The Couple: Lisa and Jayson

The Wedding: 09.30.11 – Krippendorf Lodge Cincinnati, Ohio

What three adjectives best describe your wedding day? Rustic, handmade, nature-inspired

Was there a decor theme that ran through your wedding? What was the inspiration for that particular idea and how did it reflect you as a couple? Nature-inspired would be the best way to describe our theme. Everything seemed to relate back to nature in some way, either through color, texture or pattern. This fits us perfectly, as we love being outdoors and have spent much time as a couple doing things such as camping, canoeing, kayaking, and walking the wooded trails at the local nature center.

What were some of the different ways you used decor elements to create the beautiful, cohesive event you were envisioning? We tried to pull from various textures found in nature, while using our gray, yellow and orange color scheme to hold it all together. Our centerpieces incorporated birch bark, rocks and moss, and our cake sat atop a segment of a tree trunk and was decorated in sugar leaves. We even integrated nature into the jewelry, as my barrette was a leaf that had been dipped in copper, my necklace was floral lace, and the bridesmaids wore yellow fabric flowers around their waists. Other floral textures were picked up in some of the fabrics used to make the bouquets.

Where did you choose to hold your wedding, and how did the location influence your decor decisions? As enthusiasts of the outdoors, we fell in love with the Krippendorf Lodge and knew it was the perfect location for us to exchange our vows. It is nestled in the woods of a nature preserve and the beautiful home has such rustic charm, complete with a wrap-around porch and stone terrace. We wanted to compliment the venue with decor inspired by nature. More importantly, choosing a nature preserve as our venue inspired us to be more environmentally-conscious with our decor. Recycled grocery bags were used to make invitations and smore labels, most of the mason jars used in the centerpieces were recycled, the bouquets were made from scraps of fabric, the wood used to make the directional signs were taken from an old fence on my uncles farm, the card box was found at a yard sale, the pennant banner was made from old book pages, and the list goes on!

Looking back, do you have a favorite project or successful decor idea from your wedding? Tell us what you loved about it! The homemade smores turned out to be one of my favorite details of the night. Not only was that the one piece we received the most comments about, but it was a nice personal touch to show people how much we appreciated them sharing our day with us. Baking is not within my comfort zone, so this was a huge accomplishment for me (with the help of some very generous friends, of course)!

The Wedding Team:

Photographer: Emily Porter Photography
Ceremony/Reception Venue: Krippendorf Lodge
Officiant: Rick Elliot – High School Teacher/Friend
Invitations: Designed by bride
Catering: Elegant Fare
Florist: Fabric Bouquets made by bride
Wedding Cake: Made by Aunt of the bride with sugar flowers from Specialty Sweets on Etsy.com
Wedding Dress: J.Crew
Bridal Accessories: Barrette from Of Nature Jewelry and Scuptures on Etsy.com, Lace Necklace from Tree and Kimball on Etsy.com
Bridesmaids’ Apparel and Accessories; Dresses – Mary Cittadino, Corsage Sash from Pink Tea on Etsy.com
Groom and Groomsemen Apparel and Accessories: Suits – Geno’s Tux Plus, Boutonnieres made by bride
DJ: Mark Breetz
Favors: Homemade s’mores
Rentals: Chairs, Tables, Linens – Elegant Fare, Lighting – Kim Fitzpatrick of Fitz the Occasion
Rings: Engagement Ring – Konzuk, Wedding Band – Brilliant Earth

Best wishes, Lisa and Jayson! We love your earthy twist on this classic wedding celebration!

Check out our wedding photo gallery, which features everything from fabulous flowers to spectacular decor, for more wedding inspiration!