Amanda and Daniel
Though Amanda and Daniel met in elementary school, they didn't begin dating until high school. The pair stayed together through college, and after a year-long break, they reunited and moved to Philadelphia, where they later got engaged. Their June 1, 2012, wedding—held at a bed and breakfast in Hope, New Jersey, was a simple and elegant garden-party celebration filled with many DIY touches and flowers galore.
Unique Invites
The couple designed the invitations themselves, opting for a one-piece suite that didn't require an envelope. They used a perforator so that recipients could detach the map and response card.
The Bride's Bouquet
Amanda carried a clutch of peonies, roses, ranunculus, and sweet peas in soft pink tones.
The Fashions
Amanda complemented her gown (designed and made by her aunt) with her great grandmother's pearl necklace. The groom looked sharp in a suit from Topshop. He wore the same tie as his groomsmen but had it refashioned into a bow tie.
Bridesmaids Bouquets
The bridesmaids carried bouquets of various roses.
Dapper Gents
The groomsmen paired their suits with Steven Alan neckties and pocket squares from The Tie Bar.
The Ceremony
The couple's service was filled with personal touches like hand-written vows and readings from family members, including an excerpt from The Velveteen Rabbit–a book that the bride's late grandmother read to her growing up–and a poem that Amanda's aunt and uncle wrote for the big day.
Waving Wands
Teal, pink, and white streamers pinned to painted dowels were on hand for guests to wave as the newlyweds made their way back up the aisle.
Paper Fans
Coral and gray paper fans kept attendees cool at the ceremony.
The Ring Bearer
The bride's four-year-old nephew served as the ring bearer. His pillow was made out of leftover fabric from Amanda's wedding dress.
Upcycled Escort Cards
The escort cards were tied to old keys from a building that Amanda's aunt manages. Vines from the mother of the bride's garden completed the display.
Signature Drinks
Guests sipped on Kir Royales and blood orange Manhattans.
Tent Décor
Before the big day, the bride held a craft party where bridesmaids, friends, and family members dyed large coffee filters in different shades of pink and strung them together to serve as décor.
Simple and Elegant
Single pink blooms in white vases were displayed in clusters on the tables.
The Menu
The menus, which the couple designed, were gussied up with a Martha Stewart scalloped border paper punch.
The Cake
The couple asked Nic Endicrat of Classic Cake to create a vanilla sponge cake with a layer of lemon curd, mousseline, and fresh raspberries.
Croquembouche
Also on the dessert menu was a croquembouche, a nod to the bride's love of French culture.
The Photobooth
Guest posed in front of a photobooth that the couple made themselves from an Ikea sheet attached to stakes and hay bales.
Handmade Favors
Amanda, who has her own online pastry shop, was able to use Classic Cake's kitchen to make blueberry jam and peach butter for takeaway treats at the reception's conclusion. The couple canned them and Daniel created the labels.
Sources
Photographer: Shannen Natasha Weddings
Venue: The Inn at Millrace Pond
Catering and Rentals: Frungillo Caterers
Florist: Days Gone By Florists
Stationery and Calligraphy: Daniel Cantada
Cake: Nic Endrikat of Classic Cake
Music: CJ the DJ
Makeup: Nordstrom