Once Wed is all about handcrafted art and design. So, to share my passion with you guys and feature some of my favorite real weddings is a special honor. Onward!
Ginny & Ed’s Roaring Twenties
Ed and Ginny were married in ’20s style under a canopy of 100-year-old oak trees, surrounded by close friends and family at a lovely farm called Serenbe. Ginny graduated from SCAD, so naturally many of the elements were handmade by herself and friends. From the adorable bunting banner to her incredible handmade capelet, this wedding definitely sticks out in my mind as one crafted with lots of love.
After seeing Ginny’s incredible capelet, I’ve been obsessed with wearing one! I just adore the idea of going with a simple wedding dress, and splurging on a beautiful bolero. Ginny and Ed incorporated a lot of hand-painted wooden signs at their wedding to direct guests to the ceremony and reception, but if you’re having an indoor reception, what about a beautifully scripted wooden banner to place on your cake or maybe even in a centerpiece instead?
The Free Wedding
The “Free Wedding” ended up being a collaboration between a group of amazing vendors here in Atlanta, GA. Joy, the event stylist, wanted to make sure their day was a reflection of who Sam, Kaitlyn, and Jonah represented as a family. Every time I see these images from Our Labor of Love, I always seem to walk away with the biggest smile on my face.
The whimsical flower garlands hanging from the ceiling were a huge hit with the couple and wedding guests. People were even trying to take them home after the wedding! So many of the elements from this wedding were handmade, so Etsy was one of the biggest resources Joy used to source materials and decorations. In her search for bridesmaid dresses, she stumbled upon Sohomode’s tea dresses, and it was love at first sight. Her selection of colorful vintage fabrics made everyone’s heart go pitter patter, and really helped set the tone for the rest of the wedding.
California Coastal Wedding
Tec Petaja was the amazing photographer behind Evan and Liz’s hillside wedding. I loved the simple paper goods, white roses, Asian parasols, vintage keys… Really there are so many rich details here. I look at a lot of weddings, and this one strikes me as so original. It’s as I’d imagine a California wedding in the ’40s with a view of the coast.
I really loved the look of their escort cards attached to vintage keys. I thought a rolling alphabet stamp could be a great little budget option for brides who can’t afford to print out escort cards or hire a graphic designer but still want something personal at their wedding. Instead of a traditional wedding program, Liz and Evan decided to hand out programs printed out on paper fans. They are a bit more expensive than a traditional program, but if you’re having your wedding outside in the heat of summer, the added cost of providing relief to your guests might be worth it.
Ethan & Nancy’s Budget Beauty
Ethan and Nancy’s wedding was probably one of the most popular weddings ever featured on Once Wed — not necessarily because it had the most amazing details or the biggest budget, but because it was done so beautifully for only $3,000. Yes, you heard me right: $3,000. They splurged on their photographer, and instead of having a catered event, asked each guest to bring a dish for a potluck style dinner afterward in a public park.
Nancy and Ethan made hundreds of paper cranes to hang from the trees at their wedding in lieu of expensive decorations. If you love this idea, but don’t have the time to make them for your own wedding, Etsy sellers will make them for you in a variety in colors. I’m seeing a lot of brides opting for the more affordable option of a variety of smaller cakes rather than a traditional three-tier cake. Nancy and Ethan decided to scatter over their cakes a bit of dried lavender, and it is still to this day one of my favorite garnishes I’ve ever seen. Not only are smaller cakes easier on the budget, but after seeing fancy cakes for so long, it’s also a breath of fresh air.
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Sign in to add your ownbeautifulbridget says:
How romantical!
14 years ago
MyJunkyTrunk says:
Really beautiful pics. Just makes you want to run out and get married, doesn't it? LOL! Great job!
14 years ago
PeetyDraws says:
If I could do my wedding all over again, this is the way I would go -- absolutely breathtaking and refreshing!
14 years ago
RachelleD says:
Lovely Weddings!!
14 years ago
thebestvintage says:
Fabulous Wedding Photos!
