Dreamy DIY Backyard Wedding Part II

Today's wedding from Mandy Lynne and Alisia K really is one of the cutest, most adorable weddings I've seen, filled with so many inspiring and thoughtful details. DIY played a huge part in Todd & Cyndi's wedding as the bride shares with us...

Burlap played a big part in our decor. The groom and groomsman's ties were handmade of burlap by a good friend of mine. The table runners were burlap. The party favors were little burlap bags filled with cookies :) And the runner down the aisle was burlap. Owls were incorporated as well. In the grooms handmade boutonniere. The owl cake toppers were handmade by Kelly DeFore, wedding coordinator. The boutonnieres were made by my friends and I! Using fabric, buttons and thin green wire to make the buttons look like flowers. Buttons were something I had to use because that's what Todd has called me since we started dating!! You know: "Cute as button" hehe :) All of the DIY details wouldn't have come about if it weren't for the help of all my super creative, supportive friends because of course I couldn't have come up with all of it by myself, in two months! They really helped me bring my vision to life! Alisia Dickerson my m.o.h. was my "right hand woman" in planning the big day! Thank you friends :) I loved the idea of having burlap and lace mixed because it's kind of manly and girlie in one!

I had my heart set on an a dark ivory all lace gown, but I saw this dress and fell in love with the vintage glam style of it. It was a drop waist gown made for a 6 ft tall woman I'm pretty sure. And I'm 5'2! Because of the mermaid style of the dress, we couldn't have it taken up in length as much I needed it to, so I had the waist raised to fit more like an empire waist. I ended up adding lace to the bottom for the touch of lace that I wanted... I feel like my dress added a new element to the natural, country, urban feel I was going for.

Any advice?  I would say to try as hard as you can to not let the stress of planning ruin parts of the process. Because it is a once in a lifetime experience! And to do as much as you can yourself, because it's cheaper and more unique. Also, don't be scared to ask for help, you will need it!!

Most memorable moment? Seeing Todd during our 'first look' time under the yellow willow tree. That tree was amazing! I will never forget his face when he saw me, he teared up and said "I love your dress" and "you look so beautiful"... such a great moment.