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A DIY Wedding with a Forest Theme

June 17, 2009 by Christina

laurenvenell

What happens when two designers get married? They have a fabulously unique DIY wedding!

Lauren and Andrew had a DIY wedding with a forest theme. Their wedding was held at Stern Grove, which is a small redwood grove in San Francisco.

“We loved the symbolism inherent in redwood trees (continuity, adaptability, longevity) so we decided to use them as the theme for our wedding,” says Lauren.

The couple DIY’ed everything except for the food and the flowers. With a little help from their friends and family, they created a personal and meaningful event that everyone enjoyed (and that didn’t cost a fortune!)

Even Lauren’s goddess dress was handmade.

goddess gown

Lauren writes:

“I worked with dressmaker Theresa LaQuey to make a 40s-style goddess dress I designed for my wedding. She did a great job with the fit and construction and came up with the awesome knot in the back. It cost less than half of the typical off-the-rack dress and I got a one-of-kind gown that was literally made for me! The darker panels are actually green, which you can see in other photos.”

And check out the DIY invitations.

diy invitations

“This is the pride and joy of our DIY wedding efforts,” says Lauren. “I’m a product designer and my husband does graphic design, so these invitations were our big splurge item in terms of time and money.”

Lauren and Andrew created these chipboard invitation wheels to give guests a creative way to get all their information in an heirloom keepsake format. They are made from two circles of untreated, recycled chipboard diecut and letterpressed to look like an old planting wheel with redwood rings on it.

The couple came up with the design, including the die lines and color separations. They ordered the die and the untreated chipboard and then had a letterpress printer use his press to do the actual cutting and printing.

“We did the final assembly of the wheel ourselves using wooden plugs and steel washers we got at the local hardware store. We printed our reply cards ourselves using an inkjet for the back and a Riso Gocco for the front. We ordered big, square, recycled paper envelopes and did all the assembly/addressing/mailing ourselves,” she says.

Total cost was about $10 each including $2 per invitation in postage. Approximate time to make was 20 hours in total.

Now on to the wonderfully quirky table names. (I love what she says about the grandmas. That happens sometimes:)

table names wedding

Lauren writes:

“My husband is an artist, and one of his projects is a series of tiny disaster sculpture made with HO scale model railroad figures. Our parents are always trying to get us to move back east by citing the myriad disasters we have here in California so we thought it would be funny to name each table after a California disaster. We had table names like “mudslide,” “tidal wave” and “wild fire.” Guests had to find the centerpiece sculpture that depicted their disaster in order to locate their table. Most people had a good laugh over it but our grandmothers were confused.”

diy place cards

Guest name cards were made from wood.

“I made these by renting a mitre saw from a tool rental facility to cut a eucalyptus branch one of the gardeners at Stern Grove gave to me from the mulch pile. I had my husband carry it up the stairs (it weighed nearly 100 pounds), fired it up, and had 90 cross-section disks in about 20 minutes. The dust gets everywhere despite the dust bag, so I put down a tarp to do this (we don’t have outdoor space) and wore a respirator mask. The disks that were cut a little too roughly I sanded down with my Dremel tool. I then printed the text for both sides onto clear inkjet labels and cut them out with a circle cutter. I stuck the labels in place and smoothed them down. Our florist brought a tray with moss in it for me to display them,” explains Lauren.

There’s one more lovely little DIY project that Andrew and Lauren had for their wedding: The favors! Stay tuned for tomorrow’s blog post.

Photos: Erica Berger

Filed Under: DIY Wedding |

Real Weddings: Amanda and Ben’s Cottage Wedding in the Muskokas

April 15, 2009 by Christina

Amanda, 24 & Ben, 26

Wedding Date: August 31, 2008

Number of Guests: 52

Wedding Ceremony Location: Family cottage, Lakeside Fairholm Island, Lake Muskoka, Ontario, Canada.

Wedding Reception Location: Family cottage, also on Fairholm Island, Lake Muskoka, Ontario, Canada.

Why did you have an intimate wedding?

Before the wedding, I thought it was because of the budget and the size limitation of the venue. Looking back, though, the connection with our guests should have been the biggest reason. Even if money and space hadn’t been an issue, I wouldn’t have done it any other way.

What are some the challenges that you faced planning an intimate wedding?

Most of the challenges were related to the fact that we were using a non-traditional venue. The cottage {it’s been in the bride’s mother’s family for more than 100 years!} just wasn’t set up for a large party. Also, it’s on an island, so everything (food, chairs, tables, dishes, staff, guests, decorations, and a rather large grill) had to be brought in by boat, which was no small task.

Was it difficult to pare down the guest list?

