“Jessie met Jonathan when she moved to Colorado for college in 2012. They started off as roommates first and with Jonathan’s assistance, Jessie quickly became more acquainted with the city and their friendship grew from there. They married at Honker Bay in Northern California, near where Jessie grew up, on September 17, 2016 and planned a wedding filled with intricate DIY details created by the bride, her bridesmaids and close friends and family. ” –Heather Selzer Photography

What is your favorite wedding day memory?

My favorite moment of the day was my first look with Jon. Seeing him and having him see me before we said “I do” was such an emotionally charged time, and my love for him grew immensely in that moment. All of my anxiety was quieted and I became incredibly confident and ready to get married.

What did you DIY for your wedding?

I DIY’d everything I possibly could for my wedding. Bridesmaid proposal bags, Save the Dates, invitations, our photo booth, personalized hangers and tumblers for the bridesmaids, personalized powder-coated insulated tumblers for the Groomsmen, our ceremony programs, chalkboards, candied walnuts from my family ranch, table numbers, sweetheart table, honey jar favors, cake topper, cookies, flowers, the catering, flower girl basket, ring bearer box and more!

Did you have a something old, new, borrowed and blue?

Yes! My Something Old and Borrowed we’re a handkerchief that has been carried by 5 generations of brides on my Mother’s side that I borrowed from my Grandmother. My Something New was a hand embroidered handkerchief made by my Bridesmaid, Sarah. My Something Blue was a blue and white diamond right hand ring given to me by my father after I beat cancer!

Any advice for brides currently in the planning process?

Enjoy the process and have fun! Making so many decisions in such a short period of time is stressful. My advice is to never lose sight of the fact that when it is all said and done you still get to marry your best friend. There are so many things that I wanted for my wedding that didn’t happen, and honestly when the day came, all of those little things didn’t matter and the day was still exactly what I wanted. If you want to add DIY touches to your wedding my advice is to do one project at a time. That way you can cross things off your list, and you won’t have to worry about having several projects going at the same time. -Jessie, the bride

Event Credits

Photographer: Heather Selzer Photography // Venue: Honker Bay Ranch // DJ: The Wedding DJ // Rentals: Chico Party Rentals // Engagement Ring: Jared // Bride's Attire: Always Elegant Bridal // Bride's Shoes: Bella Luna // Hair: Beautify Salon // Bridesmaid's Attire: Davids Bridal // Groom's + Groomsmen's Attire: Generation Tux // Ring Bearer Bowtie: Armoniia on Etsy // Guestbook: Shutterfly // Bridesmaid's Robes: The Knot