When a photographer is meant to photograph a wedding, like really meant to, something magical happens. We forget about the decor, the tiers of the cake, and the details that we usually swoon over. And it becomes about the couple, and we take notice of other details instead. Like the way the sun peaks through the trees to shed light on the bride’s graceful dress, how guests feel at home surrounded by strangers and old friends… Mary & Joel of Blue Window Creative made that magic appear in this colorful, unstructured, homemade wedding. It’s beautiful in so many ways, you’ve just got to experience it for yourself.
Last summer marked our 10th year together, and the notion of bringing together our nearest and dearest to celebrate at our home and farm felt really good to us. ‘Ten years down, infinity to go’ was the general inspiration and our mantra, of sorts! What made the day particularly “us” is that it was just as much about every person there as it was us both. Neither of us is a fan of the limelight, and who and what we are as individuals and a couple have been so shaped by our loved ones and what we have experienced with each of them. It felt natural and appropriate to honor our friends and family, involving them in the planning, execution and enjoyment of the day!
I decided against a bridal bouquet, instead putting my time and energy into gathering inspiration for the table florals, which our friend Sarah of The Green Dandelion crafted. I had been collecting metal-ware for months and wanted each arrangement to be entirely unique, it’s own little world. Each had a sweet mix of flowers and greens, such as roses, dahlias, zinnias, eucalyptus, kale, dusty miller, brunia berries, ranunculus, thistle, succulents, anemones, clematis, hanging amaranth, broccoli greens, scabiosa, billy balls, and calendula.
Yep, this is definitely one of those “frame it!” shots!
My biggest piece of advice from planning my celebration and seeing so many others’ is to make a yes/no/maybe list before you do anything else. Sit down with your partner and start these three lists to establish where you both are coming from and what you’re envisioning. It really helped us toss out basic wedding assumptions, have a couple tough conversations about our own personal vision right away, focus on our ideals, discuss what matters most to each of us, and not feel pressured by some preconceived stature for what a wedding is and what it “should” consist of. I believe that every wedding should be truly unique to the couple and that making a list like this will help you understand your partner, not to mention think outside the box, convention, and family pressures to better focus on (and hold yourself to) what it is you both really want and don’t want in your day.
Such a beautiful wedding. We feel honored to have been able to share it. Congratulations!
For more inspiration check out our Wedding Ideas section + Pinterest boards.
Photographer: Mary & Joel of Blue Window Creative / Ceremony & Reception Venue: Couple’s farm just outside Portland, OR / Wedding Invitations: Couple hand drew and watercolored poster invitations & printed at a local portland shop, CR Press / Hair & Makeup: Bride’s twin sister (with previous makeup tutorials by Nadia, who could not be present) / Florist: Sarah of The Green Dandelion / Cake: Potluck desserts from friends and family / Catering: Navarre (using vegetables from couple’s farm) / Bartender: Lydia of Tender Bar, handcrafted spirits using herbs etc. from couple’s farm / Music: David Wax Museum and Old Time String Band Trio, Special two-song performance by bride’s sister (vocals, tambourine, harmonica), her husband (guitar) and bride’s father (conga) with David Wax Museum playing backup on one of the songs / Benches, some metal vases, dessert & favor table rentals: Rachel & Liz of Commonwealth Rentals / Coffee table rentals: Kert of Sabi & Friends Vintage / Farm table rentals: Marigold Rentals / Inflatable bounce house: Dino Air / Lanterns: Luna Bazaar / Wedding dress: BCBG / Wedding shoes: Italian suede desert booties by Anniel / Turquoise earrings: Rachel of Demimonde / Bracelets & rings: vintage and family heirlooms / Groom’s Suit: Grandfather’s white dress shirt, vintage tie and pants, custom-made vest by Beth of The Man’s Shop in St. Johns, Portland / Shoes: Frye Harness boots