Yes and no. Yes, because of course there are people we would have liked to invite and couldn’t. But also no, because we were having a destination wedding (we live in Pennsylvania), so there were people who just would not have been able to make it.

Did you have any ‘issues’ with the small guest list from friends and family? If so, how did you address them?

Actually, we didn’t have many problems at all. We explained to our relatives early on in the planning process what guidelines we had set out – close friends and family only. Nobody really seemed to have a problem with our approach.

What were the highlights of the ceremony?

Ben’s vows. We had decided to write our own, and he absolutely blew me away. That, and the reaction of my youngest sister, who was one of my bridesmaids. She was apparently so overcome with emotion that she cried through the whole ceremony. Happy tears, though! Towards the end of the ceremony my father had to throw her a pack of tissues. Our videographer caught that moment on tape and it cracks me up.

What were the highlights of the reception?

A few things come to mind. Ben was intent on picking our first dance song and keeping it a secret. He surprised me with a compilation of ‘Over the Rainbow’ by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole and ‘Grow Old With You’ by Adam Sandler, from the movie ‘The Wedding Singer.’ It was sweet, silly, and perfect.

We used an mp3 player for the reception, and unfortunately had some technical difficulties when it came time for the father daughter dance. I was heartbroken that ‘Little Miss Magic’ by Jimmy Buffet refused to play. My twin sister came to the rescue as impromptu DJ and selected – of all things – ‘Sweet Emotion’ by Aerosmith. We ended up ad libbing and doing the mashed potato and the sprinkler instead of something more traditional. It was a great spontaneous and funny moment.

My favorite part of the reception, though, was the speeches. In addition to the usual best man and maid of honor speech, the microphone was passed around the room to many of our guests, who had touching stories and advice to share.

What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding?

Being able to spend quality time with our closest friends and family, without running around and missing the chance to savor the occasion. It was amazing to have so many important people in our lives together in one place. We had everyone over the night before the wedding for a rehearsal dinner barbeque, where my grandfather gave a moving speech welcoming everyone to the island. Everyone got to meet and spend some time together before the wedding. Between the rehearsal dinner and the reception, I tried to spend as much time as possible with everyone, and I still could have used more time. I have no idea how people get to see anyone at large weddings!

What advice do you have for couples who are considering an intimate wedding?

You might get some flack for not inviting everyone you’ve ever met (and maybe some you haven’t met), but you won’t regret it. I know I don’t. That’s not to say that large celebrations are bad — if you want to have a huge wedding, go for it! Only you will know what kind of wedding you really want to have. Don’t let yourself get talked into inviting half the world if that’s not what you want.

Vendors:

Photographer: Photography by Stacey

Videographer: Starshine Videography

Catering: Dempsey Fine Catering

Muskoka Party Rentals

All Seasons Weddings

Photos: Photography by Stacey

Read more about this fantastic wedding over at dellastella.

Real Weddings: Sandy and Ian’s Chicago Wedding on Lake Michigan

March 2, 2009 by Christina

This wedding took place in 2006, but it was still worth featuring. I love the Chicago skyline backdrop and the lovely U-shaped reception table – sans tent!

Sandra, 34 & Ian, 39

Chicago, IL

Wedding Date: June 4, 2006

Number of Guests: 40

Wedding Cost: $12,000

Wedding Ceremony Location: Promontory Point in Chicago, Il. We chose to have our ceremony on the lawn right next to Lake Michigan.

Wedding Reception Location: Also Promontory Point on the patio of the field house.

Why did you have an intimate wedding?

We wanted to have a memorable wedding with only those that are truly close to us. This meant immediate family, best friends and a select few others that could not be missed.

What are some the challenges that you faced planning an intimate wedding?

Limiting the guest list because we did not want to offend or alienate anyone.

Was it difficult to pare down the guest list?

Yes, we had to go over it multiple times and put our foot down on a couple of occasions when relatives tried to invite others.

Did you have any ‘issues’ with the small guest list from friends and family? If so, how did you address them?

We did have a few people that wanted to invite more people. We kindly made our feelings known and insisted that the main wish for our wedding was to have an intimate wedding and did not want to feel pressured to do otherwise.

What were the highlights of the ceremony?

It was an amazing day. Because it was a small and intimate wedding we were able to involve everyone in the ceremony. For example we had guests read poems that they composed for the occasion. Also, we adapted a Mexican tradition of the coin ceremony so that multiple guests would hold and bring coins forth at the appropriate time. And we had a garland surrounding during the ceremony with the name of every guest attached to it. We had a tribute to our deceased grandparents in which family tied their names to the garland.

