Notes from the Bride: 

We wanted the day, and all decor, to match our personal styles and personalities - relaxed, classic, and subtle. Both Sean and I have a "less is more" approach to most things (my makeup drawer does not count) and we like every detail to have a purpose.  Weddings can often times feel too structured, and participation in certain traditions cumbersome, so it was important to us to create a relaxed "participate at will" environment. For the ceremony, we had my brother officiate, and poured/drank wine as a symbol of unity vs. lighting candles. Readings were kept to a minimum, and were light, non-religious, and relevant to both Sean and I. Seating was open, outside of having families in the first two rows. I also had my brother sneak in a mention of Tom Brady while he was conducting the ceremony, in reference to one of my sayings Sean loves to tease me about (which is "Be classy like Tom Brady"). For the reception, we opted to ask guests to sign Jenga game pieces as opposed to a guest book, had a popcorn bar that was accessible to guests for the entirety of the reception, ensured alcohol was available with an open bar, had live music for the entirety of the reception, and had BBQ setup buffet style so guests could choose what and when they ate. In regards to homemade DIY details, we designed, printed, and framed all directional signs, utilized mason jars in various sizes for both flowers and votive candles, packaged together s'more thank you goody bags, utilized wicker and wire baskets on various tables, and incorporated large rustic initials for Sean and me along with decorative metal state cutouts for my home state, Sean's home state, and our current state, on a ladder in the welcome area.