I absolutely love this idea! I remember our wedding morning as rushed, worrying about everything for the day and really not that relaxing. Wouldn’t it just be so sweet if you could have a romantic pre-wedding brunch with your honey to start the day?! I know it might not be possible for everyone, but if you are doing a backyard wedding, I can’t think of a more perfect way to start your wedding day…
As the sun rises over a vibrant green orchard, our bride receives a personal invite to a surprise brunch planned by her groom. Revealed among the trees is a beautiful scene where the couple will settle in for an intimate hour together. Strolling, cuddling, and savoring a brunch feast for two.
The groom and his helpers (ah-hem, bridesmaids) made sure to include an abundance of personal touches — family artifacts reminding the couple of the generations they are uniting with their marriage, a banquet made of crates gathered from the orchard, and even a collection of love notes written by the groom himself. Tucked throughout the scene are numerous DIY creations — torn sheets from the groom’s grandmother’s sewing stash, family favorite dishes for the menu, homemade peach marmalade with personalized tags, and paper flowers made from pages of favorite novels.
This may look like a bit of a dream, but it was actually designed + collected on a budget. Homemade food, handmade creations, and borrowed items are among the strategies used to keep the cost down. Bartering was key when purchasing some of the larger décor pieces.. Thanks so much to all these talented vendors for sharing your creativity with us today!

photography: Nathan Peel Photography // wedding dress: Savoy dress from BHLDN // makeup artist: Corey Adams // event planner: Blue Dahlia Events // floral designer: inspired floral design // location: Hollmeyer Orchard // Invitation Designer: Five Dot Design // jewelry: Five Little Gems Jewelry
Fantastically beautiful in every way: design, decor, photography, paper…all of it!
How sweet! I think this is such a darling idea. And that set up… WOW! I love the I <3 you board!
What a fantastically special way to start your wedding day!
so sweet and super cute!
Wow, that is so fun! And absolutely gorgeous. We ate donuts together in the sanctuary…does that count? :-)
Love this idea! I’m doing a pre-wedding brunch with my bridesmaids, but I think one with the future hubby would be really sweet, especially for a small, quaint wedding.
It was sweet of you to share this. I’ve been talking with my soon to be beau about spending just an hour together the morning of the wedding. It’s nice to see others think about that too!
Thanks!
A pre-wedding brunch is a great idea! There’s nothing like taking a little time to relax and enjoy each other, leaving the stress of wedding planning behind – even if just for a moment. Brides, remember to enjoy your wedding and let everything fall into place.
The pictures are so pretty, too.
This is so funny… I have always known that when I get married… I was going to plan this. I didn’t want the anxiety of day to get to me… nor am I a fan of the “can’t see the bride” tradition/rule. Now even more so I’ll hold to those plans!
Oh my gosh! Could this be any cuter? I don’t think so!
This must be one of the most beautiful inspiration shoots I have seen in a long time. The invitations are gorgeous. The brides dress is so elegant…well done everyone! I would love to be in this dream!
We ate breakfast together on the VA Beach boardwalk at an old hotel diner. The waitstaff hooted and hollered when they found out we were getting married later in the day. One of my favorite memories. Nerves, eggs, and mimosas with my husband-to-be! :)
I love the idea of relaxing brunch before the big day!
I did not see any wedding rush or stress in the photos. Everything seemed to have been in a perfect and calm mood. I love the idea of having a brunch before the ceremonies, that’s really cool. I love the last photo, that is so sweet.
I love the idea. I love the pictures, and the dress is oh so sweet, I can’t find the right words to express it:)
Stunning pictures, beautiful couple, all look amazing and natural!!!
such a cute idea! i still love the “don’t see each other till you walk down the aisle” thing, but if i was gonna do a first look, it’d include some chocolate chip pancakes afterwards :)
we recently shot a wedding where the bride and groom had breakfast together on their wedding day..I thought it was a GREAT idea!
OMG her HAIR! A.dor.a.ble. These two and this shoot are beyond lovely… every aspect is swoon worthy. I love the little love notes and the use of fonts. Really seriously gorgeous.
I love that yellow invitation!!!
Gorgeous shoot! Wow. What is the I <3 you board made of? that's precious and can easily be a home decoration post-wedding
Nina- The board is using an old letterpress box (the letters were kept in each of the different sections). I’ve seen them at flea markets and on ebay. :)
Stunning and yet so simple and oh so sweet! There’s still time, make my fiancé plan this for us!!!! Please!! And to boot, a great way to make sure I will remember to eat. So lovely and so much heart and talent went into this shoot. Gorgeous!
I love the idea. I love the pictures, and the dress is oh so sweet, I can’t find the right words to express it:) I thought it was a GREAT idea!