Mrs. Turtle, Central CaliforniaAge and Occupation: 21, Art Student/TeacherFiance's Age and Occupation: 22, English StudentEngagement Date: August 16, 2008Wedding Date: July 2010Venue: Mr. Turtle's Grandparents' backyard, Arroyo Grande, CAAbout Me: I am a California girl who loves the beach and the mountains, but is quite satisfied living right in the middle where I can enjoy the best of both worlds. I am happiest when traveling to faraway places, wandering through museums, watching old movies, or baking up a storm. Mr. Turtle and I are high school sweethearts and fellow book nerds who both drive Mini Coopers and are most likely to be found browsing in antique stores. We're having so much fun planning our European garden wedding with a vintage twist and can't wait to share more of life's adventures together!
Our guests definitely enjoyed the candy, but there was one thing I think they enjoyed more: the photobooth!
(Is it sad that even though it was a huge hit, the bride in me still looks at that photo and wishes I’d had time to replace the red curtain with a pink one?? Oooh well! C’est la vie!)
Anyway…we rented our photobooth from The Photobooth Experience. The company is affiliated with our photographer, and we fell in love with their booth when we first discovered it at a bridal show long before our wedding. Ever since we booked them, I was totally excited about finding vintage accessories for people to use as props in their photos. Read more…
Mrs. Turtle, Central CaliforniaAge and Occupation: 21, Art Student/TeacherFiance's Age and Occupation: 22, English StudentEngagement Date: August 16, 2008Wedding Date: July 2010Venue: Mr. Turtle's Grandparents' backyard, Arroyo Grande, CAAbout Me: I am a California girl who loves the beach and the mountains, but is quite satisfied living right in the middle where I can enjoy the best of both worlds. I am happiest when traveling to faraway places, wandering through museums, watching old movies, or baking up a storm. Mr. Turtle and I are high school sweethearts and fellow book nerds who both drive Mini Coopers and are most likely to be found browsing in antique stores. We're having so much fun planning our European garden wedding with a vintage twist and can't wait to share more of life's adventures together!
Before I get to the reception, I want to share with you the two things (besides food) that our guests were looooving during our cocktail hour. And the first one up is…candy!
Maybe you remember the post I wrote about our DIY candy table waaaay back in pre-wedding life. In it, I shared a lot of the details that were taking shape in this little project that my mom and I decided to take on together. We bought the clear jars at Target and Marshall’s, and added some milk glass and antique silver containers to incorporate the table into the vintage theme of the rest of our wedding.
Mrs. Turtle, Central CaliforniaAge and Occupation: 21, Art Student/TeacherFiance's Age and Occupation: 22, English StudentEngagement Date: August 16, 2008Wedding Date: July 2010Venue: Mr. Turtle's Grandparents' backyard, Arroyo Grande, CAAbout Me: I am a California girl who loves the beach and the mountains, but is quite satisfied living right in the middle where I can enjoy the best of both worlds. I am happiest when traveling to faraway places, wandering through museums, watching old movies, or baking up a storm. Mr. Turtle and I are high school sweethearts and fellow book nerds who both drive Mini Coopers and are most likely to be found browsing in antique stores. We're having so much fun planning our European garden wedding with a vintage twist and can't wait to share more of life's adventures together!
After we finished up our wedding party group portraits, our photographer, Chloe, suggested taking some photos of Mr. Turtle and me in the same field, instead of stealing us away during the reception later like we’d planned. I’m so glad we did this, because we got some wonderful shots and only missed our cocktail hour, which we’d already expected to miss. First, my brand new husband helped me drag my dress further out into the field…
Mrs. Turtle, Central CaliforniaAge and Occupation: 21, Art Student/TeacherFiance's Age and Occupation: 22, English StudentEngagement Date: August 16, 2008Wedding Date: July 2010Venue: Mr. Turtle's Grandparents' backyard, Arroyo Grande, CAAbout Me: I am a California girl who loves the beach and the mountains, but is quite satisfied living right in the middle where I can enjoy the best of both worlds. I am happiest when traveling to faraway places, wandering through museums, watching old movies, or baking up a storm. Mr. Turtle and I are high school sweethearts and fellow book nerds who both drive Mini Coopers and are most likely to be found browsing in antique stores. We're having so much fun planning our European garden wedding with a vintage twist and can't wait to share more of life's adventures together!
