What creative or personal aspects did you include in your wedding?
I had worked in the wedding industry in the past, so I had been around a lot of grandiose weddings. I knew I did not want that. It just wasn’t who we were. We wanted something super small and intimate, centered around our vows more than anything else. We also love to travel and wanted to make it as cost efficient as possible to save money for an amazing honeymoon! We ended up having it in our backyard and only inviting immediate family.
The house was where we first moved in together, so it had lots of significance in our relationship. We made the arbor ourselves out of copper pipes and sheer curtains from the house. We had a florist make a small garland that we draped over the arbor for the ceremony and moved to the table to be the centerpiece. My sister helped to set up the table with the garland and the same twinkle lights and candles Simon had used for the proposal. Our caterer was amazing! They set up all the food and then left us to have private family time. They later came back to clean it up, so we barely lifted a finger! It was the perfect evening!
What were your favorite parts of the day?
My favorite part of the day was when Simon and I exchanged vows. We had planned to do a first look and take some pictures before everyone else arrived. We were so caught up in emotion after seeing each other, we decided to say our vows to each other right then and there. It was very emotional and private. Just a very special moment. We later said them again in front of our family, but it felt more meaningful having said them just to each other beforehand.
Did you do any DIY projects or create any handmade items for your weddings?
We made our arbor out of copper plumbing pipe. It took many trips to Home Depot because we are not craft people, but in the end, we were proud of ourselves! Just about everything we used for decor was something we already had in the house, so it wasn’t necessarily DIY, more being resourceful.
Do you have any advice for couples planning their weddings now?
DO WHAT YOU WANT!!! Everyone is going to have opinions about what you should do and who you should invite. Don’t listen to them. You do what you want and those who love you will understand and admire your decision.
