DIY to Death

My wedding was awesome and the main contributing factor was I had so much help. From the invitations to the flowers, I relied heavily on friends and family to produce my dream wedding. If it wasn’t for my friends and family pitching in to help out I can’t imagine how much this wedding would have cost. If you have friends or family with a talent, even if it’s a talent for something small like making paper hearts, use them. As long as they’re willing to do it, use them. Use them all.

The bouquets

Our Custom Wine Bottle

My friend, who is a graphic designer created our invitations (which were nerdy, awesome and perfect). My cousin was my wedding planner and kept me on point for some of the more major timelines.  My stepsister was my florist and the flowers were some of the most amazing bouquets I’ve ever seen.  My auntie was my event planner and handled all the food, linens, plates, set up, break down, fight, fight, fight. My father made my wedding arch and had a hook up for the Orchid plants for the centerpieces and even re-built the fence at his house for the reception so everything was as beautiful as possible. Another friend of the family made custom wine bottles for the centerpieces. Our officiant was my high school guidance counselor. Our venue was our neighbor’s house. Two of my closest friends flew from North Carolina to Hawaii to do hair, makeup and photography. My stepmother got lohala fans for the ceremony and my sister (maid-of-honor) tagged along for all my last minute errands. My dress was even bought from a second hand dress shop called Off The Rack Bridal in Silverdale, WA.

Honestly if you have anyone at all willing to be at your mercy and help you would with any aspect of the wedding, don’t hesitate, take advantage. Even if they just do handmade paper hears use it as decorations for the tables or as confetti for the walk back down the aisle. Even if your friends know someone who knows someone it will all work to make the wedding more personable and especially affordable.

Our Reception

I didn’t have, well, any money to provide for this wedding it was only though my family (new and original) that Tim and I were able to have this beautiful wedding in Hawaii. It was amazing, between the ceremony on the ocean at sunset and the reception at the same location as my parents, I would never have wanted or asked for anything else. I am grateful and astounded at all the help I received from family and friends alike to put on this wedding. From my beautiful hair being styled and dye purple by one of the only people I will ever entrust my hair, to my snazzy purple wedge heels my mother-in-law bought me,  I was a happy DIY bride.

Our Ceremony Site