While our guests were enjoying cocktail hour back at the house, Mr. Turtle, our wedding party, and I joined our photographer, Chloe, for some group portraits. We went just down the road and pulled off at a random little patch of dried grass. I do not even understand how our photographer made it look like such an epic open space. Talk about photography magic! Read more…
Mrs. Turtle, Central CaliforniaAge and Occupation: 21, Art Student/TeacherFiance's Age and Occupation: 22, English StudentEngagement Date: August 16, 2008Wedding Date: July 2010Venue: Mr. Turtle's Grandparents' backyard, Arroyo Grande, CAAbout Me: I am a California girl who loves the beach and the mountains, but is quite satisfied living right in the middle where I can enjoy the best of both worlds. I am happiest when traveling to faraway places, wandering through museums, watching old movies, or baking up a storm. Mr. Turtle and I are high school sweethearts and fellow book nerds who both drive Mini Coopers and are most likely to be found browsing in antique stores. We're having so much fun planning our European garden wedding with a vintage twist and can't wait to share more of life's adventures together!
As soon we’d all made our way up the aisle, it was time for cocktail hour! (Well, I guess technically it was a cocktail-less hour, since the only alcoholic beverages we served were wine and Champagne…but I still like to call it cocktail hour. It sounds classy that way!) Our guests spent the time in between our ceremony and reception mingling in the backyard and munching on some seriously delicious food.
Mrs. Turtle, Central CaliforniaAge and Occupation: 21, Art Student/TeacherFiance's Age and Occupation: 22, English StudentEngagement Date: August 16, 2008Wedding Date: July 2010Venue: Mr. Turtle's Grandparents' backyard, Arroyo Grande, CAAbout Me: I am a California girl who loves the beach and the mountains, but is quite satisfied living right in the middle where I can enjoy the best of both worlds. I am happiest when traveling to faraway places, wandering through museums, watching old movies, or baking up a storm. Mr. Turtle and I are high school sweethearts and fellow book nerds who both drive Mini Coopers and are most likely to be found browsing in antique stores. We're having so much fun planning our European garden wedding with a vintage twist and can't wait to share more of life's adventures together!
So… I’d made it down the aisle to Mr. Turtle, and here we were!
We kept our ceremony really short and old-fashioned. No readings, no unity candle, no special music. Our pastor just welcomed everyone and gave a short little sermon about love and marriage. He even referenced our proposal story, which was based on 1 Corinthians 13:13 and the most importance things in life: faith, hope, and love. Read more…
Mrs. Turtle, Central CaliforniaAge and Occupation: 21, Art Student/TeacherFiance's Age and Occupation: 22, English StudentEngagement Date: August 16, 2008Wedding Date: July 2010Venue: Mr. Turtle's Grandparents' backyard, Arroyo Grande, CAAbout Me: I am a California girl who loves the beach and the mountains, but is quite satisfied living right in the middle where I can enjoy the best of both worlds. I am happiest when traveling to faraway places, wandering through museums, watching old movies, or baking up a storm. Mr. Turtle and I are high school sweethearts and fellow book nerds who both drive Mini Coopers and are most likely to be found browsing in antique stores. We're having so much fun planning our European garden wedding with a vintage twist and can't wait to share more of life's adventures together!
The time in between taking pictures on the farm and walking down the aisle is a big blur in my mind. I remember hanging out with my bridesmaids in a bedroom, and hearing that the guys had arrived and they were waiting in the garage. I was super paranoid about hiding from Mr. Turtle. Since we had chosen not to do a first look, I didn’t want a chance encounter to ruin our moment of first seeing each other when I walked down the aisle. The only other thing I remember is a lot of, “Oh my gosh! The guests are getting here!! You guys are almost married!” And so on. Our officiant, my family’s pastor that I’d grown up knowing, came in and prayed with us. I remember him thanking God for surrounding me with such a wonderful support circle of girls and asking Him to bless my marriage to Mr. Turtle. I also remember hearing sniffles and being pleasantly surprised to realize that I hadn’t shed a tear all day!
Mrs. Turtle, Central CaliforniaAge and Occupation: 21, Art Student/TeacherFiance's Age and Occupation: 22, English StudentEngagement Date: August 16, 2008Wedding Date: July 2010Venue: Mr. Turtle's Grandparents' backyard, Arroyo Grande, CAAbout Me: I am a California girl who loves the beach and the mountains, but is quite satisfied living right in the middle where I can enjoy the best of both worlds. I am happiest when traveling to faraway places, wandering through museums, watching old movies, or baking up a storm. Mr. Turtle and I are high school sweethearts and fellow book nerds who both drive Mini Coopers and are most likely to be found browsing in antique stores. We're having so much fun planning our European garden wedding with a vintage twist and can't wait to share more of life's adventures together!
