destination barn wedding at secrest 1883 octagonal barn

Annie and Jared were married in July at the Secrest 1883 Octagonal Barn in West Liberty, Iowa. It was a family and friend-filled affair to prepare for the big day and Annie really to DIY to a whole new level. The photos of this fabulous party certainly speak for themselves.

The ceremony included handmade fans, programs and lavender-sugar toss cones:

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Annie and her mom walking down the aisle to a song that Annie’s late father wrote and sung. I can promise you there was not a dry eye in the house.  Certainly Jared’s eyes were not dry.

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Photo shoot with the couple, obsessed that their puppy dog came out to join them!

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The bridal party looked amazing in their outfit picks.

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Annie told me that night that the cake topper she made was her favorite thing. She said please PLEASE make sure we get a picture of it. I’d say Jagger Photography did admirable justice to that little cake topper.

The decor in the barn was absolutely stunning.

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Annie and Jared moved to Iowa from the coast so many of their guests had never been to Iowa before. To give them a taste of the local flavor Annie and Jared hired a local band and square dancing caller to get the party started. Their guests really got into it.

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Annie and Jared’s wedding was amazing and I was so happy to be a part of it. The entire weekend was full of family and friends, amazing food and lots of love…exactly what a wedding should be.

Annie + Jared’s Vendors:
Ceremony & Reception: Secrest 1883 Octagonal Barn
Catering: The Motley Cow
Cake: Friend of the couple
Photography: Jagger Photography
Florist: St. Bridget’s Flower Farm
Music: Goosetown Stringband
Day of Coordination: Anticipation Events

outdoor wedding at a private residence

Ilena and Jack’s outdoor wedding at Jack’s parents’ house in June was the DIY wedding of our dreams.

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 Jack’s parents spent so much time getting the house and the backyard ready. A tent was set-up and family members from all over came in to help get everything ready: from making the seating chart, to bartending for the night and DJing. The day was incredibly humid but that didn’t stop the partying from going into the wee hours of the morning.

It was a family affair, Ilena’s almost sister-in-law Heather did the flowers for them. They were simply amazing.day of coordinatorday of coordinatorday of coordinator

Jack’s step-sister made them this awesome sign for bathrooms. With a backyard wedding comes LOTS of planning that you don’t have to think about in a typical venue.

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 While guests enjoyed cocktail hour, the bridal party slipped away for some glamour shots. Hot or not, it was a beautiful day!
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*Photos brought to you by Grant Legan Photography

Ilena + Jack’s Vendors:
Ceremony & Reception: private residence
Catering: Enticing Cuisine
Photography: Grant Legan Photography
Florist: sister-in-law of the bride
DJ: friend of the couple
Cake: The Cakery
Transportation: Spare Wheels
Day-of Coordination: Anticipation Events

lake wedding at byron colby barn

Julia + Dave’s wedding at Byron Colby Barn in Grayslake in September was the most impressive DIY wedding you’ll ever see. First, it rained so hard the night of the rehearsal that it took me three hours to drive from the city to the rehearsal at Dave’s parents house in Crystal Lake. It was not looking good for their outdoor ceremony at the barn.

Let me pause this recap for a moment to just say that Julia is likely one of the craftiest brides I have ever met.

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These two made SO MANY things for their wedding, even I (who considers myself pretty crafty) was in shock. Yes she made the escort cards, relabeled the water bottles, made the luminaries, made votive holders to be hung from ribbon around the barn, covered books for the centerpieces, thrifted silver pieces for the centerpieces, made the table numbers and made the favors and packaging. BUT, my friends, (this is a big ol’ BUT) she also: made the glorious flower wall backdrop for the ceremony, made the invitations, programs and menus, made all of the boutonnieres, sewed table runners for all of the tables, sewed chair covers for all. of. the. chairs. (there were 100), arranged all of the flowers for the centerpieces and bouquets. I am exhausted just typing all of that and I know there were other things that I can’t find the finger strength to type. She puts crafters like me to shame. SHAME. End pause.

This wedding was such a team effort. The morning of the wedding so many of their family members were at the site with me setting up: Dave and his Dad put up the AMAZING flower wall that Julia made. Aunts tied chair cover ribbons. Grandpa laid runners out and arranged centerpieces. Julia’s brothers lit candles. The list goes on. Needless to say, I think (hope!) Julia felt good about leaving all of her hard work in many capable hands.

They had an adorable first look and took some photos with Kim from Bowtie Photography:

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Guests were greeted with the much lauded “Dave loves Julia” and “Julia loves Dave” water bottles, and lemon and lime slices. 

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Julia’s brothers had the honor of walking Julia down the aisle…

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…where they said their “I dos” in front of the fabulous flowers.

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Inside the barn for dinner, guests found their table by finding the book that matched the one on their escort card. (Dave and Julia met in the library, you see.)


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The tables looked amazing (go Grandpa, go!.) Take note of those table runners and chair covers while you remember that she.made.them. Again with the emphasis.  After the wedding I tried to convince Julia she needs to start a side business doing flower arrangements (before I get engaged please?):

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They danced their first dance, and then much fun was had:

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Le sigh. I don’t think I have to say anything more.

Except! if you love Julia and want to see more of their wedding check out her wedding blog The Eventual Wedding and her current blog Ordinary Saturdays.

*all pictures in this post courtesy of the lovely Kim at bowtie photography

Julia + Dave’s Vendors:
Ceremony & Reception: Byron Colby Barn
Reception decor: Julia
Catering: Marvela’s Catering Services
Photography & Photo Booth: Kim at Bowtie Photography
Florist: Julia
Cake: Lovin Oven Cakery
DJ: Kristin with Toast & Jam
Day-of Coordination: Anticipation Events