Topping multiple “Best of” lists for weddings, the Olde Mill Inn is tucked away in the natural New Jersey woodlands of Basking Ridge. The venue offers an array of luxurious backdrops on its 10-acre historical estate, ranging from dreamy English gardens to sun-drenched atriums; cozy confines to an elaborate ballroom. With four uniquely different rooms to choose from – plus the abundance of romantic enclaves throughout the property, it’s easy to see why the Olde Mill Inn is considered a Northeast gem.

Hunt Room & Pub

The Hunt Room is centered with a large stonewall fireplace and rich wood pub, which give off an air of Old World charm and timeless tradition. A wall of glass, draped in gold, opens up to the tented terrace where guests can mingle in the gardens and a gazebo during cocktail hour or the reception. Seats 120.

Fox & Hounds

A favorite for its airy, sun-drenched atrium, the Fox & Hounds room features an adjacent deck that overlooks the landscaped lawn and meandering stream. Seats 80.

Grain Room

The Grain Room is quaint and cozy with a distinguished brick wall fireplace etched by a handsomely beamed ceiling and adjoining deck. Seats 40.

The Grand Washington Ballroom

Perfect for larger parties, this room is intricately adorned with crystal chandeliers, wall sconces, antiqued glass mirrors, and finished with a beautiful hardwood dance floor and French doors that open out onto an enchanting English garden setting. Seats 240.

Photo One: Brad Ross Photography; Photo Two: Anne + Rich Photography

Sponsored post.

The post Olde Mill Inn Evokes Old World Charm appeared first on Intimate Weddings - Small Wedding Blog - DIY Wedding Ideas for Small and Intimate Weddings - Real Small Weddings.

You can purchase plant favors or you can make your own! In fact, DIY plant favors are super simple, and they can be surprisingly budget friendly!

One of the biggest perks of plant wedding favors is that you can incorporate your favors into your decor. Your favors can double as place settings, centerpieces or table decor, or even as your dinner menu. You can make your own flags to use as place cards, or include a thank you note with each one.

If you’re thinking of going the potted plant route, you might consider herbs, succulents or a hearty bush that does well in your area, like roses. Make sure you know the drainage/water requirements of the plant(s) you choose, so that you don’t accidentally end up with 150 dead wedding favors the day before you say “I do”. Check your local craft stores and home improvement stores for the size of pots that you need. You can even cover your pots with a layer of chalkboard paint like we did here.

Seeds can be a great budget friendly option for the green-minded bride, and can be really simple to do yourself. You can make custom seed packets (there is a great tutorial here) that fit your wedding theme, or purchase and stuff the envelopes yourself. You can also make adorable bags like these to house your seeds if envelopes aren’t exactly your cup of tea. Seeds are a great option for the garden-savvy guests, but you may want to include instructions or details for the green-thumb impaired.

If pots really aren’t your style (or in your budget), and you still want to send your guests on their way with a plant, you might consider an alternative like vintage tea-cups or even something simple as a paper bag. If you are feeling particularly feisty, you can even create your own plant markers with your wedding date or plant name on them. Terrariums are another great way to give your guests a little green, if seeds and potted plants don’t quite fit into your wedding vision.

Photo one: Ruffled Blog Photo two: Indulgy Photo three: Bridal Guide Photo four: Martha Stewart Photo five: Budget Bride’s Guide Photo six: Emmaline Bride Photo seven: Succulents Galore Photo eight: Huffy Hen Photo nine: Martha Stewart Photo ten: Red Bird Design Photo eleven: My hotel wedding Photo twelve: Belle the Magazine Photo thirteen: Intimate Weddings Photo fourteen: Tradis Wedding.com Photo fifteen: Darling Darleen Photo sixteen: This fine day 

The post DIY Plant Wedding Favors appeared first on Intimate Weddings - Small Wedding Blog - DIY Wedding Ideas for Small and Intimate Weddings - Real Small Weddings.

Fortunately, after a bit of hunting they found just the place for their small shindig; a local Italian Restaurant that fit their 60 person guest list perfectly.

