Like so many of you can surely relate, Lauren + Kyle were on a tight budget for their big day. Funny thing is, at first they thought their budget was huge, but they quickly realized after getting a few quotes, that they'd have to get pretty crafty in order to have their dream wedding. And crafty they got! They spray painted vases, crafted playful signage - and even handmade their sweetheart table out of old floor boards. In the end, their DIYs ended up being one of the most memorable aspects of their wedding, and they have the fondest memories of their Saturday morning thrifting trips and weekly sushi + craft nights! Here's a bit more about being a DIY bride from Lauren:

Definitely relatable and wise words that I'm sure other budget + DIY couples will be happy to hear! Big thanks to Lydia Jane Photography for the beautiful photos + congrats to Lauren + Kyle on a super rad day!

Didn't Lauren make the loveliest bride?! We have a super similar Sarah Seven dress in the GWS shop right now if you're loving her stylish, romantic vibe, too!

From Kyle: My favorite moment of our wedding was the first look. I know I was hesitant at first, but looking back, I'm so glad we did it. It was OUR moment and it was OUR love to share with each other and no one else, if only for a few seconds of the day. Lauren's face showed all the trials in the past we had gone through to make it to that day, and all the joy we look forward to in our life together.

From Lauren: I agree with him. My favorite moment was the first look also. I was so nervous (not to marry him but just to be the center of attention for the day - scary!) and as soon as I saw him for the first look, I breathed a huge sigh of relief (after crying, ha!). I could finally relax for a bit and was so happy and suddenly way more calm and comfortable.

Processional: Bridal Party: Sea of Love - Cat Power; Bride: Untitled 3 - Sigur Ros

Recessional: Tonight, Tonight - Smashing Pumpkins

First Dance: My Love for You is Real - Ryan Adams

Lauren + Kyle saved some cash on table florals by purchasing wholesale and arranging with friends + family the night before the wedding. And if you were admiring Lauren's bouquet + flower crown, those pieces were designed by Amy of Crimson & Clover, a friend of the couple's!

We wish we could try this funfetti cake with strawberry buttercream frosting! We're thinking it was probably the best-tasting wedding cake of all time. Y-U-M! :)

To see more of this sweet couple's big day, don't miss the video by Tyler Davis of Monolith!

Have fun! Get crafty - your friends and family WANT to help you - let them! The wedding will be all the more personal for it. Don't take on too many projects. Pick a few and get started ASAP. That way, you can really take your time over many months, instead of feeling stressed and overwhelmed at the last minute. It's so tempting to do nothing wedding-wise in the middle of your engagement. But you'll be kicking yourself when it gets closer to the big day for not starting those projects sooner. Also! Stand your ground. If you have a vision for your day of how it should feel, or look, or what food will be served - make it happen!! People can be quick to question your plans, or suggest alternatives to things you're really excited about - and that can really bring you down. Don't let it! Thank them kindly for their suggestion and then ignore it and move forward with your vision. This day is all about you and your fiance. The only opinions that TRULY matter are yours.

photography: Lydia Jane Photography // venue: McDonald Barn, privately owned in Pennsylvania // flower crown + bouquet: Amy of Crimson & Clover // bridesmaids bouquets + other flowers: wholesale // wedding dress: Sarah Seven // hairpieces: Amy of Crimson & Clover Floral Designs // shoes: J.Crew // bridesmaid dresses: They all picked their own from any store they wanted. I just gave them a color // hair + makeup: Roxanne Farias-Walsh (friend) // groom suit: Zara // videography: Tyler Davis of Monolith // paper goods: August Schwartz (bridesman), Jess Soulen (friend) // catering: Pizzeria Moto // cake: Providence Divine // music: Ryan of Mixing Maryland