Rachel & Dan | DIY wedding At Lakefront Palm Garden

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Rachel & Dan are hard to define in just a few words or a single blog post. English teachers and fiction writers both, they seem a little shy when one first meets them. But hang around awhile and you’ll notice big, easy smiles and comfortable, intimate relationships with friends and family are a big part of what define them. They have eclectic tastes that privilege sustainable materials and the handmade. This was evident on their wedding day in everything from Rachel’s dress to the bamboo shoots that greeted guests at the reception. I learned quickly that Champagne and music make them happy and they are blessed with a lovely and talented family. Dan’s sister played the violin and Rachel’s amazing Aunt Mary made not only ALL the dresses for the bride and her bridesmaids, but also the bouquets, boutes and Rachel’s hair piece. By the end of the day you could have told me Aunt Mary had hand cobbled Dan’s leather shoes and I would have believed it. It doesn’t end with Aunt Mary though: A family friend made the cake, Dan’s mom made the adorable flower girl dresses and all the girls’ necklaces were a mix of heirloom and new beads restrung or newly designed by Aunt Nancy.

Rachel’s dress was one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen, crafted from tiers of vintage and collected lace and the bridemaids’ dresses – made from sustainable bamboo jersey – were all the same, but configured in every different way to the taste of each wearer. Dan’s bright green socks made me smile all day and little pops of whimsy kept appearing: buttons instead of flowers, the optional nature of shoes, a “groomslady” dress and dinosaur tie pin…Bright, natural, totally Rachel & Dan, that was the day.

Rachel and her bridesmaids traveled upriver by boat to the ceremony, sipping Champagne and enjoying the gorgeous weather along the way. Just before disembarking at the Rowing Club Rachel addressed her pre-wedding jitters with a little bubbly.

Rachel & Dan chose Lakefront Brewery for their reception, a selection that guests always appreciate since it usually means fun is on the menu. They also opted for my Photobooth! (blogged here a few weeks back.) I loved their props and everyone availed themselves of the fun. Dan stayed most of the night on the dance floor and his boogie made me want to dance, too.

Rachel & Dan’s day pulled me through so many emotions from beginning to end. I felt the intimacy of getting ready with friends and family at the hotel, the freshness of a summer boat ride, the anticipation of seeing one another for the first time, the comfort of going bare foot on your wedding day and *really* stopping to smell the flowers. I felt privileged to be a part of all of it and for anyone who needs an Aunt Mary I’ve got her number.

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