According to Megan: “Andrew Michael is a restaurant in an older Memphis home with a really warm atmosphere and cozy feel! The moment you step in, you feel like you’ve walked into the home of a friend”.

Heather Hester Photography caught all of the breathtaking details on film.

Megan, 24 & Jeffrey, 27

Memphis, Tennessee

Wedding Date: October 12, 2012

Number of Guests: 60

Wedding Cost: $12,000

Wedding Ceremony Location: Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen

Wedding Reception Location: Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen

Why did you have an intimate wedding?

We really wanted our wedding to be simple, relaxed, and Christ centered. We also wanted to spend time with our guests, enjoy the food, and savor the night with everyone close to us.

What are some the challenges that you faced planning an intimate wedding?

With our smaller guest list, we were able to use our budget on a four course meal, great wine, a beautiful venue, and we were able to invest more in flowers and DIY projects.

We wanted our guests to feel like they were at home. However, most wedding venues are huge and typically accommodate 250 or more people. I knew it would feel empty and cold if we chose one of those places. It took us some time and research, but we came across Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen.

Was it difficult to pare down the guest list?

We definitely unintentionally hurt some feelings in the process. Fortunately, most everyone was understanding and they were happy for us as a couple. Our guest list was immediate family (parents, siblings, and grandparents) and closest friends.

As for attendants, we wanted one each: my best friend as matron of honor and his brother as best man. That was a hard decision to make, too! In the end, we chose the two people that had invested the most in our lives and who had been there through our entire dating experience, the good and the bad.

Did you have any ‘issues’ with the small guest list from friends and family? If so, how did you address them?

We had people who were offended or upset. The only thing we could do was tell them that it was a very small wedding and that it wasn’t anything personal. Honestly, no matter how many people, what you choose to do, how much money you spend—someone is bound to be unhappy or have an opinion. We did what was best for us and what was true to our vision for the wedding. I don’t think we would have done it another way!

What were the highlights of the ceremony? 

Walking down the aisle, seeing all our friends and family supporting us, our first prayer and first kiss as a couple.

The florist I worked with created the most beautiful arch for our ceremony. I had seen it briefly before people started to arrive but when it was time to walk down the aisle and the candles were lit, the sun was setting, and my husband was standing there waiting for me under it…I felt like I was in a dream!

One of Jeff’s best friends from high school officiated our ceremony. He wrote such a sweet message and it was very special to have him up there with us. One of my happiest moments was walking down the aisle after we were pronounced to Barry Louis Polisar’s “All I Want Is You!”. It’s such a happy, upbeat song…perfect for the day!

What were the highlights of the reception?

After we were pronounced, it was so much fun to walk around the garden and see all of our sweet family and friends. We had time to hug, talk, and laugh with everyone instead of rushing from one person to the next.

In the garden, we had our first dance in the grass under string lights to Ray Lamontagne’s “You Are the Best Thing”.

What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding?

Because of our smaller guest list, we had more time to focus on the details and make it more personal. We didn’t have generic stock items you see at other weddings—everything had a story or was handmade. My mom, matron of honor, and I spent weekends hunting estate sales for vintage glassware, making hundreds of pom-poms from yarn, cutting out fabric pennants, distressing picture frames, and so much more. Those personal details probably wouldn’t have been possible if we had a large wedding.

Most importantly, Jeff and I were able to really sit back, relax, and enjoy the night with our friends and family. We were able to eat an amazing meal, dance, and talk with everyone without feeling pressured or rushed. The wedding was about our relationship and the start of our new life together and not anything else!

What advice do you have for couples who are considering an intimate wedding?

If you’re considering a small wedding, go for it! Jeff and I feel that we had the perfect day because it was purely about our friends, family, and love for each other instead of a big production or pleasing other people. Do what makes you happy and what represents you as a couple. Everyone around you is going to have opinions. It doesn’t matter what type of music is played, what the flowers look like, or what your dress looks like….what matters most of all is that at the end of the day, you are married to your best friend.

