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
So much to love about this wedding: the Native American traditions combined with a Western ceremony, the gorgeous ceneterpieces with roses & floating candles, the photo display glowing with candles!
I. LOVE. that there are pies on those cake stands. AWESOME. I love that! And I gotta say, those calligraphed tags on those mason jars make my day, Chandra. 🙂
I pretty much love everything about this wedding — from the aisle lined with fall leaves to the wine bottles for their guests to sign to the handcrafted decorations. What a beautiful wedding!
So many charming DIY details! I loved reading about how the couple incorporated their cherokee culture during the ceremony.
A stunning wedding, I love the rustic details!
GORGEOUS fall wedding! Love everything about it!
so pretty! Love all the details. Were did the bride get the calendar label that was stitched on the inside of her dress?
Such a gorgeous ceremony. I love rustic weddings, they have become my favorite theme since vintage and retro! I always love when personal touches are a part of the wedding, it becomes your wedding and not just any wedding! Love her dress and boots!