When I last left off, we had just finished up our little bridesmaid photo shoot on the farm, and were headed back to the house because it was almost wedding time! Well, just so you know, this isn’t the post where we get married. Not so fast! You haven’t even seen the guys yet! At this point in the afternoon, it was time for the boys to get their Zoolander on.
After the wedding, all of the guys were raving about how they had more fun with our photographer than they’d ever had taking wedding pictures before! I remember thinking that this was a nice thing to tell the bride, coming from guys, but I can’t say that I truly understood what they meant until I saw the pictures for myself…
Mrs. Turtle, Central CaliforniaAge and Occupation: 21, Art Student/TeacherFiance's Age and Occupation: 22, English StudentEngagement Date: August 16, 2008Wedding Date: July 2010Venue: Mr. Turtle's Grandparents' backyard, Arroyo Grande, CAAbout Me: I am a California girl who loves the beach and the mountains, but is quite satisfied living right in the middle where I can enjoy the best of both worlds. I am happiest when traveling to faraway places, wandering through museums, watching old movies, or baking up a storm. Mr. Turtle and I are high school sweethearts and fellow book nerds who both drive Mini Coopers and are most likely to be found browsing in antique stores. We're having so much fun planning our European garden wedding with a vintage twist and can't wait to share more of life's adventures together!
In my last post, I reintroduced you to my fabulous bridesmaids and promised that I would show off our group portraits! Well, here they are in all their glory:
Mrs. Turtle, Central CaliforniaAge and Occupation: 21, Art Student/TeacherFiance's Age and Occupation: 22, English StudentEngagement Date: August 16, 2008Wedding Date: July 2010Venue: Mr. Turtle's Grandparents' backyard, Arroyo Grande, CAAbout Me: I am a California girl who loves the beach and the mountains, but is quite satisfied living right in the middle where I can enjoy the best of both worlds. I am happiest when traveling to faraway places, wandering through museums, watching old movies, or baking up a storm. Mr. Turtle and I are high school sweethearts and fellow book nerds who both drive Mini Coopers and are most likely to be found browsing in antique stores. We're having so much fun planning our European garden wedding with a vintage twist and can't wait to share more of life's adventures together!
Once we were all finished getting ready, my bridesmaids and I headed off to take some girl photos with our photographer, Chloe. Chloe had done a little scoping out of the area, and found this great little avocado/walnut farm to shoot at. (She got permission from the owners first, of course. They were standing out there waiting for us when we got there, and seemed to totally get a kick out of the whole thing! What? Wedding parties don’t usually come here??) I must admit I was a little skeptical when I first got out of the car and realized I’d be dragging my never-before-worn wedding dress through some serious dirt…but I totally trust Chloe and I totally get the girly girl meets rustic vibe.
Mrs. Turtle, Central CaliforniaAge and Occupation: 21, Art Student/TeacherFiance's Age and Occupation: 22, English StudentEngagement Date: August 16, 2008Wedding Date: July 2010Venue: Mr. Turtle's Grandparents' backyard, Arroyo Grande, CAAbout Me: I am a California girl who loves the beach and the mountains, but is quite satisfied living right in the middle where I can enjoy the best of both worlds. I am happiest when traveling to faraway places, wandering through museums, watching old movies, or baking up a storm. Mr. Turtle and I are high school sweethearts and fellow book nerds who both drive Mini Coopers and are most likely to be found browsing in antique stores. We're having so much fun planning our European garden wedding with a vintage twist and can't wait to share more of life's adventures together!
Becoming a bride is not an easy task! (It is a little easier when you have someone else doing your hair and makeup for you…) But still, you don’t just wake up with beautiful hair and makeup. You start out looking a little scary, especially if you get up early in the morning, like I did. You might start out a little something like this:
And the scariest part: that’s after makeup! However, slowly but surely, everything starts to come together. It’s a fun process to watch for sure! Read more…
Mrs. Turtle, Central CaliforniaAge and Occupation: 21, Art Student/TeacherFiance's Age and Occupation: 22, English StudentEngagement Date: August 16, 2008Wedding Date: July 2010Venue: Mr. Turtle's Grandparents' backyard, Arroyo Grande, CAAbout Me: I am a California girl who loves the beach and the mountains, but is quite satisfied living right in the middle where I can enjoy the best of both worlds. I am happiest when traveling to faraway places, wandering through museums, watching old movies, or baking up a storm. Mr. Turtle and I are high school sweethearts and fellow book nerds who both drive Mini Coopers and are most likely to be found browsing in antique stores. We're having so much fun planning our European garden wedding with a vintage twist and can't wait to share more of life's adventures together!
