Simple, Natural, Elegant ~ The Wedding of Mary & Opie {Part 1}

This wedding is one of those that makes blogging so very worth while for me.  

I came across these photographs one day by the talented and very lovely American Photographer, Jenna Cole, whilst browsing through the photography folder in my Google Reader.  I see a lot of wedding photographs. And I mean, a lot. But these ones blew me away.  They so perfectly represent everything that Love My Dress is all about and appealed very much to my own personal sense of style.  I knew immediately that I had to see if I could feature this wedding.  Thank you to the very kind blessing of Jenna Cole, and newlyweds themselves, for allowing me to do just that. Special thanks and credit have to also be given to Lynn In Love Photo, who was second Photographer on the Day (images credited where relevant).

Mary, the Bride, is a natural beauty – no fancy make-up artist required here, thank you.  She and Husband Opie tied the knot in October this year, and are now the proud owners of a heart-warming collection of wedding photographs
that reflect this couples wonderful, original style and pure love and adoration for one another; in liaising with Mary for the details for this feature, I could very genuinely sense the love this newlywed couple share.

This Brides creativity is evident all-over (many of the style and decor elements were DIY/home-made) and I am so impressed with how both Mary and Opie worked to ensure their day represented their true personalities, tastes and preferences, as opposed to feeling they had to conform to something more traditional.

I'll hush now and let you see for yourself.

Enjoy…

All Imagery Copyright (C) 2009, Jenna Cole

Mary and Opie wed in October this year, at The Firewheel Golf Park Pavilion, in Garland, Texas, USA. 

"I'm a Starbucks Barista, Opie is a ridiculously regular customer, and he asked me out over the hand-out bar"… I like it! 

Top two (left/right), Copyright (C) 2009, Lynn in Love

Mary purchased her beautiful 1930's inspired dress from a Consignment shop in Dallas, called Anonymously Yours.

"I put it on and instantly felt like a million bucks.  Also, it fit perfectly and was very reasonably priced.  It echoed of my Grandmother (and my namesake) who married in the early thirties.  As soon as I stepped into my dress, in that consignment shop, I turned to my Mom and said, 'Wouldn't finger waves be perfect?'.  And they were.  The vintage elements began there.  Also, various photos of my Grandmother in my parents dining room have always captivated me, and many guests claimed I was my Grandmothers spitting image at our wedding".

Mary's fabulous red patent leather Mary Jane pumps were called 'Beckey', by Madden Girl.  I love them! Clearly Mary has confidence as well as style, for I'm not sure too many Brides could pull off such a fabulous pair of shoes on their wedding day…

 

"My Mom and I made my veil from about $6 of french netting…"

Wow! It looks beautiful.  I love the vintage bird-cage veil look and this elegant piece most definitely looks like more than $6 worth. 

Below two, Copyright (C) 2009, Lynn in Love

A subtle nature theme ran through this day, as did the colours brown and green – long time favourites of Mary's. 

Instead of a more traditional bridal bouquet, Mary opted for a dried wheat bouquet, with matching wheat/acorn boutonnieres.   She made both herself, using tried wheat from Garden Ridge, and (the best bit) acorns from her own tree.  I love that – such a romantic touch (and I love how Mary also managed to sneak that acorn detail in to the garter below too!).  

The Bride's Attendants bouquet's and boutonnieres were also made by Mary, using Baby's Breath, purchased from the grocery store.

Middle Right & Bottom, Copyright (C) 2009, Lynn in Love

 

"I wore a fascinator that I bought for $10 from CraigsList and then added some feathers to it"…

Mary's pretty earrings were Silver Leaves, by Etsy seller SweetVintage and her bracelet was her Grandmother's.

This is one of my favourite shots of Mary below, I think she looks so naturally elegant.  It represents yet more stunning styling for next to nothing in terms of cost..

 

Leaves, instead of flowers, were scattered down the aisle, by one very cute little Bride's Attendant, and a proud moment below as Mary makes her way to the ceremony, with her Father…

Moments like this captured on camera, always, always take my breath away…

"Our ceremony was magical and heartfelt, and gave me happy little chills that lasted all night.  In fact, I don't think they have worn of
f quite yet…"

Kiss the Bride…

Below, Copyright (C) 2009, Lynn in Love

 

Both Mary and Opie enjoy a Scottish/Irish heritage, and I love how Mary's wedding dress shows off her celtic style tattoo…

Below, Copyright (C) 2009, Lynn in Love

The two Bridesmaids wore a Jones Wear Satin Inset Dress, and a Jones Wear Charmeuse Tie Dress, both a purchase from J C Penny…

Heeee! Feel the love, happiness and fun in this photograph! 😉

 

Below two, Copyright (C) 2009, Lynn in Love

This is going to be a two-parter, given the number of beautiful images I have to share with you, so please check back in the next day or so, to see many more details, including a lovely close-up shot of the white gold celtic warrior rings, and how even more fabulous DIY and personal style filled this wonderful day.

You'll be inspired, I promise you.

♥