Krystal + Carlos
August 5, 2012
Skyforest, California (Near Lake Arrowhead)
Happy Tuesday dear readers! Let’s celebrate with the sweetest DIY, rustic, mountain wedding ever. Note that all of our favorite words are in place: “rustic,” “burlap,” and “mountain.” Yep, these are a few of my favorite things. Other favorites, an exuberantly happy bride and groom, fun loving guests, and a poignant ceremony. There’s so much good stuff in this wedding that I had to publish this awesome wedding in two parts! Be sure to check out Krystal’s Hindsight Advice. Of special note: her advice on wedding invitations..
Why a mountain wedding?
My wedding was a shot gun wedding to say the least. We planned it in 3 weeks. Because we didn’t have a ton of time to do all the DIY projects my little Pinterest-Loving-Heart desired, I knew that the venue had to be amazing. Luckily, we live in the valley of some of the most gorgeous mountains in Southern California. Honestly, being surrounded by all of the trees and nature really made our wedding just that much more special.
Where did you find your inspiration?
Pinterest! Pinterest! Pinterest! I’ve always been a little bit of a party planning junkie, but Pinterest has definitely helped me so much with coming up with more creative ideas. I also drew a great deal of my inspiration from the many printmaking and art classes I’ve taken in the past.
What are three things you’re glad you did?
- Well, first and foremost, I’m glad I had a wedding period. I’ve always been a pretty low key, private person and I always envisioned just eloping. However, after much probing by my family, we decided to actually have a wedding and I’m sooooo glad we did. It was definitely the most emotional and meaningful day of my life.
- Secondly, I’m glad I did so much of the stuff myself (with the help of my sister and husband of course). Not only am I proud of it all, but I think it really made the whole day personal to us.
- Lastly, I’m glad we kept it so down to Earth and simple. The day was really centered on the vow we were both making to God in front of our absolute closest friends and family.
Three things you wish you had done?
- I wish I would have delegated more stuff to other people rather than trying to have control of everything myself. It’s ok to let go of control, especially on a day when you should be soaking up everything going on around you as much as possible.
- Got more time at our venue!!! We had 4 hours and honestly it went SO fast!
- Had a slightly longer engagement. While I’m glad I didn’t have a ton of time to stress and fret over everything, it would have been nice to get a few more fun little details in.
Anything you wish you hadn’t done?
- Ordered so many invites!!!!! Just because you have 50 guests doesn’t mean you need 50 invites. Aside from that, everything else was exactly as it needed to be.
Anything you wish you hadn’t worried about?
The only thing I truly worried about was getting everything set up in time. Honestly, it’s going to get set up one way or another and even if it doesn’t, that’s not what the day is about anyways.
What is your very best hindsight advice?
I like to keep lists and itemize things. As far as the decorations and such go, I tried to think of it in terms of what was needed (center pieces, favors, ceremony décor, etc). I think this helped a ton to narrow down exactly what I needed to get and helped me not over spend on things that didn’t matter. Also, and most importantly, don’t stress. Enjoy the day as much as possible and soak it all up because it’ll be over before you know it.
Team Wedding
- Venue: Willow Woods Park
- Photographer: Kristen Booth Photography
- Coffee Truck: Gettin’ Hitched Coffee
- Food: Rocky’s Outpost
- Makeup: Yolanda Finch
- Bow Ties: Etsy seller byenpointe
Team DIY
- Invitations
- Veil
- Bouquet
- Boutonnieres
- Favors
- Center Pieces/Flowers
- Garland for the altar
- Cupcakes/Desert Table: My dear Aunt Karen