When it comes to bridesmaid dresses, you know we are all about the cuteness factor. Take the striped bridesmaid dresses in our next feature for example. With a slim waist-defining belt and statement making stripes, these girls have it going on. Not to mention their personalized gold spoon necklaces. Of course, there is so much more loveliness to Jake and Heather’s fun filled wedding that you must read on to find out more. You can see all the photos captured by D’Avello Photography by clicking here.
Heather and Jake and been engaged for years, but the task of pinning down a cohesive feeling for the day was a daunting task. They finally said enough was enough, set the date and planned a wedding in just two and a half months. They decided to only use things that said something about them. The bridesmaids wore striped body suits that were reminiscent of Heather’s self-proclaimed Hamburglar look. She made them spoon necklaces with their nicknames stamped into them, and hair jewelry with cameras (that actually flashed) as a nod to her job as a videographer and editor. The guys had boutonnieres with guitars and guitar picks for Jake’s musical prowess. The floral arrangements were made from dried flowers. Heather spent weeks combing through thrift stores and ebay listings to find vintage jars, plates, vases, pitchers, cameras, typewriters and 1 sewing machine. Jake is from Yosemite and they captured a rustic feeling with log rounds and the florals. They opted for a less traditional ceremony their guests stood around them as his father married them. They skipped the DJ and instead asked their many talented friends (and guests) to perform for them. Everywhere you looked you saw pictures of their life or items that exemplified their love. It was warm and connected and perfectly Heather and Jake.
In the bride’s words:
”I just planned, partied, and survived a wedding, and we did it all in just 2 months and exactly 2 weeks!!! And honestly, it was the GREATEST WEDDING I’VE EVER BEEN TOO. My Husband and I had THE BEST FREAKING TIME AT OUR WEDDING!!!! It’s still being hailed as the party of the year!!! Now granted, the year is young, and I’m sure we’ll have some competition. But for us, our Wedding Day was personal; we served food we liked, we decorated with odd knick knacks that embodied our charm, and we brought love out of even some of hippest and coolest of our friends.
We skipped on many of the traditional things people do with weddings; like table numbers and seating charts. We did what worked for us. We cut out customary activities that didn’t interest us, like a cake cutting, and a garter toss. For my Dude and I, enjoying ourselves was the most important aspect of this whole process. We wanted to chat, to dance, and to take silly photos with friends.
The groomsmen had tiny guitars and picks in their boutonnieres and the bridesmaids had tiny cameras that actually flashed. Heather made them necklaces from tiny spoons (an obsession of hers) with their nicknames stamped on them. Super cute!
People come to a wedding to celebrate YOU, and I think that gets lost in the whole wedding process. Brides and Grooms too often fall prey to becoming Hosts at their own wedding. A Wedding is YOUR party to decorate how you want, serve the food you like to eat, and entertain in ways YOU LIKE TO BE ENTERTAiNED.
I should begin my story by saying, I’ve been with my dude for almost 10 years now; and engaged for 4 of those years. It was me who was stalling, not because I wasn’t sure, or that I doubted my choice. Rather, I was never a girl who had envisioned her wedding day. I wasn’t one of those Gals who’d kept a notebook of magazine clippings hidden under her bed; inspiration for her future Wedding Day. I was starting from scratch. And, anytime I started planning, or investigating I should say, I was overwhelmed by costs, by friends and family insistence on certain traditions, on color scheme, and themes, etc. I had too many ideas, too many plans; too many projects. I got sidetracked, doubted my instincts, got frustrated then gave up. There is this slew of information out there of possibilities for your wedding. Magazines, Pinterest, Etsy; they offer so many choices, so many charming suggestions for atmosphere, for decorations, for desserts even. I’m a Film Director, Photographer, and Writer. The way my brain computes is in visuals, and in stories, and this story was extremely personal. But when it’s your wedding, it’s about you and your mate, and the people you are vowing to be. People are seeing the most intimate side of you. I learned A LOT of valuable lessons over the last 4 years. Weddings are one of the most stressful, exhausting, expensive, and yet one of the greatest times of your life. You should enjoy yourself and your wedding. It should be the best party you’ve even been too!”
The reception was full of vintage cameras, typewriters and even a sewing machine. The bouquets, centerpieces and decor were crafted from mesh screens and dried flowers. The beer, cupcakes and food were gluten free. And the entertainment? The entertainment was provided by their closest friends who took turns playing songs on stage.
Photographer: D’Avello Photography
Venue: Center for the Arts Eagle Rock
Cake: My Sweet Cupcake
Caterer: Island Style Tacos
Dress Designer: Ouma
Flowers: Glue Guns & Daggers
Groom’s Attire: All Saints
Shoe Designer: Poetic License
Bridesmaids Attire: Anjou Clothing
Bridesmaid Accessories: Glue Guns & Daggers
Dessert Plates & Stands: Glue Guns & Daggers