The location was also perfect for a small wedding because we were able to select a spot for the ceremony at the end of the point that offered a perfect view of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. The space worked because we had a small number of guests.

What were the highlights of the reception?

Here again we were able to personalize every aspect of the reception because it was an intimate wedding. For example for our favors we hand-painted cappuccino cups with each person’s name and included a special message for each guest. We were able to display pictures of special moments of each of our guest’s lives (wedding day, births etc…). We were able to take a group photo of the whole wedding.

The U-shaped table that seated everybody was decorated beautifully and very appropriate for the venue and season. It was nice to be able to see everyone at the table and to be able to spend quality time with every guest. The size also allowed for some guests to surprise us with performances. While this was not our plans, these moments turned out to be truly special and some of the most memorable. The best man, for example, performed a song with guitar that he wrote for our wedding.

What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding?

The whole ambiance of the occasion perfectly suited our personalities. It was also nice that we were able to spend quality time with each guest and we remember everyone that was there. We had fun at our wedding and did not stress one bit!

What advice do you have for couples who are considering an intimate wedding?

Go for it and don’t let the family and friends that wish to expand it take control. You will be so glad in the end.

Vendors:

Photographer: Amanda Hein Photography

Catering: Blue Plate Catering

Cake: Tipsycake

Flowers: The Flower Firm

Venue: Promontory Point in Chicago, Il.

Musicians were hired individually.

small wedding chicago Photos: Amanda Hein Photography

Filed Under: Real Weddings |

Real Weddings: Alexa and Scott’s East Coast Inn Wedding

February 23, 2009 by Christina

Alexa , 35 & Scott, 45

Bailey Island, Maine

Wedding Date: June 28, 2008

Number of Guests: 33

Wedding Ceremony Location: Driftwood Inn, Bailey Island, ME

Wedding Reception Location: Driftwood Inn, Bailey Island, ME

Why did you have an intimate wedding?

For me, I just couldn’t picture myself as the center of attention at a huge affair. Also, Scott had been married once before in a very large, formal wedding and we both agreed that spending that kind of money on a wedding is silly. We paid for the wedding ourselves, with the exception of the photographer, which was our wedding gift from my parents. We’d purchased a house 6 months before the wedding and had other priorities for how we wanted to spend our money.

What are some the challenges that you faced planning an intimate wedding?

I think in most ways, having a smaller wedding seemed easier. My only concern was potentially hurt feelings from friends who were not invited.

Was it difficult to pare down the guest list?

Not at all! In fact, before we decided to have a small wedding we made a guest list for a smallish-moderately sized wedding for over 100 people. That was actually harder because it was harder to draw the line on who to invite. Do you invite everyone who invited you to their wedding? Do you invite close work colleagues? With a super-small wedding, the criteria was very simple: immediate family members and those friends who have been like brothers/sisters. My own litmus test was: Am I going to care if I fall down, pass out or suddenly find myself standing naked in front of these people? If the answer is no then they make the guest list!

Did you have any ‘issues’ with the small guest list from friends and family? If so, how did you address them?

My mother wanted to invite distant relatives to whom she is close and to whom she felt a reciprocal obligation. I explained that I hardly knew them and wanted only those people that Scott and I were very close to. She understood and let it go.

What were the highlights of the ceremony?

My brother performing the ceremony as “reverend” for a day!

What were the highlights of the reception?

The food! We decided that good food and drink were our number one priority and it’s where we chose to focus the bulk of the budget. Happily, our caterer knocked it out of the park.

What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding?

The best thing about having a small wedding was being able to spend quality time with our guests.

What advice do you have for couples who are considering an intimate wedding?

Of all the people I’ve talked to, I’ve never heard anyone who had a small wedding express regrets for not having had a larger wedding. The same cannot be said in reverse! I’ve talked to many people who said that if they could do it over again they would have done something smaller. My other piece of advice is to pay for the wedding yourself, if at all possible. It is easier to stand firm in your decisions if you are the host of the event.

Vendors:

Caterers – Henry and Marty, Brunswick, Maine

Photographer - Andree Kehn

Venue: Driftwood Inn, Bailey Island, Maine

guests at outdoor wedding at driftwood inn maine

Photos: Andree Kehn

Filed Under: Real Weddings |

Tips for a Garden Wedding Ceremony

February 20, 2009 by Christina

Outdoor Wedding at San Benito House

Are you considering a garden wedding ceremony? You are in good company.

Garden weddings are becoming increasingly popular, and more and more garden wedding venues are popping up to meet the demands.

Many conservation areas now offer garden weddings, as well as public parks, historical settings, botanical gardens and private estates. Your home, or the home of a friend or relative can also serve as the perfect venue for your garden wedding.

