Jimmy and I got married at our alma mater in Berkeley, California, in late January 2008. I cherish that day and the months leading up to it — not only because I got to marry my superstar sweetheart husband, but for a few other reasons as well. The first? Our wedding was an amazing and unforgettable collaboration of family and friends, which made it that much more special. Second, I really got to thinking that maybe the world of handmade could be the life — and a living — for me!
My last freelance gig as a web project manager ended in October 2007, and I spent the next three months plotting for what I came to see as the uber craft project challenge of a lifetime. Given free reign by Jimmy, I set out to DIY it all: from invites to thank you cards, bouquets to centerpieces, favors to photo booth…to wedding gown and veil!
Credit: Top Left: Jesse Leake Photography, Bottom Right: Nina Lao
Little did my then-fiance realize what this would mean for him: hours of paper punching, sticker adhering, flower assembling and other crafty tasks ahead. Soon I recruited even more unwitting victims — friends and family — to help along the way as well. No one was safe from crafty endeavors, for as I learned, it takes a village to craft a handmade wedding.
Credit: Bottom Right: Nina Lao
About 25 projects and minus ten pounds later (wedding planning is a great method for rapid weight loss), we had our very own DIY wedding! Bridesmaid Clara contributed the tastiest his-and-hers batches of homemade green tea (his) and double-chocolate (hers) cupcakes, topped with our initials.
Credit: Jesse Leake Photography
Big sister/matron-of-honor Christine and brother-in-law Don grew our delightful wheatgrass centerpieces, displayed in hand-stained wooden boxes and bringing bright happy splashes of green throughout our UC Berkeley Faculty Club venue.
Credit: Nina Lao
And the groom’s family labored over intricately designed centerpieces made of orchids and bamboo. These were one of the main elements of our wedding day, chosen for their symbolism of longevity, strength and grace.
Credit: Jesse Leake Photography
Bridesmaid Jenn masterminded our slideshow, which she transformed from the traditional photo-by-photo setup and turned into a real deal stop-motion animation film!
Something that still comes up in conversation with friends is our homemade lip balm wedding favors. This was one of my favorite projects, as Jimmy and I each concocted our own recipes (mine was Hot Chocolate Mint and his was Cool Cucumber Melon) and gave each guest a packaged tube of creamy lip balm marked “Please ask about our free lifetime refills.” (Make your own with this how-to!)
We couldn’t do it without a photo booth, so we rigged our own setup with PVC pipes, some free software, a borrowed DSLR camera and a remote control. We loved how creative our guests got with this, and we came home with boatloads of memorable shots.
Credit: Left: Jesse Leake Photography, Right: Don McKee
Then there was the gown, which was by far the biggest and most stressful project. I sketched out a look based off an assortment of gowns from ripped-out magazine pages and online bridal sites, then found an out-of-print sewing pattern that somewhat resembled my design. I was having the hardest time fitting it on myself, so Mom came up from Los Angeles and made me a wacky replica of myself via a duct tape dressform. (Here’s a how-to from the folks at Taunton publishers.) I spent an entire three months on my gown, veil and wrap, and ultimately considered it a relief and a success when nothing fell apart as I walked down the aisle or as Jimmy flung the veil from my face.
Credit: Nina Lao
Once we danced the Hustle for our first dance (which you can see a part of in this mini-commercial made by our dance instructors), we costume-changed into our traditional garb to round out the night: Jimmy in his traditional Filipino barong tagalog and me in my Taiwanese chi pao. Luckily Mom talked me out of making my own chi pao, and I found the perfect one online instead.
What are the lessons I learned from having a DIY wedding? One thing I’d say is that even if you CAN make it yourself, that doesn’t mean you should! In retrospect, there were plenty of projects I probably should have outsourced or de-prioritized. I can’t say I regretted any of them, but I probably could have saved myself a few moments of panic had I turned elsewhere — like all of the talented sellers on Etsy! — for them.
And two of the best pieces of advice I got? Not everything’s going to turn out the way it’s supposed to on your wedding day. When that happens, don’t even think about it! This is just one day in a lifetime of days ahead…and no one else is going to notice anyway. Also, accept help from other people! Don’t try to do everything on your own.
In the end, it was our perfect wedding. Handmade or not, we were together and surrounded by loving family and friends in a beautiful venue, and were even blessed with a bright sunny day in the heart of an otherwise rainy winter month. We couldn’t have been happier. And that’s our story!
Credit: Jesse Leake Photography
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125 comments
Sign in to add your ownMattamorphis says:
Everything looks beautiful darling. -M
3 years ago
qwynwyn says:
Thanks for sharing your DIY wedding story! What a project! It's cool that you involved your family and friends too.
3 years ago
jeweledblossoms says:
What a cool story! It's so awesome that it all worked out for you guys. Congrats! :)
3 years ago
emmaray says:
So inspirational and cool!! Lovely stuff.
