Real Weddings: Kacie + Todd

Margi and Scott fell in love skiing in the mountains. Sigh…so dreamy. Their wedding, (appropriately) held at Mt. Hood Organic Farms was a beautiful, colorful event filled with every personalized, handmade detail imaginable! Combining the awe-inspiring views, the beautiful details and decor, and the rockin’ good time captured by FS Photography, I’m truly envious of all of Margi and Scott’s loved ones who were able to share in the celebration! Oh, and I need to visit Oregon ASAP.

Amanda and Craig’s lovely Portland wedding has a little bit of everything – gorgeous photography by Ashley Forrette, lawn games, canoes, beautiful knit shawls and sweaters… it was a true labor of love for Amanda, Craig, and their friends and family!

Oh my, we are drooling over the gorgeous wedding of Katie and Brian! The elegant 1920s touches mixed with a bit of rustic glam is just the perfect combination for an outdoor affair in Oregon. The design by A & B Creative is flawless, and flowers in shades of pink, lavender, green, and yellow by Fleur:ology Wedding Floral + Styling are unlike any we’ve ever seen! We like the fresh blooms on the side of the intricately iced Beaverton Bakery cake, too. Of course, we always love the romantic look of a Claire Pettibone gown; Katie added a veil from August Veils to hers, and she’s stunning! We simply adore these beautiful images from Deyla Huss Photography.

Over the river and through the woods to Heather and Nick’s breathtaking ranch wedding we go! The natural setting of Rock Springs Ranch in Bend, Oregon, went hand-in-hand with the couple’s vision for a laid-back affair punctuated with casual but pretty details like wildflower bouquets and trees potted in burlap-wrapped containers from Cascade Garden Center. Heather’s twin sister stood near the ceremony arch—crafted from branches and surrounded by more purple and yellow blooms—in a breezy, orchid-colored chiffon dress that complemented the bride’s elegant, gauzy gown, both by Vera Wang. Heather and Nick sent guests home with ready-to-plant white pine trees from the Arbor Day Foundation to cap their day of happy memories. Enjoy these images from Michelle Cross Photography.

Laura and Josh wanted a romantic wedding that drew inspiration from Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Art Nouveau, and classic English gardens.  Portland’s stunning The Governor Hotel was a perfect choice for their theme!  The couple accessorized the hotel’s ballroom by mixing high and low all-white arrangements by Germanium Lake on their gorgeous banquet style tables.  Laura made all of their beautiful stationery, including thank you cards at every place setting. She even made her own veil! But it was her glamorous ball gown from Bridal Exclusives that made us completely fall in love. We can’t tear ourselves away from these gorgeous images captured by Amanda K Photography!

Even before I read anything this adorable couple had to say about their wedding, I could tell it was a celebration created with a ton of love and care! Indeed, Amelia and Josh’s wedding took lots of teamwork to put together. The flowers, dishes, decor – almost every tiny detail can be attributed to the bride or one of her talented friends. I absolutely love all the different colorful bridesmaids dresses – so cute and fun! It’s a handmade and homemade Southern celebration (that also looks like it was an incredible party!) with photos that are just too cute for words by Dixie Pixel – the perfect way to end a spectacular 2011!

Although they moved around quite a bit, Mary and Scott have strong Southern roots so it was no surprise that they’d want to incorporate lots of Southern elements into their big day. It was actually Mary’s dream to be married in a cotton field but when she realized the challenge of turning a cotton field into a suitable venue, she decided instead to just bring the cotton field to their wedding. Some family friends let her raid their cotton field and then her mom made the boutonnieres and delivered loads more cotton to their florist so that it could be incorporated into the rest of their arrangements. From the Cheerwine to the Moonpies to the sparkler-lit sportsfishing boat that sent off the bride and groom, it was truly a North Carolina event beautifully photographed by the Southerner herself, Melissa Tuck!

Michelle and Philip’s Michigan wedding was a casually elegant affair at Michelle’s parents’ lakefront home.  I’ve adored Queen Anne’s Lace ever since I was a little girl, so of course I’m in love with the beautiful, unfussy florals by Florabella Designs. I also think everyone should experience eating out of a food truck or mobile kitchen at a wedding at least once. How cool is this one from Mayberry BBQ? Finally, the photography by Kelly Sweet Photography is stunning. Those photos of Philip twirling Michelle around at sunset with that fabulous dress? Seriously unreal. I love this wedding (and thanks to the major talents of the couple and their family and friends) all the DIY touches that fill it!

Jaci and Matt had a beautiful and casual summer wedding in western Pennsylvania. Lots of handmade details, roasting marshmallows by the campfire, and a comfortable, natural setting helped the couple put their own unique stamp on the big day. I’m utterly drooling over beautiful florals by KS Kennedy Distinctive Floral, Gift & Gourmet, which were placed in antique milk glass vases the couple collected. And I am IN LOVE with the cake by Cafe Solstice! Isn’t it fantastic how it matches Jaci’s Bari Jay gown? A beautiful day with gorgeous photos by Leeann Marie Photography.

