Anna and Bruno planned a wedding that reflected their interests and personalities, and they were kind enough to share it with us today. But before we get to the photos, I love this detail from Anna, about one of her favorite parts of the day: "The morning of the wedding, I came out of my room tired and stressed. My friends took my to do list away, swarmed around me and rubbed my hands and feet, putting cucumbers on my eyes and offering words of reassurance and comfort." What a great way to start the day!
Anna is a children's author and illustrator, so she did some illustrations of herself and Bruno as bunnies, which were incorporated throughout the wedding, from the invitations to custom buttons. The wedding took place at Nine Mountain Retreat Center in the Berkshires - Anna and Bruno chose this venue so that they could spend the entire weekend with their 50 guests.
Anna designed and illustrated the save-the-dates and invitations, which were Gocco printed by Etsy vendor Heatherjeany.
The outdoor ceremony area was decorated with garlands of origami cranes that many friends and family helped to fold and string. Anna and Bruno walked down the aisle together, following their parents.
A friend read Anna's favorite children's book, The Rabbits' Wedding, as one of the ceremony readings.
During the ceremony, the couple planted a small oak tree, and invited their parents to contribute soil from the places where Anna and Bruno grew up.
How cool is this art installation on the retreat property?
Anna wore a dress from BCBG that she embellished with handmade organza flowers. Bruno wore a suit from Banana Republic.
Anna and Bruno wanted to avoid paper napkins at their wedding, so Anna made darling mismatched napkins for the reception, which doubled as favors for their guests.
Some advice from Anna: Don't worry about what other people will think about your wedding. Do something that is meaningful and special to you and people will be moved and excited about it. Also, while I am a big fan of DIY, don't take on more than you can reasonably do! Pick and choose the projects you care about, and let the rest go.
A Brazilian-inspired meal was served to honor Bruno's heritage. In addition, after dinner, Bruno changed out of his suit and played Capoeira with his friends.
Tin cans and Ball jars were used as vases. The flowers were bought in bulk from a local organic farm, and then arranged by the couple and their friends the day before the wedding.
Cheers Anna and Bruno! Thank you so much for sharing your wedding with us, and thank you to photographer Kelly Lorenz for sharing these photos.