When it comes to planning a great wedding, it’s all about knowing when to save and when to splurge. Picking those aspects that are worth every penny (like photos by Chelsey Boatwright + film from Steadfast Weddings) and which details you can get crafty with. For this savvy bride that meant letting her girl choose their own dresses, make their bouquets, and you know what? The result are pretty darn fabulous. See it all here.
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From the Chelsey Boatwright… Jacob and Amanda were such an amazing couple to work with. I loved every aspect of their country vintage inspired wedding. It was all about being comfortable and having a good time. They were so happy and excited to be getting married! Truly they were one of my favorite couples to photograph.
They chose a southern and rustic hunting lodge at Quail Creek Plantation for their big day! Okeechobee, Florida is not quiet “south Florida”, but it’s definitely southern. Amanda and her Bridesmaids stayed in a cute picturesque cabin and created all the flower arrangements on the day of. The bride chose to wear a bo-ho style floral crown in her hair instead of carrying a traditional bouquet. Meanwhile, her bridesmaids carried bouquets and chose their very own dresses in creams and soft colors from BCBG Max Azria and Betsy Johnson.
The groomsmen also got ready in their very own cabin and decided to incorporate their 12-gauge shotguns into their formal photos around the property. The couples dog sported a hipster bow tie and was of course a part of the their day, including their 1st look and formals together. The couple wanted to enjoy every minute with their guests, so they chose to have a first sight beforehand.
Their family and friends enjoyed their casual ceremony under a big oak tree where they exchanged vows and then made a grand exit in a red vintage car with cans tied to the back. The laid back celebration continued to the reception under gorgeous chandeliers and bluegrass music. The band Uproot Hootenanny was a local favorite of Amanda and Jacob’s and it was a perfect fit for their rustic wedding. After dancing, guests sat at candlelit picnic tables and were served yummy barbecue for dinner. The night ended with an epic cake cutting/knife fight and a frosted covered make-out session.
Q&A with the Bride!
What was the inspiration behind the day?
I always pictured Jake and I saying our vows to each other under a giant oak tree with Spanish moss swaying in the breeze behind us. What inspired me while planning the wedding was Quail Creek Plantation’s southern charm and a family owned 1957 Thunderbird as our getaway car.
The special touches that made this wedding extra lovely?
I wanted a country vintage feel. The colors inspired by wood, moss and earth tones. The night before the wedding my mom and I walked around the plantation and picked wild flowers, berries and twigs to make the boutonniere. Jake’s cactus flower boutonniere caused a lot of splinters!
The sources where some of the great details were found?
To create a relaxed feeling for the reception at the outdoor pavilion, we lined up picnic tables family style and didn’t waste time with seating assignments. The guests enjoyed barbeque and danced to the bluegrass band, Uproot Hootananney.
Any DIY projects?
I decided to have the bridesmaids wear their own dresses and make their own bouquet so they can show their personal style. We saved money on the dresses and flowers and everyone was comfortable, which was most important to me.
Photography: Chelsey Boatwright Photography | Videography: Steadfast Weddings | Wedding Dress: Brides by Demetrios | Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bridesmaids Dresses: BCBGMAXAZRIA | Bridesmaids Dresses: Betsey Johnson | Band: Uproot Hootenanny | Dog's Bowtie: Handmade With Love By Bride | Groom\'s Attire: Express | Plantation: Quail Creek Plantation