Like so many of you can surely relate, Lauren + Kyle were on a tight budget for their big day. Funny thing is, at first they thought their budget was huge, but they quickly realized after getting a few quotes, that they’d have to get pretty crafty in order to have their dream wedding. And crafty they got! They spray painted vases, crafted playful signage – and even handmade their sweetheart table out of old floor boards. In the end, their DIYs ended up being one of the most memorable aspects of their wedding, and they have the fondest memories of their Saturday morning thrifting trips and weekly sushi + craft nights! Here’s a bit more about being a DIY bride from Lauren:
With no budget for a wedding planner, we got to really reap the rewards of our hard work on that perfect September day. We are creative, crafty people who know how to stretch a dollar. We wanted the wedding to feel like us – fun, but not too flashy. And definitely not cookie-cutter. We wanted everything to mean something to us. We were thrilled with how everything turned out, and so grateful.
Definitely relatable and wise words that I’m sure other budget + DIY couples will be happy to hear! Big thanks to Lydia Jane Photography for the beautiful photos + congrats to Lauren + Kyle on a super rad day!
Didn’t Lauren make the loveliest bride?! We have a super similar Sarah Seven dress in the GWS shop right now if you’re loving her stylish, romantic vibe, too!
From Kyle: My favorite moment of our wedding was the first look. I know I was hesitant at first, but looking back, I'm so glad we did it. It was OUR moment and it was OUR love to share with each other and no one else, if only for a few seconds of the day. Lauren's face showed all the trials in the past we had gone through to make it to that day, and all the joy we look forward to in our life together.
From Lauren: I agree with him. My favorite moment was the first look also. I was so nervous (not to marry him but just to be the center of attention for the day - scary!) and as soon as I saw him for the first look, I breathed a huge sigh of relief (after crying, ha!). I could finally relax for a bit and was so happy and suddenly way more calm and comfortable.
Processional: Bridal Party: Sea of Love – Cat Power; Bride: Untitled 3 – Sigur Ros
Recessional: Tonight, Tonight – Smashing Pumpkins
First Dance: My Love for You is Real – Ryan Adams
Lauren + Kyle saved some cash on table florals by purchasing wholesale and arranging with friends + family the night before the wedding. And if you were admiring Lauren’s bouquet + flower crown, those pieces were designed by Amy of Crimson & Clover, a friend of the couple’s!
We wish we could try this funfetti cake with strawberry buttercream frosting! We’re thinking it was probably the best-tasting wedding cake of all time. Y-U-M! :)
To see more of this sweet couple’s big day, don’t miss the video by Tyler Davis of Monolith!
Have fun! Get crafty - your friends and family WANT to help you - let them! The wedding will be all the more personal for it. Don't take on too many projects. Pick a few and get started ASAP. That way, you can really take your time over many months, instead of feeling stressed and overwhelmed at the last minute. It's so tempting to do nothing wedding-wise in the middle of your engagement. But you'll be kicking yourself when it gets closer to the big day for not starting those projects sooner. Also! Stand your ground. If you have a vision for your day of how it should feel, or look, or what food will be served - make it happen!! People can be quick to question your plans, or suggest alternatives to things you're really excited about - and that can really bring you down. Don't let it! Thank them kindly for their suggestion and then ignore it and move forward with your vision. This day is all about you and your fiance. The only opinions that TRULY matter are yours.
photography: Lydia Jane Photography // venue name: McDonald Barn, privately owned in Pennsylvania // wedding dress: Sarah Seven // hairpiece: Amy of Crimson & Clover Floral Designs // bride's shoes: J.Crew // bridesmaid dresses: They all picked their own from any store they wanted. I just gave them a color // hair stylist: Roxanne Farias-Walsh (friend) // makeup artist: Roxanne Farias-Walsh (friend) // groom attire: Zara // videography: Tyler Davis of Monolith // paper goods: August Schwartz (bridesman), Jess Soulen (friend) // catering: Pizzeria Moto // cake: Providence Divine // music: Ryan of Mixing Maryland // flower crown: Amy of Crimson & Clover // bouquet: Amy of Crimson & Clover // bridesmaids bouquets: wholesale // other flowers: wholesale // bridal belt: Untamed Petals
The photobooth pic is adorable!
I absolutely adore this wedding dress!
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! The couple, the ceremony, the reception location, everything!
lush, lush, lush!! Love this one! mwah
Lauren’s dress is just beautiful and I adore the belt… Please tell me where the belt is from!
Thank you so much! :) The belt is by Untamed Petals, purchased on Etsy.
Where was this held? I’m on a tight budget and all the barn weddings i’ve found are 6000 without anything else…
Never mind, i actually read the fine print and found out lol
the most beautiful wedding!
Thrilled to be a part of Lauren and Kyle’s wedding day! Fun and original. We haven’t seen anything like it!
Your video brought me to tears…so, so beautiful. So freakin’ FUN. So amazing, so simple. a million times, YES….this, THIS is why we do what we do.
I love her Sarah Seven dress, her hair, her tattoos, and especially the Smashing Pumpkins recessional! Beautiful wedding.
Awesome to see a gorgeous bride rocking her tattoos on her big day! They suit her so well and look awesome with her beautiful gown and flower crown
Loved this. What is that song that is playing when you’re walking down the aisle?
Thank you! I walked down the aisle to Untitled 3 by Sigur Ros :)
funfetti cake with strawberry buttercream frosting!! I really want to try that it looks so brilliant!
Lovely! Beautiful couple. The photobooth pictures are my favorite.
What a fun, glamorous and natural wedding
I absolutely adore this wedding dress!
Where was this barn? It is so perfect! Its like a dream!
Lauren – thanks so much for your sharing your advice! I have been on gws a lot during my engagement, and your advice was spot on and the most helpful. Thank you!!
Lauren-
I was wondering if you could let me know how I can contact this venue. I love the look of it and it is exactly what I am looking for. If you know of a phone number or an address that I can use to get in contact with this place then please let me know! Thank you very much and your wedding pics are beautiful!
The barn is privately owned by Jennifer McDonald and is in Seven Valleys, PA. Her email address is the only contact info I have: [email protected]. Good luck!
The video is amazing and something I am sure the two of you will enjoy forever. I was really moved by the obvious love you two share for each other. Your day looked absolutely amazing, as did the two of you. Congrats!
This wedding is beautiful.
I’m from PA as well and I’m wondering where you rented your photo booth from? I’m dying to have a classic black and white booth like we’ve used for years on the beach!
Is this barn available to rent?!
This wedding was so beautiful. I am looking to get in touch with the barn. Do you have any contact information? Thank you!
Sorry, we recently stopped by the barn to reminisce and the groundskeeper told us they no longer rent it out. The family is keeping it private.