3 years ago
Faeriedtreasures says:
Such a beautiful wedding, and such a beautiful couple! I really enjoyed reading your story, and your "village" did a wonderful job, and I love your wedding cake topper, too. :)
3 years ago
aimeesarmoire says:
Beautiful!
3 years ago
NinaReneeDesigns says:
Beautiful wedding...I looove the centerpieces! :-)
3 years ago
iheartnorwegianwood says:
I'm in the middle of planning a handmade wedding myself and LOVE these articles. I have until next June, so hopefully I can spread the craftiness out over the next year!
3 years ago
betsy3 says:
Lovely!
3 years ago
worksofwhimsy says:
What a lovely story. Thanks for sharing it. You're very lucky to have such a helpful (and crafty) family.
3 years ago
Vanessa says:
I'm in awe! You are so creative!
3 years ago
ShiStudio says:
Gorgeous wedding - I love the picture of the veil flying over your head - what a joyous image!
3 years ago
jenniferlynnstudio says:
What a Very Special Wedding!..Thanks for sharing..Loved all your detail of events..and all the pics..Makes it that much more special!
3 years ago
HighStrungBead says:
Congrats! Love the centerpieces!!!
3 years ago
leandrageorge says:
Very pretty. Your dress looks beautiful. I did a handmade wedding too, including making my dress and bridesmaids. One thing I have to say is you really put your heart and soul into it when you've had a hand in the making of everything.
3 years ago
yumiyumi says:
Wow. Love the wheatgrass and orchid combination and lip balm favors.
3 years ago
maiziedesigns says:
Such a great article. I love the color of the bridesmaid dresses.
3 years ago
ElegantSnobbery says:
Great post and beautiful pictures!!
3 years ago
MGMart says:
Such a sweet story! Lovely photos and items! Thank you for sharing with us. Best Wishes, Marianna
3 years ago
EJPcreations says:
I love the grass idea!!
3 years ago
oyster says:
Simple, elegant, and not saccharine! Cute-looking couple!
3 years ago
nanouke says:
Ooooohhhh, how sweet!! I love the grass center pieces and you look beautiful!
3 years ago
madebysam says:
so lovely!
3 years ago
lovelygifts says:
Very nice!
3 years ago
cottonbirddesigns says:
Beautiful!
3 years ago
mavenhaven says:
The wheatgrass and the lip balm are amazing ideas. Consider them yoinked! Lovely work. And congratulations!!
3 years ago
dandelionland says:
I love the wheatgrass centerpieces! Great idea! Beautiful...
3 years ago
anandi says:
The color of your bridesmaids' dresses is stunning, and your dress is amazing!! What a cool article. Congratulations and best wishes for a happy lifetime together! Also, I *LOVE* the cake topper. We just chose to forgo the cake topper entirely because we couldn't find any that remotely looked like us :)
3 years ago
brooklit says:
Love all the items you picked here, and what a beautiful wedding! I especially love the make your own photo-booth!
3 years ago
shopgoodgrace says:
LOVELY! Beautiful job ... from the gorgeous dress to the lip balm favors! :)
3 years ago
loopdiloops says:
What a gorgeous wedding! I really love the cake and the lip balm, so original! Congratulations to you both!
3 years ago
locallibrary says:
so beautiful - the wedding and the couple!
3 years ago
dragonhouseofyuen says:
how touching and beautiful Jimmy and Eleen - I have tears in my eyes from your dance video :) ~ I'm a little emotional at times :) ~ this is such a super story - thanks etsy for letting two very special people share it with everyone!
3 years ago
eleen says:
Thanks everyone, and thanks so much to Etsy for letting me share my story!
3 years ago
pennyspug says:
lovely
3 years ago
MyJunkyTrunk says:
Wow! What a gorgeous couple, and some really lovely pics! Thanks for sharing!
3 years ago
mpaperarts says:
Happiness all around! Gorgeous. Make me want to get married again...same guy.
3 years ago
muyinmolly says:
This is just amazing!I wish my fiance would let me do the same thing too!he's not that into handmade, but I really hope he can make our wedding rings. BTW,I don't think you can make your own chi pao!
3 years ago
StitchCraftShop says:
great article!!! eleen's the best!
3 years ago
BeautifulSoaps says:
I love the photo of you being unveiled, and your maid of honor looks so happy too!
3 years ago
WindowsOfAgate says:
I love this article! I took at look at your dance video - it was so sweet! It makes me wish that my husband and I had taken dance lessons as well. You guys looked great and so happy! Congratulations to you both.
3 years ago
VintageJamie says:
Wow, green wedding.. So beautiful!
3 years ago
jewelrybyallison says:
Simply stunning, congratulations!
