the homesteady

why have a first look?

Our first look is very high in my favorite moments from our wedding day. I can't recommend it enough for anybody else planning a wedding! Here's why...

Prior to our first look (held in an apple orchard behind the barn), I was getting ready in a farmhouse room with all my bridesmaids, my maid of honor, my mom, and a few other friends. It was an absolute blast, and the energy was really high. I'm pretty sure they could hear us in the room next door! But my butterflies were going nuts, and my nerves were starting to fray. 

As soon as I left the farmhouse, all I could hear were the birds singing. I felt beautiful, having just finished getting ready. I followed Brittney, one of our photographers, to the orchard, where Kristie was waiting with Shana. 

That's when it really hit me: I was about to get married to the woman I love! The details -- like having forgotten to bring deoderant (don't worry, that's what bridesmaids are for), wondering whether or not the guests would find their way to the ceremony, if everyone else would be ready in time -- just...fell away. We were together, and that's what mattered. Both of us calmed down immediately, and just spent time talking about how GREAT the other looked!

The photos we got from that time together in the orchard still take my breath away. We look fresh-faced, relaxed, and so happy. The butterflies were gone. It felt like a tiny oasis in a stressful (but happy) day. 

Here's where an important recommendation comes in: find photographers you feel really comfortable around. Over the year and a half that we've known them, we've become so close with Brittney and Shana. Having them there with us in the orchard felt completely natural, and our comfort level showed in the photographs.

It took none of the magic away from seeing Kristie waiting for me at the end of the aisle. It was almost better -- I already knew what she'd be wearing, how she'd look. That helped with my anxiety, and Kristie's too. It was still a wonderful moment (Kristie cried when she saw me!) because it was in front of all of our family and friends, and felt very, very real.

Until we got back to the hotel that night, our first look was the only time Kristie and I spent together, the closest we got to being alone. It was a treasure. Having family members and friends from around the world celebrating with us all day and night was amazing, and I wouldn't trade it for the world, but it was really nice to be with my bride for a little while! 

how to thank people for helping with your wedding

I joke a lot about our wedding being "grassroots" or "crowd-funded." Family members, friends, and friends of friends came out of the woodwork to arrange our flowers, transport 90 bottles of wine from the house to the farm, lend me their shoes the night of the rehearsal dinner, allow us to borrow their stepladders for our backdrop, learn brand new songs to play during our ceremony, and go through the process to obtain a one-day solemnization so they could marry us. The list goes on and on.

Formal thank-you notes will be going out in due time, but Kristie and I wanted to show our gratitude to local friends who'd gone above and beyond for us with a backyard "thank-you" party. She broke out the grill; I hit Pinterest for recipes and inspiration.

Kristie made white wine sangria in mason jars, which we stored in a cooler outside.

The bunting says "WE LOVE YOU." Look for the DIY later this week! (The napkins are from Anthropologie -- and they're on sale!)

We had sorbet in lemon cups and listened to one of Kristie's vintage radios. Dinner was all kinds of grilled treasures, watermelon, and veggies, and for dessert I made banana bread and peanut butter cookies -- all gluten-free!

Samson hung with us outside for awhile. The day before, I'd frozen a mixture of chicken stock, water, treats, and carrots in a Tupperware container. It kept him busy and hydrated, and we could enjoy our food in peace.

Clearly we need a bigger picnic table!

I don't know how it's possible, but Kristie and I felt even luckier after the dinner party to have such awesome people in our lives. Our wedding went off without a hitch because of their help, and it was so nice to have a night celebrating them.

everyday sparkle

Ban.do just announced a new collection: All Day Every Day. I love their hair accessories! I tend to not be very creative when it comes to my hair, and I feel like these sparkles could only help. 

This scarf might be my favorite. There's even wire inside it, to help keep its shape! Perfect for the beach, and daydreaming about our honeymoon...

