Vintage DIY Wedding

This laid back vintage-inspired wedding was sent by Veronica, who you may recognize a few of her DIY projects we shared here a little while ago, including her gorgeous Easter Lily backdrop that she made for the altar. From the bride: We were married at my parents’ house, my childhood home, and I immediately imagined a very old-fashioned, personal wedding. We never lost sight of our guests during our planning – we wanted them to feel comfortable and happy and very much a part of the day. I always, prefer vintage over new and brought in as many vintage elements as I could. I wanted it to feel special and handmade and for each guest to know I had made something just for them.

My first purchase was the vintage wallpaper that we used as table runners and everything was built up from there. I seriously DIYed the entire thing. The bouquets and boutonnieres (for the wedding party and all of the guests), decorations, table numbers, menus, the stamped napkin placecards, etched water bottles, tote bags for overnight guests, our invitation suite, the chandelier and altar and much more . . . seriously everything. I even made my dress and veil. My mom made the beautiful beaded necklaces my bridal party wore, and two of my aunts potted all of the centerpieces (those flowers are still thriving, by the way!). My dad completely transformed the backyard – dramatically changing the landscaping and even taking down sections of the fence. It was DIY MADNESS!

Veronica’s advice: Our rentals were not in great shape unfortunately – pretty rusty and there were even some holes in the roofs of the tents. I would really suggest researching your rental company ahead of time and making sure they have top quality items – that was something I really took for granted. And as for fun advice – make sure to look around and take it all in – the love and the happiness is so overwhelming. It still warms my heart when I think of it.

Handmade Backyard Wedding Vendors (Sandwich, IL):

Ceremony and reception location(s): Private residence / DOC: Lisa Gordon / Florist: Johnson’s Floral and Sandwich Floral / Photographer: Innerlight Photo / Dress and Veil: Veronica Sheaffer / Shoes: Aris Allen /Jewelry: Handmade and Target / Bridesmaid Dresses: Bari Jay and Jasmine / Groom’s suit: Formally Modern Tuxedo / Caterer: The Catering Gourmets / Wedding Cake : Sweet Sensations / Transportation: First Student

Check out Veronica’s DIY Entries on how to make her gorgeous accordion wheel DIY rosette table numbers, her bridesmaids’ DIY fabric bouquets and her jaw-dropping Easter Lily altar backdrop.