Micah and I met while rock climbing at a local rock gym when we lived in Lubbock, Texas. He was the cute guy with the (at the time) mohawk. We got to talking and started climbing together regularly, and found out all sorts of things we had in common. We figured out we went to same church, our families lived 15 minutes apart from each other, yet we met 400 miles away. We went to rival high schools, both worked in pediatrics (him a nurse, myself an Occupational Therapist) knew a lot of the same friends, yet had never met until then. We dated for 8 months, and then he proposed while on a white water rafting trip on the Snake River in Idaho. My mom is a white water rafting guide and we hopped on a trip last minute. Little did I know that the biggest thrill of the trip wouldn’t be the class 4 rapids! I was in my last year of my Master’s program, and we decided to plan it for the week after graduation. The next seven months were a complete whirlwind of decorations, vendors, school projects, and moving preparations. Oh, did I not mention that I thought it was a completely sane idea to move across the state (to Austin, TX) 3 weeks before the wedding?

We both wanted something unique, something that represented our respect for the past, my love for patterns and color, and his love for the Southwest. At one point, Micah commented on our wedding colors being “just paisley” as he saw me bring in more fabrics and patterned card stock. I love all things vintage, feminine, and lovely, and if I could, I would decorate my entire home (and closet) in Anthropologie! At this time in our lives, so many friends are getting married and graduating college/grad school, and we just saw a lot of the same. Lots of tradition, very… much the same. I figured, well, we met in a non traditional way and his proposal was not only unexpected, but definitely not on bended knee, that we needed something a little left of center to represent our path to choosing to be together forever. I love a casual, thrown together look and wanted a fun, memorable wedding that represented our tastes. So we chose wildflowers, a variety of milk glass and antique bottles and jars to place them in, and a fun menu of Mexican food for everyone to enjoy. So for months, I hunted through thrift stores, garage sales, estate sales and other people’s junk for the little treasures to decorate our special day!

Venue- Lost Mission | Photography- Captured Photography by Shan Renee in Dallas, TX | Videographer- The Wedding Theater in Austin, TX | Catering- All Occasions of Texas in San Antonio, TX | Coordinator- Wedding Warriors in Wimberley, TX | Florist- WOW Factor in Wimberley, TX | Cupcakes- Kami Besson | Dress- Allure Couture from Belle Saison Bridal in Austin, TX | Hair & Makeup- Done by Bride | Rings- J, Keith’s Jewelers in Lubbock, TX | Bridesmaid’s Dresses- Adrianna Pappell | Groom’s/Groomsmen- Jos. A Bank | Stationery- Wedding Paper Divas (custom color order) | Guest book/poster- Masha D’yans

Photography: Sarah Ainsworth Photography

This is by far one of our most popular DIY projects so I thought I’d go over the basics again of how to make a DIY burlap bouquet. We have had previous made a video tutorial and below you’ll find the steps you need to make this INCREDIBLY INEXPENSIVE, yet rustic bouqet. Enjoy!

Materials:

1. Burlap
2. Scissors
3. Floral stems (we found cool paper covered ones at Michael’s)
4. Ribbon
5. Glue gun
6. Pearl pins (optional)

Steps:

1. Cut a strip of burlap about 2 inches thick and a foot long (depending how big you’d like your flowers)
2. Take your stem and glue the tip of it onto the very end of your strip
3. Begin to roll your stem into the burlap, gluing along the way
4. Continue rolling your stem about 4-5 times. This creates the center “bud” of you flower
5. Now it’s time to start your petals! Take the fabric strip that is dangling from your “bud” and make a fold away from you, holding the bottom of the folding piece close to the stem
6. Overlapping your first “petal” slightly, create another backwards fold or petal. Again, holding the bottom of the fold near the stem
7. Glue your first two petals in place. Try to put the glue closer to the base of your flower
8. Continue steps 5-7 until you’ve completed an entire row of petals all the way around
9. Poke your glue gun in here and there to secure the flower
10. With your remaining fabric you’ll now secure the base of your flower and the top of your stem by winding the fabric around, gluing when appropriate.
11. Voilà! Your little burlap flower!
12. Now personally I like these flowers just on their own, but if you’d like to add a little color to your bud you can add a small piece of ribbon and a pearl pin in the center. If you’re making a bouquet like in the first photo, assemble a few burlap flowers, trim the ends and wrap with ribbon. It’s THAT easy.

Photographer: Abbey Hepner Photography | Hair Stylist: Kim Vam Payrs | Caterer: Court In The Square | Floral Designer: Whimsical Whites | Reception Venue: Amphitryon Court in the Square | Dress Store: David’s Bridal | Dress Designer: Galina Signature | Makeup Artist: Amanda Joseph | Tuxedo and Mens Attire: Armani