Real Wedding: Sara

A couple weeks ago, I had the opportunity to help design my sister and her soon-to-be husband's wedding. Sara and Brent wanted to break the barrier of wedding traditions that didn't quite fit their style, but it in a tasteful and elegant way. The challenge: creating a wedding theme that was classy, yet comfortable for an outdoorsy couple with a cheeky sense of humor. They wanted something unique, something totally them

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I took Sara and Brent's engagement pictures while we three were in Africa earlier this summer, which so happens to be where Brent proposed to her. I decided to go with a "shabby-chic-goes-modern-Africa" type theme for their tri-fold double sided announcement design. The result was perfect for their unique style!

For her wedding, Sara liked earthy tones, but also wanted to add vibrance inspired by Africa and the engagement announcement design. By adding jewel tones to the palette, we had a dynamic range of colors that complimented each other flawlessly for a fall wedding. Our accents included copper metals and peacock feathers for an exotic, yet elegant, touch. Brent wore a sophisticated brown and tan 3 piece suite to flatter Sara's off-white A-line dress. The wedding party dressed in hues of plum, teal, brown and sage to complete the scheme.

The Bride and Groom decided to have a formal pre-reception the night before the wedding, and a casual wedding lunch party the next day for close family and friends. Because her pre-reception was going to be in the evening, we had the obstacle of lighting the entire backyard her pre-reception would be taking place in. My suggestion was strands of garden lights strung from tree to tree and average christmas lights wrapped around trunks and the grape arbor guest would be entering through (which also housed photos of the couple hung from clothespins). The mood this light provides is absolutely stunning and sure to create the perfect ambiance for your outdoor (or indoor) wedding.

To keep lighthearted personality with their pre-reception, they decided along with a catered buffet, they would rent a cotton candy machine. This proved to be a hit! Reminiscent adults and kids alike indulged in the fun, fluffy, treat all night. Another people pleaser was the customizable rented photo booth. As the guests walked in, they had the option of getting in a photo booth for 2 instant photo strips; one to put in the sign in book, and one to keep to remember the spectacular night. Everyone loved this activity, and kept going back for more!

The 3 layer cakes were homemade by our cousin who has a chocolate cake recipe to die for (seriously, it will change your life!), and decorated by a family friend and myself. We tried to reflect Sara and Brent's love of the outdoors and African theme with our decorations which included chocolate truffles, colorful ribbon, hazelnuts half dipped in chocolate, and a peacock feather piece. Our last minute cake stands were actually a cardboard tube (found at the local hardware store) cut into various heights and spray painted metallic copper. They fit in perfectly, and no one was able to tell they weren't real metal!

For the pre-reception entertainment, Sara and Brent asked family and friends to preform musical numbers throughout the night. To overcome the problem of guests not being able to see the performances, I suggested we build a make-shift platform on top of our outdoor jacuzzi. This was the perfect solution and provided the perfect stage for the talented musicians.

After the wedding the next day, Sara and Brent had a casual lunch party with close family and friends. This was time for all the fun and craziness to begin. Because there were a lot of children under the age of 12 that were going to be in attendance, Sara rented a giant inflatable castle to keep the kids entertained at a safe distance while the adults gave toasts and enjoyed an asian-themed catered buffet and, of course, cotton candy. They also had a slackline set up which, yes, the bride did in her dress.

Sara and Brent didn't particularly care for the idea of a formal cutting of the cake. When word got out that they weren't going to do a cutting, someone sarcastically suggested they try slicing it with a samurai sword. There was a moment of laughter followed by a moment of thoughtful silence as Sara and Brent looked at each other...well, they did had 3 cakes after all...why not?

This Bride and Groom definitely went against the grain of most wedding traditions

all while providing a fun and memorable weekend for their guests.
What not-so-traditional ideas from their wedding did you like?
What do you think of uniquely themed weddings?