You may remember this fun couple from their travel themed engagement session in Cades Cove. Now you get to see their amazingly elegant DIY/travel wedding!! They spent months purchasing the individual vintage plates and cups for a fun, mismatched look. They made all of the lace balloons, and her family put together the amazing bouquets–I would not have realized they weren’t done by a professional (I love the proteas!!). The birdcage veil and lace dress give such an elegant feel to Amy’s look. Do you recognize the vintage globe from the engagement session? They used it at the wedding for a guest book–having the guests sign on their favorite vacation spot. Their ceremony was set up in front of a gorgeous mountain backdrop. They used local brews for beverages and had a pie bar instead of the traditional wedding cake. This was such a unique celebration!!
From the Bride…
Before the Ring:
Michael and I met in Dallas while we were working as nurses together. I was one of his preceptors when he was a new nurse. During this time, we did not become friends. He claims I was really intense and intimidating. We reconnected on Facebook in 2013 while I was living in Atlanta and he in Dallas, when he replied to a posting I made about the Texas Rangers (one of our common interests).
The Proposal Story:
We went on a weekend backcountry backpacking trip to Panthertown Valley in North Carolina. After a tough first day of hiking, we found the perfect place to set up camp…an isolated thicket of pine trees. The three of us (Michael, my dog Bentley, and I) set up camp and ate dinner at the campfire. It was during this time that Michael pulled out a ring and proposed to me.
What are a few of your favorite DIY details?
Our goal was to repurpose items we already had for decorations. We were able to accomplish our vintage/rustic theme by decorating with items from our families that had been passed down to us. For example, we used an old rope and pulley that was Michael’s grandfather, an old coffee grinder from his grandmother. For our engagement pictures, we used an old quilt made by my great-grandmother. I also wore my great-grandmothers old wedding band. DIY- we spend countless hours making pomanders from coffee filters that we painted our wedding colors (blush and smokey blue). We also made twine balls and lace balls by gluing the twine and old lace to balloons, then popping the balloons once they dried. We put battery operated tea light in them making them into lanterns. We also used old pallets that Michael made into crates for decorative purposes. We also made the save the dates from a fallen tree that we sliced and stamped without wedding info. We recycled the leftover paper from the save the date envelopes for our invitations. We found a free template online that we customized to our needs. We made the old paper into pocketfold envelopes. We ordered bulk flowers and made the bouquets and flower arrangements with the help of family.
Tell us about your dress?
I wanted a dress that was timeless with a vintage flare. I chose an all lace dress with an illusion back by Allure Bridals. I purchased my dress online from “Last minute bride” where they happened to have my size in stock for quick delivery since I did not have time to order.
Photography: Star Noir PhotographyAssociate Photographer: Amanda McKnight
