DIY Wedding

Do you ever notice how many people end up crying or tearing up at weddings?  I know a lot of people hate crying at weddings because of the mascara mishaps, showing your true feelings (boys), or having to carry around soggy Kleenexes, but I personally love it when I get to be a part of weddings that make me tear up.  I guess the tears represent that ultimate symbol of connection to the bride/groom/love/ life and everything in between.  From the time Leigh told me she was engaged until the time she walked down the aisle, I’ve had to touch up quite a bit of eye makeup yet loved every second along the way…

Leigh is a sincere, kind, warm hearted, free spirited person who leaves a lasting impression on everyone she meets.  When I say everyone, I especially mean Alex because they met back in high school.  Alex is an outgoing, loyal, laid back guy who brings entertainment and smiles to all our gatherings.  Alex and Leigh really wanted a wedding all about friends and family in their hometown of Indianapolis, Indiana.  The Indy wedding was chic with inspirations from our well-known favorite bloggers; Landlocked Bride, Style Me Pretty, Green Wedding Shoes and Once Wed.

The Ceremony: Leigh and Alex had an onsite ceremony at the Marvis Art Center.  The aisle was hand made by Leigh’s mom and dad (who thankfully gave us the heads up on how to walk on it without messing it up ).  The guest count was near 150 with friends and family from all over.  The highlight of the day for me was Leigh’s dad giant smile throughout the entire ceremony; you could feel the happiness for his daughter radiating around the room; I’ve never seen any other father so elated. Through all the tears of happiness from Leigh’s mom, a few bridesmaids, and I, it was uplifting to witness the happiest father of the bride I’ve ever seen.

The Reception: I love nothing more than couples using their imaginations and incorporating things they already have and love for a reception theme.  Alex has spent most of his years collecting bottle caps and Leigh loves the vintage look of antique handkerchiefs.  Not to be overshadowed was the cocktail hour- the view overlooking the city was the perfect appetizer for an unforgettable night.  As guests entered the dinner area,  ohhhh’s and ahhhh’s echoed the room while everyone embraced the flowers done by Circle City Planner florist, Tiffany, admired the cupcake arrangement done by Flying Cupcake, and marveled at the art work given to the couple by Anna Beelke (Alex’s sister).  I was finally able to stop the tears and truly enjoy the beauty of the hard work, love, and celebration all around me.  Stay posted for professional pictures from Amanda Wilcher!

The Theme: Do It Yourself and Keep It Simple

The Pallet: Cobalt Blue, Yellow and Gray

Photographers- Amanda Wilcher Photography

Hair- Michelle Vandergrift

Stationary- designed by bride’s friend Maia Gantcheva

Wedding Dress- Martina Liana

Bridesmaid Dress- Alfred Sung

Bridesmaid Jewelry- Talbotts

Dj- Track7dj: Joel Nowacki

Flowers- Circle City Designers

Cupcakes- The Flying Cupcake

Something New- Shoes and earrings

Something Old- Lace on hairpiece and ring

Something Blue- Hair pin

Borrowed- Garter

Koozies – Kustom Koozies

Etsy purchases- Boutonniere materials, flower girl dress, mother and grandmothers corsages

DIY- Fingerprint train, pinwheels, books, seating cards, cupcake garland, decorated books for table numbers, boutonnieres, veil, flower girl ball, ring bearer pillow and donation baggies for Lieu of favors to the Humane Society

Leigh and Alex it was my pleasure to be a part of your day- here’s to many more years of friendship!