Our venue was right on the water, located in the same complex as a marina, and the space used to be a factory where ships were built, so we also had a boat theme going on; I made kraft paper boats that we used as luminaries along the venue’s walkway, and I outfitted one boat with small cushions inside to use as a ring pillow.
My husband’s a writer, I love crafting things out of paper, and we love books, so much of the decor was created from old book pages. A few highlights: the escort cards were pinwheels made from illustrated children’s books, with a pencil for a stem; I made flower garlands out of muslin and book pages that draped over stacks of books for our centerpieces; and for the cocktail tables, we created book planters by carving a space right into the pages of an open book and planting succulents inside.
It was a labor of love to craft so much of the wedding decor ourselves, and in that way we put ourselves in every detail. We had lots of help from family, friends, and Meghan our amazing wedding planner, so it felt like this big collaborative art project. It was really important that David and I worked together and made decisions as a couple. We were true partners in the planning, and I think that’s what made our wedding US.
I love all of the personal touches and DIY, but I think the pinwheels are my favorite! Oh, and I love the bride’s braided updo. What’s your favorite detail?
{vendors} Wedding Planner: Meghan Torrieri of b merry events / Photographer: Stacey Kane / Caterer: A Moveable Feast / Florist: Emily Carter Floral Designs / Ceremony & Reception Venue: Portland Company Complex / DJ: DJ Ryan Parker