Starting the week off on the right foot is all about inspiration, and Hilary and Gordon’s whimsical DIY wedding in North Carolina is just that. Captured with warmth and charm by Brett and Jessica, this picturesque celebration has all the makings of a dreamy day. With its lush herb farm backdrop, delicate lace-adorned wedding dress, and mouthwatering eats, there’s plenty to swoon over.
The couple’s passion for sharing their favorite foods with loved ones shines through in the locally catered feast and the sweet surprise of a snow cone food truck. But what truly sets this wedding apart is the incredible array of DIY details that bring the day to life – think glitter-kissed mason jars, flowing fabric garlands, rustic wooden signs, and a cornucopia of textures featuring burlap, wood, tulle, lace, and more.
The Style & Colour Palette
With a penchant for the vibrant hue, it’s no surprise that pink played a starring role in my color palette. While our vintage farm wedding theme was simplicity itself, I found myself drawn to a predominantly neutral scheme punctuated by soft blush tones. The overall aesthetic was effortlessly charming, with mason jars and a pinch of sparkle adding whimsy and romance to the proceedings.
The Attire
I opted for an enchanting empire-waist Wtoo gown that captured the essence of our outdoor wedding’s whimsical atmosphere. The delicate flowers, beading, and lace along the sweetheart neck and hem added to its ethereal beauty. In a bold move, I allowed my bridesmaids to select their own dresses in shades of blush or light pink, trusting that their unique choices would come together harmoniously.
Miraculously, most of their dresses remained unspoken until the big day, only to reveal a stunning visual cohesion that perfectly complemented my own gown.
The Flowers
My floral arrangements were a beautiful blend of soft pinks and whites, evoking a romantic charm. The bouquet I carried featured Juliet Garden roses, blush Sahara roses, and a touch of elegance with brunia berries and sedum edged in dusty miller leaves, all wrapped in rustic burlap and delicate lace. Meanwhile, my bridesmaids’ bouquets were a crisp white affair, showcasing white hydrangeas, lisianthus, seeded eucalyptus, and a pop of bright pink alstromeria to add some whimsy.
The men’s attire was equally stylish, with the groom and groomsmen wearing boutonnieres that combined spray roses – white for the groom, light pink for his attendants – with brunia berries and dusty miller leaves, all tied together with twine.
The Ceremony
As my dear friend had traveled from as far away as San Francisco to attend the special occasion, they took a moment to reflect on their surroundings by reading Psalm 34:1-8. Allowing its words to settle in and prepare for the celebration that was to come.
The Photography
When selecting a photographer, my primary consideration was finding someone whose aesthetic resonated with me. I fell for Brett and Jessica Photography because their images exuded a captivating blend of beauty, timelessness, and uniqueness. Their photographs didn’t conform to traditional norms but instead showcased a refreshing departure from the expected.
My goal was to find a style that would still captivate me in 50+ years – and Brett & Jessica’s distinctive approach struck the perfect balance between classic charm and creative flair.
Décor & Details
With a strong emphasis on DIY, our wedding decorations were the result of two days of collaborative effort from family and friends. Together, we transformed the rustic charm of the old horse barn at our venue into a whimsical wonderland by suspending tulle, twinkling lights, and glittering mason jars from the ceiling.
Meanwhile, my mom and her sisters brought their floristry skills to the fore, creatively arranging fresh blooms from local grocery stores in an assortment of vases – including mason jars – that I had collected during my engagement. The end result was a breathtakingly beautiful display that perfectly captured the essence of my wedding vision.
Unique & Special Details
The story of our wedding is one of collective effort and love. Hours upon hours of hard work were poured into making our special day a reality, courtesy of our friends and family who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Their unwavering support and enthusiasm brought my dream wedding to life, making it all the more meaningful that we got to share it with loved ones from far and wide.
The Refreshments
When we decided to celebrate this special occasion with friends and family, our go-to Greek restaurant didn’t disappoint. They brought their renowned catering skills to the table, setting up an impressive buffet that wowed both young and old alike. The spread was nothing short of phenomenal, showcasing the same mouthwatering flavors that have us returning time and again to share a meal.
Meanwhile, one of our closest family friends really outdid themselves with an assortment of scrumptious cupcakes in a variety of delectable flavors, as well as a charming 2-tier funfetti cake, all perfectly tailored to make the celebration even more unforgettable for us.
The Favors
To create a personal touch at our wedding, we decided to order custom favors for our guests. We opted for a unique combination of apple butter and chai tea from the venue’s preferred supplier. The creative team at the venue went above and beyond by designing special labels for our tea blend, cleverly naming it ‘Edmiston Apple Chai’ in honor of our new shared surname.
The Music
As I stepped down the aisle, my daddy by my side, the soothing instrumental tones of Coldplay’s ‘Reign of Love’ filled the air, accompanied only by our footsteps. But when it came time for us to return to the altar, Mat Kearney’s heartfelt rendition of ‘Count on Me’ marked a poignant moment in our celebration, and while many couples might opt for a traditional first dance ballad, my partner and I chose instead to sway to the infectious beat of Breakbot’ Writes ‘Baby I’m Yours’.
This unorthodox selection allowed us to let loose and choreograph a playful routine that reflected our fun-loving personalities.
Favourite Moments
As we strolled back down the aisle, one of my fondest memories from the day was born. We slipped away into the serene herb garden, basking in the tranquility and savoring our newfound marriage. The images from that peaceful interlude remain some of my most treasured moments from the entire celebration, and although it wasn’t part of the original plan, we reveled in the intimacy and sweetness of being newlyweds for a few precious moments before diving into the night’s festivities.
To Hilary and Gordon, I extend warm congratulations and wish you all the happiness in the world. A heartfelt thank you to them for sharing their special day with us, and gratitude also to Brett and Jessica for capturing it so exquisitely through their lens. Be sure to keep an eye out later today for the stunning wedding film that will be making its debut. And if you’re craving more inspiration for your own big day, don’t miss this curated selection of creative and crafty nuptials.