14 years ago
evihan says:
WHAT A GREAT PHOTOOOOSSS
14 years ago
CrochetCandi says:
Fabulous!!!
14 years ago
vivikas says:
Wonderful pictures and ideas!
14 years ago
steinschmuckdesign says:
Wow, so beautiful!
14 years ago
VixVintage says:
Beautiful, you are so talented, I loved it.
14 years ago
LittleWhiteDresser says:
wooow I'm speechless
14 years ago
1AEON says:
oh maaan, those weddings.. such a pretty pictures!!!!
14 years ago
SilverPeaksJewelry says:
Great stuff... love it!
14 years ago
foamywader says:
Lovely!
14 years ago
gumbygirl says:
Thank you for sharing - you put a smile on my face!!
14 years ago
jezek says:
wow! great!
14 years ago
spacejam says:
so great!!
14 years ago
MeghanT says:
I loved reading this article on handmade weddings Emily. I am still in shock though that Ethan and Nancy were able to hold a hugely popular celebration for only $3000. That blew me away. It just goes to show you though - you don't need to go into debt to get married. It's possible to have a fun, beautifully appointment wedding and stay within a sensible budget. One of the things that bothered me sometimes at weddings was the huge cost the bride and groom accumulate just to celebrate their union. I watch wedding shows and it didn't seem right to me that they spent the equivalent of the down payment on a house. This article has totally changed how I think of weddings now. I am working on a bridal jewelry line so I am in contact with various brides doing custom work and getting their opinions. I'm going to start referring these woman to etsy for ideas and inspiration. I personally love the idea of saving on a big wedding but splurging on some decadent accessories like that bolero. You'd get to wear it again and again and it will always remind you of a very special day.
14 years ago
MyMoms says:
How lovely!
14 years ago
mythunderstood says:
Lovely pix!
14 years ago
mtraub says:
Once Wed is in itself swoon-worthy!
14 years ago
JettVintage says:
Beautiful wedding pictures!
14 years ago
edor says:
I loved this wedding set also: http://scout-holiday.com/blog/?p=1050 love the human artistic touch in all these weddings. Too many weddings are unmemorable and full of stress!
14 years ago
FrillyButts says:
If I ever get married, I know where to come!
14 years ago
yaelfran says:
just awesome all of them!!!!!
14 years ago
sugarflowerdesign says:
Yay OnceWed! Great piece, and really nice selections from etsy. I love to see weddings that speak to the personalities of the bride and groom. The weddings you've included here are perfect examples - so warm, beautiful and real.
14 years ago
maidavale says:
This is a stunning article! Nice work. =)
14 years ago
HaroldandJane says:
Beautiful weddings! Makes me wish I could have a second one :)
14 years ago
mykonos says:
lovely wedding photos!!
14 years ago
TheCottageCheese says:
The "Free Wedding" was so fun and so pretty! I love all of the colors. I was inspired by Ethan and Nancy's $3,000 budget, and was able to pull off a small island wedding of my own for even less. This included gorgeous flowers, a feast of food, a beautiful cake (cake topper from Etsy of course), and even renting the perfect house on the water, where we stayed for three nights and had our wedding and reception. With careful planning and hard work, you CAN have an amazing wedding on a small budget.
14 years ago
bonbiforest says:
I love Once Wed! My wedding is next year and I was so pleased to find Once Wed, so many gorgeous ideas that totally line up with what I am after, not to mention the fantastic photography!!
14 years ago
jewelrybyjackie says:
Just lovely! Once Wed has the best ideas! And along with browsing the wedding sections of Etsy, one can create the most amazing individualized special day. Thanks!
14 years ago
elasticwasteland says:
wow!!!!
14 years ago
SimpleJoysPaperie says:
Lovely article! Lovely items!
14 years ago
paramountvintage says:
BEAUTIFUL PICTURES! each wedding looks so special and romantic!
14 years ago
4TheSparrowsNest says:
It's too bad, really, that weddings are the pinnacle of many a woman's dreams and aspirations...only one day to be extravagantly beautiful and truly the center of attention. For most of us, anyway, lol.
