Emily's Romantic DIY Wedding

For Emily and James, "it wasn't love, but friendship at first sight."

The couple met in high school and share a spring formal dance photo, but their love story started years later at their 10-year reunion and the rest is history!

After recollecting on all their favorite memories from math class, the spring formal, and laughing about how annoying James was during the grad night party, they knew that they were the right people in the right place at the right time.

Photographer: Andrew Thill

Emily and James planned their wedding with the sole intention of giving their guests the best experience possible because they knew that their story wouldn't be possible without the love and support from their friends, family, and community.

The three-day glamping extravaganza took place deep in the forest at Shangri-la on the Green. The guests were given the opportunity to camp, converse around the fire, and explore the acres of space while they celebrated Emily and James' love.

Photographer: Andrew Thill

Photographer: Andrew Thill

Nearly everything from the invitations to the decorations and the place settings were handmade over the year-and-a-half of wedding planning. Multiple guests contributed their own unique talents or skills to create various touches and details of the whole event.

Photographer: Andrew Thill

Photographer: Andrew Thill

Their gorgeous outdoor wedding was classic, yet rustic and romantic! White flowers with pops of dusty blue and navy accents complimented the tall dark forest surrounding the whole event and made for some breathtaking photos!

The cake and desserts were created by Sweet Bites Erin and perfectly complimented the aesthetic of the string lights and wood accents. The cake itself was made to look like a birch tree and the frosted cookies decorated to match the bridesmaids dresses and flowers exactly!

Photographer: Andrew Thill

Photographer: Andrew Thill

The bridesmaids and groomsmen, all from different times in their lives, wore Azazie's dusty blue, which worked so well with the dark green backdrop of trees. Their wedding party was encouraged to be themselves.

The three flower girls wore the most adorable dresses with ivory lace tops and gorgeous titanium tulle skirts.

Photographer: Andrew Thill

Photographer: Andrew Thill

Photographer: Andrew Thill

Emily found her dream gown at I Do Bridal. She was looking for something classic and comfortable that allowed her to dance the night away. Maggie Sottero's Geraldine gown had the perfect silhouette that hugged her figure and the detailed lace was the right touch and fit right in with all the decorations.

Photographer: Andrew Thill

Photographer: Andrew Thill

Photographer: Andrew Thill

Their photographer, Andrew Thill, also comes from the couple's hometown.

"Andrew knows us and knows where we come from...He has this unique way of capturing moments and the thoughts of those being photographed. We are forever grateful to him for being a part of the day, and for giving us this memory through hundreds of amazing photographs."

Despite the unexpected rainy weather, the wedding was one to remember because it celebrated the couple and everyone in their lives.

Photographer: Andrew Thill

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Congratulations to Emily and James!