Girlie bow // Mini pom-pom flower // Big shot sparkle headband // Sparkle & shine bobbi set

*This is not a sponsored post.

here + there

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It's been a few years since I've had a summer off. Even though I work for a school now, the communications staff works year-round -- although they're really good about vacation days. But doesn't it still feel the same, once the weather starts to get nice? It still feels like summer vacation. All the students are gone, so campus is quiet and still. Kristie and I have been brainstorming one-day getaways, roadtrips, and of course looking forward to our honeymoon in August (58 days to go, but who's counting?).  I can't wait until it's warm enough for bike rides to pick up bagels, more trips to the farmers' market, and afternoons spent at little local ponds. Seriously, after all this rain, I think we've earned a few months of humidity and sunshine! What are you looking forward to about summer? 

A few links I've been loving lately...

Love for vinyl records

Do you live in NYC? Check out my friend Mike's new blog about low-cost day trips to escape Manhattan.

How to tell the differences between 66 varieties of cheese

I was hooked by The Perennial Plate videos after watching A Spanish Roadtrip. It really brought back memories of my family's trip through Spain a few years ago. 

Emma from A Beautiful Mess made a great video on why she decided to have so much DIY in her wedding. I can definitely relate! It adds such a meaningful touch.

Words of wisdom everyone ignores -- but shouldn't. I needed to read a few of these; especially number four!

Check out Hello!Lucky's new cards, and take 15% off all greeting cards until July 1 with the code "NEWCOLLECTIONS" at checkout.

Wouldn't it be amazing to be able to identify different varieties of peonies at the drop of a hat? I think they're by far the most beautiful summer flower (obviously).

Celebrating Father's Day in a moms-only family (and don't forget to check out my Father's Day gift ideas!)

our wedding video

In case I haven't written enough good things about our wedding photographers Love + Perry, here's more. Even though it's not part of any package they offer, Brittney and Shana agreed to make a short video of our wedding, and it's fantastic. It really captured everything I felt that day, even more so than our fabulous pictures. Watching Kristie and I in the film (over and over, because I obviously can't stop watching it) brings back the butterflies I felt while getting ready, the quiet of the barn before it was filled with all our guests but seemed to be buzzing with energy and anticipation, the moment I showed my sister Phoebe her flower crown (which had been a surprise), seeing all of our friends and family at the ceremony, those stolen moments during our first look that calmed me more than anything, and dancing the night away. That second where Kristie had her hand on my back? I hate to think I would have forgotten something so sweet and meaningful without having it filmed. Even better, I got a chance to see our guests before the ceremony, laughing and talking together. I got a glimpse into the room where Kristie and her attendants got ready. This video is something I can say with no exaggeration that I'll treasure for the rest of my life. It brings me back to that day and those emotions immediately. Kristie and I are so lucky to have this, and I hope you like it, too.

The song is "We Bought a Zoo" by Jonsi.

a lovely hour in the backyard

A few days after the wedding, we spent an hour in the backyard, lying on the grass and reading. It was so nice to be totally relaxed, not a care in the world, just enjoying the beautiful weather. I think Samson liked it too. 

our wedding by the numbers

I've been really into infographics lately (especially those by Co. Design). It's a great way for visual learners like me to comprehend information and facts -- and they can be so gorgeous. While planning our wedding (and during, and afterwards), the numbers kept catching my eye. Now I've never been one for numbers -- in our wedding vows, Kristie even promised to help me with math (and I with her spelling) -- but I like what they indicate. I like the meaning hiding behind the math. So I put together a few of our numbers here. Find out about the menu breakdown; the photos Instagrammed with our custom hashtag; how many children attended; what our wedding contributed to the local economy; and the most popular guest names (yes, three Eugene Clays!).

reusable gift bags

A few of our wedding gifts came in reusable bags, which I thought was such a great idea, I had to share. My first reaction: Yes! Two gifts! Then, duh, I realized how great it is for the environment. No gift wrap going into a landfill, and the bag can later be used in place of plastic or paper, just like I did with one of ours at the farmers' market. My mother (genius) has been doing this for years. I found six cute ones that can be used this summer for wedding or Father's Day gifts!

1 // Big Baggu in Sky, Baggu
2 // Linen and Leather Summer Tote Bag, Muni Shop
3 // Mossimo Colorblock Tote in Purple/Red, Target
4 // Oh Darling Tote Bag, Fifi du Vie
5 // Blue Rosemary Tote Bag by Viola Sutanto, Brika
6 // That's Totes Awesome Bag, ModCloth

here + there

This post was scheduled for last Friday, but I got so excited about our wedding photos being ready, I had to share! 