Like all outdoor weddings, garden weddings are at the mercy of the elements. If Mother Nature decides to go a little wild, then your garden wedding could turn into a garden nightmare. That’s why there are tents and back-up plans.

When you are looking for an outdoor venue for your garden wedding ceremony, find out if tents are permitted, or if there is a building nearby that can accommodate your wedding in case of inclement weather.

Many garden venues will only permit ceremonies, and some do not supply chairs for guests. If you are looking for a simple garden ceremony this won’t be a problem.

Here are some things to consider when looking for a venue for your garden wedding ceremony:

1. Visit the venue beforehand. Is it big enough? Maybe it’s too big for your intimate wedding? Are there washroom facilities? What about parking? Ideally, visit the site at the same time of day you plan to have your ceremony. That way, you can figure out how to configure your site so that you and your guests are not blasted by the sun.

2. Find out if any other events are being held at the location on your wedding date. You don’t want the Addams Family Reunion a stones throw away from your ceremony site.

3. Find out if chairs are provided. If not, find out if chair rental is permitted. If they are, choose wooden chairs. Metal chairs get scorching hot in the sun.

4. If you are planning to get married in the summer, find out if there is shade where the ceremony is being held. You might be able to stand up to the 90 degree heat, but what about your grandmother? Also, provide bottled water for your guests to keep them hydrated. You could also offer lemonade or sparkling water before the reception. Parasols for elderly guests are also a nice idea. Or you could make your programs in the shape of fans so guests can fan themselves.

5. If the venue is in a secluded area, make sure you give your guests good directions and allow for extra travel time for guests to find the venue. If your guests have to take back country roads to find the site, they might need some extra time to get there.

6. Keep decorations simple. Gardens need little adornment.

7. When choosing a wedding gown, make sure you keep in mind that you will be having a ceremony outdoors. A gown that will bustle or has no train is your best bet.

8. Don’t choose flowers that can’t stand the heat. If you are working with a florist, s/he should be able to guide you in the right direction. Also, keep several buckets of water onsite in a shady spot to store wedding bouquets so that they spend less time in the sun.

9. Go with the flow. Garden weddings are less predictable than weddings indoors. Be prepared for inclement weather. Even if the weather is perfect, unexpected things like bird droppings, sirens and bee stings are always possibilities.

Photo: San Benito House, Half Moon Bay, California

Filed Under: Outdoor Weddings, Wedding Ceremony, Wedding Planning |

Real Weddings: Randi and Jon’s Intimate Outdoor Wedding

January 29, 2009 by Christina

Randi, 26 and Jon, 27

McKinney, Texas

Wedding Date: June 7, 2008

Number of Guests: 75

Wedding Cost: $7,000

Wedding Ceremony Location: Katie’s Garden at the historical Heard Craig home

Wedding Reception Location: Heard Craig Hall

Why did you have an intimate wedding?

We were on a budget but also wanted to have a ceremony and reception where we had time to mingle with everyone and just relax and enjoy the day!

What are some of the challenges that you faced planning an intimate wedding?

A lot of wholesale things are cheaper when they come in way-too- large quantities. Deciding on the guest list was another challenge.

Was it difficult to pare down the guest list?

A little. You don’t want to hurt anybody’s feelings, but you have to be realistic about what you can afford and the maximum number of guests you really want there. We tried to choose the people that are important to us, not just acquaintances or coworkers that we hardly know, but people that have a meaning in our lives.

Did you have any ‘issues’ with the small guest list from friends and family? If so, how did you address them?

Not really I think everybody was pretty understanding. We did our best to be tactful and explain our decision.

What were the highlights of the ceremony?

Our officiant was really funny. It was a really hot day and the ceremony was at six in the evening outside in the Texas humidity, so needless to say my groom (in a tux) was sweating just a little! During the ceremony he had us look at each other’s hands and he talked about the things that our loving hands would provide for one another and one of the things he said while Jon was looking at my hands was that my hands would wipe the sweat from his brow (so I did) everyone laughed and I’ll never forget it!

What were the highlights of the reception?

Jon sang, he is a really good singer but never sings in public he’s too shy. We had been dating for 9 ½ years before we got married and I always told him he had to sing to me at our wedding. (I always thought that was what took him so long to propose! lol) He sang our song to me during our first dance then we had karaoke set up and he sang on a microphone in front of everyone! I was so proud of him! The cake cutting was fun also. We went for the smashing in the face approach. I had cake up my nose probably even in my eyes. It was so funny and very yummy too!

What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding?