I love coffee.  And weddings.  And did I mention coffee?  Bethany and Andrew’s charming Phoenix wedding combines both!  Held at Inside the Bungalow, an adorable coffee shop turned wedding venue, there’s a slightly Alice in Wonderland feel with coffee cups, painted murals and tea tins.  I love the intimate feel of the venue, and Bethany and Andrew created a lovely atmosphere with DIY table runners, wildflowers in pails, and lanterns to light the reception as evening fell.  All of the lovely images were captured by Photography by Verdi.

Jenn and Chris held their wedding in the beautiful tree-lined backyard of Jenn’s family home in Fairport, NY. They were inspired to created a simple but charming wedding with a handmade feel, and the end result is a sweet celebration full of personality. Levi Stolove captured all of the lovely images.

Kelly and Ivo held their beautiful wedding in Lake Havasu, Arizona, in Ivo’s parents’ backyard. The entire wedding was homemade, from the Kransekake baked by Kelly’s mother, to the ceremony arch built by Ivo, to the lavender lovingly collected by Kelly’s best friend Molly used in all of the centerpieces and bouquets.  The wonderful Leigh Miller captured all of these lovely images.

Summer and Eric’s Chicago wedding, photographed by Danielle Aquiline, is anything but ordinary! The couple created all of the elements of their wedding themselves, and held an intimate ceremony, officiated by a friend, in the Lincoln Park Conservatory Gardens and a reception at the outdoor wine bar, Volo.

Katie and Paul’s wedding embodies so much of what I believe weddings should be – it’s full of sentiment and love, held in a place with meaning to the couple, and the photos, by Avery House, are truly lovely.

I love showcasing weddings where the choices are as unique as the couple themselves!  Today’s wedding is just that.  Clay and Tiffany’s wedding was sent to us by the always-fabulous Jenny from Grise Photography and Tiffany shared some details of their French Lick, Indiana with us!

So excited today to bring you the gorgeous and unique wedding of Portland couple Ali and Evan.  Whitney and Jesse from Our Labor of Love traveled from Atlanta to shoot this event and as always, their work is flawless!

Southern weddings are usually steeped high in customs and ceremonies that are nothing short of endearing. When Catherine and Benjamin were planning their Richmond wedding, they made sure to include a bourbon burial and unearthing to hold off the rain for their big day (definitely a big deal in the south). Around her Tommy’s Garden bouquet, Catherine wrapped a handkerchief that her maternal grandmother had on her wedding day. She also commissioned Incredible Edibles Bakery to create a carrot cake tier since it was her paternal grandmother’s favorite. These touching gestures carry on through David Abel‘s lens as he captured some of the most heartfelt scenes during Catherine and Benjamin’s fall wedding. Not going to lie, the tender moments from this Virginia wedding took our breath away.

Claire and Drew currently reside in Washington DC but chose to have a destination wedding in Claire’s hometown of San Antonio. The beautiful Witte Museum has a unique San Antonio feel, and when thinking of their vision of a outdoor, easy-going, romantic, fun, dance party, it was the perfect choice! With the setting being so marvelous, the couple could keep their decor clean and classic, with accents of greenery and crisp gold and white details. Claire’s mother designed all of the greenery arrangements, and the entire family helped to create adorable little dinosaur drink stirrers and table decorations to keep with the museum theme. Bridesmaids donned dresses and groomsmen suits of their own selection, while Claire chose a classic Pronovias gown with a gorgeous illusion bodice. Read on to hear more about their fabulous handmade wedding and swoon over the fabulous images from Lucille Photo!

Elizabeth and Alan were married on a picturesque autumn day amidst the rolling hills of Lexington, Kentucky. The Mansion at Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa provided the perfect backdrop to Elizabeth’s vision of a majestic and sophisticated wedding with an intimate dinner party atmosphere. Elizabeth and Alan designed many of the day’s elements themselves, staying true to their unique love and commitment. The wedding ceremony, written and designed by the couple, took place in front of the mansion beneath a white trellis assembled and decorated by Elizabeth. In fact, the bride along with friends and family created all of the tablescapes and decor elements using flowers from FiftyFlowers and Blooms by the Box! A color palette of blush and red tones beautifully complemented the antique grays and blues of the mansion décor. Elizabeth selected a spectacular, crystal-encrusted gown from BHLDN and custom-made veil, staying true to her vision of royal wedding elegance and echoing headpieces worn by the noble ladies of centuries past. She is an absolute vision! We adore each moment of their carefully curated day, as beautifully captured by Justine Wright Photography!

Christina and Jack envisioned the biggest celebration of their lives to be a romantic, timeless wedding, celebrated with their closest family and friends. Their top priority was atmosphere and food, and The Crescent in downtown Dallas, with its outdoor ceremony courtyard and modern chic ballroom was the perfect choice! The couple worked with Sarah of Keestone Events and selected classic blush and ivory tones, warm greenery, and pops of metallic gold for a whimsical flair. Personal details abound, from the stationery and garter, both created by the maid of honor, and lavender candle favors, handmade by Christina and her family. Christina chose a stunning lace Essense of Australia gown, which subtly echoed the intricate ironwork on the terrace of The Crescent, and her maids donned comfy convertible dresses from Lulu’s. We are absolutely smitten with the beautiful images captured on film by Allen Tsai Photography!