1. Real Weddings

A DIY Shabby-Chic Wedding at Blue Front Bar and Grill in Lake Worth, Florida

Ashley Foulds (32) and Cori Graham’s (36) DIY wedding was a sweet combination of shabby-chic and simple. After going to Blue Front Bar and Grill on da

Ashley Foulds (32) and Cori Graham’s (36) DIY wedding was a sweet combination of shabby-chic and simple. After going to Blue Front Bar and Grill on dates over the years, Ashley and Cori knew it was the right spot for their wedding. “The inside is quaint and colorful, and when you exit the back door, you are blown away at an absolutely exquisite garden,” says Ashley. To highlight the garden, Karma Goddess, the couple’s planner and florist, helped them accent the space with all-white florals and bright blue fans nestled into the bushes. But the biggest hit with guests was their whimsical wedding arch! Ashley and her mother handmade 25 colorful hanging fans from lattice paper to cover the archway as sheer fabric covered each wooden post. After the couple exchanged vows, all were treated to an outdoor reception. For a personal touch, every piece of decor, from the mason jars of baby’s breath to the twine-wrapped bottle centerpieces, was made by Ashley. “I was inspired by our home and family,” she says. “I wanted something that would reflect us as a couple.” Guests enjoyed a buffet dinner, a DIY photo booth and music from a DJ and Cori's bandmates: Members of the Palm Beach County Pipes and Drums band appeared in their traditional kilts! Ashley shares a tip: “Know where to spend your money. The photographer, food and music are not things you want to bargain-shop for.” Thompson Photography Group captured every bright detail of the day, below.

“We had talked about marriage several times over the past eight years, and I didn't give it much more thought than that," says Ashley. Over Thanksgiving in 2014, Cori surprised Ashley and popped the question in front of their friends and family! She proposed with a round diamond halo ring in a stunning setting with diamond baguettes.
Ashley and her mother handmade all the decor for the wedding. The reception tables were set with mason jars of baby's breath and sweet twine-wrapped bottles filled with white hydrangeas. “I was inspired by our home and family. I wanted something that would reflect us as a couple," says Ashley.
Ashley handmade each hanging paper fan for the couple's wedding and reception. She even made 25 fans from lattice paper with polka-dot, floral and striped designs to cover the couple's wedding arch! Each one added a personal touch to the couple's celebration.
For a personal twist, Ashley and Cori filled their wedding party with their children. The couple's boys wore white shirts with navy or gray pants and blue ties, while their daughter (and flower girl) donned a simple white dress and floral headband.
Before their ceremony, Ashley and Cori exchanged wedding presents. In addition to a watch, Ashley gave Cori a book filled with photographs, personal notes and special moments in their relationship. In return, Cori gave her a lovely pair of bracelets in the couple's blue wedding color.
Cori complemented Ashley's dress in a simple gray vest and matching pants. To finish off Cori's look, Karma Goddess Event Planning and Design made her a boutonniere of succulents, white roses and baby's breath.
Ashley decided against her original idea of a blush wedding dress, but she still kept the blush shoes! She paired her white A-line wedding dress from David's Bridal with a blush sash and matching satin shoes with a floral jeweled design. For the reception, she switched to neutral-toned ballet flats.
Ashley and Cori's sweetheart table stood out with a few simple accents. A silver monogram of the couple's initials marked the table, and Ashley and Karma Goddess Event Planning and Design placed low arrangements of baby's breath in front. For a shabby-chic touch, two DIY glass bottles were placed in the background.
Ashley and her mother's handmade accents did not stop at the decor! The couple also entertained their guests with a fun, shabby-chic photo booth complete with paper props and cute thought-bubble signs.
Shabby-Chic Birdcage Accent with Wildflowers
The team at David's Bridal in West Palm Beach, Florida, and Ashley's mother helped Ashley find a classic wedding dress. She chose an A-line look with lace detailing and a sweet blush sash.