We have a slight obsession for backyard weddings 'round here... but we're even more obsessed with the gorgeous work of Shipra Panosian. When she sent over this sweet DIY affair, described by bride as "crafted with love by the people who know us best", we were sold from the very first look.
Kristin and Craig met while working at a restaurant; says Kristin, "He was my boss. (Shhhhhh! It was scandalous!) We had an instant connection. We loved all the same pop culture things - books, movies, music. We would find ourselves staying late at the restaurant, carrying on conversations into the middle of the night."
I knew there was something special between us one night when we talked about this little personality quiz. You're supposed to say what your favorite animal is and the qualities of that animal you love. Then you're supposed to say what your second favorite animal is and the qualities of that animal that you love. Supposedly, your favorite animal's qualities represent the qualities you truly like in yourself. And, the second animal's qualities reveal what you are looking for in a mate. My animals were #1 – dog (I ADORE my puppies) and #2 - bear. Craig's favorite animals were #1 - bear, and #2 – dog. It was so serendipitous; it just felt like we were made for one another.
Don't lie... how many of you are dying to try that little quiz with your own partner now?
With friends and family living all across the country, the chance to see everyone and have them all celebrate together was a huge priority. Luckily, Craig's sister offered up their beautiful Florida backyard for the festivities. From Kristin: We thought, 'This might be the only time in our lives where we can really get everyone together.' We essentially wound up planning a wedding week, where we had guests arriving as early as the Wednesday before the wedding, and staying as late as Tuesday morning after the wedding. I luckily have the best little sister ever. She managed to keep me calm and on track even when things were stressful or up in the air.
We were so lucky because Craig’s sister Monica and her husband Mike offered to host our wedding in their amazing back yard. We chose to have our wedding at their home because we wanted our big day to feel relaxed and personal. We wanted so badly to prioritize our family and friends many of whom would be flying in from out of state; we didn't want to feel pressured to be in and out of a location at certain times. And, it gave us a tremendous amount of freedom as far as vendors and what we could do during our celebration – like set up a bonfire and roast s'mores.
The couple, their family and friends handled many of the wedding day details: the flowers were all created by their Aunt Debbie, picked right from her own garden; their Uncle Robert officiated the ceremony; their Uncle Joe gave the blessing. Their friends Michael and Elizabeth planned out the alcoholic beverages (even whipping up a homemade sangria), Kristin's little sister created decorations, and their friend Corey helped Craig out "in every imaginable way". Says Kristin, "Every part of our wedding was crafted with love by the people who know us best. Every piece was like a love letter."
I'm kinda obsessed with their band, The Mud Flappers, by just looking at them. Kristin assured me that they were as fun as they appeared: "They were AMAZING!! They made the night feel like such a celebration."
I adored the favorite memory that Kristin shared with us: There was a moment during our reception where I just looked around and saw friends roasting s'mores over the bonfire, family tearing it up on the dance floor, and my bridesmaids running around with sparklers, and I thought to myself, this is exactly the wedding I wanted. Everything was perfect.
Sounds like a total success to me! Congratulations, Kristin and Craig, and thanks as always to Shipra for sharing her talent with us.
VENUE/VENDOR INFORMATION:
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Private Home near Orlando | Photography: Shipra Panosian Photography | Event Coordination: Ashley of Oh So Magical Wedding Planning | Catering: 4 Rivers Smokehouse | Rentals: Rentaland Tents and Events | Band: The Mud Flappers | Submission: Two Bright Lights
Friday Fresh Squeeze
Happy Friday, all! I've been (more than) a little under the weather this week, but I'm on the mend just in time for the weekend. Whew! Summer weather has arrived, couples are tying the knot each weekend, and we're seeing SO much lovely from our fab Florida vendors... it doesn't get much better than that. Enjoy the Squeeze!
Photography by Floridian Weddings
I geeked out a little over the DIY backyard wedding we featured this week, and the sweet personality quiz story that Kristin shared with us. (If you haven't seen that sweet wedding yet, make sure to go take a peek!) I thought back to my childhood, when all those silly quizzes were so popular... and got really nostalgic. Wouldn't this be a fun little table activity for your guests during a reception? I'm sharing the how-to after the squeeze!
WHAT WE'RE LOVING THIS WEEK
I'm not sure it gets much prettier than this stunning Key West soiree captured by Jessica Lorren and coordinated by Just Save the Date!
How adorable is this 40's inspired inspiration shoot? Loving the gingham program fans from one of our faves, Dogwood Blossom Stationery & Invitation Studio.
These bright colors and pretty florals are making me so happy.
Vintagey goodness, a beautiful park venue, and so many of our talented guide members! Love.
Pretty couple, pretty park, pretty pictures... they had me at 'fireman'.
Green and white are so natural and beautiful together.
Total pink and gold beach gorgeousness.
Beer tasting during your engagement session - why not, right?
Dying to try this pretty painted tablecloth DIY.
And now for something geeky (I can't help myself)!
WELCOME TO OUR NEW SPONSOR
We're welcoming Terreign into our sponsor family, and I'm pretty excited about it because I know you will love their handmade, natural, globally-inspired jewelry. Make sure to check out the bridal look we put together featuring two of their beautiful, beachy pieces!
AND NOW, THE HOW-TO:
Whether you call it a table game or an ice-breaker, I think it's fun to have something for guests to do in between courses or funky dance moves. You can just pile these little cards up in the middle, supply a few pencils (perhaps in your wedding colors?) and you're done.
Photography by Floridian Weddings
Each question is on the front, with a space below for you to pencil in your response; just flip it over for the interpretation. The topics are all simple and silly, but sure to make people think and discuss with those seated next to them.
Photography by Floridian Weddings
Want these for your reception? I've wrapped up the cards into ready-to-print file for you - just print them, double-sided, onto card stock and cut inside the crop lines.
GET THE RECEPTION QUIZ CARDS
Happy Friday!