DIY Bookworm Wedding
Both Chad and Brittaney are avid readers and share a deep appreciation for literature which they incorporated into their wedding. They also love spending time in gardens and natural settings so it was clear that combining these two themes would be the perfect way to celebrate their nuptials!
From custom book-inspired table numbers, a dewy decimal seating chart, and a sonnet-filled paper airplane toss this wedding is 100% about the couple and oh so sweet. See so much more of this DIY bookworm wedding in the full gallery here, captured by Yes, Dear. Studio.
paper DIY elements
Our wedding was full of artists! Being an artist myself, I handmade a number of details, but so many people made it possible. From the paper medallions that lined the church aisles, to the over 100 individually crafted paper flowers, to the library Dewey Decimal escort cards, the flower crown Aubrey, one of our photographers, made, and even my wedding dress hand sewn by my mother-in-law, it really was a culmination of friends, family, and artistic skills. The ceremony took place at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church, a beautiful craftsmen style church not far from our reception (fun fact: St. Maximilian was canonized the same day as our wedding about 20 years prior - auspicious!). I made paper pinwheel medallions to hang along the pews from book pages and colored paper that matched our wedding colors.
incorporate your passions
We chose Calamigos Ranch for our reception and were thrilled. It had the rustic quality we both liked, but it also maintained a sense of whimsy with lights dangling from the gigantic tree where dinner was served. To enter the reception, guest strolled down a path covered with lights to emerge in a garden. They passed under a book arch, put together by friends and family, before being welcomed to cocktail hour with a scavenger hunt and croquet matches. Flowers were everywhere: those made from book pages and colorful card stock were scattered among real blooms and petals. The hand-stamped triceratops is a nod both to the type of tea, Grumpy Dinosaur Mint, but also to my role as the triceratops puppeteer at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles. Since I am a puppeteer, I chose to design and create a shadow puppet show to give to Chad as a wedding gift.
paper airplane toss
Instead of a garter toss, Chad made a paper airplane from a sonnet we both love and threw it into the crowd. I wanted everyone to know they were special, so I took my toss bouquet apart and launched all the flowers into the air. If I can pass along any advice, it would be to enjoy the day! Slow things down, and remember to take time to pause, look around, and take it all in. If you are interested in preserving your bouquet, make sure you arrange someone to save it ahead of time. I tried to dry mine, but it wasn't as successful as some of the professional services I found after the fact. Finally, a last bit of advice: hire Yes, Dear Studio. No matter where you are, they travel. They are some of the most talented artists and kindest hearts you’ll ever meet. Your wedding will be in good hands.
- Cake Topper: Emily Franz
- Cake: Sweet E'S Bake Shop
- Car Rentals: Vintage Surfari Wagons
- Ceremony Venue: St. Maximilian Kolbe Church
- Coordinator: Wink Weddings
- Flowers: Kate Baker Floral Design
- Groom & His Men: J.Crew
- Veil or Hair Accessories: Yes, Dear, Studio Etsy
- Venues: Calamigos Ranch