1. Real Weddings

A Wooded Wedding at a Private Residence in Longwood, Florida

Olivia Wells (23 and a nursing student) and Josh Hodgson (25 and a videographer) set out to create a wedding that would feel genuine and intentional.

Olivia Wells (23 and a nursing student) and Josh Hodgson (25 and a videographer) set out to create a wedding that would feel genuine and intentional. And the venue was a good starting point for achieving that vibe. After choosing to marry on the wooded land of a lifelong family friend, Olivia and Josh set about creating a personal, fun-loving evening that was handcrafted by the couple and their family members. After the intimate ceremony—officiated by a friend—Olivia and Josh arranged for a grilled cheese food truck in lieu of a formal dinner, and followed dinner with dancing on the back porch. The couple's family members pitched in to bring the decorative vision to life, with Olivia's father (a graphic designer) creating the invitations and signs and even arranging the floral centerpieces from blooms bought in bulk. As a personal touch, the bride and groom had their guests sign a bench instead of a guestbook—which now sits in their home as a memory of the day. —Michelle Thomas

Josh's skull and crossbones cuff links were a gift from his bride.
The couple's backyard ceremony was decorated simply to highlight the natural beauty of the wooded space on Lake Brantley in Longwood, Florida. A friend's guitar teacher played acoustic music for the processional, and a friend was ordained to act as the officiant.
Olivia purchased wholesale flowers, and her father found wildflowers to mix in to create their rustic, textured centerpieces.
Wooden signs, made by Olivia's father, lined the long driveway entrance to the property on Lake Brantley in Longwood, Florida.
The bridesmaids wore mint green long dresses with an illusion neckline, from David's Bridal.
Strands of paper lanterns—left over from a previous wedding—floated above the tables.
Josh proposed using Christmas lights, so the couple's cake baker made a miniature version as a topper.
In lieu of a guestbook, the couple had their guests sign a wooden bench, which they sat on at their head table and now have in their home.