Real Wedding: Shannon + Jesse’s DIY Wedding

I love this wedding that Andrew Thomas Lee sent over to share with you guys! Such gorgeous photos and lots of personal touches. Shannon + Jesse wanted their wedding to incorporate each of their personalities and by keeping an urban setting, casual atmosphere and DIY galore, they achieved exactly that. And I absolutely love Shannon’s style! She reconstructed her dress from a dress from David’s Bridal and wore her grandmother’s belt + veil from the 1940’s. She also made all the flowers for the day out of fabric. And wait until you see the columns in the ceremony space – Jesse built them and lit hundreds of candles to create an amazing ceremony space! What a creative couple. Best wishes to you both!

Most memorable moment of your wedding day? Jesse surprised me with his acoustic version of Foo Fighter’s “Everlong” in the middle of the ceremony. Also, my brother, Captain Jonathan Edwards of the US Army was able to Skype from Baghdad during the ceremony. He called in when I was walking down the aisle and our pastor Alex answered just in time. The laptop was on stage so he go the best seat in the house! It was very cool.

Any advice for those planning now? Don’t stress about little stuff, or big stuff!- it all works out in the end. This is the most bizarre time in your relationship, and this too shall pass! If you can handle planning a wedding together, you can handle anything! There’s ups and downs, disappointments, compromises and surprises. Working through it together helps prepare you for marriage!

Good pictures are extremely important!! When dividing your budget-make sure pictures hold top priority. This is what family, friends and you will look at and remember the wedding by- you want to make sure they’re legit! If you don’t have a videographer, make sure a friend or family member sets up a video camera for the ceremony. You’ll hold on to that for life!

Vendors
Venue: Trinity Anglican Mission and Art Space International
Wedding Dress: A David’s Bridal dress that was reconstructed by the bride
Hair and Makeup: Hair- Hannah at Van Michael Salon in Sandy Springs, make-up – Christy Thiessen (good friend)
Shoes: Frye Carson boots in blue
Bridesmaid Dress: black dress of their choice
Hairpieces: bride’s veil was grandmother’s vintage veil, and the fabric flower clip at the reception as made by the bride.
Groom Suit: Zara
Photography: Andrew Thomas Lee
Floral Design: bride made all the flowers from fabric and silk flowers. The centerpeices were designed by the bride and groom and constructed by friends and family.
Invitations/Paper Goods: Katie Visscher, graphic artist and maid of honor
Cake: Debbie’s Cake House & More, Stockbridge GA
Music: David Gordon, DJ and close friend
Catering: Fox Brother’s BBQ