• Real Weddings

Kelsey and her mom are true crafters! They took the challenge of designing Kelsey and Jeremy's diy red and white wedding head on. They scoured antique stores for milk glass. They made endless amounts of bunting, cut tons of ribbon and hung each and every single pouf you see. In fact, Kelsey's mom and dad made their wedding cake and the groom's cake. This wedding is officially a DIY wedding.
There are so many more details in the full gallery to see. all photographed by Texas wedding photographer Kristi Wright.

From The BrideI tried on about 30-40 dresses, but I always kept thinking back on the Maggie Sottero I tried on at one of my first appointments. Every dress was immediately compared to it, so I finally realized that was the one! We altered the dress a bit to make it exactly what I wanted and when the day came it was absolutely perfect!

When it came to shoes I knew I wanted bright red shoes that popped! I scoured the Internet and finally found a pair that I knew were perfect! I also wanted a pair for the reception because let’s be honest I cannot get down in 4 inch heels. I found a sparkly pair of red flats that I called my “Dorothy Flats” and my mom added adorable bows!

On Their First Look-
Jeremy and I, in an effort to keep our wonderful day in our thoughts, always talk about our favorite moments and the first look was by far one of them! I was hesitant in doing one because I didn't want it to trump my entrance when I walked into the church, but in the end I couldn't resist!

I just have had too many friends say if given the chance to do it all over they would still do the first look. The moment I saw him standing out there I was overcome by joy, it is not really a feeling to be explained, but one to be felt. I could not believe that after 3 years together we were finally at this point. He looked so handsome and I just felt overwhelmed at the thought that he was MINE forever! Jeremy also enjoyed it, he said he loved being able to see me and soak it all in before the wedding. It was a moment to ourselves and one we will never forget.

This was a DIY wedding. My mom and I have always been crafters, so when it came to wedding decorations it was only natural that we make everything ourselves.

We scoured antique and thrift stores for all the milk glass and my mom probably went to every Pier 1 within fifty miles for the red lanterns. We made basically everything else. I loved walking into the reception for the first time and seeing my vision and all my hard work come to life.

On The planning-
Planning...whew where do I even start? My advice on planning is to remember that everything will turn out! The flowers you ordered will look great, your bridesmaids dresses will fit and the guys will all remember their belts. Somehow by the grace of God things come together! Also get things done early especially if you are a DIYer like myself. If I had any spare moment it was spent making something for the wedding. I was constantly emailing people, making calls and getting everything set that I could.

Don't wait until the last minute because at the last minute you will be going nutty! The week of my wedding we had pretty much everything lined up, so I had time to enjoy the time with my family, bridesmaids and then fiance now Husband. Lastly savor the day! Getting ready, putting your dress down, laughing with your girls, walking down the aisle and dancing with your new husband...enjoy it all because it only happens once! I remember constantly wanting to stop time and remember every second. Lastly Lastly don't forget who this wedding is about, you and the love of your life. It's not about the dress, the cake or the people. It is about you and your husband. Don't let the stress of it all overtake the joy of the day!

Favorite Moment-
Another one of our favorite moments was our last dance. We had everyone exit the building in anticipation for our exit and Jeremy and I shared a dance on the floor just the two of us. I cried the entire time as my sweet new husband whispered the words into my ear as we two stepped around the floor (this is Texas).

Now every time I hear that song it takes me back to that moment and I almost spontaneously burst into tears again. I highly recommend this if possible. It was an absolutely beautiful moment for us to end our day with!

Photographer: Kristi Wright Venue: Bridgewater Events Center Makeup & Hair: Updo's By Candice Dress Designer: Maggie Sottero Groom's Attire: Express Shoe Designer: Me Too Jewelry: Design by KaraBridesmaid’s Dresses:Bill LevkoffEvent Designer: Bride & her Mother | Cake: Bride's Parents | Flowers: Bride & Friends | Stationery: Erin Powell | Veil or Hair Accessories: Bride's Mother | Prop or Furniture Rentals: Vintage| Candy Bar: Bride (backdrop and jar tags) and Bride’s Mother (ruffled table cloth) | Ceremony: Missouri Street Church of Christ, Baytown, TX