I’m playing favorites again. I know I shouldn’t, but this DIY wedding is just too much. It’s making it’s way into my favorites list. DIY-meets-vintage weddings are my ‘thing’. So when Andrea Dozier, photographer extraordinaire, sent me these photos they were an instant fave.
Joe and Sarah’s wedding should be a source of inspiration for you DIY brides out there. She pulled everything off with such style. LOVE those paper flowers. I’m working on pulling some DIY projects from this wedding for you guys. Stay tuned! In the meantime here’s Sarah:
Joe’s family is from Duluth, which is a beautiful harbor town on Lake Superior. It didn’t take long to decide on the city for our wedding. Then, we needed a venue that spoke for itself. I didn’t want to be covering white walls with tulle the day before my wedding. The Historic Duluth Depot seemed ideal, with its French-chateau architecture and 88 foot ceilings. Joe’s grandfather, Chuck Bailey worked for the railroad during most of his life and even helped design some of the trains that are now housed in the Depot’s museum (where a cocktail hour was held for our guests). Considering the scenic location, the beautiful building and our built-in tour guide, we just couldn’t resist.
After the ceremony, when the pressure was off, we all let out a big sigh of relief and went down to the railroad tracks. Joe had convinced the Depot manager to let us bring out the handcar and take it up and down the track. We had a blast, and of course, got some wonderful photos out of the deal! The happy faces in those pictures say it all.
I handcrafted almost everything I could. From adding buttons and detailing to shoes and hats to centerpieces, favors and card boxes. The centerpieces were either paper flowers in altered wine bottles or glass vases filled with rolls of sheet music, both styles were stacked on top of vintage hard-covered books from our very own bookshelf. The favors I made from burlap sacks (which I acquired from the coffee roastery at which I am employed) and filled with chocolate covered espresso beans.
It’s amazing how the day absolutely flew by. I guess that’s what happens when you’re having fun. The day after the wedding Joe and I went to brunch and spent the entire mealtime gushing about how wonderful, helpful and enjoyable everyone was, from our friends and family to the caterer and the band. We couldn’t have asked for a better day.
I never expected to be into weddings. I hadn’t even given one thought to what my “dream wedding” would be like until I had a ring on my finger. Then, it was like a challenge: to create the most original, personal and aesthetic wedding possible. I loved it! Now, I’m involved in the planning of friends’ weddings. I can’t seem to get enough.
Yup. It’s called the wedding bug, Sarah. Welcome to the club!
Joe and Sarah’s Vendor List
Venue: The Historic Duluth Depot
Wedding Dress: Oleg Cassini
Shoes: Anthropologie. Leaf pendants added by Sarah (originally clip on earrings)
Bridesmaid Dress: Jessica McClintock
Menswear: Jim’s Formalwear via Brides of France Boutique
Caterer and Cake: Red Swan Catering/ Molly Dollar
Invitations: Sarah Bailey. Altered Vintage Postcards
Florist: Flower Guys
Entertainment: Michael Patterson a.k.a. “Mick and the Hepcatz”
Bridal Veil: Daisy-Days
Photography: Andrea Dozier Boutique Photography
Joel and I wanted to make our ceremony sweet and simple, acknowledging our commitment to God as well as each other. We wrote our own vows and had each one of our fathers pray their blessing over us. The day could not have been more perfect. I would do it again in a heartbeat! It was intimate and laid-back and just really fun! The part I love the most is the fact that I am married to Joel, he is my heart. I’m beyond blessed to have him in my life and I am looking forward to sharing many experiences together, all the while learning more about him and developing a bond that will never break. 
