Six months ago I married the love of my life. After booking the honeymoon of our dreams, we decided to have a DIY vintage themed wedding. Our weeknights and weekends were full of crafting, several trials of desserts, and best of all much quality time with our dear ones. We were so blessed to have our family and friends help us realize the wedding we had envisioned. With patience and hard work we planned a wedding in less than 5 months. I hope this post serves as hope and some type of inspiration to those considering a DIY wedding, just as others did for me.
The Venue
We got married at Rosedale Manor in Greenwell State Park located in Hollywood, Maryland. The manor was built in the 1880's, located along the Patuxent River, and included a perennial garden. 100% of the money provided for the venue went towards the on-site camp that serves youth diagnosed with disabilities. A good family friend officiated the ceremony. We felt so loved by our guests who came prepared to sit in the rain just to witness our love. As one of our friends described, the clouds parted in divine intervention right as we said our "I Do's."
The Details
We were so thrilled to have our dear friend design our invitations. It added an extra touch of authenticity to our wedding. I love flowers, but loved the idea of having my bridesmaids carry lanterns to light the way to my man's heart. After the ceremony, the lanterns were used as part of the centerpieces. Additionally, my sister and friends helped construct the flower crowns for the bridesmaids and boutonnieres for the groomsmen. The infinity dresses were perfect as they allowed each bridesmaid to pick their own style for the day of. The groomsmen looked dashing in their new suits, thanks to the help of a good friend.
My mother made my fingertip veil. It was so special to wear a veil made by my mother, and I hope to pass it down so it one day becomes an heirloom. A family friend made my bridal and toss bouquet. The pastel flowers smelled amazing and added a romantic touch to our wedding. My good friend assisted with my hair and makeup and made sure I felt beautiful all throughout!
Dessert
My in-laws made the pies and cakes for our wedding. There were many weeks of test trials, that we definitely did not mind. We've always admired their baking skills and were so happy to share the love we have for their desserts with our loved ones.
Other Details
We added a few more items to our venue to encourage a vintage feel with a little bit of travel thrown in there. For our cardholder, we used a distressed bird cage and paired it with a candelabra. We used map boxes to as part of our favors and a watercolor map as our "guest book." We are big on recycling, and instead of using programs, we painted a timeline on a pallet and used wooden slabs as the foundation for our centerpieces.
Words of Advice for a DIY Wedding
Have Fun! Maryland had set a record in rainy days and although it upset me at first, we realized there was nothing we could do about it. Our guests were prepared with ponchos and umbrellas during the ceremony. By the time we left the venue that evening, we had muddy shoes and dresses. It was amazing!
Every couple has different priorities when it comes to weddings. We decided to put most of our savings into our two week honeymoon in Europe and have a small DIY wedding. If you do your research ahead of time and utilize the resources around you, you will find that planning your own wedding is doable!
Find vendors that will work with your budget! We found an amazing photographer and used a DJ that our family had previously used. They were so kind and willing to help out in anyway. Our photographer saw us setting up, and jumped right in to help us. The DJ and his wife were so structured and served as coordinators for the night-a big help for a DIY wedding!
Try to locate a venue that will let you bring an outside caterer and a caterer that will serve alcohol that you purchase. We were able to save a ton by just doing a little bit more research on venues and caterers. We had to travel an hour away from our home but what we found was a non profit venue that donated every cent to a good cause!
If you have friends and family who are willing to help, be open to their generosity. We had friends who woke up early to help set up and stayed to the very end to help close up. Others who used their skills to add some originality to our wedding. We are blessed.
Venue: Rosedale Manor at Greenwell State Park
Photographer: Jessica Nazarova PhotographyOfficiant: David Findley
Music: Millennial X Entertainment /DJ Danny Turner
Caterer: Smokey Joes Restaurant
Dessert: Dennis and Michele Callaghan
Bridal and Bridesmaid Attire: I Do I Do Wedding Gowns; The Peppy Studio; Dorothy Garcia
Groom and Groomsmen Attire: Mens Wearhouse; Nordstrom
Invitations: Julia Chiplis; Office Depot
Flowers: Ginger Thompson
Make Up & Hair: Ashley Garrett
Decorations: Pier1; Michaels; Hobby Lobby; Bed Bath & Beyond; Etsy-Macanaz