I think everything was more personal and not so chaotic. You could hear all the people at your table talking because the noise level wasn’t outrageous and we saved a lot of money.

What advice do you have for couples who are considering an intimate wedding?

Just make sure that it is feasible for you. Look at how big your families are and how many people you consider “have to invite guests”. Make sure you make it personal and special. You only get to do this once {hopefully}so make it memorable!

Vendors:

Officiant: Chaplin Ricky Hargrave, he did a wonderful job he was funny but not over the top he added in some humor but kept it very emotional and personal!

Venue: Heard Craig . The garden is beautiful, tones of colors a gazebo a gorgeous historical home behind you and a carriage house to get ready in it was perfect and the hall was awesome it has a beautiful stained glass skylight that just happened to be blue and yellow which were the colors of our wedding. It has a stage for dancing, a kitchen for catering, and plenty of room for guests. I was shocked when I found out it was so reasonably priced

Photography: Treva Tribit Photography . WOW! We started with an engagement session in the spring, it was freezing and windy outside but if you look at our pictures you would think it was 80 and sunny! They were fantastic she captured the emotion in the picture, the sparkle in our eyes and the love in our kiss! Not to mention we had a blast during the session. Then came the wedding and again it was perfect, Treva and her husband Bob captured every moment and some how stayed out of the way and out of each others pictures. They got every memorable moment from getting dressed to driving away as husband and wife. I’m so happy we will have those memories forever!! They have wedding packages for any style of wedding big or small!

Flowers: Edwards Floral Design , Fifty Flowers . Fifty Flowers has the most beautiful blue roses and I had to have them. I was a little unsure about making my own bouquet but was going to try. We decided to use Edwards Floral in McKinney for the boutonnières and corsages, the staff there was great, they even let me bring in my blue roses and they put together my gorges blue and yellow bouquet!

Cake: The Cake Stand . Oh my gosh the cake’s there are delicious and beautiful. It was so hard to decide what flavors of cake and filling and how many layers and what design but the staff there is great! The tasting was one on one so we could ask all of our questions and taste the cakes and fillings. The cake was delivered on time, was more beautiful than I had imagined and was delicious (and easy to clean out of my nose, lol)

Hair: T & T Designs (972) 542-7342, they did a great job even on my 4 year old daughter’s very fine hair (she looked like a princess). Traylyn is an artist she has a vision and will work until she gets it perfect!

Dress: David’s Bridal. You get a great little coupon book when you buy you wedding gown there that has discounts on the bridesmaid dresses, shoes and all kinds of other things!

Photos: Treva Tribit Photography

Filed Under: Real Weddings |

Ten Tips for an Outdoor Reception

January 24, 2009 by Christina

outdoor wedding reception

Want to celebrate your big day outdoors? Here are 10 tips for having an outdoor reception:

Let your guests know in the invitation that it’s an outdoor reception, so they can dress appropriately.
Enclose maps in your invitations, so guests can find their way.
Make sure you have adequate bathroom facilities. If the outdoor reception is at home, you might want to consider renting a portable latrine. Many rental places have wedding models, complete with a flush toilet and sink.
Make sure the site has access to electricity.
The general rule of thumb for a sit-down reception is to allow for 15 square feet per guest. Do the math, and make sure your tent is big enough.
If you are having the outdoor reception at a private residence, find out ahead of time where the tent will be placed. That way when you are doing your spring/summer planting, you can choose flowers in your wedding colours and plant them near the tent.
Offer parking that is close by – it’s a wedding not a hike.
Let neighbors know you are having an outdoor reception ahead of time so they won’t be outside with lawnmowers and leafblowers.
Make sure your wedding site is in an area that won’t get muddy or flood if it rains.
Have mosquito spray handy. Citronella candles are not enough if mosquitoes decide to crash your party.

Photo: Hideaway Country Inn, Bucyrus, Ohio

Filed Under: Outdoor Weddings, Wedding Planning, Wedding Reception |

How to have a Beach Wedding that Rocks

January 23, 2009 by Christina

beach wedding couple

For some couples the most romantic place on earth is the beach. Why not get married there?

From the water’s edge in Santori, Greece, to the pristine shores of Tofino on Vancouver Island, beach weddings continue to be a popular alternative to more traditional weddings.

Beach weddings appeal to couples looking to cut costs, but are also popular with couples with extravagant budgets.

Wedding Planner Kathy Piech-Lukas, owner of Your Dream Day, a special events planning company in Cincinnati, Ohio, says she’s seen some fabulous beach weddings since she started her business six years ago.

She says most are a little more on the casual side, with less formal attire.

“Most girls wear sun dresses and guys wear khakis,” she says.