3 years ago
LabyrinthLeather says:
So beautiful =:)
3 years ago
norakaren says:
lovely pictures,I just created this shoes for a wedding!
3 years ago
TianaCHE says:
Absolutely gourgeos wedding! So sweet and lovely! Congradulations!
3 years ago
bunnylove4 says:
All the more special-- the two of you looked absolutely so happy!! Congratulations!!!!
3 years ago
bellasparty says:
Great article! Everything looks so beautiful!
3 years ago
silvercrush says:
great!
3 years ago
truLuxe says:
Wow... those centerpieces are beyond spectacular! All of it is lovely... Best wishes to you both. xx
3 years ago
patchylover says:
Beautiful! Great job and I'm so happy how wonderfully it all worked out for you! What an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your remarkable day with us! :)
3 years ago
xtinavox says:
Had my wedding reception in the exact same place and---though this was years ago, long before I knew about etsy or was singing the praises of handmade ("homemade" my Jim likes to say)----my dress and hat were, yes, all made by hand. thanks for sharing your lovely day!
3 years ago
littlepinkpebble says:
Bravo~!!
3 years ago
paperinstyle says:
BEAUTIFUL!!!
3 years ago
FashionTouch says:
beautiful wedding!
3 years ago
lorijaclynsjewels says:
SO amazing :D I love weddings, and your's looked perfect <3
3 years ago
JeweledAmbrosia says:
How wonderful that everyone came together to help! It looked beautiful :)
3 years ago
AndrosCreations says:
Very nice photos! I like the ring pillows.
3 years ago
sweetbabylove says:
I'm so glad I read your article, as I had always planned to do just as you mentioned.. everything handmade, myself, and or with friends and family. Thanks so much for the advice to relinquish control as I'm not sure I would have taken that advice from anyone other than someone who had done it herself! However, I do LOVE your bridesmaids rings, and would love it if you would be willing to share that idea? if so, will you message me with it? Thanks so much! Stacey
3 years ago
amadalebel says:
What a fabulous final shot, just stunning! Congratulations, Amada
3 years ago
raghousenternational says:
I am definitely sold on the handmade wedding.
3 years ago
BluCille says:
Looks very nice.
3 years ago
ireneagh says:
Beautiful!!!!!!!! <3<3<3
3 years ago
ilovehearts says:
Absolutely wonderful! x
3 years ago
vilte says:
wonderful photos
3 years ago
gloriouscrochet says:
Incredible!
3 years ago
missbatch says:
What a beautiful story! Thanks for sharing.
3 years ago
mythunderstood says:
Inspiring story and collection.
3 years ago
zeropumpkin says:
awww every things is so sweet! :D
3 years ago
DeborahVoizin says:
Great Ideas!
3 years ago
AliBaliJewellery says:
what a lovely story and a gorgeous couple!
3 years ago
carolinabean says:
Really amazing story, loved the pictures.
3 years ago
hobocampcrafts says:
gorgeous is all I can say! Congratulations- how beautiful!
3 years ago
miraculousmosquito says:
those green dresses were very beautiful!
3 years ago
thetroubleandstrife says:
This is so lovely! I was so excited to read your story since I too am using Etsy and my own crafty ways to make my upcoming wedding a DIY event. Cheers to you for doing so much of the amazing work yourself. BEAUTIFUL!
3 years ago
toughandtwisted says:
As a husband who helped a bit in my own DIY kinda wedding almost 6 years ago to date, my wife did most the work, but I know what it takes bravo!! It looks great how hard you must of worked!
3 years ago
pinpinn says:
Lovely wedding! I'm doing alot myself, but am glad to let the professionals do their thing at the same time ^_~ Good advice~!
3 years ago
mykonos says:
sooo sweet!!
3 years ago
BargainHeadbands says:
wow! this is soooo cool! One of my favorite handmade wedding stories ever! Thanks for sharing and inspiring!
3 years ago
Piggy says:
Great articles & ideas! Beautiful wedding :D
3 years ago
exousia says:
Congratulations! What a heart warming story and a wholesome down to earth process!
3 years ago
CutieDynamite says:
Gorgeous! What a fantastic story!
3 years ago
SundraSandrusi says:
beautiful !! Thanks for sharing!
3 years ago
nfall2rt says:
beautiful story! What a large undertaking in just three months too!
3 years ago
SusanKJewelry says:
WOW Such a beautiful story . Loved it!
3 years ago
IceCreamCandy says:
very beautiful wedding story!! love it!
3 years ago
asundrynotion says:
Ditto: Beautiful!
3 years ago
eleen says:
Thanks so much for all the new comments! Gotta love the Etsy community -- always so supportive and full of kindness! anandi - Our cake toppers were custom-made by a seller to look like us, right down to his barong and goatee and my chi pao. :] She no longers sells on Etsy, but I know there are other custom cake-topper makers out there! sweetbabylove - I'll message you this weekend with details!