Vendors:

Ceremony and Reception Venue: Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen

Photographer: Heather Hester Photography

Florist: Holliday Flowers, Gina

Bride’s Dress: J.Crew

Matron of Honor’s Dress: J.Crew

Groom’s Attire: J.Crew

Best Man’s Attire: J.Crew

Cakes: Muddys Bakeshop

Invitations: Minted

The post Real Wedding: Megan and Jeffrey’s Memphis Garden Wedding appeared first on Intimate Weddings - Small Wedding Blog - DIY Wedding Ideas for Small and Intimate Weddings - Real Small Weddings.

One of the less than stellar side effects of wedding planning is the looming worry that something will go wrong. Nightmares consisting of ripped gowns, embarrassing guests, and misplaced rings often wake brides in cold sweat at night, but one very real horror story that happens too often to ignore involves wedding venues that unexpectedly close.

Less than a month ago, a venue in Bayville, N.Y. altered the plans of 25 couples who had booked their weddings at the waterside resort before the venue was unexpectedly shut down. Lawsuits are inevitable, but the worry at the moment is finding an alternative to host their guests and doing so without the chunk of change they put down as a deposit.

That same week in Phoenix, Arizona, 60 couples had to begin scrambling to find a new locale after another venue was abruptly foreclosed, with no refund in sight.

Luckily, there are ways to prevent this plan-altering scenario. Just as you wouldn’t drive a car without insurance, it’s dangerous to put down a large sum without protection. Wedding insurance gives policy holders reimbursements when things go awry as well as a peace of mind, which, let’s face it, is priceless.

WedSafe is the top wedding insurance company in the U.S., and was founded by a couple who were unsuccessful in finding insurance protection for their own wedding against unpredictable illness, weather, no show vendors, damage to gifts, and to the bride’s dress.

The company, which has been around since 1999, offers two wedding insurance products that can be purchased individually or together as a package: Wedding Event Cancellation and Postponement and Wedding Liability Insurance.

Heaven forbid something happens, but if it does, make sure you’re protected.

 Photo: Shea Christine Photography

Sponsored post.

The post Protect Your Wedding with WedSafe appeared first on Intimate Weddings - Small Wedding Blog - DIY Wedding Ideas for Small and Intimate Weddings - Real Small Weddings.

I hope these words resonate with you. I hope they will serve as a reminder for you to stay grounded and keep your eyes on the prize; marrying the love of your life.

You can get the 8.5″ x 11″ printable version of The Bride’s Manifesto here. Place it on your desk or beside your bed; it will help ward off the wedding crazies.

The post The Bride’s Manifesto appeared first on Intimate Weddings - Small Wedding Blog - DIY Wedding Ideas for Small and Intimate Weddings - Real Small Weddings.

Pansies are one of my favorite flowers. The colors are electric! My favorite hues are indigo and purple – but you could use any color for these mini-favor pots.

You can purchase a flat of pansies for around $12; that will give you 32 DIY wedding favors! Your only other expense is the flower pots.

Here’s what you will need for this project:

• Pansies
• Mini flower pots (I used BRIDES®  Chalkboard Flower Pots from Michael’s)
• Bamboo skewers
• Card Stock
• Scissors
• Paper cutter (optional)
• Glue stick

Print out guests’ names on card stock. Right justify the text, leaving blank space to the left of each name as shown in photos below. Use paper cutter to cut out names.

Fold names in half and create a v-shape at the end of each one.

Fold names in half and insert a bamboo skewer. Use a glue stick to glue each half together.

Remove flower from flat.

Place flower inside the flower pot, pressing lightly. Remove any dead flowers or yellow leaves.

Add flag. That’s it!

Gorgeous, don’t you think?

The post DIY Pansy Favors appeared first on Intimate Weddings - Small Wedding Blog - DIY Wedding Ideas for Small and Intimate Weddings - Real Small Weddings.

