Fun Backyard DIY Summer Wedding

The most important thing on Lauren and Dan's wedding day was to have fun with their family and friends - and they made it happen one DIY project at a time.  Everyone in the bridal party and family had a hand in putting together this fabulous tented backyard affair.  The bride's father - a wood shop teacher - made loads of details and props for the wedding, bridesmaids cut table runners, groomsmen constructed a catapult to launch the bridal bouquet, and the moms washed out pickle and salsa jars that would hold votives on the couple's big day.  Between the activities leading up to this wedding and the ceremony and reception themselves, the bride and groom are sure to remember this day for years to come.  We can't thank Something Blue Wedding Photography enough for sharing this real wedding with us.

The groomsmen put together this awesome catapult to launch the bridal bouquet.  Guests wrote their names on flags and stuck them in the yard to see who's guess is closest.  Talk about a fun wedding game! 

Photographer: Something Blue Wedding Photography / Event Designer: A Touch of Elegance LLC / Favors and Gifts: Apex Bee Company / Invitation Designer: David's Bridal / Tent Rental: Ocean Tents & Party Rentals / Floral Designer: Reynolds Garden Shop / Caterer: Sweet Jenny's / Signage: Sweet NC Collective

Glam Black Tie Jewish Wedding

Arielle and Jason's black tie New Jersey wedding was simple gorgeous and one for the storybooks.  Full of crystal, black and white details, and antique gold decor that glittered throughout their ceremony and reception.  The couple's wedding was held at the Crystal Plaza in New Jersey, which definitely comes by it's name naturally.  The stunning crystal chandeliers that echo throughout the hall are absolutely breathtaking.  Brought to life by EXO Photography, a big thank you for sharing Arielle and Jason's gorgeous day with us.

We love when our brides and grooms decide to do a first look before their ceremony.  There is nothing quite as beautiful as capturing the face of a groom seeing his bride for the first time.  The emotion that comes through the photos are why we love weddings in the first place.

Keeping with tradition, Jason breaks a glass to solidify his and Arielle's wedding vows.  A time honored practice upheld still at nearly every Jewish wedding.  Mazel tov!

 Photography: EXO Photography / Venue: Crystal Plaza, New Jersey

Rustic Elegance Fall Wedding in the Catskills

Jamine and James set off to create an amazingly fun, family-centric celebration - and goodness, did they deliver! You can just feel their joy radiating from the photos of their special day, skillfully captured by Sherry Sutton Photography. It was quite the action-packed day for guests, with the wedding ceremony in New Jersey and the reception about two hours away in the Catskills of New York.

Their touching wedding ceremony was held at the bride's home church amidst all of their family and friends. Jamine walked down the aisle with her mother and father, looking beyond beautiful in her mermaid-style lace gown. The smile on the groom's face is priceless when he sees his bride coming towards him. After a bubble-send off these newlyweds and their guests headed off to their tented outdoor reception. 

The fall-inspired reception was held on the groom's family property, where they had transformed a wide open field into a wedding venue with gorgeous views! They brought in a large white tent, tables with linens, a bar, DJ, and portable restrooms to cater to guests. The groom even custom built a trellis and fire pits as a wedding surprise to the bride, which brought her to tears when she saw them. The bride's family is Latin, so the evening was filled with Latin music and dancing - and lots and lots of love and laughter.

Burlap runners and table numbers are paired with Victorian purple napkins. Orange and white flowers with long branches fit perfectly for a rustic fall feel. 

After the sun went down, the fire pits were lit and everyone made s'mores from the kits the bride and groom had made for their guests as favors. 

This gorgeous custom wedding cake was created by My Daughter's Cakes, and features an intricate lace design which imitates the beautiful lace overlay and accents on the bride's dress. 

Photographer: Sherry Sutton Photography / Ceremony Venue: St. Joseph’s Parish / Transportation: BBZ Limousine and Livery Service / Bridal Makeup: Shamair Nedd / Bridal Hair: Sara Recio / Dress Boutique: Fantasia Bridal Center / Dress Designer: Maggie Sottero / Tux Rental: Men’s Wearhouse / Cake Baker: My Daughter’s Cakes / DJ: Musica Union / Videographer: Villanovisions / Caterer: Bridge Creek Catering / Tent Rental Company: Events Unlimited / Centerpieces: Karen’s Flower Shoppe / Bridal Bouquets and Boutaineers: Tiger Lily by Encke / Valet: Park Plus Valet Service, Inc.