You’re going to love Erica & Ryan’s homespun, diy wedding…and you’re certainly going to love their story. I was over the moon to receive these gorgeous images from photographer Katie and even more chuffed when Erica got in touch with all the juicy details.
“Ryan and I originally thought we would just have a courthouse wedding, and then have a big party. Of course, our parents were not so thrilled with the idea. We also did not want anyone else planning or making decisions for OUR wedding/party, because we did not want it to be the same old wedding and the same old reception that we’ve all attended twenty times before. Nothing against traditional weddings, we’re just not traditional. We also were looking to keep it cheap simply because we think it’s silly to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a few hours. All we really needed was the two of us looking snazzy and an amazing photographer.”
They chose the Scout Statue, Kansas City, MO for their ceremony as the couple drove past it every day and felt it was perfect for them. For their reception Screenland Crossroads, Kansas City, MO provided the perfect mix they were looking for – reasonably priced and unique. “We had seen a couple movies at the theatre and instantly fell in love with the place- who wouldn’t love fully reclining leather movie theatre seats? It also went along with our Kansas City theme, as it is part of a small local chain of theatres. We met with the event coordinator, Bryan Williams, and he was more than willing to help us achieve anything we wanted to with our party. We loved all the vintage movie posters that cover the walls, and the leopard print carpet. Added bonus: cheap drinks since we planned on having a cash bar” Erica told me.
The couple added fantstic personal touches to make their wedding truely their own, everything from having Oklahoma Joe’s BBQ provide the food (one of their favourite restaurants) and to choosing doughnut from Lamar’s Donuts instead of an expensive traditional cake.
Erica’s dress was also a perfect reflection of her. “First of all, green has been both Ryan’s and my favorite color since as far back as I can remember” she began. “Secondly, I’m not particularly a fan of wearing white- I’m too pale. And I’m definitely not a fan of the oh-so-popular strapless wedding dress. There is a very small percent of brides who can actually pull that off. So I wanted something different, something classy, something fun – something me. I looked at a lot of dresses online and found two dresses I liked the top of one, the bottom of the other. So I sent them to my fashion and design genius friend Natalie Julich, told her what I wanted and that I wanted it green. She photoshopped the two together, made it green, and put my face on it and voila the idea was born. I knew Ryan’s mom had made a wedding dress before, so when Ryan and I told our parents that we were engaged, I asked her if she would make it. She gladly accepted. Through trial and error, she made the dress just right- green and fluffy! Not to mention gorgeous!”
Credit: Katie Day Photo
Dress & Veil: Designed by the bride and sewn by the mother-of-the-groom, Daneen Thurman
Accessories: Vintage two tone with green rhinestones. Earrings and brooch set found online at etsy.com
Shoes:Nordstrom “BP Platinum Posey Pump”
Bouquet by: Natalie Julich
Groom’s outfit Jacket from H&M for less than $50, trousers from Banana Republic for $100, shirt and tie on sale at Express for $90
Wedding Bands by: Minter and Richter Designs
Ceremony Site: Scout Statue, Kansas City, MO
Reception Site: Screenland Crossroads, Kansas City, MO
Food: Oklahoma Joe’s BBQ
Donuts: Lamar’s Donuts
