This wedding is so full of great DIY inspiration and rustic charm, I had to pass it along.  Full of warmth, perhaps it will help those of you battling freezing temps.  It is perfect inspiration for you brides planning a wedding for next fall, but many of the DIY and decor ideas could translate to any wedding season.  Enjoy the photos and the details from the bride.

Our wedding planning journey began even before Sergio proposed as I had been compiling a list of venues in the area that fit our criteria. I even had an appointment to a venue on the day we got engaged! We knew we wanted to be married in the fall, outdoors, surrounded by nature. To me, autumn is the most romantic season with the leaves changing, the air getting crisper and fireplaces roaring to life (even though San Diego has less than adequate change of seasons). We found our venue, Temecula Creek Inn, the second weekend we searched.  The Stone House is nestled against a mountainside in a grove of oak trees. It’s like taking a step back in time and a world away from the city. The Stone House was used as a mess hall in the 1800’s for miners from the nearby quarry.

We wanted a rustic, organic, natural feel while using the jewel toned autumn palette and mixing traditional with unexpected elements. I am Cherokee and was raised with the Cherokee heritage and culture. Sergio is Kumeyaay, a tribe native to San Diego. Though we still wanted to have the traditional Western ceremony, we also wanted to incorporate our cultural background. To honor Sergio’s heritage we were getting married on his homeland. We asked my dad to perform the Cherokee portion of the wedding ceremony. On wine barrels set on either side of the entrance of the aisle were abalone shells with burning sage bundles. As the guests walked to their seats they were smudged with the smoke from the sage. Smudging cleanses people and the area of bad spirits, feelings or influences while the ceremony is conducted.

Our tables had burlap runners I made and napkins with wheat stalks and tied in raffia. Our table numbers were wood burned tree slices. Each table was based on a day that was significant in our relationship.  We also made the wooden signs.

You know my mantra: Make Your Wedding YOU.  I don’t even know this couple and after seeing these photos I feel like I know them.  They clearly made their wedding personal to them, and that is how you make it a lovely day.  So, tell me: what’s your favorite DIY element?  How much to you love the aisle decor of leaves?  How does this wedding inspire you?  How are you going to make your wedding YOU?



Vendors: Photography: Emily Faulknor Photography / Day of Coordination: One and Only Events

Ceremony and Reception Venue: Temecula Creek Inn / DJ: Vynce with DJ Phreek / Florist: Tessilk
Cake: Yves Fournier / Pies: Julian Pie Company / Bride’s Dress: Custom Casablanca via 2000 Dreams Bridal / Cinematography: Ashley Video Productions / Design: Bride + friend Denise Slepak / Officiant: Alison of One and Only Events / Stationery: Bride + friend of bride / Calligraphy + Hair and Makeup: AnnaMae Ouimet of One and Only Events / Catering: Temecula Creek Inn / Bridesmaid’s Dresses: After Six / Groom and Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse

Share