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Story by
superduper
Published on June 2, 2009 in This Handmade Life |
Photo by |
Ann Marie Popko, a.k.a. superduper and cocktailparty, lives in the French Quarter of New Orleans and has been designing accessories for almost 20 years. Her professional creative life includes hair accessories and hats, Mardi Gras costumes, nature photography, pecan cookery and newsletter writing. In this installment of Handmade Weddings, Ann Marie and her family share their story of putting their creative brains together for their sister's big day.
There are five sisters in my family. Growing up, our parents always encouraged creativity, and as adults living in the age of Etsy, the Popko family operates seven Etsy shops! When our little sister Crystal announced that she was going to get married, we all pulled out our specialties (and learned a few new ones) to grant her wishes in style.
The Shower
Crystal’s creative mastermind jumped into gear as soon as her boyfriend John proposed. She is incredibly talented; she studied sculpture at her university and has a thriving Etsy shop, popko, where she sells her butterfly wing and fused glass jewelry. It was no surprise that she would design her own wedding, or that she would enlist her uniquely creative family to carry out her vision.
The bride-to-be chose a delicious pink and orange color scheme, so our crafty Mom, a.k.a. sewsoft, whipped up 40 cheerful cotton napkins and cooked all of the food for the shower. I made my Love at First Bite sweet and spicy pecans, put them in white organza bags for all of our guests, and designed custom photo hang tags to make them extra special.
The Ceremony
The August wedding was held in an historic 1820’s building on top of a mountain in western Massachusetts. The stunning panoramic view of the Connecticut River Valley was glazed with sun and sparkled all around with bright blue skies. John painted plenty of signs to make sure all of the guests found their way up and down the winding mountain trail.
The ring bearer was our year-old nephew Julian, and his job was to carry token rings up the aisle in a nest created by our sister, April (his mommy and Crystal’s maid-of-honor). She decorated a straw nest with marabou feathers, ivy, birds and miniature eggs.
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The wedding bands were designed and created by our sister Monique, a.k.a. gurlygirl, using the lost wax method. She hand-carved the rings out of wax, cast them in white gold and set the stones. (In a nutshell…she’s a professional metalsmith and it’s not as easy as it looks!) Since John spends lots of time around trees as a leader of adventure and sports trips, Monique carved a leaf texture into his ring. Crystal was inspired by a 50-cent thrift shop ring and asked Monique to recreate it as a continuous golden circle of hearts and diamonds.
The Reception
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Guests were asked to write well-wishes and advice for the newlyweds on one of 100 yellow cardstock birds (lovingly hand cut by our mom and sister April), and hang them on a tabletop wish Ttee. Also at the entrance was a wonderful clothesline display of images featuring Crystal and John throughout their six years together leading up to their wedding.
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The maid-of-honor designed the cake toppers. She gave Crystal’s lovebird a veil (I guess because the bride didn’t wear one herself!) and she gave John’s a flotation vest and a paddle (he's an avid kayaker). The dinner tables were decorated in the pink and orange color scheme, and we created everything on the 
tables: hand-etched glass vases with rocks picked from our beach in Cape Cod, leaf-shaped table numbers, menu cards, flower arrangements, centerpiece plates. We were a hardworking and faithful crew!
Crystal and John gave their 100 wedding guests favors from the heart. They made fresh strawberry jam and mango-ginger waffle syrup. (Can you believe that even the fruit colors are on theme?) Middle sister Noel hosted a wrapping party at her house, where we poured some wine and went to town with cellophane, ribbon and hang tags designed by Crystal. (Note the rounded corners on each tag, done by us with a special craft punch.) Making all of these things for our sister’s wedding day was an extra special honor. If we could do it all over again, I think we would…there are still two more single sisters in the family!
