Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Subscribe
Save Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 35 One-Pan Meals Just Right for Dinner Tonight

      One pan, pot, skillet, or Instant Pot is all you need to for these no-fuss family dinners, including salmon, pasta, pot roast, chili, and so much more. Read More Next
    • The Best 2021 Bedroom Paint Colors

      Explore the best 2021 bedroom paint colors, according to paint experts. Read More Next
    • The Ultimate Guide to Household Cleaning: What You Should Be Cleaning When

      Our printable checklists will tell you what you should be doing every day, week, month, season—or every once in a while—to keep your home in ship-shape year round. Read More Next
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD

    Quick, Easy, and Delicious Pasta Recipes Ideal for Weeknight Dinners

    When you need a comforting meal but don't have a lot of time, whip up one of these fast pasta recipes. All can be made in 45 minutes or less.
    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS

    19 St. Patrick's Day Crafts and Decorations

    Looking for a golden idea? You're in luck. Kick off your St. Patrick's Day celebrations with our shamrock garlands, rainbow balloons, leprechaun traps, and more.
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING

    The Best Front Porch Decorating Ideas for Every Month of the Year

    Get inspired to make your porch your new favorite living space with these ideas designed to add a refined look to any outdoor space.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Baby Shower Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • You're Invited
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME

    How to Disinfect Your Kitchen and Your Food During the Coronavirus Outbreak, According to Experts

    Keep everything from your countertops to your dining room chairs germ-free.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING

    How to Keep Your Houseplants Happy in the Winter

    Help them thrive even when the temperature drops.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Wash Your Hands Properly, According to a Doctor

    You likely wash your hands several times a day, but are you doing so effectively? Learn how to minimize the spread of germs with an extra few seconds of scrubbing.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS

    How to Plan a Beautiful, Meaningful Micro Wedding So That You Can Celebrate Your Postponed Nuptials Right Now

    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY

    How to Knit: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide

    Learn how to knit your own mittens, hats, scarves, and more. We'll take you through the step-by-step instructions and teach you how to cast on, knit, purl, and cast off.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
    • Rescue & Revamp
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    Six Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Health While You Work from Home

    Start by carving out a designated work area in your space.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE

    How to Start a Virtual Book Club

    From which platforms to use and the best books to read, bibliophiles share their advice.
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Weddings
  3. Real Weddings
  4. A Crafty, Rustic Outdoor Wedding in Bellevue, Nebraska

A Crafty, Rustic Outdoor Wedding in Bellevue, Nebraska

November 18, 2013
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin
Credit: Brighten Photography

Brett and Nick tied the knot in the middle of an enchanted forest on July 27, 2013, in Nebraska with a wedding full of DIY details that celebrated both the venue’s natural beauty and the happy couple.

Start Slideshow

1 of 17

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Brett and Nick

Credit: Brighten Photography

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.

1 of 17

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 17

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

A Whimsical Suite

Credit: Brighten Photography

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.

2 of 17

3 of 17

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Summer Threads

Credit: Brighten Photography

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.

3 of 17

Advertisement

4 of 17

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

The Bouquet

Credit: Brighten Photography

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.

4 of 17

5 of 17

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Polished Wedding Party

Credit: Brighten Photography

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.

5 of 17

6 of 17

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Cool Programs

Credit: Brighten Photography

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.

6 of 17

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 17

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

The Ceremony

Credit: Brighten Photography

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.

7 of 17

8 of 17

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Illustrated Vows

Credit: Brighten Photography

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

8 of 17

9 of 17

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

DIY Decor

Credit: Brighten Photography

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.

9 of 17

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 17

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Clever Cocktails

Credit: Brighten Photography

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!"

10 of 17

11 of 17

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Simple Seating Display

Credit: Brighten Photography

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

11 of 17

12 of 17

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Rustic Centerpieces

Credit: Brighten Photography

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.

12 of 17

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 17

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Personalized Place Settings

Credit: Brighten Photography

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.

13 of 17

14 of 17

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

The "Cake"

Credit: Brighten Photography

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.

14 of 17

15 of 17

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Baked with Love

Credit: Brighten Photography

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.

15 of 17

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 17

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Ice Cream To-Go

Credit: Brighten Photography

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

16 of 17

17 of 17

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Sources

Credit: Brighten Photography

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 

17 of 17

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
`
View All
  • At Their Elegant Wedding in Maryland, This Couple Made Sure Their Globetrotting Guests Came First
  • Five Essential Details to Consider When Planning an At-Home Wedding
  • A Classic New York Wedding at the Bowery Hotel
  • Chrissy Teigen Just Shared a Rare Photo of Her After-Party Wedding Dress
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 17 Brett and Nick
2 of 17 A Whimsical Suite
3 of 17 Summer Threads
4 of 17 The Bouquet
5 of 17 Polished Wedding Party
6 of 17 Cool Programs
7 of 17 The Ceremony
8 of 17 Illustrated Vows
9 of 17 DIY Decor
10 of 17 Clever Cocktails
11 of 17 Simple Seating Display
12 of 17 Rustic Centerpieces
13 of 17 Personalized Place Settings
14 of 17 The "Cake"
15 of 17 Baked with Love
16 of 17 Ice Cream To-Go
17 of 17 Sources

Share options

Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Login

Martha Stewart

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • Contact Us
  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Customer Service
  • Media Kit
  • Sitemap
  • Martha's Blog
  • Advertise
  • Content Licensing
  • FAQ
  • Corporate
  • International

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
  • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
  • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
  • Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
  • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
  • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
  • More this link opens in a new tab
  • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
  • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
  • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
  • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
  • Parents this link opens in a new tab
  • People this link opens in a new tab
  • People en Español this link opens in a new tab
  • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
  • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
  • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
  • Shape this link opens in a new tab
  • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
  • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
  • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
Martha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

View image

A Crafty, Rustic Outdoor Wedding in Bellevue, Nebraska
this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.