Jessi and Nick took wedding DIY very seriously, including the bride’s favorite detail: the wedding arbor Nick built.

They made many decorations and favors but when things got overwhelming, they “re-prioritized and talked about what was most important to us,” says Jessi.

“One month before the wedding was a little stressful because every detail needs to be finalized and you can feel overwhelmed,” says Nick. “But when you remember what it’s really about and just breathe, it works itself out.”

The couple, who met through a mutual friend, married in the fall at The Old Homestead. “We loved the idea of a backyard wedding and this venue gave us that homey feeling,” says Jessi, noting 125 guests watched the intimate ceremony.

The venue features many tall trees, which created a natural and romantic feeling. Their muted color scheme of greys with cranberry and deep wine felt like a fall wedding without the traditional orange, red and brown palette.

Nick’s Uncle, Michael, married the couple. “We wrote letters and vows to each other that we read on our own before the ceremony and kept the traditional vows to say aloud,” says Jessi.

The ceremony was sentimental and emotional for Jessi. “I felt so proud that such a beautiful and special woman was walking down the aisle to marry me,” says Nick. “I was just so excited and so happy to call her mine.”

Jessi remembers how handsome her groom was, including flashing a big smile as she walked down the aisle. “Seeing him made any nerves I had just go away and I felt so incredibly calm and lucky to marry my best friend,” she says.

At the reception the couple served catered Cajun-style food including Jambalaya. They also had traditional foods normally served at Nick’s family parties like oysters and crab cakes.

Nick enjoyed the best man speech by his little brother and Jessi appreciated having all their family and friends share the day with them.

A fun highlight at the reception? “My mom pop-locking and everyone going nuts for it,” laughs Jessi.

Nick was surprised by how quickly the day went. “But it was so incredibly fun, you don’t want it to end,” he says.

Calling the day, “just so incredibly fun and special,” Jessi was impressed by how everything came together.

“Whatever worries you had during planning completely disappear and everything just works out and friends and family make it happen,” she says.

Remember that wedding arbor Nick built? “We get to keep it in our back yard and hopefully pass it on to our kids to use at their wedding,” says Jessi. 

— Kristen Castillo