1. Real Weddings

A Lavender, DIY Backyard Wedding at a Private Residence in Rochester Hills, Michigan

Ashley Wrathell (24 and a stay-at-home mother) and Zackary Brabandt (25 and a foreman for Defence Enterprise) didn't need to travel far from home to f

Ashley Wrathell (24 and a stay-at-home mother) and Zackary Brabandt (25 and a foreman for Defence Enterprise) didn't need to travel far from home to find the perfect wedding venue. Zackary's aunt and uncle let the couple use their backyard for the ceremony and reception, creating a gorgeous, rustic environment. "We could not have picked a better location," Ashley says. "We knew we wanted to have our wedding outdoors because it gives a unique and natural feel. Their backyard is very woodsy with protected wetlands connected to it. It fit perfectly for our wedding." The ceremony took place with tree stumps lining the aisle and a tulle-draped wooden arbor waiting at the end, captured by Flourish Photography. Full bouquets of ranunculus, dahlias, roses and wax flowers were arranged by New Creations Flower. The best DIY twist? For made her wedding dress, Ashley sewed pieces of lace handkerchief throughout the bottom and added lace edging. "It seemed like there was something missing in the dress," Ashley says. "Lace was a huge part of what I wanted, so that was the first idea to be added. Then everything came together, and we designed it exactly how I wanted it." Her tip for other couples? "Don't be upset if some of the little things may not come all together," Ashley says. "In the end, the most important thing is you getting married to the one you love. Nothing else matters."

This bride had pieces of lace handkerchief sewn throughout the bottom of her Alfred Angelo Sleeping Beauty wedding dress and added lace edging at a specialty shop. "I wanted something unique, vintage and one-of-a-kind," Ashley says.
"My shoes were the lace style Blue by Betsey Johnson Heart Women's Bridal Shoes," Ashley says. "That was also a part of my 'something blue.' "
The groom wore a lavender paisley tie and Steve Madden Jakke shoes in floral blue. The combination popped against the groom's sand-colored suit and vest with mint suspenders.
Rustic Tree-Stump Aisle Decorations
Topping the tree-stump aisle decorations were purple mason jars filled with purple wax flowers and purple roses. The mason jars were wrapped with a twine bow.
The groom's boutonniere was created by New Creations Florals using a white ranunculus, purple wax flowers and scabiosa pods with burlap wrapped around the base.
Reception Pallet Signs With White Lettering
Lantern and Chalkboard Wine-Bottle Centerpieces
Ivory Reception Tent With Lavender and Natural-Wood Accents
The couple's two-tier six- and nine-inch round ombre cake used white frosting on top and champagne icing on the bottom. "The top was raspberry swirl cake with a buttercream filling and the bottom was chocolate cake with a peanut butter filling," Ashley says. "Our florist had light purple spray roses and purple wax flowers set aside to decorate the cake."
Non-alcoholic beverages were available in a rustic canoe filled with ice. "Zack and I would go fishing with each other and friends, so that was one thing he was really excited to have," Ashley says. "It was really significant to us."
Bridesmaids wore strapless, floor-length mint dresses with a champagne-colored heel. Each carried a bouquet of purple wax flowers at the couple's wedding in Rochester Hills, Michigan.
Satin and organza flowers in shades of purple with rhinestones, crystal beading and sequins provided the perfect touch for the bride's Alfred Angelo Sleeping Beauty dress.
Hairstylist Stacy Brown used leftover lace applique from the bride's dress and incorporated it into a braided bridal updo.
The bridal bouquet contained peach roses, lavender roses, purple wax flowers, light pink astilbes, scabiosa pods, light pink dahlias, and greenery, as well as white, burgundy and peach ranunculus.