedding was done by the bride and groom and their “village”. Every detail was beautiful. The flowers were grown by Alyssa’s grandmother, Ryan’s mom arranged them. The tomatoes were collected by friends all over, a family friend turned them and everything else into the delicious meal that was served. The whole day reflected the bride and groom, and they worked hard to make it so!” – Renascent Photography
What is your favorite wedding day memory?
My favorite part of the day was the morning of. We wanted to take a moment before all the madness for just us to reflect on what was about to happen and spend some time just being in peace with one another. We met at our favorite coffee spot before my girls and I headed out to the venue. Ryan got there before me, only to find that all of the tables were full, so he kindly told a few ladies what we were doing and asked if they would be so kind to give up there table. They did so and right before I got there Ryan ran out to his car to grab a few last things and in the meantime the sweet ladies had told the entire coffee shop that it was our wedding day. I arrived and walked in and was greeted by my soon to be husband everyone standing and cheering for us. We were both in tears and completely shocked by the response of everyone there. It was amazing! It was a perfect time for him and I to share our excitement about our coming adventure. We had prepared letters and a small gift for each other that we gave to one another there. Our photographer came towards the very end to capture this sweet moment. It was my absolute favorite part of the day.
What did you DIY for your wedding?
OMG we did everything! From stamping our own napkins and making sure that we bought the right kind of ink that wouldn’t smear all over peoples faces to preparing the food. We did it all! I am going to make a list because that may be easier…
- Napkins: hand-stamped (all 1000 of them)
- Food: prepared by family friend but most of the veggies were from family or friends gardens
- Decorations: most of them were hand made by myself and Ryan
- Cupcake stand: My dad (Brad) made it from wood from trees at my uncles house. He hand drew and carved the writing and then burned it in.
- Wood rounds: also cut by my dad from my uncles house
- Lemonade stand: It was our neighbors that we borrowed
- Gift bags: bags of wildflower seeds with gift tags all bagged and stamped by myself
- Music: we didn’t have a DJ, we just made a list on our iPod and had friends help with the ceremony then we just let the iPod play on shuffle for the reception.
- Flowers: most of the flowers were grown in my grandmas garden. They were all arranged by Ryan’s mom, Paula (except for my bouquet). Even the bridesmaids bouquets and boutonnieres.
- Guestbook: I made a photo book online of our engagement pics and the story of how we got engaged and people signed that
- All of the table decorations were jars and such from my Nana. I decorated them with twine and lace. We used old burlap that I cut into runners and candles and jars with flowers and believe it or not, we used green and red/orange split peas in some of the jars and cups for the candles to sit in.
It was so much work but so worth it in the end. It came together just perfectly!
Something old, new, borrowed and blue?
Old + Borrowed – my Great Grandma’s Pearl ring (she passed away years ago) it’s actually now my aunts, I wore it for my wedding day and then gave back
New – my dress
Blue – white lace undies that said “MRS” in blue
Any advice for brides currently in the planning process?
Don’t over think it! Not everything has to be perfect because at the end of that day you are marrying the man of your dreams and that in itself is perfect enough! People often don’t remember the food, or the music or the decorations, but they remember the beauty of two people committing themselves to each other and the love that they share. – Alyssa, the bride
Event Credits
Photographer: Renascent Photography // Venue: Jasper House Farms // Florist: Groom's Mother, Paula Charboneau // Catering: family friend, Lisa Apo // Desserts: Market of Choice // Officiant: Tony Crank of OneLove Church // Videographer: Be Still Photo + Cinema // Rentals: Destination Events // Engagement Ring: Jared // Dress: Exclusively Bridal // Jewelry: Charming Charlie // Shoes: Mint Green Converse // Bridesmaid dresses: Lulus // Hair: Ivy Barr of Moss Hair Studio // Makeup: done by the bridesmaids // Men's attire: Mens Wearhouse // Invitations: DIY on VistaPrint.com // Garter: Nestina Accessories // DIY Stamp: Designkandy // DIY Stamp: Modern Art Stamps // Cupcake toppers: DottiesWeddings // Cake topper: Beths Banner Boutique // Hangers: TheEliteBride
