• Real Weddings

Garret and Whitney wanted to make sure that all of their wedding decor and accessories could be used after their wedding. With that goal in mind, Whitney and her mother set out on a thrift store/ Third Sunday Market in Bloomington, IL adventure to collect for her rustic Illinois wedding.
The wagon wheel theme came about organically, a simple purchase for their wedding decor turned out to be the core element of their wedding. So, if you are not sure on what to do for your ,"wedding theme", simply go shopping and see what is out there. You just might run into that perfect piece that sets the tone of your entire day. You can see more of Garret and Whitney's DIY rustic wagon wheel wedding in the full gallery here. All captured by Pam Cooley Photography.

It doesn't take a fashion expert to tell you know that Whitney's bridesmaids look fabulous.  The ruffled floral dresses paired with heeled cowgirl boots blends perfectly with their rustic bridesmaids bouquets. To fancy everything up they all have their hair  in up-dos with matching earrings, and the maids of honors each have special bracelets. Their dresses were purchased at Dillard's making for an affordable, yet cute bridesmaid option.

From The Bride:One of the very first items we purchased was an old wagon wheel. When we look back, this was the most important purchase, and the item that set the tone for the rest of the wedding. Our wedding was a collection of DIY projects and ideas and although my Mom and I had the vision of the décor, so many people played a part in making it all happen. Every aspect of the wedding turned out greater than I could have expected, from the wedding printings, to the flowers, and all of the details in between.

When I think back to the start of wedding planning, I had 2 goals. I wanted to make our wedding different, and I wanted to make sure I could use my décor again in our house. I wanted to spend money on things that would not be used just once, and my future husband absolutely loved that idea! I grew up on a farm, and have lived with antiques my entire life, so it only felt natural that my Mom and I began our wedding planning by shopping at Third Sunday Market.

Great Idea!
Having a local band at your wedding can not only be super fun, but less expensive. Local bands like to play close to home, cutting down on travel costs. But, before you start searching for that perfect band, be sure that your venue can accommodate live musicians. They need to be able to unload their equipment and some venues have sound/noise limits. All factors to consider before getting ready to dance the night away. Jake Maurer and The Naked Truth played at Whitney and Garret's reception. See more pictures of Jake in the full gallery. How cute is he?

Photographer: Pam Cooley Photography Venue: Metamora Fields Cake: Trefzgers Bakery DJ: Top Hat Productions Dress Designer: Allure Bridal from Adore Bridal Flowers: Country Florist Groom's Attire: Seno Formalwear Stationery: Courtney Kamm Bridesmaids Dresses & Western Boots from Dillards Band-Jake Maurer and The Naked Truth, Nashville, TN Cupcakes: Caleri’s Café & Bakery, Roanoke Il.