Pat + Silvie's camp-themed wedding at the Sasamat Outdoor Centre near Vancouver, was, for me, a really refreshing take on DIY details. Sometimes with DIY elements it's really easy to go overboard and flood a wedding day with so many details that both the quality of the pieces, and the effect they are supposed to have, are compromised. As of late, many of the weddings I've gravitated towards have been lighter on the details emphasizing instead, a few exceptional focal points or key pieces. However, I really applaud Silvie, Pat, and their team of professional vendors and personal friends for bringing together camp-themed, natural elements without leaving the day feeling too...well, campy.

Here are a few things I believe helped to tie all the DIY details together and create a cohesive look for Silvie + Pat's wedding day:

- A limited colour palette that complemented the surroundings. Neither too matchy nor contrasting, the blush, forest green, sage, cream and gold hues were consistent throughout all the wedding day details and blended well with the environment without screaming FOREST! CAMP! NATURE! Sometimes subtlety can have the most pleasing effect.

- An appropriate mix of formal and relaxed attire and accessories. Silvie's dress with it's feathered skirt and beaded DIY sleeves were sophisticated and delicate and Pat's grey suit was formal and dashing, but their wedding party members donned much simpler, more relaxed attire. The balance was perfect, creating an effect that was neither too formal for the camp setting nor too casual for such a special day. The floral accessories were also an ideal blend of formal meets forest, combining garden roses with ferns and cedar boughs.

- Choosing a great backdrop and key vendors to bring all the elements together. With so many DIY elements, I think bringing in Celsia Florist to tie everything together with creative, quality arrangements was a great move on Silvie + Pat's part. By hiring a skilled, respected photographer like Christie Graham to capture not just the experience and emotions of the day, but the details provided by both professionals and friends, Pat + Silvie's wedding day is documented with both style and authenticity. Lastly, choosing a location that provided a stunning backdrop for their wedding day was undoubtedly one of the decisions that helped to form the basis for the entire day's look and vision. Nature in all its unadorned beauty is often a sure bet!

Credits // Photography - Christie Graham Photography // Flowers- Celsia Florist // Bride’s Dress – Calais by St. Patrick from The Bridal Gallery (Sleeves were DIY) // Bride’s Shoes - Seychelles Footwear // Groom’s Suit- Jos. A Bank // Groom’s Shoes - Nordstrom // Ties - The Tie Bar // Hair + Makeup – Carla Hawksworth // Bride's cap sleeves, hairpiece, and bridesmaids' hairpieces - DIY // Diamond + Sapphire Engagement Ring - Groom's Grandmother's // Wedding Bands - Etsy // Flower Girl Dresses + Ring Bearer Attire - Gap Kids + Haute Look // Cake, Place Cards/ Escort Tags, Wooden Signs, Floral Arch, Desserts, Table Decor - DIY // Invitations - Bride + Bride's Sister // Printing - Jukebox // Venue + Catering - Sasamat Outdoor Centre, Belcarra BC // Bar Service - Sister Spirits // Reception Tables + Chairs - Pedersens Rentals // Videography - Friend of the Bride + Groom // Photo Booth - Grupo Events // Day of Coordinator - Bride's Cousin // Film Scans - Caribou Film Lab

Sweet Sasamat Camp-Themed Wedding