14 years ago
baconsquarefarm says:
Oh my enjoyed scrolling down and oohing and aweing over all the pictures, so lovely, not good with words to express myself but~ one doesn't need to spend a fortune to have a unique and beautiful wedding day. Thanks for sharing this info/article with all of us.
14 years ago
veryKIKI says:
Beautiful!
14 years ago
SimpleTraditions says:
Everything is beautiful!
14 years ago
riorita says:
Very very romantic! Love that silk taffeta bolero!
14 years ago
EveldasNeverland says:
Fantastic wedding pictures! Thank you!
14 years ago
Archivia says:
I love this article and I am especially inspired by the $3000 wedding. I think weddings can be such a waste of money and I do believe there are ways of doing them tastefully, beautifully, memorably on a modest budget all at the same time. This $3000 wedding proves that! I am honored that you chose my antique parasol to include in your findings for this article, thank you so much.
14 years ago
MelroseFields says:
Great article and lovely items..
14 years ago
Nostalgia says:
wow! this wedding blew me away =D I love everything about it and it makes me want to have a wedding or plan it hhehe looks like lots of fun and a wonderful day to share with the ones you love.
14 years ago
katyandsuzys714 says:
best wedding article i have seen in a very long time...looks like the economy is pushing everyone into having simple..low cost..weddings. I just love it!!!!!
14 years ago
FemmeFataleVintage says:
How beautiful! Very inspiring!
14 years ago
zebracakes says:
I love that 19th Century umbrella by Archivia!
14 years ago
CutieDynamite says:
Gorgeous! How romantic and inspired!
14 years ago
babook says:
I think ! i will prefer this way At my wedding of that ....a lot handmade a lot vintage .....It`s a great great great news from here ; )
14 years ago
capitolagirl says:
The roaring 20's theme is fantastic. LOVE the dress :)
14 years ago
RockPaperSilver says:
Wow...lovely wedding and pictures! :)
14 years ago
IcingOnTheCupcake says:
Very inspiring!
14 years ago
betsy3 says:
WOW!!!
14 years ago
workingforpeanuts says:
Great photographs and inspiring ideas! Love the tea dresses! These weddings are so creative!
14 years ago
funkeyfinds says:
ah! this makes me want to get married all over again!
14 years ago
SkylarkVintage says:
I've been helping coordinate my best friend's wedding for the past year, and I have to say- Emily and her site have been MASSIVELY inspirational and helpful! My second favorite site next to Etsy!
14 years ago
polkadotHOME says:
Whimsical, elegant, colorful and rustic. Perfect!
14 years ago
Fairyfolk says:
Enchanting... I'd have a very different wedding now to the one I had 10 years ago. It would be completely handmade... Etsy is testament to the idea that the most beautiful things are made by hand! Blessings and magic.
14 years ago
downanddirty says:
thank you for the inspiration...i'm in the beginning stages of wedding planning and you have given me some fantastic ideas!
14 years ago
SunshineandRavioli says:
So Beautiful! I truly wish I could do it all over again, but after almost twenty happy years, I'll just have to live vicariously through dreamy pictures like these....
14 years ago
limitz says:
Such an inspiring article! Thank you for sharing!
14 years ago
ButtensBoutique says:
SO Super Georgous!!!!
14 years ago
littletank says:
the red velvet cakes look SO good
14 years ago
Zabba says:
Very chic and elegant.
14 years ago
ovgilliesdesigns says:
Gorgeous weddings! Wonderful styles & selection!
14 years ago
perpetual3 says:
such wonderful details in each of those occasions. quite inspiring indeed.
14 years ago
lilworkerb says:
Hey! I'm a maid of honor, so I can't wait to pass these ideas along to the bride-to-be!
14 years ago
FlanneryCrane says:
This is a beautiful post and I love all the photos and ideas!
14 years ago
longwinterfarm says:
So beautiful! I can't imagine glass in a prettier form than the canning jar. Love!