Late the night before the wedding, I decided to move from my hotel room with the girls into the room my parents were staying in. How traditional and precious. It was funny, because my brother ended up getting locked out of his house that night so he showed up at our hotel after midnight needing a place to stay, too. It was the most surreal thing going to bed on the night before my wedding day, in a room with just the four of us, just like the old days. It felt like back when we would go on vacation when we were kids. We stayed up just talking for a while, and before I knew it, the alarm was going off. It was finally July 10, this mysterious day all of our lives had been building up to ever since Mr. Turtle and I had gotten engaged almost two years before.
I laid in bed for just a minute, in a simple attempt to savor the moment, to let the fact that I was getting married that evening really settle in. I felt calm and collected, happy, just how I wanted to feel on my wedding day! I jumped in the shower, threw on some sweats, and headed over to Mr. Turtle’s grandparents’ house with my mom, the place where I’d be getting ready… and later, where I’d be getting married!
Mrs. Turtle, Central CaliforniaAge and Occupation: 21, Art Student/TeacherFiance's Age and Occupation: 22, English StudentEngagement Date: August 16, 2008Wedding Date: July 2010Venue: Mr. Turtle's Grandparents' backyard, Arroyo Grande, CAAbout Me: I am a California girl who loves the beach and the mountains, but is quite satisfied living right in the middle where I can enjoy the best of both worlds. I am happiest when traveling to faraway places, wandering through museums, watching old movies, or baking up a storm. Mr. Turtle and I are high school sweethearts and fellow book nerds who both drive Mini Coopers and are most likely to be found browsing in antique stores. We're having so much fun planning our European garden wedding with a vintage twist and can't wait to share more of life's adventures together!
Our photography package included having our photographer take photos of our rehearsal dinner. I would have never thought to hire a photographer for this night, but am so, so, sooo glad that we did! Much like our wedding photos, these are priceless to us! Thanks again, Chloe, from Mike Larson Photography Inc.!
When Mr. Turtle and I arrived at the banquet room, everyone was already seated and enjoying some delicious appetizers and Champagne. Read more…
Mrs. Turtle, Central CaliforniaAge and Occupation: 21, Art Student/TeacherFiance's Age and Occupation: 22, English StudentEngagement Date: August 16, 2008Wedding Date: July 2010Venue: Mr. Turtle's Grandparents' backyard, Arroyo Grande, CAAbout Me: I am a California girl who loves the beach and the mountains, but is quite satisfied living right in the middle where I can enjoy the best of both worlds. I am happiest when traveling to faraway places, wandering through museums, watching old movies, or baking up a storm. Mr. Turtle and I are high school sweethearts and fellow book nerds who both drive Mini Coopers and are most likely to be found browsing in antique stores. We're having so much fun planning our European garden wedding with a vintage twist and can't wait to share more of life's adventures together!
Who’s ready for some Turtle wedding recaps?? Well…ready or not, here they come!
Rewind back to July 9, 2010: I was an absolute nervous wreck and had been feeling this way for some time. For the last couple of weeks, if anyone brought up a wedding-related concern to me, or even looked at me the wrong way, I would burst into tears and cry, “I hate the wedding!!” Read more…
Mrs. Turtle, Central CaliforniaAge and Occupation: 21, Art Student/TeacherFiance's Age and Occupation: 22, English StudentEngagement Date: August 16, 2008Wedding Date: July 2010Venue: Mr. Turtle's Grandparents' backyard, Arroyo Grande, CAAbout Me: I am a California girl who loves the beach and the mountains, but is quite satisfied living right in the middle where I can enjoy the best of both worlds. I am happiest when traveling to faraway places, wandering through museums, watching old movies, or baking up a storm. Mr. Turtle and I are high school sweethearts and fellow book nerds who both drive Mini Coopers and are most likely to be found browsing in antique stores. We're having so much fun planning our European garden wedding with a vintage twist and can't wait to share more of life's adventures together!
Looking back on our fabulous honeymoon trip to England and France, we both agree that the highlight was our day trip to Versailles, the over-the-top home and gardens of the Sun King, Marie Antoinette…oh, and a couple other Louises!
Versailles is a very short drive from Paris, so if you’re already in the city, I highly recommend making the trip! When you first pull up to the palace, be prepared for crowds galore. Read more…
Unique Wedding Favors
