Amy & Michael’s DIY Travel Wedding:
A Vintage-Inspired Celebration with Global Flair ✈️
If you remember Amy and Michael’s travel-themed engagement session in Cades Cove, you’re in for a treat—because now, you get to see their incredibly elegant DIY travel wedding!
This was a wedding that perfectly blended vintage charm, meaningful travel-inspired details, and heartfelt DIY touches. Amy and Michael spent months collecting individual vintage plates and cups for a beautifully mismatched tablescape, while their families pitched in to create handmade floral arrangements and delicate lace lanterns.
Everywhere you looked, there were thoughtful, travel-inspired details—like the vintage globe guest book, where guests signed their favorite travel destinations instead of a traditional book, and the local brews and pie bar, which added a fun and personal touch.
Set against a breathtaking mountain backdrop, their wedding was the perfect mix of elegance, adventure, and creativity. Let’s dive into all the unique, budget-friendly, and sentimental details that made this DIY travel wedding one for the books!
The Love Story Behind the Wedding
Amy and Michael’s relationship started in Dallas, Texas, where they were both working as nurses. In a fun twist, Amy was actually one of Michael’s preceptors when he was a new nurse—but they didn’t exactly hit it off at first.
“He claims I was really intense and intimidating,” Amy laughs.
Years later, they reconnected on Facebook in 2013 when Michael replied to one of Amy’s posts about the Texas Rangers—one of their shared passions. From there, their love story truly began.
A Travel-Themed Wedding with Vintage Flair ✈️
Since travel was such a huge part of their love story, Amy and Michael incorporated subtle, meaningful travel elements throughout their wedding.
1. The Vintage Globe Guest Book
Remember the vintage globe from their engagement session? They brought it back for the wedding—but with a twist!
Instead of a traditional guest book, guests were asked to:
Sign their names on their favorite travel destination—a fun, creative way to tie in the travel theme!
Guest Book Tip: A globe or vintage map guest book is a perfect keepsake—something you can display at home for years to come.
2. Mismatched Vintage China & Glassware ️
Instead of using standard rental tableware, Amy and Michael spent months collecting:
✔️ Vintage mismatched plates, teacups, and goblets
✔️ Antique silverware & table linens
The result? A stunning, eclectic tablescape that felt unique, elegant, and personal.
DIY Tableware Tip: Thrift stores and estate sales are great places to find beautiful, budget-friendly vintage tableware!
The Proposal: A Backcountry Adventure in North Carolina
Michael planned a weekend backpacking trip to Panthertown Valley in North Carolina—a location perfect for two adventurous, nature-loving souls.
After a long and challenging day of hiking, they set up camp in an isolated pine thicket with Amy’s dog, Bentley, by their side.
As they sat by the campfire, enjoying a quiet dinner, Michael pulled out a ring and proposed—sealing their love in the heart of the wilderness.
It was the perfect proposal—simple, intimate, and reflective of their adventurous spirits.
Handmade Details: A Wedding Built from the Heart ✨
Amy and Michael’s wedding was filled with sentimental DIY elements, many of which were made from items that had been passed down through their families.
DIY Decor & Sentimental Touches
Vintage Family Heirlooms: They incorporated meaningful items from their families, including:
- An old rope and pulley that belonged to Michael’s grandfather.
- A vintage coffee grinder from Michael’s grandmother.
- A handmade quilt from Amy’s great-grandmother, which was also featured in their engagement photos.
- Amy’s great-grandmother’s wedding band, which she wore as her “something old.”
Handmade Wedding Details:
- Coffee filter pomanders painted in their wedding colors (blush & smoky blue).
- Twine & lace lanterns made by gluing lace and twine to balloons, then popping the balloons once dry—these were turned into glowing lanterns with tea lights!
- Old pallets repurposed into rustic wooden crates for decor.
- DIY Save-the-Dates made from a fallen tree—they sliced the wood and stamped them with their wedding details.
- Handmade invitations using leftover paper from their Save-the-Date envelopes, customized from a free online template.
DIY Flowers & Bouquets:
Instead of hiring a florist, they ordered bulk flowers and had family members arrange them into bouquets and centerpieces.
Florals Included:
✔️ Proteas (one of Amy’s favorites!)
✔️ Soft pastel roses
✔️ Dried wildflowers & eucalyptus for a rustic touch
And honestly? The bouquets looked SO professional that you’d never guess they were handmade!
DIY Tip: Buying flowers in bulk and arranging them yourself saves money and makes your wedding florals even more special.
A Mountain-View Ceremony & Unique Reception ️
Amy and Michael’s ceremony took place in front of a breathtaking mountain backdrop, creating a natural, serene, and unforgettable setting.
Ceremony Highlights:
✔️ A simple wooden arch draped in handmade lace & florals.
✔️ Guests seated in rows of rustic wooden chairs.
✔️ The soft mountain breeze & golden light made every moment feel magical.
For the reception, they wanted something laid-back, fun, and memorable—so they ditched the traditional wedding cake and went for a PIE BAR instead!
Food & Drink Details:
✔️ Locally brewed craft beer & cider for a personal touch.
✔️ A pie bar featuring homemade and locally baked pies instead of cake.
✔️ Comfort food favorites like mac & cheese and BBQ sliders.
Reception Tip: Skip traditional elements that don’t excite you and replace them with things that feel authentic and fun.
Why Choose a DIY Travel-Themed Wedding?
A travel-themed wedding is ideal for couples who:
✔️ Love exploring new places together and want to reflect that in their wedding.
✔️ Want a wedding that’s 100% unique and personal rather than a traditional cookie-cutter event.
✔️ Enjoy DIY projects and want to save money while adding meaningful, handmade elements.
✔️ Have a love for vintage decor, maps, and adventure—and want their guests to feel like they’re embarking on a journey with them!
Amy and Michael’s wedding was the perfect example of how to blend travel inspiration, DIY creativity, and vintage elegance into a beautiful, memorable celebration.
A Wedding That Was Uniquely Theirs
Amy and Michael’s DIY travel wedding was proof that:
✔️ Personal touches make a wedding truly special.
✔️ You don’t need to spend a fortune to create a beautiful, elegant event.
✔️ Incorporating travel, family heirlooms, and handmade elements creates lasting memories.
From their mountain-view ceremony to the globe guest book and pie bar, every detail reflected their love story perfectly.
Photography: Star Noir Photography
Associate Photographer: Amanda McKnight
More Wedding Inspiration:
10 Creative DIY Wedding Ideas
How to Plan a Travel-Themed Wedding
Best Outdoor Wedding Locations in the Smoky Mountains
Are you planning a DIY or travel-inspired wedding? Let’s make it unforgettable together! ✨