The weekend was really full. We went to my brother's band Pale Cowboy's CD release party on Friday night (more about that later); I had to work most of the day on Saturday; and Sunday was spent working out, running errands, doing a few crafts, and lots of knitting! Actually, I kind of really wish it was still the weekend. This week is shaping up to be equally full. On Wednesday we're having a dinner party to thank a small group of people for helping us the wedding, and then hosting a birthday/going away party in the backyard on Saturday. On Sunday we're headed to CT to celebrate Father's Day, then on Monday we're playing hooky and going to Hampton Beach in New Hampshire for the day! Have you been there? What should we be sure to do/see/eat? 

I've got a few great blog posts coming up this week, including our wedding video, reusable bags as gift wrap for wedding presents, and my very first infographic.

Links I've been loving lately...

NYC is welcoming the city's first domestic violence shelter that accepts pets!

Infographic: The Worst Jobs Throughout History (perspective is always a nice thing to have)

Paintings of DIY tattoo rigs inspired by prison inmates

Jedidiah Jenkins is leaving August 25 of this year to ride his bike 7,000 miles from Oregon to Patagonia.

I can't tell if this is gross or charming -- a coffee shop in Sydney is letting customers pay with kisses.

Free botanical art prints

Our wedding photographers Love + Perry have put together a wedding guide with details about their services and amazing tips for getting your picture taken on the big day.

38 Anthropologie hacks. I pinned so many of these!

I love the idea of using vintage stamps as real postage.

The New York Times Magazine offers a few pretty good reasons as to why I should switch back to caffeinated coffee.

Why farmers' markets make the perfect first date

Ever wonder how the colors pink and blue became gender-specific?

Photographer Emil Nyström photoshops his baby daughter into hilarious situations.

"Neuro knitting" converts brain activity into knitting patterns. I want one!

All of Cher's outfits in "Clueless" in sixty seconds. You're welcome.

There's a lot of sunscreen safety talk going around. Check out "The New Rules for Sunscreen" from the New York Times.

Now that I have this thing back in my life known as free time, I've been eyeing a few online classes, like "Video for Bloggers" from Alt. 

the best day ever: our wedding photos

Oh man, you guys -- I cannot stop looking at these! Our photographers, Love + Perry Photography, are so talented and were absolutely fantastic. Brittney and Shana have become some of our closest friends, probably because they're so easy to get along with. After many (many) nights of zombie movies, wine, and planning to schedule future pregnancies at the same time, Kristie and I have obviously gotten super comfortable around them, and I think it shows in our wedding photos. We're really lucky to have them in our lives, and I'm looking forward to winter (when wedding season is over) so we can hang out even more!

A warning: There are so many photos here. Like, so many. And this is me cutting it down. But I love them all so much, I had to share them here, with a few details from the best day ever.

We got married at Quonquont Farm, a working apple orchard with a 19th-century barn (above) that's been restored for wedding receptions. Jenelle, the farm's event coordinator, made everything so easy for us. She even brought us appetizers and glasses of wine while we were having our pictures taken during cocktail hour! Her presence was so calming.

Kristie made each of our table numbers using pieces of wood and dowel rods. We painted them with chalkboard paint, and I wrote the numbers.

The mothers of two of my bridesmaids so kindly offered to do our wedding flowers as a gift. (We obviously said yes!) I sent them pictures of our wedding colors and flowers that we liked, and they generously did the rest. The flowers were absolutely perfect!

We bought vintage bottles and small jars from local thrift shops and flea markets, then spray-painted them to look like they'd been dipped in gold paint. We used the instructions Liz posted on Say Yes to Hoboken.

Our DIY for the cork placecard holders.

Our "escort cards" -- mason jars with vinyl chalkboard labels we found on Etsy -- doubled as guests' favors. We used the chalk pen that came with the labels to write everyone's names and table numbers.

Instead of a traditional guestbook, we found an old cigar box at the flea market and provided cards and envelopes for guests to write little notes on and add to the box.

Okay, I'm going to try my best to be quiet now and let these incredible images speak for themselves! So (so) many more after the jump...