I love a bride and groom who throw themselves into the planning of their big day… and this darling Deer Park duo did just that (and more) with their fabulous rustic chic soiree. Yes, each and every detail was a true “labor of love” and, with the help of family and friends, these two sweethearts pulled together one seriously spectacular barn fête, complete with gorgeous bunting, photobooth props and lovely paper goods. Awesome. Thankfully, Megan Anderson Photography was on hand to capture all of the pretty and there is even more DIY goodness to be seen. Click here for it all!
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From the Bride… The minute we drove up to Vehe Barn in Deer Park, IL, we were sold. The grounds were breathtaking–large oak trees, beautiful wildflowers, a butterfly garden and pond, and, in the middle of it all, the most striking restored 19th century barn. We decided to hold our ceremony outside, surrounded by old wooden structures and a steel windmill, and move inside the barn for our reception. The theme for our rustic wedding was vintage travel–both my husband and I love to travel, and we loved the fact that we were starting a journey together as we were getting married. I was inspired to incorporate vintage touches because of a cherished photo of my grandparents from the 1950s.
My husband, Cory, drew an antique-looking compass which we incorporated throughout our wedding. It was on each piece of our invitation suite (which we designed, printed, & put together ourselves) and our thank you notes to guests. It was even stamped on travel tags which we tied to our favors! We carried the idea of a journey throughout as well. Our entire wedding was a labor of love–we DIY’ed everything! Cory’s mother sewed bunting with our colors (gray, slate blue, blush pink, & white), our friend Andrea made Oreo pops to use as favors as well as all of our photobooth props, my mom tied twine around who knows how many jars, & Cory and I made pretty much everything else.
I spent our entire engagement scouring the Internet for inspiration & found most of my ideas through wedding blogs (thank you, SMP!). We really wanted our wedding to be about us as a couple but we also wanted it to be relaxed and fun for our guests (since most of them traveled from California & Indiana!). We served BBQ for our meal & pies as dessert (we figured we were getting married in a barn, why not!). Cory’s cousin, a cake designer, gifted us our beautiful cake in the shape of a vintage suitcase which we used for the cake cutting (and which is now stored in our freezer for our one year anniversary!). We also included photographs of our parents, grandparents, & great-grandparents on the tables. The entire day, which was planned entirely by me and my husband, came together perfectly!
Wedding Photography: Megan Anderson Photography / Wedding Venue: Vehe Barn / Catering: Famous Dave’s / Wedding Cake: Layered Designs (The Groom’s Cousin) / Pies: Essenhaus Bakery / Floral Design: Oh My! Floral / Wedding Dress: Running of the Brides / Dress Alterations: Ms. Couture / Necklace: Great-Grandmother’s / Pearl Earrings: Borrowed from Mother of the Bride / Pearl Bracelet: Gift from Mother of the Bride / Hair: Appease / Bridesmaids Dresses: Various / Groom’s Suit: Express / DJ: DRM Entertainment