by Jen Hart | Real Weddings
Tara’s DIY Bohemian Wedding
Looking at Tara and J’s romantic wedding pics… a bohemian love story set against the most exquisite NY country backdrop, it’s natural you’d want to know a little more.
This gorgeous young Bohemian couple met on a ski trip back in 2009 where, as fate would have it, they were forced to keep each other company whilst their friends enjoyed a snowboarding session (they were both skiers). Needless to say, they had such a time of it that a few months later when Tara was set to move up to Washington DC for grad school, J decided to follow…
The Venue: The nature loving couple knew that their perfect day needed to center around this shared interest of being outdoors. They chose the charming rustic setting of The Old Tater Barn at Central Bridge NY.
The old fashioned country feel, together with Tara’s backless lace wedding dress and sweeping, self-made boho veil, are a match made in heaven. The pictures are like something out of a romance novel, not bad for a wedding that was mostly DIY and altogether untraditional!
The Dress: When it came to choosing her dress, Tara had no interest in glitz and glam, it just didn’t feel like her. She’s a free spirited, outdoor girl and she wanted to express herself on her wedding day, to keep it simple for her and her husband-to-be.
She tried to go the traditional route of trying on dresses at her local bridal shops (although she did take hubby-to-be along for the ride), but she felt they were all too sparkly and uncomfortable, not her style at all. Tara just couldn’t understand why someone would sacrifice comfort and freedom of movement, no matter how beautiful a dress may look on the outside.
A bridal shop attendant gave Tara some invaluable advice: “Every girl’s wedding dream is different.” Your day should be an expression of who you are and your unique love story. There’s no need to get weighed down by complying with traditions. There’s no point in getting lost in the details.
Tara was lucky enough to come across Dreamers and Lovers on Etsy and instantly fell in love with their simple boho styles; comfortable yet gloriously feminine.
Their home try-on program and their accessible prices also appealed to her economic sense. Not everybody wants to break the bank on their wedding day, sometimes it makes sense to save for the honeymoon instead. After trying on Amber Backless Lace Wedding Dress the couple needed to look no further, both J and Tara felt the dress was perfect in every way.
The Flowers: Choosing a dress wasn’t the only area where Tara did things a little differently. The couple wanted to make the party their own. Tara looked to Etsy and Pinterest for economical DIY ideas.
Tara didn’t use any fresh flowers but picked them all from roadsides and farm stands and then dried them so that they could be kept as souvenirs. She made all the beautiful bohemian bouquets and boutonnieres herself, such a great way to add magic to that special day.
The Food and Music: Working within a budget the couple was delighted to discover that the venue’s BBQ menu was the perfect fit for them, no caterers necessary!
Instead of an outlandishly pricey cake, they chose donuts from a local cider donut shop, yum! Food and music were important to the couple so they had fun choosing their own songs for the day, although they chose far too many songs for the number of hours!
The great thing about doing things your own way and adding a little DIY is that not only can the results be more economical and more expressive of you, but quirky little details make the day more fun and interesting, I’m sure no one is likely to forget those donuts!
If you’re planning a day to remember, your keywords need to be love and family. One of Tara’s fondest memories of the day was dancing with her father, who sadly passed away in February, after a long battle with Parkinson’s.
Add a little love to your wedding preparations and remember what’s important. What’s special is that the aspects that were done a little differently, to save money and minimize hassle, ended up being the things that really made the day. This simple country wedding was the epitome of rustic charm and laid back bohemian vibe.
The traditional route has been done a few billion times over, if you really want to make this a day to remember: choose the right venue and choose the right dress. As for the rest…Do It Yourself.
by Jen Hart | Bohemian Wedding Dresses, Real Weddings
We love simplicity here at the Dreamers & Lovers studio, and think it is the key to a truly unique yet timeless wedding. I love the simple and laidback feel of Taylor’s wedding. They wanted their wedding to encapsulate their combined love for the outdoors, and judging from the photos they achieved that rustic, perfectly bohemian outdoor vibe. We are also loving the mismatched bridesmaid dresses, and what a stunning bride!
