“Luke and Ashley were married on September 15, 2012 at a lovely, quaint, wooden chapel in the Hamptons. The sky was a perfect blue and the slight breeze from the sandy beach filled the air. The couple ventured into the heart of the Hamptons and posed for photos under one of the village’s windmills. The reception took place at the historic Conklin House (which so happens to be Ashley’s great aunt’s home) in the large hedged-in back yard complete with a swimming pool and long tables decorated with vintage china, old silverware, french bread, and fruit bowls. The newly married couple served their guests a fabulous brunch. With dancing until mid afternoon and a finale with a stroll on the beach with the large bridal party, this event was nothing short of romantic and refreshing.” – Tirzah Photography

The bride actually DIY-ed this amazing veil herself!!! Read her fabulous feedback below for the details. AMAZING job Ashley… it looks stunning!

“The ceremony was my favorite. I loved the anticipation, the 100 yard march from my cottage to the church, my sister and best friend in tow, the nervous beaming smiles, the warmth of prayer from all my bridesmaids and family. Our huge bridal party; in their fluttery pink and stately navy, the huge flock I called my nearest and dearest  (I had a moment of “Did I make a mistake, this is so over the top”) the bridal party was a mile long and 4 wide like a train coming into the back of the church…. then I realized, NO, I’m sooo glad I choose this; these are the people Luke and I love the most. My dads face at the end of the isle waiting for my entrance, the shaking and weeping I could barely walk, my journey down the isle towards a circle of pink dresses & Luke’s silhouette getting clearer and less fuzzy as I got closer… the smell of the church, the weight of my gown, the tears in my moms eyes…

..We made vanilla extract with raw beans and vodka 6 months before the wedding. It was an extremely messy and frustrating project. My sister, my mom and I were all at each others throats covered in black extract and vanilla seeds by the time we finished! But it was delicious and everyone is still raving about them and asking for more!

I fell in love with a $200 angel over your face and head style veil with rhinestones in the fabric… so we made our own with $30 of fabric and $6 of little white glass stones, plus some bobby pins. We simply just cut the fabric in a half circle at the back and pinned it togther the night before the wedding.. easy! Three hours! Mom and my sister, and Molly, helped me ~ it was longer and in my opinion much better!

For the china, I spent a good 8 months scouring thrift, consignment, yard sales, estate sales and antique shops for 150 place settings. I had a few rules to keep me under control, and a lot of doubters to fend off… but I actually really enjoyed this project! I only spent up to 2$ on a dish and kept the patterns to florals or dishes with gold or silver trimmings… I gave them away as gifts in mitch-match sets to my bridesmaids and family following the wedding. I collected dinner, appetizer, and cake dishes, silver for each setting and small glass monkey bowls for yogurt parfaits … I also collected the silver basins and pedestals used for the floral arrangements…

..I’m not really a classical old, new, blue kind of girl but I did wear my mothers jewelry, the simple garment earrings and bracelet I had loved since I was a kid. Luke’s grandmother Gaga sent a prayer hankie covered in tears, love and prayers for me to pin under my dress, since she could be there, which I wrapped my bouquet in instead…

..Let go, just let go… trust the most creative people in your life, and communicate your desires well and then let the details go…

For me this was my sister, Molly, co-owner of The Stem – Kansas City. She runs a small business but packs a big punch. She could work with anything and make it beautiful! Her and my mother double teamed and pulled off a wonderful, memorable, beautiful day. It took me a while to let go of everything and trust them in their creativity and ability to build what I was imagining. On the day of the wedding I was blown away, it was far from the picture in my head, but it had all the things I’d hoped for and more, all the details were sorted out and even the one little disaster I ended up loving: I wanted white single layer cakes on pedestals with lush fresh flowers on the center or side of each cake. The cakes arrived in techni-color from the well meaning scrumptious Italian bakery who definitely had skimmed the details… At least they tasted delicious! And everything else was so beautiful who cared! It was kind of funny to me ..

And… save room in your budget for a great photographer! :)

photography:  Tirzah Photography // ceremony: St Thomas Episcapal Church // dress: Bridal Extraordinare // reception: Historic Conklin House // Floral Designer: The Stem // tux and men’s attire: J.Crew // cinema: Adam Hanly Photo/Video // Caterer: DG Catering // Bakery: Frank and Son Bakery