DIY Doughnut Bar Real Wedding

Ana and Cliff were married on a gorgeous April day in Michigan.  Their outdoor wedding was held at the bride's parents' home which was a bit nerve wracking due to the crazy weather mother nature was laying down on Michigan the week before.  (If you know April in the Midwest, than enough said). But the weather pulled through and this outdoor DIY wedding was nothing short of spectacular.  You are not going to believe the amazing details put together by the bride and groom.  Hint: A mountain of Krispy Kreme doughnuts and a popcorn bar may make an appearance.  Of course all of this would not have been possible without the mad skills of Brandon Shafer Photography who helped bring it all to life.  Thanks for sharing!

The groom was dressed in casual denim and vintage tweed with a matching Polo bow tie.  Which was completely fitting for Cliff since he runs his own business selling unique vintage suits.  In fact, each groomsman rocked a different style vintage suit and shoes.  The biggest shocker yet...the men picked up all their attire for a steal at thrift stores and off Ebay.  Proof you can look dapper on a budget.

Ana and Cliff did a first look to share a special moment just between the two of them.  There is nothing more pure and romantic than when a bride and groom see each other for the first time on their wedding day.  Which makes this sweet moment just between the bride and groom even that more special.  And we have to say a "first look" before the ceremony is also a great way to shake off some wedding day jitters.

Words cannot convey how in love we are with this guest book sign in area.  Asking guests to mark their favorite passage in your Bible is such a sweet idea for any Christian wedding.  How amazing would it be (even years after) to look back through your Bible to see what friends and family have highlighted for you.  Definitely a sentiment worth cherishing.

This Krispy Kreme doughnut bar is to die for! Doesn't it make your mouth water and your eye's glaze over in delight (pun intended).  Set out some personalized goodie bags for guests to fill up and take home as late night treats.

As if the doughnut bar wasn't enough! A popcorn bar complete with M&M's, roasted peanuts, and other delicious toppings also greeted guests.  The best of both worlds; sweet and savory to satisfy everyone's palette.  What an adorable addition to an absolutely perfect DIY wedding.

Photography: Brandon Shafer Photography / Ceremony Venue: Kentwood Community Church / Reception Venue: Bride's Parents' Home / DJ: Celebration Entertainment / Caterer: Adeline Leigh Catering / Tuxedos: Thrift Stores and Ebay / Wedding Dress: Bridal Gallery / Makeup: Brandis Baughman / Hair: Cody Fugate / Groom's Shoes: Thrift Store / Bride's Shoes: Davids Bridal

1920s Art Deco Wedding Inspiration Shoot

Inspired by an infatuation with the aesthetics of both Downton Abbey and The Great Gatsby, this styled wedding shoot features stately elegance contrasted by vivid passion. This is reminiscent of the traditional reserve that existed side by side with the uninhibited flapper culture. The theme and styling were designed and beautifully captured by the incredibly talented Michelle Marie Photographie.

The Philips Hotel in downtown Kansas City, Missouri was chosen as the shoot’s location for its historic art deco design and majestic ballrooms, proving to be the absolutely perfect backdrop for this stunning shoot. The colors and textures chosen for this shoot, from the flowers and apparel to the intimate reception tablescape, serve to illustrate the moods of the era. Pumpkin the Bulldog even made an appearance alongside our chic couple, adorned with an antique rhinestone collar! 

J. Lynn was responsible for wardrobe styling and provided all of the garments worn by the couple. The bride's era-appropriate dress is nothing short of spectacular and the groom’s fabulous beaver-skin top hat completes his look.

The artisan-crafted headdress worn by our stunning bride was hand-made by a local artist, Jamie Everdene of Waste Not Wear All. The silver headpiece is comprised of elaborately carved silver and copper with small accent pearls, and represents a modern interpretation of the art deco headpieces worn throughout the 1920s.

The miniature fan place cards were the main DIY aspect featured in this unique shoot, dipslaying each guest’s name spelled out in retro bubble stickers. We love these playful details alongside the elegant table settings complete with art deco inspired chargers, soft florals, and gorgeous glass and silver ware.

We can't get enough of this wedding inspiration shoot, with every last detail coming together beautifully, and we hope you enjoyed it as well! The passion in these photos is almost tangible. We think Christian Nestell Bovee says it best: “It is the passion that is in a kiss that gives to it its sweetness…”

Photographer: Michelle Marie Photographie / Reception Venue: The Philips Hotel / Dress Store: J.Lynn Bridal / Veils and Headpieces: Waste Not Wear All / Cake Designer: The Cakery Bakery / Floral Designer: Owens Flower Shop

DIY Winter Scene Wedding Favors

We are so excited to feature this week's DIY inspiration.  Adorable winter scene wedding favors.  So easy to put together and super cute (don't you think?).  Great for any winter wedding tablescape whether you are going for a traditional look or a more rustic look.  The best part is your guests will love displaying them in their homes afterwards.  Get the how-to below.

The Supplies

 

- Cedar Branches (or other faux branches)

- Glass Bell Jars - order here

- Antique Love Birds - order here

- Mini Pine Cones

- Fake Snow

- Scissors or Wire Cutters

- Glue Gun and Glue Sticks

- Glass Glue (not shown)

Instructions

Cut off small sections of your cedar branches (we found our craft supplies at Save-on-Crafts).  Arrange them to your liking so that some stand upright and others fan out.  Pay close attention that the cuttings fit inside your glass holder (more info on that later).  Your cuttings should begin to form the support for holding your love birds. Add a bit off hot glue between the cedar cuttings to hold the branches together.  Allow to dry.

Next, arrange your two love birds so they are nested in your cedar setting.  Once you are happy with your arrangement, glue the birds down.  Voila! Next up, fill in any holes or areas that need sprucing with your mini pine cones. Secure with hot glue.  We placed one front and center because they were too adorable to pass up.

Now...before adding your snow, make sure that your scene fits inside your holder.  Test by putting the lid on.  Trim any excess cedar branches if needed.  Once everything is to your liking, finish off your winter scene with a good sprinkling of fake snow.

For assembly, add a dab of hot glue to the bottom of your love bird setting and secure to the base of your holder.  We added extra fake snow to our holder for good measure.  Before adding the glass top, run some Loctite glass glue around the rim, so your snow scene will be forever preserved.  (This will also help guests with transporting their favors home.  Super important to consider).

The Result