Although some couples choose to have their guests stand during the ceremony, Piech-Luckas says chairs are also a nice touch. However, she cautions against using the ever-popular Chiavari chairs, which will sink into the sand and possibly break.

“Couples should use white Samsonite folding chairs or white wooden chairs for a beach wedding,” she says.

Another helpful tip for beach brides is to make sure a sound system is rented.

“For any outdoor wedding with more than 40 people, you need amplification – especially on the lake,” she says. “Make sure you have a microphone and generators to run the power and make sure musicians who are outdoors have amplification.”

Outdoor garb

Since going shoeless on the beach is the norm, Piech-Lukas says that some brides opt for a “shoe valet” so that guests don’t have to worry about getting sand in their shoes.

“Guests check in their shoes and receive tags to reclaim their shoes after the wedding,” she says, adding that guests also receive a pre-moistened towel to wash their feet before putting their shoes back on.

And what kinds of shoes are the brides putting back on? Sandy Trimmer, manager at Bridal Chateau Inc. in Williamsville, NY, located just outside Buffalo, says flip flops are all the rage for brides having outdoor weddings – whether they are tying the knot on a beach, or in a park.

“They’ve got a wedge heel which is great for outdoor weddings because it’s easier to walk around. You don’t have to worry about your heels getting stuck in the ground,” she says, adding that the bridal flip flops at Bridal Chateau Inc. retail for $29.95 and are as “comfortable as slippers.”

The flip flops come in ivory, satin and white and are dressed up with beads and sequins.

According to Trimmer, some outdoor brides still want all the glamour of an extravagant gown, but most opt for something less formal.

“A lot of girls are looking for something simpler, with less beadwork. They also want something straighter and not as full,” she says, adding that chiffon and silk taffeta are popular fabrics for outdoor weddings because they are lighter than many other fabrics and don’t require as much “babysitting” throughout the day.

Trimmer says half of brides choose not to wear a veil. Those who choose to wear one often go for the short variety – especially for outdoor weddings.

“The forties netting is really popular. It’s very pretty,” she says, adding that the vintage look is also popular for gowns.

Trimmer says that perhaps the biggest trend – not only for beach weddings, but weddings in general, is that the rules for what not to wear are far more relaxed than they used to be.

“It’s pretty much the bride’s choice these days. There aren’t a lot of do’s and don’ts,” she says.

But there’s one rule that beach brides should always follow: Have a back up plan.

Mother Nature is as unpredictable as she is beautiful. And the last thing you want is rain to extinguish your wedding day bliss.

Photo: Erin Wallis Photography

Filed Under: Outdoor Weddings, Wedding Planning |

Real Weddings: Natalie and Leon’s Magical Garden Wedding

January 11, 2009 by Christina

Natalie, 21 and Leon, 27

Comox & Courtenay, Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Wedding Date: June 29th, 2008

Number of Guests: 30

Wedding Cost: $5,000 (Approx.)

Wedding Ceremony Location: Lower Garden of Filberg Park, Comox BC

Wedding Reception Location: Tomato Tomato Restaurant, Courtenay, BC

Why did you have an intimate wedding?

We wanted a celebration that felt very personal, both for us and for our guests.

What are some of the challenges that you faced planning an intimate wedding?

There were certainly people around us who thought that the idea of a small, afternoon wedding in a garden was a little strange and could not be as remarkable as a fancier, larger wedding. Since the ideas and concepts we had were a little usual, it was challenging at times to convey that vision to others.

Was it difficult to pare down the guest list?

It was difficult. We tried to keep things tactful by sending out a few “wish we could have had you there” notes and politely explaining that our wish was truly for a small, intimate event.

Did you have any ‘issues’ with the small guest list from friends and family?

We had a few but most people were quite understanding. I think it was crucial to keep in mind that this was our one and only wedding day and our happiness was what truly mattered.

What were the highlights of the ceremony?

The landscape of our location was gorgeous and magical. Walking myself down the aisle, which was a curving stone staircase, and making eye contact with nearly every guest was a very special moment. Our Justice of the Peace performed the ceremony which Leon and I had written almost entirely from scratch. After the ceremony had finished and we were walking back through the rows of chairs Leon surprised me my having guests throw fresh rose petals, something I had wanted but hadn’t had the time to organize.

What were the highlights of the reception?

At the reception a mutual friend of ours sang an old love song and we danced surrounded by our closest friends and family. Our littlest guests were adorable and the casual finger food and cake atmosphere made everyone feel at home. Leon and I both had the chance to visit with each guest and thank them personally for coming. We also had many personal touches displayed such as childhood pictures and a little gift “nest” handmade by my sister.