3 years ago
TheNebulousKingdom says:
so beautiful story and very sweet couple!
3 years ago
MegnificentCo says:
I love this! My 5 year anniversary is in October, and I wish I had handcrafted more aspects of my wedding. It just makes it so much more meaningful. I also loved the idea of the cupcakes and the lip balm as favors. Fantastic!
3 years ago
bedouin says:
Loved the top story ~ a little inspration goes a long ~ fellow bezerklian
3 years ago
LoveAppleBoutique says:
So beautiful. Wishing a life time of happiness.
3 years ago
jurgitahandmade says:
Such a beautiful ideas!!! Perfect! Wants to marry again! :)
3 years ago
florigander says:
Those. Weatgrass boxes. Are killer.
3 years ago
BGBJewelry says:
Just Lovely and so amazing!
3 years ago
voleurdebijoux says:
lovelove....truly sweet and inspiring. :)
3 years ago
GraciLou says:
Love all of it!!! Makes me want another wedding! :)
3 years ago
berrymorin says:
I loved how the family was recruited into the projects. Everyone will have a great story to tell.
3 years ago
meraldesigns says:
a job well done....
3 years ago
jmeyer814 says:
Your pictures are beautiful! I can't believe how much work you put into it. It definitely paid off in the end. Simply fabulous!
3 years ago
sirenedelmare says:
Finally some beautiful bridesmaid dresses! Fantastic wedding! Can't believe you did all that..... You're a ROCK STAR!!!!!
3 years ago
Lunatiger says:
That's such a cool wedding! ^_^ I love creative fun!
2 years ago
Beadz2Pleaz says:
Inspiring and beautiful. Thanks for sharing :)
2 years ago
capecodfoto says:
I am glad to see that you let a real pro handle the photography as that is what will bring back the day for you from now on. As a professional photographer, I have heard too many sad stories of scrimping on the photography and ending up with poor photos or none!
2 years ago
cellascreations says:
Beautiful story! Thank you so much for sharing.
2 years ago
giveapenny says:
What a talent! Thanks for sharing :)
2 years ago
simplysophia says:
Everything is gorgeous! YOu did a fantastic job! Also, congrats on getting married!
2 years ago
angelene says:
what a beautiful article - and a gorgeous wedding - congratulations and thanks for sharing!
2 years ago
sandali says:
What an amazingly beautiful DIY wedding !! It honestly just adds that personal touch -- not only is it for the fun of it but mainly for the idea that it's yours, created by you & your loved ones and most importantly that it's exactly what you wanted on your special day -- LOVE it !!!
2 years ago
TessaKim says:
wonderful!
2 years ago
rosycloudfairyland says:
It takes a village to craft a handmade wedding. Unforgetable experience. And you have an good individual view of such DIY wedding.
2 years ago
animalartista says:
I did my own wedding too, it is so much fun and one of a kind when you do that! So many great ideas out there!
2 years ago
patysclay says:
hurray for the handmade world and for every artist that work long hours to get a fine product.. nothing better than handmade items Patty
2 years ago
JessKayDesigns says:
Everything looks beautiful and you'll always have all those memories leading up to the wedding as well! I did the same DIY wedding and loved all the time I got to spend with friends and family as they volunteered to help create everything with me :)
2 years ago
daniellexo says:
How gorgeous are you and your new husband? Thanks so much for sharing your special day – all those details are perfect.
2 years ago
BeadsInTheBelfry says:
Just wonderful!!! Everything was gorgeous and congratulations!
2 years ago
noelclover says:
Wow, that photo booth idea would come in handy in so many instances, can you provide more detail about that? I would really appreciate it! Or maybe just some links to the software and any other materials you may have used? Thanks!
2 years ago
connie4u says:
great
2 years ago
PreschoolDoll says:
How funny. My fiance and are using the color green in our wedding and adding a lot of vintage pieces and handmade projects! We too are doing all the invites, placecards, programs, favors, etc! It's been fun but stressful. Our table has been surrounded by family and friends, deep in concentration and deep into the night too. I hope it's all done by August 8th! Thanks for the story and beautiful pictures. I'm glad to see there's other women who have taken on this challenge, and one with similar taste to my own! What wonderful memories in the "making".
2 years ago
HazelMay says:
Now that team work! I am amazed that everyone is smiling through the crafting process. How amazing, and memorable. Those are memories you truly will remember and cherish the rest of your life.
2 years ago
weddingdresses says:
Pretty photos! And the bride in the wedding dress is so sweet!The column style wedding dress is quite well fitting and is more suitable for the slimmer lady. It is not the most forgiving so if you have body areas that are perhaps a little larger than you are happy with, this dress will not do well to hid it.Best wishes to the couple!
2 years ago