Last week I introduced a new series here on GWS – what if you got the chance to redo your wedding now (or if not yet married, what does your dream wedding look like) featuring some of my favorite bloggers. We had a great response to our first blogger and now I’m excited to share the next in our series with artist + fashion blogger, Kelli Murray! Kelli also has a great blog where she shares fashion posts, her artwork, and photos of her adorable daughter to name a few things. I just LOVE Kelli’s art – in fact, you’ll spot some in Sienna’s nursery when I share that in a few weeks! :) We also shared Kelli’s wedding a few years back here on GWS so it’s fun to catch up with her. Thanks Kelli for taking the time to dream a bit with us today…
When I think back to my wedding day, I still remember it as one of the best days of my life. It was everything I envisioned wanting at the time. It was intimate, outdoors, largely DIY and very true to us. But if I were to plan a wedding all over again (I’d still marry the same guy) there are a few things I would do differently! Especially if we are talking “dream” wedding here!
If I had my (dream) wedding to do all over again…
Ironically, my husband and I both grew up visiting our grandparents cabins in wisconsin every summer as kids. Him being from Minnesota, and me from California. As fate would have it, we met 15 years later in San Diego and bonded over our mutual love for the northwoods of Wisconsin. For both of us, that place holds so many wonderful memories. I’ve always thought that getting married by the lake amidst all the tall trees that grew up with us over the years would be pretty special. Even re-living some of those childhood memories we share. A simple setting, yet unexpectedly beautiful. So with that, here is a taste of my dream wedding in the woods.
wedding style: romantic, bohemian
color palette: plum, blush, dusty shale, ivory, antique gold
vibe for your wedding + reception: I’d really just want it to be a big party where people feel relaxed and comfortable. I’d want an outdoor ceremony with the reception held in a big barn…overflowing with florals and strung with lights.
location: Wisconsin (in the woods) with an old barn
the dress: Burnished Organza Gown
the invites: The invites below would be pretty perfect – but I would definitely design something original myself.
dream photographer: Jose Villa
current fashion/interior design/art trends you’d incorporate: Floral crowns for all of my bridesmaids who would wear different, but coordinating dresses. Lights and buntings strung along the trees. Rustic farmhouse style tables at the reception with vintage linens and tons of florals and glass jars. Gold flatware. I’d want to include some woodsy elements as well to tie in with the location: antlers, branches, birch wood.
on the menu: food served family style: wine braised beef short ribs, slow roasted wild salmon, heirloom arugula salad, smashed fingerling potatoes, macaroni and cheese…I could keep going but i’ll stop :) 2 signature cocktails – an old fashion and a moscow mule (in copper cups of course) and dessert would be homemade pies and apple crisp! And outside, a bonfire and s’mores.
would you DIY anything? YES! I would DIY as much as I could. I feel like adding a handmade touch is really what’s able to set your wedding apart and adds more of your personality. Here are a few DIY projects I think would be great to incorporate: Ombre Fabric Backdrop, Doily Table Runner, Baby’s Breath Monograms, Oversized Floral Wreath and Banner, Drawer Knob Place Card Holders
any fun activities at the reception? A good DJ and a huge dance floor :) And, you can’t go without a photobooth for the guests. Love the concept of smilebooth.
photo credits: inspiration photo // table image // gold flatware // bouquet // chairs // headpiece // wedding dress // invite
This is such a good idea for an ongoing post, I’m always so interested to hear people’s thoughts on their own weddings – what were the most significant parts of their day, what they would change etc… Keep up the good work! Looking forward to reading more of these! ;) xx
Ahhh Kelli, I love you’re vision! I’m getting married in October at ranch wearing that exact dress! Gorgeous :)
Whoa… your dream wedding was my wedding!
So much fun being a part of this Jen! Thanks for letting me dream :) And I can’t WAIT to see Sienna’s nursery!! So much love. xo.
Love her re-imagined color palette! And so fun to see a MNE bouquet in there!:)
I absolutely love this post! I think it’s so fun to brainstorm all the amazing ideas you want for your big day! Plus, I couldn’t agree more that the more DIY projects you do for the wedding, the more personal it feels to your guests! LOVE this post — thanks for sharing!
Gorgeous ideas! Very rustic, romantic, beautiful. I love the idea of re-imagining your wedding years later, might even be a fantastic party idea for your 10year anniversary!