DIY Wedding in Autumn at Botanical Garden

We know that fall is long gone, but when we saw Jill and Peter’s autumn wedding we had to share it with you all (who knows, maybe it will inspire you fall brides out there). With the fall colors in all their wedding day details this wedding seems extra cozy!

Here is what Jill said about her wedding:

“I was never one to dream of every detail of her future wedding. However, even though I planned nothing for this big event in advance, I knew I wanted a few things. First, Peter and I knew we wanted to get married close to family (we’re both from the Midwest). Second, I wanted a fall wedding and I wanted it to be outdoors. Third, we wanted this wedding to be about community and all the people that have been an important part of our lives. And lastly, I wanted my wedding to be unique. So, the big search to fulfill all those requirements began. We found a beautiful venue, Fernwood Botanical Gardens, in Niles, MI and put the deposit down for October 6th.”

Wedding DIY & Decor

“I didn’t want to spend a lot of money on flowers, decorations, or a cake so I opted for some fun alternatives. My bridesmaids and I carried Xerographicas, also known as extremely large air plants. If you don’t know what an air plant is, check it out. It’s a sweet, spiky looking plant that doesn’t need soil or water. They can live pretty much anywhere, even in your bathroom (the steam keeps them hydrated)! The groom, groomsmen, and other friends and family wore boutonniere air plants, but a smaller version.”

The Wedding Cake

“Peter and I aren’t fond of cake, plus they can be expensive, so we decided on an alternative wedding ‘cake.’ We decided to have root beer floats. We ordered 1919 Root Beer, which is by far the best root beer I have ever tasted (my dad and I are root beer connoisseurs). So, instead of ‘cutting the cake,’ we ‘tapped the keg.’ It was fun and made this tradition a little more interesting!”

Advice for Future Brides

“Get as many of those small items you’ve pushed aside done before the week of your wedding. Even though printing pictures or packing your overnight bag or figuring out a backup ceremony plan seems like simple things you can do the week of your wedding, don’t procrastinate. The more you get done, the more time you can spend with your friends, family, and soon-to-be  husband.”

Vendor List

Photographer: Ashley Dru Photography // Ceremony and Reception: Fernwood Botanical Gardens // Florist: Airplants were ordered online from family // Dessert: Kimberly Friesen decorated the root-beer keg // Hair: Caitlin Helmuth // Makeup: Jenna Grubaugh // Dress: Affair to Remember in Middlebury, IN // Bridesmaid dresses: Chosen by bridesmaids // Groom’s Suit: Express // Music: The Pine Street Pickers // DJ: Tim Blaum