We are thrilled to have been a miniscule part of Taylor’s wedding, as she wore our amazing off-the-shoulder bohemian wedding dress – the Holly lace dress. We were fortunate to have met Taylor in our studio for her initial fitting, and she loved the dress the moment she tried it on. Taylor had already purchased a dress for her wedding, but she changed dress plans not long before the wedding, and we are honored she decided to wear a Dreamers & Lovers piece instead.
Here, Taylor shares her beautiful photos with us, as well as some really great advice for other laid-back / bohemian brides to be. Without further adieu:
How did you guys meet and how he proposed, what makes you guys the perfect match?
Eric and I met while working at a homeless shelter in Laguna Beach. We worked closely every day and were very good friends for a while, until one day we saw each other in a new light and got a drink together after a staff meeting. We both love the beach, camping, and exploring. Instead of registering for gifts, we asked for contributions so that we can buy a camping trailer to explore and adventure together!
What type of bride were you?
I’d like to consider myself a boho bride. I wanted a timeless look for the dress and the wedding. I wanted to look different than the typical strapless white and sparkly bride. The 70s inspired crochet lace was exactly what I wanted. I had another dress, but saw this one at the last minute and HAD to have it. You only get married once!
What inspired your wedding decor? Why did you choose the style you did?
We got married at a historic venue in San Clemente called The Casino. It was once an old dance hall including visitors like Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney. Casino San Clemente
What was the best advice you received when you were planning your wedding? Any advise for brides still in the planning process?
The best advice we got was to steal a moment or two during the reception where the two of us would just be alone and soak it all in and have a romantic moment to ourselves. It goes by so fast.
My other advice would be to be as excited about your partner, your marriage, and your future together as much, and hopefully more than the party and wedding day itself. It’s so easy to get lost in the hype of it all these days with Pinterest, or Instagram, or trying to achieve a certain look, etc. The most special thing is your comfort and love for each other that will last a lifetime!
Taylor’s own words about her dress:
Thanks again so much for having and making the most perfect dress. No zippers, corsettes, or buttons. I just slipped it on and I was done! So comfortable and I felt like the prettiest version of me!
We wish Taylor and her hubby more happiness than they could have ever imagined. Their venue was breathtaking, with all its exquisite tile work, ironwork, and those perfect murals. The photos paint a picture of their wedding as a stress-free happy time, with a beautiful chilled out bride.
Couple: Taylor & Eric
Ceremony Venue: The Casino San Clemente
Photographer: Natalie Bray Photography
by Jen Hart | Bohemian Chic, Bohemian Wedding Dresses, Real Weddings
My heart must have skipped a beat when Amalia (the beautiful bride) sent us photos of her seemingly small and intimate wedding, which took place in Colombia. Both her, and groom (Jaime) and the entire wedding attendants were bursting with joy. The photos are incredible, and shot by the very talented international wedding photographer Juan Tamayo. More details of his work can be found below. I personally loved how brilliantly Juan captured the candid moments, all the joy, and the laughter.
We are always in love with small and intimate weddings, and when infused with bohemian rustic touches, it really just takes our breath away. Amalia chose the Isis crochet wedding dress in the made-to-measure option. The isis boho wedding dress is available here.
Enjoy photos of Amalia and Jaime’s wedding, as well as this heart wrenchingly beautiful poem that would make for a great wedding ceremony reading titled A New Beginning.
On this earth there is a oneness
A rhythmic flow through everything that lives
The things with roots and stems and leaves
The things with shells and fins and furs
The things with wings with which to fly
The things that crwal and those that walk (more…)
by Jen Hart | Destination Wedding Gowns, Real Weddings
Our gorgeous bride shown here – Margo – in the best selling Dreamers & Lovers Racquel lace maxi dress. The Racquel is truly the IT dress in every sense of the word. It is one of our first three dresses we designed when we debut Dreamers & Lovers to the fuss-free, and laid-back bridal world.
Now on to this rad bride, and her postcard like mages.
I love the breathtaking Colorado scenery and the rustic feeling it gives off. The horse is not only a great prop it adds whimsy, charm, and a fairy-tale type feel to the photos. Don’t you think?
Thank you Margo for sharing these lovely photos and best wishes to you and your hubby.
Just stunning pics. xx