14 years ago
PawPawsWorkshop says:
Great article
14 years ago
cottonbirddesigns says:
Great article, beautiful blog and lovely finds!
14 years ago
kidacollective says:
Aw, just gorgeous. Makes me want to get married again! I've been so excited to make dresses for several little bridal attendants this season and can't wait to see their photos!
14 years ago
shopgoodgrace says:
oh, sooo lovely! I never tire of wedding themes. These finds are beautiful... and such wonderful weddings. Very inspiring.
14 years ago
paperhill says:
beautiful! thank you so much for including my pillow!
14 years ago
designlab443 says:
makes me want to have another wedding, hey our 10 year anniversary is coming up!
14 years ago
CottageGirlTea says:
All things beautiful.........That's what this article is to me.
14 years ago
TheInspiredElements says:
Great article and beautiful weddings!
14 years ago
angelene says:
ohhh i just got engaged... lots of goodies here!
14 years ago
klacustomcreations says:
truly beautiful pictures, breathtaking!
14 years ago
elishalong says:
I love all the different ideas for the weddings. GORGEOUS!
14 years ago
GreighdayVintage says:
I adore the 1920's themed Wedding....what an amazing and memorable night it must have been!
14 years ago
EmmaBeeTextileArts says:
Aaaah! I this is about my favourite post ever! Everything is so beautiful.
14 years ago
breadandroses says:
All so lovely!
14 years ago
SweetwaterGifts says:
Beautiful wedding items. The 20s wedding dress and bolero were gorgeous!
14 years ago
remusa65 says:
Great pics and i love the pictures too!!!
14 years ago
SouthernGirlWeddings says:
Beautiful pictures! I love the "California Coast Wedding" - absolutely gorgeous!
14 years ago
MAUpromos says:
Nice pics, nice article!
14 years ago
LaLah says:
incredible weddings and lovely photographs!!!! love creative weddings...
14 years ago
StudioCherie says:
love the wedding articles. Keep it up!
14 years ago
WhatAboutMe says:
im obsessed with this...these are sooo beautiful!
14 years ago
joythig says:
etsy and weddings....what a great combination!
14 years ago
Iammie says:
Lovely story and photos!
14 years ago
OhFaro says:
I love working with the wonderful brides on etsy. Sweet article!
14 years ago
prettypanda says:
Beautiful and lovely!
14 years ago
jewelsNcrafts says:
How amazing, I wish I had more time before my wedding to make it myself. I love it!
14 years ago
brownbelly says:
beautiful! such unique wedding themes!
14 years ago
TwistedCrystals says:
what a wondfully romantic collection of photos and pieces. thank you for sharing them :)
14 years ago
littlemoandfriends says:
so so beautiful, thanks for sharing:)
14 years ago
lovelygifts says:
Lovely pictures!
14 years ago
LilGriffin624 says:
Love them!
14 years ago
shizendesigns says:
Beatiful photos!
14 years ago
Tina669 says:
Lovely pictures!
14 years ago
Camelotjewels says:
I love the Twenties, a decade with flair!
14 years ago
danielabesso says:
great I love the article
14 years ago
dandelionland says:
Gorgeous items and great article!
14 years ago
eeekdesigns says:
how lovely! I love the twenties
14 years ago
JenniferAitchison says:
Beautiful!!!!!!!!
14 years ago
revelry says:
The creativity is absolutely amazing! What gorgeous pictures. And great ideas.
14 years ago
oncewed says:
Thanks everyone for your kind comments. I am so glad to see you enjoyed the feature!