What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding?

It felt like a real reflection of who we are as a couple and what is important to us. I was able to do many DIY wedding projects, with the help of others that likely would not have been feasible on a larger scale. My mother sewed our flower girl dresses, Leon’s mother did all our bouquets and arrangements and Leon and I spent countless hours hand-making a variety of other projects. Seeing the vision come to together so beautifully and being able to share that experience with our loved ones made the day feel incredibly intimate.

What advice do you have for couples who are considering an intimate wedding?

Prioritize what you want to invest in. For Leon and I photography was the most important aspect so we decided to designate more of our budget there. Having beautiful images to remember the day by was far more important to us than giving out favors. Most importantly go with what you really want and try not to be discouraged by other (less creative) people. Having a wedding that is truly a reflection of you as a couple is refreshing and modern. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to have an event that leaves a lasting impression.

Vendors:

Ceremony: Filberg Park and Lodge, Comox BC

Reception: Tomato Tomato, Courtenay BC

Cake: Cakebread & Hot Chocolates, Courtenay BC

Hotel: The Old House, Courtenay, BC

Photographer: Erin Wallis Photography

erin wallis photography

Filed Under: Real Weddings |

Real Weddings: Amanda and Casey’s B.C. Wilderness Wedding

January 9, 2009 by Christina

Amanda, 28 and Casey, 29

Cortes Island, British Columbia, Canada.

Number of Guests: 4

Wedding Ceremony Location: Hollyhock Centre, by the beach.

Wedding Reception Location: We had more of a celebration than a reception. We stayed at Hollyhock Centre and enjoyed the ocean view deck, fire pit, and solar hot tub.

Why did you have an intimate wedding?

A few reasons, all equally important. I wanted to avoid potentially difficult family tension that could have spoiled the magic of our wedding day, as well as the stress a bride often feels on a typical wedding day schedule which, while exciting, is actually pretty grueling. Lastly, I also wanted us to experience the tranquility and beauty of our chosen location without distraction and hurry. I felt we could best do that if it was just our attendants and us. And it was perfect! We went with our instincts and had a spirited, beautiful wedding.

What are some the challenges that you faced planning an intimate wedding?

See below.

Was it difficult to pare down the guest list?

We didn’t include our parents or siblings and that was the hardest part. But we’re completely at peace with our choice. Plus it helped that we had a post-wedding reception weeks later for our family and friends. In essence we got to have two weddings! (Which was a lot more work so I know all about that kind of wedding too.)

Did you have any ‘issues’ with the small guest list from friends and family?

My mom and one of my sister’s had a hard time accepting that they weren’t included until they realized how happy it would make us to get married on our own terms.

If so, how did you address them?

I just explained to them that it was our dream to get married this way and that we knew they wanted us to be happy. They couldn’t argue with that. They became very supportive. We had the ceremony videotaped and we made a photo album of it for them afterwards so they could see it moment for moment.

What were the highlights of the ceremony?

When we read our vows, with the ocean in front of us and birds calling above us, and when our JP pronounced us husband and wife.

What were the highlights of the reception?

It was so relaxed and full of joy. Because it was so intimate, we were able to simply have fun and revel in the moments. There was no crowd to worry about. We changed out of our formals and got comfortable. We were able to let our instincts run the show… ‘Who wants to go in the hot tub?’ It was so great.

What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding?

The freedom to express our feelings during the ceremony, particularly the groom. That made for an especially personal and lovely experience. I know he didn’t want to “get it over with” like some grooms who feel the pressure of a big audience.

What advice do you have for couples who are considering an intimate wedding?

It can definitely be simpler than planning a bigger wedding, but you can still pull out a few stops. If you want to wear your dream dress, do it. You only get married once {well, not always} and it feels amazing to appear how you truly want to on your wedding day, no matter the size of the guest list.

Vendors:

Erin Wallis Photography (AMAZING!)

Photos: Erin Wallis Photography

Filed Under: Real Weddings |

The Backyard Wedding: Tents 101

January 5, 2009 by Christina

outdoor reception tent

More and more couples are choosing to have a backyard wedding. Although outdoor weddings can be wonderful, they can also be disastrous affairs without the proper planning.

For most backyard weddings, tents are a must. No matter what The Weather Channel is saying a week before the wedding day, a tent, or some form of shelter, should be a top priority for couples. Some experts suggest renting an alternate venue, just in case.

One of the most obvious reasons for a tent is that it offers protection in case of rain. Although a tent will offer shelter from rain, wind is another story, says Cheryl Gilbert, who owns a tent rental company in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

“The biggest problem with any backyard wedding is high winds,” she says. “It is only a tent, it isn’t a permanent structure… When you get 60 km an hour winds, the wind gets under that tent and it could lift it up.”

