At first glance at this Ontario DIY wedding I was struck by something I felt so clearly and distinctly during the planning of my own wedding. A polarity of feeling by which I was continually torn. Torn between choosing whatever my little bridal heart fancied, and then grounded by the realities that were the numbers in my bank account. The princess with pauper-minded restraint. The bright-eyed but budget conscious.  AND GUESS WHAT?  That’s reality for many brides, my pretties.  It’s reality and it can be fun and wonderful.  Because with a little creativity, teamwork and DIY-spunk your wedding can be that uniquely-yours experience – even if you didn’t rent ghost chairs, ride in on an elephant (I’m looking at you, Nicole Ritchie) or have a giant ice sculpture of yourself (although that would be completely awesome).

Trevor and Michelle’s Ontario DIY wedding shot by the lovely Erin Samuell of SimplePhoto is proof that the demands of the bridal industry can be successfully managed to accommodate your wedding budget.  You can have your DIY poms and eat your cupcakes too!  There are no rules with weddings.  You do not have to sacrifice your style for budget.  Trust this guy (points to self), I have seen so many gorgeous weddings on a budget.  Like this one!  Erin, today’s photographer was wicked enough to fill us in on the details from this DIY wedding:

Trevor and Michelle were married at the Bluewater Shores Resort on Lake Huron. The Bluewater Resort is simply the most wonderful place ever! It’s just like the resort from Dirty Dancing! Dozens of adorable white cabins, with painted blue and yellow doors surrounding a charming activities centre. It overlooks the lake and is surrounded by woodland and fields. You get all warm and fuzzy the minute you set foot on the property (and you kind of feel like dancing!). The atmosphere at the resort is relaxed and comfortable and so was the couple hosting the event! Michelle and Trevor contacted me only a few weeks before the wedding after having second thoughts about not having a photographer at all! I’m so glad they did as it turned out to be one of my favourite weddings of the year. Michelle decorated in yellows with paper poms and bird motif. They creatively carved white pumpkins and used vintage mason jars filled with wheat for center pieces. They boys wore sneakers and celtic yellow ties. The bridesmaids wore navy blue Anne Hung cocktail dresses. The floral was kept to a minimum with only Michelle and the her two bridesmaids carrying small bouquets and a couple simple floral arrangements in the dining hall. Their wedding was completely unpretentious and they made every effort to keep it eco friendly! It was a joy to shoot!

Photography: Erin Samuell, SimplePhoto | Venue: Bluewater Shores Resort |  Bride and Bridesmaids Dresses:  Anne Hung