09.12.09

Just a few days more than one year ago, I finally got a last name that everyone can pronounce… and a damn fine husband, too. I can hardly believe a year has come and gone since my wedding, and for those who were following along with my planning, you're probably saying the same thing. It feels like yesterday, doesn't it?

But since all good things are worth repeating (and because they make me smile), I thought today was a good day to share my photos again, along with all the handmade and DIY goodness for the new brides-to-be who are currently planning their big day. Believe it or not, I still have two wedding project tutorials that I've yet to share. You can call me a slacker, it's ok. I will have those for you in October though, so stay tuned!

In the meantime, here's a look back at the best day of my life. You can follow the links throughout, and also at the end of the post, for more details on my invitations, my bridal attire and how I put together the decor, candy bar and cake buffet.

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Our wedding took place on September 12, 2009 at a little place called Skyview Lodge in Brunswick, Ohio, which is a bit southwest of Cleveland. It's a beautiful old tin roofed lodge atop a big hill with an amazing view.

We had the short ceremony at 5pm at the gazebo in the backyard. After waking up to rain, it turned out to be the most perfect weather ever.

With a convenient break in his treatments, my Dad was rested up and feeling great to walk me down the aisle, which was a great blessing.

Guests enjoyed drinks and played corn hole out back while we took some photos on the grounds. The reception began inside shortly after.

Click here to see more photos of the reception decor and my awesome custom card box (shown below). Here you can find a step-by-step tutorial on making the tissue flower napkin rings we used.

Click here for a closer look at our cake buffet with a tutorial on making the sign holders and templates for the flavor cards.

Click here for all the details of how I put together our candy bar, downloadable templates of the candy labels and all the information and resources you need to create your own candy bar.

If you missed it before, here is a post about my dress and all the handmade touches that made up my bridal ensemble!

In October, I will share a few more details and photos of my bouquet with a tutorial on how to dry it after the big day. I'll also have a step by step how-to on making my birds nest ring pillow.

The evening brought the most beautiful sunset which everyone enjoyed from the back deck of the lodge. Later in the evening, my aunt and uncle surprised us by decorating the grounds with luminaries.

We couldn't have asked for a more perfect day.

Photography by David and Lisa Wilding, Lorain, Ohio

LINKS:

Wedding shower gift bags

Designing the invites

The story of my vintage rings

My bridal attire

Crafting the reception decor

Tissue flower napkin ring tutorial

Building the candy bar

And the cake buffet