Rustic ski resort wedding by Aubrey Joy Photography

Instead of letting wedding planning become a chore, why not make it a creative art project? That was what this newlywed couple had in mind, as they drew inspiration from their photo albums, travels, written letters, and more mementos, collected from their three years together. Aubrey Joy Photography captured this wedding, a wedding that was like stepping into an interactive scrapbook. It was a beautiful color against the canvas of the homey ski resort in Washington.

The invitations looked so, well, inviting. The couple said they spent the most time on creating the invitation, and who could say no to the product of such an ambitious project? They were created with a great Japanese printmaking device called a Print Gocco. Since the company is out of business, it makes these invitations even more of a treasure that can serve as keepsakes for the guests!

After tackling the invitation project, the creative duo found their next inspiration in the fallen trees in their property. Instead of letting the great material go to waste, the couple went to work with their burnishing tool to burn letters into the wood on the hangers and centerpieces. They even handmade the cake stand, the sign for the back of the truck, and a teepee for the kids! After all the dust settled, the resort smelled like a campfire. What a perfect complement to the rustic ambiance of an outdoor wedding, complete with cowboy boots and a tranquil meadow.

And then there was the guest book table, filled with lots of the pictures and letter writing elements that run as a theme throughout the couple’s three-year relationship. It was one of the many features to entertain the guests and leave a great impression. The guest book table had an old typewriter, a relic from the bride’s father, and some water color pencils and a book for younger and older generations to enjoy. Kids also enjoyed the homemade cootie catchers, which lent itself to a fun time with fun commands like “Kiss the Bride” and “Hug Grampa John.” As if this wasn’t enough, the couple also took on some fabric projects to make the guests in the ceremony feel extra special, with creations like butterfly wings for the flower girls and garter belts for the single women.

Thanks to Aubrey Joy Photography and the couple for sharing these inspirational tips on creating a homey, DIY wedding that was as memorable for the couple as it was for the guests!