14 years ago
katyandsuzys714 says:
I keep coming back to this...back to this...back to this...i just can't stop looking at all the pictures and decorations. The wedding under the "big top" is just too...too...too precious. I love this stuff....this is sorta' the decorations and design ideas we make for our wedding customers here. The one thing that is very popular with our weddings is the photo booth is a very old quilt hanging over extra strength twine between two trees. Everyone likes that old quilt....and we found it in a old trunk we bought at a flea market for $25! Being in the South..hats are really BIG!!! We have started buying up old Kentucky Derby hats and letting the attendees wear them in the photo booth. It is getting to be popular. Our little business caters weddings..reunions..and events for groups under 100 people. We bought cute pink overalls and found darling pink Kentucky Derby hats on Ebay..and that's what we where to the event. So now we have decided to call our business "the Pink Overall Girls" Small Affairs. And we also cater to Wedding Consultants in our area who need fresh ideas or decorations. That is how we got started in the wedding business originally.....if the consultants had a hard time finding something...we would find it for them...or make it!!!! The "Bonnie and Clyde" look is becoming popular too!!!!
14 years ago
divababy says:
I'm really inspred - i love all the colors...i'm in the middle of planning too and I LOVE, LOVE this site! I love having all of these creative people inspring me daily!!
14 years ago
orangeandblossom says:
Great work, Emily! Really love the vintage keys on the escort/place cards. Sigh...
14 years ago
moon from jewelsbymoon says:
Oh my I love this totally. The colors are wonderful and I have always loved backyard weddings. Its so personal.
11 years ago
Marcia Lacher from TheMillineryShop says:
How beautiful. I wanna bite of those succulent cupcakes right now!
11 years ago
bazketmakr from bazketmakr says:
beautiful, personal touches
11 years ago
Lovda NL says:
Beautyful pictures! Like the wedding card and the colourful cakes!
11 years ago
Kimberlee from GracefullyGirly says:
You've shown that fabulous personal touches make each wedding totally uniquely beautiful. It goes to show that Etsy is a treasure trove of different styles and aesthetics. It's a place where any bride can find just what she's looking for to make her day even more special and heartfelt. And if that perfect item isn't found, there are plenty of talented people ready to make her vision into a reality!
11 years ago
SELEN DEMIR from WomanScarves says:
Wow super!
11 years ago
Coco Flower from CocoFlowerShop says:
Lovely and romantic
11 years ago
Lara Harris from studiolara316 says:
Lovely!
11 years ago
Denise Vining from kadydesigns says:
Beautiful and wonderful ideas! Thanks for sharing.
11 years ago
Natalie Fox from LittleCornishDesign says:
I love the colourful 'free' wedding - that would certainly be a theme to remember!
11 years ago
TheKraftRoom from TheKraftRoom says:
Beautiful!
11 years ago
messinabella from BandBEstate says:
Beautiful weddings, great ideas!
11 years ago
creations4brides from creations4brides says:
Photography is a great choice to splurge on. Memories...
11 years ago
Eleanor from EEEsGems says:
Ingenuity is fabulous!
11 years ago
Ashley Jacobson from OldBeatenPath says:
WOW THIS IS AMAZING I LOVE THIS I WANT TO SEE SO MUSH FOR FROM THE "FREE WEDDING" IT LOOKS SO MUCH LIKE MINE!
11 years ago
Erika Kelly from PortlandApronCompany says:
Ginny and Ed's 20's style wedding is gorgeous! And they both look the part! Oh weddings, how I love them all for different reasons.....
11 years ago
lori ward from missrubysue says:
I about dropped off my chair when I saw this familiar picture- Miss Ruby Sue Created all the hairpieces for this gorgeous wedding and you can find them here: www.missrubysue.com
11 years ago
kitia83 says:
Love these pictures! each wedding so unique in it's own way as it should be!
11 years ago
Jim Sanders from factory3d says:
My nephew recently got married and I was trying to think of a unique gift to give him and his bride. Since they're both in musicians and do a lot of musical theater, I thought making a movie poster of their engagement picture would be something very special. It was. They loved it. Then I thought maybe others would like the same thing so I designed several that are now up on my Etsy shop. Some of the designs have a special honeymoon theme. Check them out for a unique sort of gift that will definitely be a one of a kind gift. Thanks Jim
11 years ago
kraftybutterfly from kraftybutterfly says:
I love them all, so beautiful.
11 years ago