San Luis Obispo Eclectic DIY Wedding
There’s something about using cobalt blue in wedding decor that makes us unbelievably cheery — it’s a bold choice that always seems to come across beautifully in images. Alexandra Wallace photographed the wedding of Rachel and Zach, a couple who wanted their day to be “artsy and a wee bit nerdy.” The two even did a choreographed dance at the end of the reception!
From the bride, Rachel: From the very beginning I knew I wanted vintage, artsy, and a wee bit nerdy. My husband happily agreed. I think our photographer Alexandra Wallace described it best with eclectic — I’d also use colorful, bright, and unique.
Bouquet recipe: King protea, Icelandic poppies, thistles, eucalyptus, queen Anne’s lace, craspedia, sweet pea, lisianthus, tiny white daisies, mixed greenery, a feather snuck in there…
My dress was designed by me, inspired by a designer dress I saw on Pinterest. It was constructed by a family friend, Ruth Franklin, myself, and my mom, Victoria Humbles. My garters were made by my friend and bridesmaid, Bridget Huffer. My bridesmaids’ hairpieces were made by me, as were the groomsmen’s boutonnieres; table numbers were constructed by me, and my husband Zach came up with the phrases based on our relationship corresponding with each number. We both spray-painted little dinosaur figures silver. These sat upon vintage books that were all from my personal collection. I also hand-wrote and painted place cards for every guest. Zach and I painted and constructed the octahedron strands that hung from the gazebo. Zach constructed the giant paper flowers. I painted a “me and you” sign that was at the guest book table, the guest book being a print found on Etsy, adhered to a wooden frame, found at Michael’s Craft Store. There were also little chalkboards that I hand-wrote notes on to correspond with the types of beer we served, among others.
Any advice for couples planning their weddings now? Enjoy EVERY minute. Make it fun, make it about YOU TWO! I read about a wedding where the bride said, don’t worry if something isn’t exactly right. That was huge for me! We did so much ourselves I wanted everything to be spit spot, but it wasn’t perfect. And honestly I think it turned out even better. Also, elope. 😉
Wedding Music:
Bridal Party Processional: “Home,” Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
Bride’s Processional: “Child,” Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
Recessional: “Throne Room/End Title” from Star Wars
Reception Entrance: “Imperial March” from Star Wars
First Dance: “Out of My League,” Fitz and the Tantrums
Father/Daughter Dance: “Look What You Done for Me,” Al Green
Mother/Son Dance: “My Wish,” Rascal Flatts
Everything was played at the reception, from Flogging Molly to Frank Sinatra, from Freddie King to the Rolling Stones, not to mention Chuck Berry, James Brown, and The Gap Band.
From the photographer, Alexandra Wallace: Rachel and Zach are no cookie-cutter couple, and their wedding was no Pinterest copy-and-paste affair! The day started with Rachel putting on her completely custom-made dress; a project taken on by a family friend, her mother, and herself. As the final touches approached, Rachel’s mother presented her with a locket – inside, a note, and a piece of her own wedding dress from over thirty years ago. The wedding celebration took place at the historic Jack House in downtown San Luis Obispo. Rachel donned a flower crown hand-crafted by her cousin, and guests were led to the gazebo to watch Rachel and Zach exchange vows [in front of a custom hanging backdrop!], and then walk down the aisle as husband and wife to the end title theme from Star Wars. Reception decor was in grey, cobalt blue, with hints of mustard yellow. Decorations were a mix of vintage, geometric shapes, and a bit of woodland inspiration. As Rachel said, “The fact that we don’t have one theme per se is very much us. There’s a bit of classic charm and a bit of geek chic – I must admit Doctor Who was an inspiration for the colors!” Dinner was cooked by family, and the evening was spent with dancing – including a wonderfully non-traditional, choreographed first dance by the newlyweds! [Did I mention Rachel works in theater??] As a parting gift, guests were each given a small succulent plant, representing life and longevity in harsh conditions.