I know most of us are looking forward to Spring right now, but this vintage-inspired winter wedding was just too lovely not to share with you (Julia and Brett describe their wedding vision as old world European meets post-war America, with some inspiration pulled from Moulin Rouge and Amelie). Plus, I’m really excited to share Genevieve Nisly‘s photography with you – she’s a talent you’ll want to know about.
Julia and Brett designed and made the stationery suite themselves, from the rounded corners to the gilded edges (with Martha Stewart materials from Michael’s), and each invite was customized for its recipient. Says Julia, “Not only did we save several thousand dollars creating our own stationery, but it grew into one of the elements of our celebration that we really cherish, and that received an overwhelming response from the recipients.”
Julia on her dress: “I saved massively by buying a floor sample, and I cannot say better things about [the designer] Eden Bridals – unbelievable customer service. They sent me a list of every boutique in the United States who had sample of my dress in my size, and by finding the size I needed, I ultimately needed no alterations whatsoever, which was also a great cost saver.”
“Huge money saving tip: Buy fewer slices of cake than you need, especially if you have another dessert or cookies like we did. Our cake served 82 and though we had 125 guests, we were still was able to save the top and had many slices left over.” The cake included layers of red velvet, almond, lemon and spice, all frosted in Crème de cacao butter cream, and it was topped with vintage handmade bride and groom clothespin ornaments that Brett’s parents used to announce their engagement to Brett’s mother’s family.
Ceremony venue: Saint John the Baptist in Canton, OH
Reception venue: The Canton Club
Bride’s dress / shoes: Eden Bridal’s / Zappos
Flower girl dresses: J.Crew
Ring bearer’s ensemble: eBay
Groom’s 3-piece suit: Target
Ring pillow / crowns: Insignes
Paper / envelopes: Envelopper Inc.
Cake: And Eat It Too
I just had to share this tidbit from Julia, for any bride who worries that everything won’t turn out exactly as you’ve planned or envisioned: “The only thing I had really really really always envisioned for my wedding was to wear my hair in perfect marcel and finger waves, and it unfortunately just didn’t happen. I could have cried about my hair, but I just had to let it go. I found the love of my life and married him, and we had the most gorgeous and fabulous party with our family and friends from all over the world, and that is what matters. Have a vision, be flexible, prioritize, and let it go when you must. Don’t lose focus on what it’s really all about. Like every one told me, something (or ten things) always go wrong at the last minute. They totally did, and we lived.”
Congratulations Julia and Brett – thank you so much for sharing all of these wonderful details with us, and thank you to Genevieve Nisly for sending along this beautiful photos! You can see lots more from this wedding over at Genevieve’s blog.
