Ashleigh + Gavin’s wedding planning goal was to create an intimate garden party celebration that was truly about them and their connection. “We wanted it to feel like a sweet party with our closest people celebrating our love,” the couple says. And bonus points if it didn’t cost a zillion dollars! So they took over Gavin’s parents’ tree-lined property just north of Atlanta, Georgia and created a heartfelt wedding day for their nearest and dearest full of classic and boho design details.
And to keep things budget friendly these two got creative and brought their design dreams to life with tons of stylish, elevated DIY projects!
An exciting development to come out of this wedding’s DIY energy? Bride Ashleigh did all the flowers and in the process discovered a new passion! She now runs a floral design business called Ivy + Wren!
We love how Sarah Joy’s beautiful photos totally capture the relaxed romance and fun of Ashleigh + Gavin’s intimate outdoor “I do’s.”
How elegant is Ashleigh’s single stone pear shaped ring?! Take a look at our guide to pear shaped engagement rings if Ashleigh’s cut is the sparkly silhouette you’re looking for.
And snag this 3-slot ivory ring box if you’re loving the idea of a wedding day details shot like this one.
So into the romantic, handmade feel of Ashleigh + Gavin’s sage green boho letterpress vow booklets from Michelle Renee Calligraphy.
The SHOES!! Fun and classic. Love all of the pearl details on Ashleigh’s Public Desire Midnight Heels!
Check out out list of the 24 best spots to buy wedding shoes online + how to choose!
A Family First Look
Gavin’s two daughters + Ashleigh’s daughter played a major part in the wedding. The couple wanted to use the day to celebrate the blending of their beautiful families. They even walked down the aisle with their kiddos! We can’t get over this precious first look.
LOVE how the girls’ dresses are white and dusty blue—nods to both Mom + Dad’s wedding day looks! Check out these 34 flower girl dresses that are too adorable for words.
The Ceremony
How stylish is this modern arched welcome sign that Ashleigh made?! Wedding DIY done right!
The ceremony took place on the property’s sprawling front lawn.
Bride Ashleigh’s floral instincts were right on. So into this romantic a-frame floral installation ceremony backdrop and the way it feels integrated with both the greenhouse and the surrounding woods.
And these ground-blooming aisle florals! So dreamy. So cool to know that this wedding was the start of Ashleigh’s love of floral design and the beginning of Ivy + Wren!
Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding From Ashleigh: That we (my husband, myself, my mom, my MIL) did it all! Especially having my floral business/me as floral designer with my best friend being the #1 Assistant - she barely put her dress on in time to walk down before me! A true MOH.
Love that the girls got their own baby’s breath bouquets!
Flower DUDES taking their petal-tossing responsibilities very seriosuly!
Check out this similar pair of white floral statement earrings from Anthropologie if you’re loving Ashleigh’s accessory choices like we are.
Our Musical Choices Processional: "Bless the Broken Road" by Rascal Flatts (piano cover) + "Stand By Me" - by Ben E. King (Florence + The Machine cover)
Recessional: "Stand By Me" - by Ben E. King (Florence + The Machine cover)
First Dance: "Biblical" by Calum Scott
Our Advice To Those Planning Now Make it fun; take the dance lessons! And remember it's about you and your soon-to-be-spouse and no one else.
A lot of people think the wedding is the finish line - it is the registration table. Continue to date each other, grow in communication skills, deepen your intimacy and practice selflessness - TOGETHER.
Ashleigh’s stunning + dramatic neutral glam makeup look? Yeah, she did it herself!
Another amazing Ashleigh creation? This romantic, flowing cape detail!
Ashleigh started her dress search looking for something silky and sleek, but this lacy Tara Lauren gown with a boned bodice and slit from Lovely Bride Atlanta stole her heart. “When I tried on the Tara Lauren I got goose bumps,” Ashleigh says. “I just felt like ME walking out of the dressing room in it.”
Take a peek at our collection of the best wedding dress trends from Lovely Bride!
Ashleigh’s perfect low pony with wavy face framing pieces was created by by Ally Jo, super talented stylist friend of the bride!
The Reception
We love a wedding word search! SO fun when couples find clever ways of working trivia into their reception or wedding programs.
Tippy Tap rolled up with this adorable baby blue mobile bar to get the back yard reception started! Check out our list of the 16 cutest mobile bars for your wedding!
Anything cooler than a bride in an embellished denim jacket?? Don’t think so. Go take a peek at our favorite bridal jackets for even more edgy inspo.
Ashleigh + Gavin’s vintage-inspired “til death do us part” wedding cake was created by Hell Yeah Gluten Free.
Congrats, Ashleigh + Gavin!! Your intimate outdoor celebration was a DIY dream! Best wishes from GWS!
photography: Sarah Joy Photo // venue name: Groom's Parent's Backyard, Canton, Georgia // florals: Ivy and Wren--The bride! // wedding dress: Tara Lauren // wedding dress boutique: Lovely Bride Atl // hair stylist: Ally Jo // makeup artist: The Bride // videography: Complete Wedding and Events // catering: Tacos and Tequila // cake: Hell Yeah Gluten Free // cocktails: The Tippy Tap
Love the idea of DIY wedding details. wish more people take this on board. It’s so personal and eco friendly. wish you all the best!!!!