DECEMBER 23, 2014
Now this is how you DIY.
Erika and Liam’s decision to have a DIY wedding was part necessity and part personality.
With two young kids, a new house and limited financial help, the DIY-route made budgetary sense. Still, says Erika, she wouldn’t have wanted to do it any other way. “I’m crafty. I love doing that stuff. Having that stamp of me on almost everything at the wedding — with the favors, the cake topper and even helping to design the dress — it was so much fun. It ended up being so personal.” The most important part for them was to exchange vows before the people they loved.
More than a year after the wedding, emotion still overtakes her when she’s asked about her favorite part of the day. “The second I turned that corner and I saw Liam up on the stage,” she says, her voice cracking, “it was this moment of instant relief: It’s here. It’s happening. It’s awesome and it feels so good. There’s nothing like that feeling of knowing what you’re doing is exactly the right thing. I was so happy.”
—Jennifer Steffy Swanson
The Details
Ceremony and reception: CAV, Providence
Bridal gown: Cahill Ltd. Beverly Hills (vintage), Crompton Collective, Worcester, Mass. alterations by Alter Ego Custom Tailoring, Worcester
Groom’s suit: Men’s Wearhouse
Bridal hair and makeup: DIY
Bouquets and bride’s flower crown: Eastern Shore Bouquets via Etsy
Cake topper: By the bride
Cake and cake pops: Elizabeth Boileau (friend of the bride).