Laid-Back DIY Alabama Wedding: Lauren + Trevor

Alabama river wedding

When Wesley + Emma of W&E Photographie, aka photographers behind today’s gorge wedding, described this couple’s day as ‘effortlessly cool’ + ‘stylishly detail oriented’ we we’re chomping at the bit to have a peek. Once we saw the photos (and recognized the friendly faces of Lauren + Trevor from their Rocky Mountain winter engagement session we featured!) we were 200% sold on sharing it all here with you!

If L + T knew one thing, it was that a traditional southern wedding just wasn’t for them. Instead, a DIY soirée filled with lots of fun details + a relaxed, carefree vibe was what they were after. They infused the setting with their personal style, creating a scene that was unique to them. Lauren tells us, There are so many places to pull inspiration from when it comes to a wedding celebration. For us, we just wanted to have the whole weekend reflect who we are as a couple and embody the laid back vibe we exude. When thinking about the grander vision of the wedding day, including decorations, flow, and feel, we just wanted it to be a culmination of what we love.

modern type invitation

deep red and white bouquet

wooden ring

bridesmaids in army green

wild river bouquets

We’re pretty on board with everything you see here. Bridesmaids in Zara shift dresses (paired with booties)? Yep. Super lovely woodland bouquets (with feathers!) by Marked? Mmmhmm. And Laura’s crazy-good bridal ensemble (a top from Revolve Clothing, paired with a skirt by Joanna August)? Absolutely!

bridesmaids in army green

groomsmen in blue

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

Trevor: The entire wedding ceremony. I felt like it was the perfect display of our love for one another, the faithfulness of God, and the support of our family and friends.

Lauren: The whole day (really the weekend) was incredibly memorable, but if I had to pick a particular moment I would have to say walking toward my man. Music is one of the most important things in our relationship (I am a musician and Trevor works as a concert promoter in the music industry), so choosing the perfect song to build up to me walking down to the river was a long process. In the end, Belmont alumna Dinah Smith's arrangement of Come Thou Fount and Bon Iver's Perth couldn't have been more fitting. As the song echoed through the forest we were surrounded by and my amazing dad steadied my hand, I walked toward my groom. The particular moment that will forever be firmly fixed into my mind is when I stepped onto the river's concrete slab and could finally see Trevor's eyes. They were not only brimming with tears, but they were filled with awe, adoration, and unwavering love for me. In that moment I knew that I had never loved anyone more than him, and I would spend the rest of my life learning how to love him well.

Alabama river wedding

Alabama river wedding

Our Musical Choices

Processional: Groomsmen: We Will Make it There – Abby Gundersen; Bridesmaids + Bride: Perth/Come Thou Fount – Dinah Smith

Recessional: Stop Your Crying – Lake Street Dive

First Dance: I'll Be Your Man – The Black Keys

Alabama river wedding

Alabama river wedding

Alabama river wedding

boots with wedding dress

Loving everything about these two + their style!

Alabama river wedding

floral hair piece

Alabama river wedding

Alabama wedding

wooden calligraphy program

paper seating chart on wood

bistro lights

W&E Photographie shares, Lauren and her gals hand-made the amazing macrame hanging piece behind the head table, while her brother created the structure it would hang from and rigged the Edison bulb lights. Their reception was also spotted with a couple of campfires and a ton of falsa blankets. It was so cozy!

giant macrame backdrop

green garland runner

towel favor napkin

winter centerpiece

winter centerpiece

cake table

smoke bomb photos

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

I would encourage everyone to look at the planning process in the greater scheme of life. Your wedding day, although extremely important and irreplaceable, is just that - a day. When the process becomes overwhelming, remind yourself that at the end of it all you will be married to your best friend. What's better than that? I would also encourage people to consider investing more time in preparing their hearts for the huge life change that is marriage, rather than becoming consumed with color schemes and seating charts.

photography: W&E Photographie // venue name: Swann Lake Stables, Cahaba Heights, Alabama // event design: Bride // planning: Bride // florals: Marked // bride's shoes: Nisolo // bridesmaid dresses: Zara // hair stylist: Hannah Marie Clardy // makeup artist: Hannah Marie Clardy // groom attire: Billy Reid // videography: Back Down South Films // catering: Tazikis // cake: Mary Deaton Heldman // music: Stephen Fryrear // officiant: Matt Francisco // day of coordinator: Abby Grace Brown // wedding dress: Top from Revolve Clothing, Bottom from Joanna August // invitations: Daniel Petrino // paper: Bride // stone goods: Bride // rentals: Event Rentals Unlimited

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