What is your favorite wedding day memory?

My favorite memory was the first look. I’m SO glad we decided to do it! We both thought it was so nice to have a chance to see each other before the ceremony and talk for a minute. We enjoyed being able to see how the other looked and I got to show him the dress I’d been waiting months to show him and see his reaction to it. It was so special. It was a very sweet moment that we were alone for which was not something we had much of that day. Plus it so happened that the way the sun was shining, he told me later that he couldn’t see me walk down the aisle. Once I got to the first row or two he could finally see me so we were even more grateful that we’d decided to do that. I’d also say my other favorite moment was right after the ceremony, we went into the barn, just us and had a moment to celebrate being JUST married. That was really sweet and special to get a few minutes to soak that in before everything else happened.

What did you DIY for your wedding?

Yes! I DIY’d a TON for the wedding! One of my favorite things were the bouquets. I used Something Turquoise to DIY the felt flower bouquet and corsages. A friend of mine came from Alaska to visit for a weekend and we made a ton of flowers and leaves for them. I was SO glad we were able to do that and loved how they turned out! At the last minute I decided to make corsages for our Mothers’ and our nieces so they had something special too. That was one of my favorite things and now I get to look at my wedding bouquet everyday! We also DIY’d the aisle signs – my Dad and I picked out the wood and he cut them to the right size. Then my cousin painted on all of the verse and lace accents. I loved having those line the aisle and now decorate our house. We had enough wood leftover to make a Gifts and Cards sign and all of our table number signs. We also made all the paper signs throughout the reception – the sparklers, seating list and our hashtag info, as well as bought all the lanterns and wood pieces throughout the reception. We also made gifts for our bridal party, the favors and the hotel welcome bags. We had a family friend make the beer cases for the groomsmen and I made canvas bags and sparkly hangers for the bridesmaids. The favors were mints that I used sticker paper to make into little bags that said “Mint to Be”. The welcome bags for the hotels were a free download I found that I made into stickers to put on some water, snacks and mini sunscreen {because we’re in Arizona}. Lastly, I DIY’d my Dad’s tie. I sewed the tie he wore as a gift for him when I was young and he’s kept it all these years. When we got engaged, he asked to wear it and it happened to match our colors so it totally worked and everyone loved it!

Any advice for brides currently in the planning process?

I would suggest planning a time for you and your new or soon-to-be new spouse to take a minute alone on the wedding day. As I mentioned, that was one of favorite parts of the day and one of my most vivid memories of the day. It goes just as fast, if not faster, than everyone says it does so planning 5 minutes to be alone {either before or after if you don’t do a first look} would be my advice! -Danna, the Bride

Event Credits

Photographer; The Amburgeys // Venue: The Paseo // Florist + Rentals: Lace and Barn // Catering: Special Moments Catering and Events // Cake: Honeymoon Sweets // Invitations: Costco // DJ: AZ Party Rockers // Engagement Ring: Schmitt Jewlers // Bride's Attire: Wedding Belles Bridal Boutique // Hair + Make-up: Beautiful You by Stacie // Groom + Groomsmen's Attire: Nick's Menswear