(Above Photo: Alan Arsenault)
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155 comments Login to add your own!
terracottawarrior
missindie
beautifulbridget
4TheSparrowsNest
I looooove the woodsy theme!! Those hand-carved/cast rings are gorgeous!
qwynwyn
TigerVintage
ZsBcreations
amyschulz
Simply beautiful! If I would have known, I would have ordered my wedding set and rings for my wedding! Nice job :)
CollectionObsession
OhFaro
Beautiful! Love the wonderful handmade family theme. Congratulations!
klacustomcreations
wow what a beautiful wedding! Congratulations and your rings are beautiful so is your gown.
thehotcookie
embellishedlife
Absolutely stupendous! Sounds like it was joyous and lots of fun, which is what every wedding should be! Congratulations! (and love, love, love the wedding dress)
PoPkO
Oh my gosh its ME! YAY! Thanks Annmarie for writing this article. It was such a fun day, I kept calling it "my biggest craft project ever". Thanks to my non-stop worker bee sisters! If anyone needs any advice on projects just ask!
papermenagerie
What an amazing family effort! Crystal, you are a lovely bride! Big congratulations!
galit
SewnNatural
SwedishGalsAttic
LaurieSarahDesigns
What an amazing ring! Wow! Every bride should be able to design her own ring :-) Come stop by my shop - I'll help you design your dream ring too.
Vanessa
FashionTouch
missevilkitty2
HaydenJ
MGMart
ArtsyFartz
Weddings..hmmm. It's nice to make it your own... literally, but i bet it was worth it....I know mine was and so was my sister's.
Beautiful.
Wunderkind
Oh, I love the wheatgrass box idea....and can I have that adorable little boy in the lederhosen? So cute!!
Stellaltinaan
Wow, how cool is that. Makes me want to get married. Very creative family indeed, certainly unforgetable.
beadingjunkee
Wow, what a sweet wedding! It's even better when your family has a part in every moment!
Greenbriar
littlepancakes
dandelionland
metalicious
Nothing like sisterly love! Congratulations, what an inspiration!
Earmark
oh wow! this is gorgeous!! love how the balloons look, great attention to detail!!
Thank you for including our Better Together banner too! WOOHOO! :)
LoveErica
PoPkO was telling me about this!
The story is so cool and everything looked beautiful!
You guys are very inspiring! (:
LuLusWoobies
aBreathofFrenchair
orchardfarmsoap
wish i knew you amazing ladies! wish i was getting married all over again. i love weddings.
odiliafu
pinkdandyshop
aekeith
Congratulations Crystal! You were such a pretty bride! You and your family did such an amazing job :)
brianslittlegirl
babymomo
MelroseFields
StacyRaeT
PoPkO
Thanks all! I was in love with my dress too. I put out an alchemy request before I finally bought this one, but its always a good idea to look to etsy first!
@wunderkind, the wheatgrass took about 1-2 weeks (i dont remember since I delegated that one!
@vanessa, we talk on the phone almost everyday, and the conversation usually contains some etsy topic, our businesses or some new project we can work on together.
elisasherejewelry
Your wedding dress is amazing, I love this handmade wedding story. It's touching how the whole family came together and worked to create a special and meaningful day.
LycheeKiss
Great article! Most beautiful colorful wedding I've ever seen. very inspiring, loving couple, family, friends and brilliant handmade, too.
Morado
the photographs are wonderful! I make roses which can be used in weddings...just convo me :o)
IrinaPhotography
jmliss
SWANclothing
wow from me too! i especially love the heart ring and the barn!
thingsbuilt
theivorymagnolia
hazelandhunter
how sweet is that little bird nest ring holder? just perfect!
JeweledAmbrosia
congrats! how fun you all pulled together for this special day
PoPkO
@IrinaPhotography my family took all of the photos except for that last one. There isnt a day that you will see us without our cameras!
Monique made the rings so special. It was July...in New Orleans...when she had to carve the wax it kept melting on her! She worked her heart out for us. They will be an heirloom someday.
CrazeeChick1
These ideas are awesome! Ill keep them in mind while i'm working on my own wedding!!!
SmeetaSupplies
WoW!
Congrats Crystal/popko and family! :D
Your wedding looks fabulous and definitely very memorable!
cyn775
It truly was an amazing and beautiful day. Every detail was thought out and well crafted. Like most things that come from the Popko clan, pretty little touches of whimsy were everywhere. I still have my little hand written match box in my purse in case I need some quick romantic inspiration.
Love you ladies.
ExQuisiteInVitation
BeautifulSoaps
Wow! This is so nice. I was almost crying tears of joy for you :-) Thank you for sharing and everyone in your wedding and family looks so happy. I eloped and spent less than 500 dollars for my spur of the moment wedding, but if I had to do it over I would grab inspiration from you - congrats!
