A Crafty Garden-Party Wedding in Hope, New Jersey

Amanda and Daniel

amanda-dan-rw0813-300.jpg
Shannen Natasha Weddings

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.

01 of 20

Unique Invites

amanda-dan-rw0813-11.jpg
Shannen Natasha Weddings

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.

02 of 20

The Bride's Bouquet

amanda-dan-rw0813-119.jpg
Shannen Natasha Weddings

Amanda carried a clutch of peonies, roses, ranunculus, and sweet peas in soft pink tones.

03 of 20

The Fashions

amanda-dan-rw0813-291.jpg
Shannen Natasha Weddings

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.

04 of 20

Blushing Bridesmaids

amanda-dan-rw0813-133.jpg
Shannen Natasha Weddings

Amanda's 'maids wore pink J.Crew frocks.

05 of 20

Bridesmaids Bouquets

amanda-dan-rw0813-122.jpg
Shannen Natasha Weddings

The bridesmaids carried bouquets of various roses.

06 of 20

Dapper Gents

amanda-dan-rw0813-54.jpg
Shannen Natasha Weddings

The groomsmen paired their suits with Steven Alan neckties and pocket squares from The Tie Bar.

07 of 20

The Ceremony

amanda-dan-rw0813-219.jpg
Shannen Natasha Weddings

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.

08 of 20

Waving Wands

amanda-dan-rw0813-149.jpg
Shannen Natasha Weddings

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.

09 of 20

Paper Fans

amanda-dan-rw0813-148.jpg
Shannen Natasha Weddings

Coral and gray paper fans kept attendees cool at the ceremony.

10 of 20

The Ring Bearer

Bride and Groom at Ceremony Altar
Shannen Natasha Weddings

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.

11 of 20

Upcycled Escort Cards

amanda-dan-rw0813-27.jpg
Shannen Natasha Weddings

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.

12 of 20

Signature Drinks

amanda-dan-rw0813-411.jpg
Shannen Natasha Weddings

Guests sipped on Kir Royales and blood orange Manhattans.

13 of 20

Tent Décor

amanda-dan-rw0813-31.jpg
Shannen Natasha Weddings

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.

14 of 20

Simple and Elegant

amanda-dan-rw0813-256.jpg
Shannen Natasha Weddings

Single pink blooms in white vases were displayed in clusters on the tables.

15 of 20

The Menu

amanda-dan-rw0813-32.jpg
Shannen Natasha Weddings

The menus, which the couple designed, were gussied up with a Martha Stewart scalloped border paper punch.

16 of 20

The Cake

amanda-dan-rw0813-397.jpg
Shannen Natasha Weddings

The couple asked Nic Endicrat of Classic Cake to create a vanilla sponge cake with a layer of lemon curd, mousseline, and fresh raspberries.

17 of 20

Croquembouche

amanda-dan-rw0813-394.jpg
Shannen Natasha Weddings

Also on the dessert menu was a croquembouche, a nod to the bride's love of French culture.

18 of 20

The Photobooth

amanda-dan-rw0813-247.jpg
Shannen Natasha Weddings

Guest posed in front of a photobooth that the couple made themselves from an Ikea sheet attached to stakes and hay bales.

19 of 20

Handmade Favors

amanda-dan-rw0813-252.jpg
Shannen Natasha Weddings

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.

20 of 20

Sources

amanda-dan-rw0813-331.jpg
Shannen Natasha Weddings

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

Was this page helpful?
Related Articles