Lots of handmade, heartfelt details and just about every color of the rainbow make this DIY farm wedding extra special. After meeting at work and a beach proposal that involved a custom engagement ring featuring stones that had been in Ashley’s family for generations, she and Luke said I Do at a family farm. The bride’s aunt and uncle prepped their property for an entire year before the wedding, including making 36 wooden pews to be used for the field ceremony. With a color palette that included just about every shade – pink, purple, yellow, green, peach, and even red – Ashley and Luke’s wedding was colorful and full of some of the most adorable accents, like:
- Ashley’s shoes. The light blue, strappy lace TOMS sandals were comfort-meets-cute and perfect for the low key vibe of the day.
- Vibrant stationery. Gold foil save the dates, a cute floral invitation suite, and matching signs at the reception – all from Vistaprint – brought a touch of playful whimsy. Plus, I’m loving all that color.
- Place cards/favor duo. Guests were treated to jars of homemade jam that served as their seating card and a thank you gift. Edible favors FTW!
Dawn Derbyshire Photography made sure to capture everything that made this wedding unique and super sweet. It’s eclectic, bright, and fun…you’re going to absolutely love it!
From the bride…
When and how did the bride and groom meet?
We met working together about four years ago. Luke was the handsome guy that worked in the back that I was always too nervous to talk to. I would ask my friends at work about him a lot. One night, we ran into each other at a bar while I was celebrating my birthday. We talked a little bit, and as I was leaving, he made a move and grabbed my hand and pulled me back in and kissed me. A few fancy dinner dates later, he asked me out and I’ve never been happier.
Juicy details on the proposal, please! Where, when, how?
We took a vacation to Jacksonville, NC to visit Luke’s brother and sister-in-law in November of 2015. Luke’s brother is a marine stationed in Jacksonville. While we were visiting, his wife showed us around Camp Lejeune and also took us to the beach that was on base. When we got there, I jumped out of the car like a little kid and ran down to the water because I LOVE the beach. I turned around to look for Luke and he was down on one knee holding a ring that was made up of stones that were passed down in my family. I bawled like a baby and of course said yes!
Describe the wedding. The look, theme, style, colors, etc.
Our outdoor wedding/reception was pretty small, about 90 guests. My aunt and uncle offered to let us have it at their beautiful farm. They devoted the past year to helping me plan every detail, from making 36 wooden benches by hand for the ceremony to setting up little children’s plates at the dinner table for the reception. They thought of everything.
What inspired your vision?
When I first started planning, I was having trouble deciding on a certain few colors. So it was decided to go with a fun, colorful theme! I love anything and everything that’s mismatched and has lots of color.
What made your wedding unique?
Our wedding was so special and unique because of it being held where it was. We are the only two to get married where we did, and it’s sentimental that the location is incorporated in our family.
What advice would you give to other Burgh Brides planning their big day?
On the day of your wedding, don’t stress about anything. When your special day finally arrives, enjoy every single minute of it with the ones who are most special to you. The years of planning and late nights finishing last minute things will all be totally worth it. Just remember to slow down and enjoy yourself.
Any must haves, must dos, or can’t live withouts? Anything you would do differently?
If you’re having an outdoor wedding and there is bad weather in the forecast, don’t obsess over it. On my wedding day, the forecast called for storms ALL day. And on top of it there was a tornado warning that was announced in the middle of my reception. But there wasn’t one drop of rain that day (or a tornado!). I spent way too much time worrying about it. Focus on what matters most: you’re marrying the person you love!
Vendors
Bride’s Accessories: Target | Bride’s Shoes: TOMS | Cake: Wild Flour Bake Shoppe | Caterer: Fairground Market Catering | DJ: Michael Zeiler | Flowers: Michaels | Hair: Diva’s Salon | Makeup: DIY | Menswear: Men’s Wearhouse | Photographer: Dawn Derbyshire Photography | Reception Venue: Family farm | Rentals: Festive Tents | Stationery: Vistaprint
Photographer: Dawn Derbyshire Photography
ALL. THOSE. CAKES. :D:D:D
I’ll have a slice of each, please!
As the aunt and uncle we were blessed to have the opportunity to share our love of Ashley with Luke and everyone that attended. Ashley was so calm and receptive during the year preparation. Our home is full of love and through the process the love grew as the wedding day arrived. The day was beautiful as Ashley and Luke began their life’s journey together. We write this as we cruise Europe celebrating 40 years of marriage and we know that they too will reach that milestone in their love journey.
I’m so happy that you enjoyed the post and that you were able to play such a special party in Ashley and Luke’s day. It’s easy to tell that you love your family very much and their wedding day was absolutely beautiful. Enjoy your Europe cruise and happy anniversary to you!!!!