A Textile-Inspired Wedding at The Smithville Inn in Absecon, New Jersey

Lindsey Baker (33 and a  textile designer) and Keith Josepayt (40 and a medical researcher) met at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, so it only made sense that they brought their relaxed summer nuptials to life with an eclectic mix of handcrafted details, unique textile elements and organic flourishes. “I’m a textile designer and calligrapher so it was important for me to incorporate fabric, yarn and hand lettering throughout the ceremony and reception,” Lindsey says. An installation of yarn and ribbon hung from the barn’s ceiling, and Lindsey crafted every piece of the extensive invitation suite herself. “I was most excited about this element of our wedding,” she says. Even the vintage postage held a meaningful, personalized detail: They represented their home states. She also worked closely with a designer to create her two-piece gown. The final product featured a long-sleeve lace top and a flowing blush skirt, which she accented with a crystal-embellished sash.The bridesmaids carried posies of dahlias, heirloom mums and roses, all tied with ribbons Lindsey collected. In lieu of a flower girl or ring bearer, the couple’s dogs, Pippa and Fig, stood in as dogs of honor.

The handcrafted textile details didn’t stop at the ceremony. The couple carried their theme to the reception by using vintage spools as table numbers and including a different napkin—hand-sewn by the bride—at each place setting. A custom topper was the perfect representation of the couple on their wedding day, from Keith’s shirt down to the texture of their dogs’ fur.