BeadsInTheBelfry
PipocaHandmade
abushelandapeck
MyCabinCreations
SimpleTraditions
EJPcreations
Iammie
fineartstoneware
sandali
WOW -- such amazingly beautiful creative thoughts that jumped to your minds -- good job ladies !! Happy Days ;)
LOOKAjewelry
aMAZIMG! So many thoughtful and sweet details.. def. gave me some great ideas :)
Congrats!
1AEON
phydeaux
What an incredible day and such an amazingly talented family! I am sooo in love with Crystal's elegant and beautiful dress. Congratulations!
heartworksbylori
Hooray Crystal! You were a gorgeous bride and I know so much love and hard work went into that very special day! Many blessings to you :)
SundraSandrusi
PomLove
I'll say it again: Oh if I could re-plan my wedding! Etsy weddings never cease to amazing me.... I can't be more in love with this article/collection of beautiful things....:)
evihan
DreamcatcherStudio
FebystanDesigns
wonderful family! I have one sister and wish I had more after reading this article!!
MexicoPinkDesigns
TheNebulousKingdom
I am amazed by this wonderful, magical wedding, and all the awesome ideas :)) I loved everything, and the Bride was gorgeous.
NutfieldWeaver
Just lovely. I loved the lederhosen on the charming young gent!
younghairlove
Now this is waht i call a fantastic and stunning wedding. The location is just amazing, the little thoughts of weel wishes, the stunning dress and the cool rings, this couple will go far they already look superb together. My best wishes to you both, amazing work and help from ur familly, wow. just wow.
mvegan5
So creative and beautiful! ;0) I just got married, and had 2 lovely etsy pieces in my hair!
ScottieinaCanoe
What a beautiful wedding! A gorgeous bride and handsome groom :)
PeeWeeandCeCe
Beautiful, natural, lovely touches... how lucky you are to have such a caring (and creative) family!
raisinlike
SouthernSweets
I was recently married (September 20th) I used several fantastic Etsians, Greenwillow and Pactriss!
Greenwillow made some custom color and monogram jewelry pouches and Pactriss made my aisle runner. Please check out these Etsians for a unique handmade, but great wedding!
SunMoonStars
Crystal the article is great, I love it! Is that Skinner Mountain??? That is where my boyfriend and I went on our first date =0)
beccamari
lovelygifts
Jujie
Meranna
Nice to see the bride is not only talented and tasteful(as I can attest having bought two of her pendants) but also blessed in family and good looks ^^
babook
FlanneryCrane
connie4u
janeeroberti
LOVE: the handpainted wood signs/trail markers, the lederhosen, the multi-generations of wholesome craft, and THE BRIDE's DRESS! LOVE that it is not white, but a natural khaki color, iridescent and wrinkly! You must tell us the fabric & designer, even if not "diy".
PS I've marked bride's monarch necklace as favorite & must buy one soon. (I'm a monarch-saver myself w. outofcontrol wild milkweed garden.....)
mythunderstood
Those rings are lovely
and it's always fun to see
cute little boys in lederhosen!!!!!
xx
ClutchThat
Just beautiful! How wonderful to have such a creative family! Congrats to the bride and groom!
BlueSkyStudios
Wow, thats just amazing! I've always loved popko's shop, so its awesome to get some background on her and her sister's shops. How fun! And what a beautiful wedding!
superduper
@janeeroberti...Crystal's dress was by Nicole Miller, we found it in New York on a fun sister's shopping trip! Thanks for reading!
lilipadcreations
that is just so amazing! I have always been so happy that I eloped and did a simple party in SF, but this makes me want to do it up handmade style!! Perhaps my 10 year anniversary in 2011!
bunnywithatoolbelt
Love this story--what an amazing family you have to come together like this! You are very very lucky to have so much love and talent in your lives.
lilybirddesigns
I just want to say how great it is to have these 5 wonderful sisters as my cousins. Since I was little, they have always inspired me. The wedding was amazing and it truly reflected the love that was poured into all of the details.
SugarMohawk
ROBINDALMIRASJEWELRY
chickadeebeads
Hi Crystal, my fellow glass friend! :) What a wonderful surprise to see your wedding featured here! I feel like I was there in spirit after following you through the planning stages-you chose the perfect dress btw! Such a beautiful wedding that suites you and your beau perfectly!:)
topsyturvydesign
themagicalbean
How wonderful that you were all able to use your amazing skills to make your sister's wedding so memorable!!
