A Relaxed Vintage Handmade Wedding

I hope you’re ready for some gorgeousness today, because today’s wedding is going to overload you! I had the hardest time narrowing down the images for the feature today, the film from Spotted Photography is too beautiful! And the details are just so effortlessly elegant and chic. The handmade details are sweet, but not too fussy, giving a relaxed and vintage vibe. But seriously, these portraits are too amazing, takes my breath away!

The absolutely stunning bride Mary Claire shares:

Nate and I decided we wanted to get married in February while I was on study abroad in Paris. Because his parents were leaving to serve a religious mission in Zimbabwe in June, we were a little rushed on wedding planning. I was out of the country until the end of April so my amazing mother helped with most of the planning. In planning our wedding, Nate and I were most focused on the ceremony itself and celebrating our commitment to each other with our family and close friends.

Our favorite part of our wedding day was the ceremony itself. It was an incredible feeling to be married in a simple ceremony with only family and close friends present. Besides the ceremony, I would have to say that our first dance was incredible. The reception was very busy and fun, so this was the only moment Nate and I really had to ourselves to talk and enjoy each other. I remember feeling so grateful to finally be married to my best friend.

As for the reception, we wanted to have a big party to celebrate with all the people who have loved and supported us growing up. The venue we chose was a beautiful historic home not far away from my house. The reception was outdoors (a little risky for Phoenix in June) but it ended up being absolutely beautiful and it cooled off after an hour or so. The theme I had in mind was vintage chic, with an antique and relaxed feel. We had a display in the front with old books, pictures of ancestors and old Parisian postcards. I also wanted it to have a unique touch, which we accomplished by making our own homemade cakes, which were beautiful and tasty. In fact, most of the decorations at the party were handmade by friends and family, including the centerpieces and lace-wrapped candles. I felt so moved by how many people had come together to help make our day absolutely perfect.

I feel so lucky to have had Paola as our photographer. I met her while on my study abroad in Paris, and we became instant friends. It just so happened that she is a very talented photographer and volunteered to shoot my wedding. Her style really showed through her beautiful use of film. The pictures at the temple were my favorite, absolutely stunning use of light.