It’s always a thrill to share a couple’s special day with the world. We’re particularly grateful when brides and grooms take the time to share their wedding stories, vendor recommendations, budgeting tips, and creative DIY projects. Not only is it helpful for other couples planning their big days, but it’s also inspiring for us as we see the thought and effort that goes into making each celebration truly unique.
One bride who embodies this enthusiasm is Julianna, whose joy was palpable as she described her and David’s DIY barn wedding. We’re delighted to share not just their stunning photos by Samantha Jay Photography (that first look shot is perfection), but also their dreamy highlight film by JHC Videography. It’s clear from the film and photos that this couple is deeply in love.
Their wedding theme, inspired by The Sweetest Day, a romantic holiday in the Midwest US, was perfectly reflected in the day’s personal touches, creative details, sweet treats, and tributes to their guests and loved ones. But instead of us telling you more about it, we’ve asked Julianna to share her own words about her special day.
Wedding Day Snapshot
It’s always a thrill to share a couple’s special day with the world. We’re particularly grateful when brides and grooms take the time to share their wedding stories, vendor recommendations, budgeting tips, and creative DIY projects. Not only is it helpful for other couples planning their big days, but it’s also inspiring for us as we see the thought and effort that goes into making each celebration truly unique.
One bride who embodies this enthusiasm is Julianna, whose joy was palpable as she described her and David’s DIY barn wedding. We’re delighted to share not just their stunning photos by Samantha Jay Photography (that first look shot is perfection), but also their dreamy highlight film by JHC Videography. It’s clear from the film and photos that this couple is deeply in love.
Their wedding theme, inspired by The Sweetest Day, a romantic holiday in the Midwest US, was perfectly reflected in the day’s personal touches, creative details, sweet treats, and tributes to their guests and loved ones. But instead of us telling you more about it, we’ve asked Julianna to share her own words about her special day.
The Photography & Videography
Samantha Jay Photography’s Samantha and JHC Videography’s Josh share a similar aesthetic that resonates with Dave and me. Both possess an uncanny ability to capture genuine, emotive moments that exude warmth and authenticity. Their passion for their craft is palpable, leaving us feeling at ease and entertained throughout the entire experience. As I had the pleasure of knowing Samantha from our high school and college days, I was thrilled to discover she had launched her photography business.
Her stunning work immediately drew me in, and I knew we had to book her on the spot. Her unique talent has a way of transporting us back to those cherished moments when we look at our photos. Similarly, Josh’s impressive videography skills caught my attention when he captured my friend’s wedding the previous year. His highlight reel was nothing short of breathtaking, and I couldn’t help but feel compelled to get in touch with him.
Although we initially struggled with the decision to include a videographer in our budget, I knew that not having Josh on board would be a disappointment. His exceptional work will forever hold a special place in our hearts, allowing us to relive those unforgettable moments time and again.
The Decor & Details
Samantha Jay Photography’s Samantha and JHC Videography’s Josh share a similar aesthetic that resonates with Dave and me. Both possess an uncanny ability to capture genuine, emotive moments that exude warmth and authenticity. Their passion for their craft is palpable, leaving us feeling at ease and entertained throughout the entire experience. As I had the pleasure of knowing Samantha from our high school and college days, I was thrilled to discover she had launched her photography business.
Her stunning work immediately drew me in, and I knew we had to book her on the spot. Her unique talent has a way of transporting us back to those cherished moments when we look at our photos. Similarly, Josh’s impressive videography skills caught my attention when he captured my friend’s wedding the previous year. His highlight reel was nothing short of breathtaking, and I couldn’t help but feel compelled to get in touch with him.
Although we initially struggled with the decision to include a videographer in our budget, I knew that not having Josh on board would be a disappointment. His exceptional work will forever hold a special place in our hearts, allowing us to relive those unforgettable moments time and again.
Advice for Other Couples
When it comes to wedding planning, Pinterest, Etsy, and real-life wedding blogs can be incredibly helpful resources. I personally found many unique details for our special day on Etsy, while browsing through wedding blogs helped me discover ideas I might have otherwise overlooked. To stay organized and ensure a smooth execution of your vision, consider maintaining a comprehensive wedding spreadsheet.
This will not only aid in budgeting but also help you keep track of every detail, from guest lists to vendor contracts, decor elements, and attire choices. It’s especially valuable for DIY-inspired weddes where creative control is paramount. In hindsight, having a day-of coordinator was an invaluable decision. Rachel from Bowties + Brides went above and beyond in her services, allowing me to focus solely on enjoying the experience rather than worrying about every last detail.
As you approach your big day, remember that it’s essential to savor each moment with all the planning and preparation behind you now is the time to revel in the joy of being surrounded by loved ones. Take a step back, appreciate the beauty around you, and prioritize quality time with your partner ultimately, the key to a stress-free wedding experience lies in embracing the unexpected and going with the flow.
By doing so, you’ll be better equipped to cherish every second of this unforgettable day.
The Refreshments
We were thrilled about our culinary choices, as foodies at heart, and the Guerrilla Ultima BBQ food truck did not disappoint. We opted for a BBQ-themed spread with creative twists on classic dishes. Each guest received a leaf-and-fiber plate to take their meal up to the truck, complete with a cheeky ‘Marriage is Messy’ wet wipe reminder (after all, BBQ can get messy). Our cocktail hour featured a popcorn station – a fun touch that kept things lively.
Desserts were a highlight as we are both donut enthusiasts; we discovered a fantastic local shop offering unique flavors like apple cider and maple bourbon bacon to match our autumnal theme. For the wedding cake, we chose a stunning naked strawberry shortcake with buttercream and powdered sugar – no frills, just pure delight.
Favourite Moments
Among the many cherished moments from my wedding day, I’m particularly fond of the quiet, intimate moments that make them so special. My mom’s help in getting me dressed was one such moment, as were the reactions of my bridesmaids when they saw me for the first time in my dress. These small, tender moments are ones I’ll always treasure. The first look Dave and I shared is undoubtedly a highlight – it was an electrifying experience; I couldn’t stop beaming on my way to him.
The anticipation built up like it would on a first date or after being apart for a long time, and then, when we finally saw each other everything else just melted away. It was a uniquely special moment we got to share together, both comforting and nerve-calming. I think all the ‘firsts’ of the day – our first looks, first kiss as husband and wife, and first dance – were absolute favorites.
Another unforgettable moment for us was seeing how all our hard work paid off: it was like a dream come true, watching everything we’d planned finally fall into place.
The Honeymoon
We embarked on an unforgettable honeymoon adventure in Curacao, where we spent almost two weeks indulging in a mix of relaxation and exploration. Our initial days were marked by a luxurious stay at a resort, followed by a week-long sojourn in a stunning oceanfront house that boasted its own private pool. The property’s breathtaking views and sunsets left us mesmerized, as the warm weather was tempered by gentle breezes and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
Watch Julianna & David’s Beautiful Wedding Highlights Film
The video trailer for Julianna and Dave’s wedding is truly captivating. One aspect that stands out is the unconventional choice to have a close friend serve as their celebrant. The couple also shared a romantic first look, which added an extra layer of intimacy to the day. For dinner, they opted for a unique food truck and donut combination – a treat for both the eyes and taste buds. The bridesmaids’ dresses were also a lovely touch.
I’d like to extend my gratitude to Samantha Jay Photography, JHC Videography, and of course, Julianna and David, for entrusting us with their rustic barn wedding story.