A Pretty DIY Wedding

Wedding DIY is a sure way to infuse a lot of yourselves into your special day. From making paper wheels, to light up initials, to the flower girls’ dresses and boys’ bow ties, this wedding is a beautiful DIY affair filled with love, family, and friends.
From the photographer: Caitlyn and Matt were married with no bridal party. It defiantly wasn’t due to lack of friends and family, it was because they didn’t want to lose focus on the meaning of the day. After their first look they were surrounded by their loved ones while they exchanged their vows under the Music Stand in Tower Grove Park in St. Louis, MO. Post ceremony congratulations and family photos wrapped up, we were off to photograph the bride and groom around the city. It was such a blast. With our photos finished it was time to get to the party at Schlafly Tap Room.

Bride: How did you meet? After 2 years of living in the same town and attending the same college, mutual friends introduced us at a mardi gras party a few years later.

What attribute/s drew you to your groom? Matt is so easy going and fun! He is always making me laugh and keeping me on my toes!

Did you have any DIY elements? I made the flower girl dresses. I really enjoyed making them, but after the third dress I realized it was more work than expected. I love how they turned out and that the girls felt pretty in them but if I had managed my time better the hems might have been a little straighter I used the Georgia Twirl Top/Dress by Shwin Designs. The only adjustments I made was to even out the hem (I didn’t like the different lengths) and add a Peter Pan collar. I can’t get enough of the Peter Pan collars.

For the boys I made each of their bow ties. It was way easier than I thought it would be. I only spent an hour sewing, learning how to tie them took a lot longer. I used the free Mix and Match Bow Tie Pattern from Delia Creates.

The light up M & C from our reception we also made. We bought cardboard letters from JoAnn and I used an exacto knife to cut the front portion of the letter out. Then we spray painted and popped lights through the back. It was fairly easy but time consuming and semi terrifying each time we poked a light through. The cardboard was flimsier than expected. This was a last minute project and it is probably my favorite thing that we did.

What made you choose your ceremony and reception venues? We didn’t want a traditional wedding at all. Matt lived near Tower Grove Park while we were dating and we both really enjoy the farmers market there. When looking for a ceremony site The Music Stand was an easy choice.

What was your biggest challenge to overcome while planning? The biggest challenge we had in planning was to not get caught up in other people’s expectations of what a wedding should be. At the end of the day we wanted to be married and to have a laid back, fun day. Every time planning got stressful we reminded each other that the other details were unimportant.

What was the most memorable moment from your wedding? Right after speeches and the first dance our DJ called everyone in the room onto the dance floor. It seemed so awkward and cheesy at first and everyone was nervously looking around. We got into a huge huddle and he started playing what seemed like the slowest version of Shout (a little bit louder now…) that I have ever heard. I remember shooting Matt a terrified look and him reassuringly squeezing my hand. As the music picked up everyone started laughing and having a great time. I love to think back on that moment. Matt and I are so lucky to have started our marriage out surrounded by the people we love most smiling, laughing, and just being happy together. If the DJ had asked us if he could do this I would have said no because I tend to stay away from anything that puts me in the center of a room. I’m so glad he didn’t give us the option. Photographer: Oldani Photography | Specialty Foods: Frostbite Ice Cream | Floral Designer: Mossy Creek Farm | Reception Venue: Schlafly Tap Room | DJ: TKO DJ’s