We're taking a trip down South today, as too-sweet twosome Jenna and Joshua let us in on their charm-laden day.
This gorgeous pair planned their wedding in just six months, with a little creativity and a lot of help from their friends and family. From a colonial-style ceremony to a quirky Alamo backdrop for the pics, these Texan nuptials at Dallas Heritage Village pack in the personal touches. Whimsical home-made centrepieces, art-nouveau invites, hankies for the girls, a unique guestbook idea, and best of all, a scone bar (!), this was one busy bridal party who came together to create a beautiful day.
Shipra Panosia Photography captured it all, from special moments between the newlyweds to fun shots from their friends, this wedding is teaming with great photography inspiration.
Whether you're a Southern Belle bride, or a dashing DIY groom, there's plenty to feast your eyes on with this one…
THE PLANNING
Our wedding day was nothing short of dreamy! With the selflessness of so many people from our community of friends and family, we worked throughout our 6-month engagement in a happy frenzy! Between our very limited budget, my DIY aspirations and everyone’s can-do attitude we planned the whole wedding.
My mom’s dear friend and I plotted out each table centrepiece to be made up of a unique array of antique glassware, books, cards, fabrics and miscellaneous items you might find at an Antique Mall. Late nights were spent with my husband-to-be designing our Art Nouveau-inspired wedding invitations. Afternoons were spent with my mom as she helped keep my mental check-list going and the oven baking over 600 mini-scones for our reception’s “Scone Bar.” My Mother-in-Law’s lovely penmanship addressed each of the 200+ invitations. My sisters and I paper crafted to our heart’s content. Friends helped arrange pictures, put together decorations, and craft our “Guest Book” – a large World Map with pins for guests to sign and place where they thought we should spend our tenth anniversary.
Co-workers lent AV services, day-of coordinating and helpful advice. Family friends selflessly spent their Sunday day-off helping us set-up, arrange flowers, and get ready. I am so blessed that most of my “vendors” were family friends that I grew up with throughout the years! The minister, musician, AV tech, decorators were all people who just wanted to share their joy through their talents and crafts!
THE CONCEPT
Joshua and I are what you would call Old Souls. We wanted our wedding to be old-fashioned and elegant, yet comfortable and familiar. We swooned at the chance to tie the knot at Dallas Heritage Village — a park that’s home to some of Dallas' oldest buildings and homes gathered in one place. In front of a gorgeous 1800s white house on an autumn evening we exchanged handwritten vows before our God, family, friends and each other. The evening turned out breezy and lovely as we ate hor d'oeuvres, tried to choose which of the five mouth-watering cake flavors to sample, danced and celebrated with everyone at the reception in an outdoor/indoor pavilion.
THE DETAILS
The details I clearly remember were: The groomsmen looking cool and comfortable wearing Navy Blue and White. The bridesmaids wearing mix-matched light blue dresses that they picked out highlighting their individual styles. The way Joshua looked at me during our First Look. The most touching toasts by the Best Man and my Sisters. Driving away in Joshua’s Dad’s 1941 Model-T Ford. The way my heart felt knowing that God’s rich love and mercy led me to Joshua.
MY FAVOURITE MOMENT
The most beautiful thing, though, was making a covenant of Marriage with Joshua and becoming his wife. Nothing could trump the feeling I had while dancing with him under the pavilion’s twinkle lights for our first dance. As we swayed to “Just the Way You Are” by Billy Joel, performed by several of our Groomsmen, I remember thinking that that moment was just the beginning of something fantastic! And so it is today! Each day is more fantastic than the day before!
ON THE DAY
Of course there were hiccups that we get a good laugh about. My garter fell down my leg while walking down the aisle and my sister had to fetch it during a ceremony prayer. The warm morning almost made our gorgeous cake melt and there was a festive band playing their happy (but conflicting) music across the street right up to our Ceremony time.
But it’s beautiful to look back on that day and see the trail of love that made everything so fantastic! Beyond the venue, the dresses, and the details, it’s so sweet to behold the labor of love that was poured into our wedding. So many sweet friends and family members gave their time and talents into our special day. They did it out of sheer love and joy for our marriage!
OUR WEDDING IN THREE WORDS?
Dreamy, Happy and Joyful.
What a sweet couple, what a gorgeous DIY day – and what amazing friends and family they have too!
Here's to married life for the Gilbreaths, and let's hope they keep us posted on where you end up for that 10th anniversary.
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Photographer: Shipra Panosian via Two Bright Lights / Bride's Dress: Big Day Dress / Groom's Suit: Indochino / Planner: Jenna & Joshua planned the day themselves, but Jenna credits all her know-how to her time spent working with Kay Watson / Venue: Dallas Heritage Village / Catering: Jim Lee Events / Flowers, Cake and Invitations: All created by Jenna, Joshua or their friends / Ceremony Programs: CooperJane / Hair: Foster Hair Design
