Soon after Matthew proposed, Polly started looking online at wedding blogs (including GWS!) for wedding ideas. She was instantly inspired by so many of the couple’s we’ve shared here on GWS: both their creativity and amazing DIY projects. She soon realized that even with a limited budget, her keenness for craftiness, help from others and a year to plan, that DIY was the way to go for them so they could have a wedding that was totally them.

Polly + Matthew are pretty laid back, so they wanted their wedding environment and celebration style to give their family + friends the feeling that they were invited over to their home for a party. They quickly fell in love with their venue (Cedar Bend Events outside Austin, Texas) because it had the backyard feel they wanted and could easily be customized into the vintage fun ambiance they were going for. Thanks so much to Paige Newton Photography for the photos and big congrats to Polly + Matthew for crafting up the perfect day for the two of them!

Favorite memory from your wedding?
Of course I have so many memories from our wedding that I will forever hold near + dear to my heart. My favorite moment is when my father and I came around the corner to walk down the aisle. I felt so safe in his arms, I saw all of our favorite people looking at us, and I knew I was seconds away from marrying the man of my dreams. I remember thinking “ WOW!… everyone is really here, they travelled to celebrate with us, this is all REALLY happening!!” It was awesome, that moment that some girls (myself included) dream about. It felt surreal and magical, and I’ll never forget it.

The other moment topping the list was the ceremony itself. Matthew and I were married by my brother- in-law, we wrote our own vows and had seven guests individually stand to read a blessing – in which all of the guests said a response in unison. We wanted it be personal, a real reflection of us; our past, our future, our promises, and our love…and it was truly, just that. Hearing the words from (an emotional) Matthew, our family, & friends made me feel so loved, content and blessed.

My parents were married in 1969 and my mom had a gorgeous hand-sewn lace train on her dress.  She had given me the lace years ago – to someday use for my wedding. I kept part of the lace as it was on her dress and used the other piece to make my garter and flower in my hair (worn during the reception). I also used the lace to wrap my bridal bouquet and my sister’s Matron of Honor bouquet. I added her lace to my veil, to the ring bearer’s pillow and to the flower girl’s headband (also handmade).  These DIY projects were my favorites, as I loved incorporating something from the past, and from someone so special to me.

Any advice for those planning right now?

This is going to sound obvious, but have fun!! Planning a wedding can be extremely enjoyable! Keep in mind there aren’t any rules. Your big day is about you, a reflection of the two of you, your relationships, your personalities, and your style. Get creative (there is inspiration everywhere!) and listen to your hearts. If possible, I recommend utilizing the talent of your family + friends. My girlfriends and mom would come over on the weekends for a fun and crafty afternoon. They would help me work on the ‘project of the week’ and at the same time, we had a chance to catch up and enjoy each other’s company.

We also asked my brother-in-law to marry us, making the ceremony that much more intimate. He volunteered to brew beer for the reception, which was a huge hit. Matthew had a friend offer to make cupcakes; they were delicious and gone within minutes! Your big day will inevitably fly by quickly, all of your planning and passion poured into these moments…soak them in and relish them.

Also, remember why you’re there in the first place…this is about you and your love! Listen to the promises you make to each other in front of all of your favorite people, spend time together, hold hands, steal kisses and have fun!!  As obvious as that all might sound, something could (and probably will go wrong). Try not to worry about it, don’t get caught up in it, as you’re probably the only one that will notice.  This is one of the best days of your life; enjoy it!!

vendors:
photographer: Paige Newton Photography // venue: Cedar Bend Events // catering + cake: Bittersweet Catering // dj: Byrne Rock // dress: Justin Alexander

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