One of my favorite venues for fall weddings are vineyards, it’s always classic and beautiful. Today’s purple vineyard wedding from Carretto Studio Photography is full of great handmade and DIY details. I love the sweet handkerchief pinned under her gown with a locket to remember her mother. And you really can’t go wrong with ending the wedding with a sunset over the fields and dancing under the stars!
When Steve and I got engaged, I made it no secret that I had my heart set on a destination wedding. We quickly realized that in order to incorporate all of the important people in our lives, a beach location was out of the question. At that moment, we decided we wanted the entire focus of the wedding to be about family. It needed to be easy and laid back, with a large focus on the overall experience for our friends and family. That in mind, Chandler Hill Vineyard was the perfect location, and the only venue we even looked at for our wedding and reception. It is a destination in and of itself, while providing the atmosphere and environment we were looking for.
After finding the perfect location, I knew my next stop was the perfect wedding dress. It was a bittersweet experience without my mom, but my sister helped fill the void. We went to The Wedding Gallery, in St. Charles, MO to begin the search. I was very specific in what I was looking for, and after describing what I wanted, they brought out this gorgeous silk dress with all of the glamour and elegance I was looking for. The fabric shimmered like I’d never seen, and I fell in love. With my dad’s stamp (and tears) of approval, it was the one! I found the unique, handmade pearl and diamond necklace on Etsy and felt it would complement the dress beautifully. We used the fabric of my dress as inspiration for the Bridesmaid dresses. When several of my bridesmaids and I stumbled across tea length, one shoulder dresses in a similar fabric and sheen as my dress, we knew it would be the perfect match. I made the flower girl tutus out of different colors of purple tulle I found at JoAnn Fabrics, and paired them with a lavender leotard with flowers on one shoulder. The girls not only stole the show, but will have a fun tutu to play with after the wedding!
I was so inspired by the setting at Chandler Hill that I knew I did not want the décor to overpower the beauty of the building and location. Many of the decorative elements incorporated burlap, keeping the theme very simple and natural. All of the centerpieces were handmade using strips of burlap and lace, complimented by various shades of purple ribbon. My favorite part was the cream burlap dahlias that I happened upon at Hobby Lobby only a few weeks before the wedding – I knew I had to have them. To add a little piece of the winery to the table décor, I found recycled wine corks transformed into place card holders on Etsy. We topped it all off with lots of candles to enhance the ambiance of an already idyllic venue.
The day was everything we could have asked for. I wore my mother’s aquamarine bracelet as my something blue, and my something borrowed was my sister’s locket with a picture of my mom inside, pinned underneath my dress. She was ever present and close by that day. All of our brothers and sisters stood with us as we recited our vows in front of all the people most important to us. Steve’s brother-in-law provided a personal and unique ceremony, and we were grateful to have him marry us. Our guests were able to enjoy cocktails and dinner while taking in one of the most beautiful sun sets I’ve ever seen, followed by dancing under the stars. It was everything we dreamed of, and more.
Photography | Carretto Studio Photography | Venue | Chandler Hill Vineyards | Cake | J. Noto Italian Bakery | Gown | The Wedding Gallery | Bridesmaid Dresses | Victoria’s Bridal & Formalwear | Hair | Studio Branca | DJ | Elite Pro DJ | Rings | Shane Co. | Suits | Savvi Formalwear
