1. Real Weddings

An Outdoor DIY Wedding at Maplehurst Farm in Mount Vernon, Washington

Kelvin Mansfield, a 24-year-old consultant, and Laura Mansfield, a 27-year-old registered nurse, tied the knot in a simple yet elegant outdoor ceremon

Kelvin Mansfield, a 24-year-old consultant, and Laura Mansfield, a 27-year-old registered nurse, tied the knot in a simple yet elegant outdoor ceremony at Maplehurst Farm in Mount Vernon, Washington. The college sweethearts dated for three-and-a-half years (two of them long distance) before becoming engaged during a scavenger hunt proposal. Laura knew she wanted to get married at a location that reflected her small-town roots, and Kelvin knew he wanted an outdoor wedding. Maplehurst, with its finished barn and ample outdoor space, proved to be the perfect venue. The couple used a color palette of cream, champagne, peach, rose gold and green for the decorations. “I did a lot of DIY decor, with a ton of help from my dad,” Laura says. Other family members and friends also pitched in for things such as flowers and food. Guests were treated to a variety of beverages at a cocktail hour where they ate huge blocks of soft cheeses along with bread, crackers and fruit. “The main course was centered around kebabs, which was a fun way to offer local seafood,” Laura says. Overall, the casual couple focused on creating an environment that was comfortable and enjoyable for everyone. “We didn't want people worried about what to wear or which fork to use,” Laura says.

Laura donned a simple off-white A-Line strapless wedding gown from David's Bridal with a bow and vintage brooch.
Natural Bridal Look with Lace Edge Veil
Three-Piece Light Grey Groom Suit
Laura's six bridesmaids donned short dresses of their choosing in various shades of pink with their own shoes and accessories.
Kelvin wore a three-piece light grey suit, while his six groomsmen donned charcoal grey pants and vests with light grey cotton ties.
Laura and her family members made all of the flower arrangements for the wedding, ordering hydrangeas, roses and snapdragons through Sam's Club along with using their own dahlias.
Outdoor Ceremony on Grass
Aisle Message Decorations
The bride and groom recited stunning self-written vows at the ceremony. "Our ceremony was both my favorite part of our day and the best reflection of who we are," Laura says.
DIY Wood Direction Signs
Guests had their pick of a variety of beverages including flavored waters, homemade strawberry lemonade, sodas, local craft bottled beers and hard cider.
Gold Tin Straw Holder
DIY Personalized Wall Display
"I really wanted a space that was completely open," Laura says. "I didn't want to miss anything because the venue was separated by walls or rooms."
White and Gold Table Decorations
Pink, White and Gold Framed Menu
The venue provided hundreds of mason jars and vintage china plates for the reception, and the bride and groom rented gold flatware to complete the table look.
The couple placed thank you letters on each guest's plate at the reception. "I felt it touched on all of the things so important to us, our faith, our family, our friends, and thanked each person for walking through life with us," Laura says.
Pink, White and Green Floral Arrangement
Single Layer Rainbow Chip Cake
Intimate Bride and Groom First Dance
Wedding Exit with Sparklers