Because of the weather factor, planning for a backyard wedding can be stressful for some couples.

“Some people are all depressed if it rains. If you are going to be disappointed, plan it inside,” she says.

When it comes to renting reception tents, there are three basic tent styles to choose from: push-pole, frame tents and tension tents.

Push-pole tents, which are the most popular of the three, have ceilings that slope from a row of center poles, to a series of poles on the perimeter of the tent. They are anchored in the ground by staking, and generally need seven feet of clearance around the perimeter of the tent.

Because there are interior poles, there is less room inside the tent than the other styles. Most people decorate the poles of push-pole reception tents with drapery to make them more appealing to the eye. Like the other styles of tents, push-pole tents have removable sidewalls, which are either plain white, clear vinyl or cathedral-window style.
Frame tents are generally more expensive than push pole tents. They are ideal for tight spots because they don’t need clearance around the tent’s perimeter. They are also ideal for narrow spots.

Tension tents, which are the most stable and wind-resistant of the three styles, are the least common types of reception tents. The center poles in a tension tent are very high, making the tent have very steep slopes. Because they have fewer interior poles than push-pole tents, there is more room inside the tent.

No matter what style of tent a couple chooses, a tent should be big enough so that guests can move around without bumping into each other.

“I always suggest to my customers to go with a bigger tent. That way they can have more room to move around, and pathways between the tables,” says Gilbert.

She also says couples should make sure everyone will fit beneath the tent – including the entertainment and the caterer.

Most companies that rent reception tents will do an onsite survey of the area to help determine the style and size of the tent appropriate for the event. The survey will also determine the best location for the tent.

“Sometimes the most beautiful spot is not always the best spot. It might not be level, there might be a septic nearby, or overhead wires,” says Suzor.

If you are having a backyard wedding reception, make sure you consult with a company that rents reception tents early on in your planning in order to determine the best place for your event.

Photo: Anne Ruthmann Photography

Filed Under: At Home Weddings, Outdoor Weddings, Wedding Planning, Wedding Reception |

Is an Outdoor Reception for You?

December 12, 2008 by Christina

outdoor reception

An outdoor reception can be pure bliss. After all, what better backdrop than Mother Nature?

But celebrating outdoors is not for everyone.

An outdoor reception generally takes more planning than an indoor reception, and it can be just as expensive – sometimes costing even more.

Because brides and grooms are at the mercy of the elements, they’re also a bigger risk. Mother Nature can be glorious, but she is often unpredictable – and unkind. She won’t hesitate to offer up a deluge during the most delightful of days.

For that reason, outdoor weddings are not for worry warts. Wedding planning can be stressful enough, without having to worry about the weather.

Despite the risks and careful planning required, there are oodles of couples that wouldn’t have their wedding any other way. They’d much rather feel the cushioning of cool grass beneath their feet, than the hard floor of a church or rented hall on their wedding day.

For these couples, deciding on an outdoor reception location is at the top of the ‘to do list’. While some opt to have their weddings in their own backyards, others celebrate in vineyards, forests, beaches or public parks. There’s also the option of having the reception outdoors at a bed and breakfast.

Lea-Ann Suzor, who owns a tent rental company in Windsor, Ontario, Canada says many couples choose to have their outdoor receptions at their parents’ homes – or their own.

“I think people have spent a lot of time and effort on their yards. People are proud of their homes and they like to have their weddings at home so they can showcase their properties,” she says.

Outdoor receptions don’t have to play by all the rules. Some couples opt for champagne brunches, afternoon parties, or cocktail receptions instead of the formal dinner reception.

“We’ve had them go from a casual lobster bake, where guests wore shorts and sandals, to the very formal – with flooring, carpeting and elaborate floral displays,” says Suzor.

Suzor recalls another recent wedding where games, streamers, clowns and balloons were part of the festivities.

“It was almost like a fair. It was pretty and colorful,” says Suzor, pointing out that nearly a third of the wedding guests were children.

One formal option is the cocktail party, says Suzor, who points out that more and more couples are choosing this style of reception.

“A popular thing that I’ve seen recently is more stand-up, cocktail receptions where they have the butler pass around appetizers and wandering minstrel bands in an afternoon or early evening setting,” she says.

Whether a couple opts for a barbecue, or something more formal, an outdoor reception usually requires lots of planning.

“It’s definitely more work,” says Suzor.

And it can be more expensive than one indoors – especially if a couple wants the works (dance floor, lighting, air conditioning, and décor done by a professional).

Photo: Susan Adler Photography