CutieDynamite
FelixandJayne
great ideas and perfect timing...i'll be playing hostess in 2 weeks for a bridal shower. thanks!
gilstrapdesigns
Ooooh that's so special I love the brides wedding dress. Everything was so special and so pretty. How wonderful.
BGBJewelry
just beautiful, the rings are incredible, thank you for sharing!
craftattic
What an amazing story. Brought a tear to my eye how you all came together with your crafts to make such a cherished day!
hiddenmoon
embot9000
loved reading this! thank you for sharing, it just kinda made my day!
alisonkelleydesigns
Wonderful! Congratulations to the bride and groom, your handmade wedding looked fabulous!
urbanheirlooms
berrymorin
VintageBookStore
monkeyandsquirrel
so beautiful!!! my mr and i just got married 2 months ago in a barn as well. i love handmade, DIY weddings!!!!!
ShesFancy
I'm in awe! What a talented family!
These wedding articles make me want to plan my wedding all over again...
creamrose
heidibaldini
ShugaRose
What a lovely handmade wedding.. It's all worth the hard works! That is a beautiful wedding ring~!
glorygifts
What a beautifully creative and unique wedding celebration!
Blessings to you both!
Amy:)
animalartista
Wow! My husband, my family and I did our wedding reception as well. I know what a fun/daunting task it it to do your own! But so worth it in the end! Great ideas for the whole thing!
mykonos
maidavale
Spillingbeans
My sister just got engaged and this has totally inspired me. Thanks so much. I love crafty sisters.
KalliopeJewelry
Congratulations! Thanks for sharing your beautiful handmade wedding, very inspiring! It's lovely to hear your talented family made the day so special and memorable!
PoPkO
everyone is so nice! thanks for all the compliments!
i have my hair clip that annmarie made on my dressing table and Im so happy to be able to look at it everyday and think about our party!
if anyone wants anymore wedding ideas...ive got millions!
somsstudiosupplies
What an awesome handmade wedding! Yay to all us crafters!
goldphoto
This is a heartwarming and lovely story. Best wishes to the bride and groom.
Terri
waisze
SoapScentsations
Oh I want a wedding like that! Wait I'm already married! Just gorgeous!
CHenry
What a lovely wedding and such great handmade items.
Congratulations and enjoy !!!
VitalTemptation
carissamay
love this post! gives me something to aspire to i unfortunately have no sisters so Im gonna have to be a one woman band. those rings are way too out of my league though absolutely beautiful!!!
piperewan
shakyisles
As one of five sisters and a lover of all things handmade, I just loved this story.
Lunatiger
ciaraobscura
These Popko girls are amazing talent. I've known this family since I was about 6 and remember Crystal (the gorgeous bride)when she was a wee one and wearing the cutest little glasses. I adore this family and the ever beautiful array of art in their lives. A truly truly wonderful bunch... now go treat yourselves to some of their stunning work.
MelanieMathieu
mandatherese99
ArtoftheMoment
GreighdayVintage
EmmaHadley
Sooo beautiful and inspirational! I wish I'd had these ideas when I got married!
Congratulations :D
gypsywitchdesigns
To have that much talent in one family, let alone in siblings, is fantabulous, but you 'girls' pull it off, and I don't just mean the wedding (Congratulations Crystal & John). You all should start an 'Etsy Family'!
epap213
Beautiful wedding--so creative and personal! My boyfriend and I are planning our wedding and just checked out both the Summit House and The Red Barn today! We love both but I wondered how other people did their ceremony at the Summit House. I googled it and came across your page. If you don't mind my asking, where exactly was your ceremony? Are you able to rent out the space? Would you recommend it as a good place for the ceremony? I'm originally from the area and of course love the beautiful views from the top but I'm wondering if it will work out well logistically. And while I'm asking...how was The Red Barn? Any info you'd like to share would be welcome! Thank you!
PoPkO
Thank you all again for such well wishes and nice comments! I'm still receiving convos from this article and LOVE it. Please ask me anything, dresses, location, accessories, I love talking about weddings.
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