A Crafty, Rustic Outdoor Wedding in Bellevue, Nebraska

For college sweethearts Brett and Nick, tying the knot in the middle of an enchanted forest was far more fitting than saying I do indoors. Once they decided on the date of July 27, 2013, in Nebraska's Fontenelle Forest, the crafty duo began dreaming up a rustic wedding that would reflect their relaxed style. The result? A memorable day full of DIY details that celebrated both the venue's natural beauty and the happy couple.

Linea Mae drew a woodsy design for the invitations incorporating a custom monogram created by Lovestru.ck Weddings + Events, which was originally used at a surprise engagement party for the couple. A mix of typefaces in green and gold matched the day's relaxed vibe.

Brett wore a strapless gown by Melissa Sweet with Badgley Mischka shoes, and a handmade veil from her mother for the ceremony. Nick looked dapper in a summery Jos. A. Bank suit and a hunter green tie by Roundtree & Yorke.

To give Brett's bouquet the look of free-form wildflowers, Shamrock & Thistle veered from the day's yellow, gray, and green palette and used every color of the rainbow. A fresh mix of yarrow, dahlias, craspedia, zinnias, ranunculus, rosemary, chamomile, and ivy leaves made up the cheery clutch.

Bridesmaids wore light green Nicole Miller dresses dotted in a metallic print. Instead of tuxes, groomsmen were asked to purchase their own suits then were gifted with matching shirts, socks, and ties.

Temperatures soared during the week leading up to the wedding, so when it cooled down to 90 degrees on the big day it actually felt "amazingly good,"said Brett. Still, the duo made ceremony programs that doubled as fans to keep their 200 guests cool.

Brett and Nick co-wrote the script for the service, along with their own vows, by borrowing elements from various readings and making them their own. "By writing it together we were able to fully appreciate the significance of every word," said Brett.

The intimate ceremony was truly a family affair: the bride's uncle officiated, Nick's mother presented the rings, and Brett's mother read a passage from The Book of Philippians. The bride's cousin also arranged a bluegrass-style rendition of four of the couple's favorite songs with help from a fiddle player.

Brett and Nick's vows were printed on large sheets of fabric and were later hung to flank the head table at the reception.

The crafty couple constructed a blooming display out of stained pine planks and galvanized buckets painted in an array of colors. Lovestru.ck added the finishing touch: A plank painted with the names of the new Mr. and Mrs. that was propped in the center of the mantle.

Wedding guests sipped on his-and-her signature drinks: Nick's dirty gin martini and Brett's tequila cranberry. "We loved having signature cocktails at the reception; It gave people a chance to try something that they normally would not give a chance," said Brett. "But make sure that you have enough—we ran out before dinner was over!"

Seating assignments were arranged in small craft paper envelopes labeled with guest names.

The father of the groom built flower boxes out of reclaimed barn wood to house the reception centerpieces. Each sat on a square of simple brown paper adorned with the same design elements as the invitations.

Brown paper place settings were topped with wooden Paper + Cup utensils stamped with the couples "NB" monogram and simple Ikea dish towels that served as napkins.

Handcrafted wooden stands were connected using dowels and screws to display a sweet spread of homemade red velvet, carrot cheesecake, and chocolate cream cheese cupcakes. On top was a strawberry and cheesecake layered tiered confection, which was perfect for slicing into. It was crowned with a "NB" logo made by Nick out of balsawood.

The mother of the bride, maid of honor, and Brett's cousin baked and decorated all of cupcakes offered up for dessert. Some of the sweets traveled home as favors.

Since the parents of the bride own a Dairy Queen, ice cream was a nonnegotiable late-night treat.

Photographer: Brighten Photography 

Venue: Fontenelle Nature Association 

Event Design and Planning: Lovestru.ck Weddings + Events 

Entertainment: Image Entertainment 

Videographer: Circuit Tree Studios 

Rentals: AAA 

Vintage Rentals: Nostalgia 

Florist: Shamrock & Thistle

Stationery: Linea Mae 

Makeup: Blush Makeup Artistry