You can find old windows at flea markets, yard sales, resale shops – and don’t forget to check Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore. If you don’t have any luck finding old windows, consider renting pieces from a vintage rental company.

Before you rent or buy antique windows, think about how you’re going to use each piece.

A few hanging windows, frames or doors can be used as a creative ceremony backdrop for an “inside” feel outdoors. If you’re ceremony is inside, consider taking advantage of decorating and highlighting large windows as an aisle focal point.

Floating windows can divide up a room or act as an interesting backdrop, like with this Salvador Dali art-inspired set up.

Go grand with some classic cathedral or stained glass windows inside or outside.

Place scrap booking paper, fabric or chalkboards behind the panes to add colour and depth to your windows. When buying or renting windows and vintage finds, think about where you’re going to store them before the wedding and how you’re going to transport them to the venue before you go antique crazy.

There are many uses for the frames, including menu signs, seating charts and photo displays.

Photo One: danagrantphotography.com; Photo Two: heandshephoto.com; Photo Three: heandshephoto.com; Photo Four: ashleightaylorblog.com; Photo Five: ashleightaylorblog.com; Photo Six: cedarwoodweddings.com; Photo Seven: cedarwoodweddings.com; Photo Eight: katiedayphoto.com; Photo Nine: danagrantphotography.com; Photo Ten: dishfunctionaldesigns.blogspot.ca; Photo Eleven: etsy.com; Photo Twelve: etsy.com; Photo Thirteen:  lovebirdweddings.com; Photo Fourteen: milkandhoneyinteriordesign.com;

The post Vintage Finds: Old Windows as Wedding Decor appeared first on Intimate Weddings - Small Wedding Blog - DIY Wedding Ideas for Small and Intimate Weddings - Real Small Weddings.

Hidden Valley Retreat and Spa, located in the rolling hills of Escondido, California, is the perfect location for couples who love the idea of an extended celebration.

The 11-acre historic estate can be rented out with full and exclusive use and sleeps up to 40. Welcome guests to your wedding weekend with a cocktail reception by the property’s pool and jacuzzi, capping off the evening with the rehearsal dinner and S’mores around the fire pit.

The morning of the big day, outdoorsy couples can schedule a hike along nature trails in the surrounding woods to kick off the excitement, or keep guests entertained with outdoor games such as life-sized Jenga or horseshoes. Guests who want to stay indoors can play board games, Foosball, or belt out ballads on the venue’s Karaoke system.

For the actual wedding ceremony and reception, the options are endless. This DIY-friendly venue allows couples to completely customize their nuptials and offers a variety of backdrops to set the scene. The gorgeous wedding terrace and amphitheater in a live oak grove make for idyllic ceremony sites, while an expansive event center, nestled in fig grove and landscaped with orchids and sculpture gardens, is truly enchanting for the reception.

After the whirlwind wedding, take some time to thank your  guests and bid farewell the next day with a post-wedding brunch, which you could even whip up yourself in one of their two on-site kitchens.

Want more info? Go to Hidden Valley Retreat and Spa.

Sponsored post.

The post Escondido Wedding Venue Ideal Spot for Wedding Weekend appeared first on Intimate Weddings - Small Wedding Blog - DIY Wedding Ideas for Small and Intimate Weddings - Real Small Weddings.

She was your partner in crime during those high school hijinks and she’s been by your side through all of the college heartaches. Now, she’s graciously accepted your invitation to stand beside you on one of the biggest days of your life – your wedding.

Give her a token of your appreciation with a stunning piece of jewelry that she can wear on your wedding day and beyond. The Wedding Outlet features collections by leading designers, including Cathy’s Concepts, whose collection is curated with timeless pieces that set the bar for bridesmaid gifts. The 16-piece collection features both necklaces and bracelets, and each piece is fashioned with a delicate charm, freshwater pearl, and Swarovski crystal.

Many of the beautiful baubles can be personalized with a single block initial on the charm, at no additional cost, and come with a complimentary gift box with your choice of five card message options to cater to each member of the wedding party:

• Bridesmaid: “Thank you for being my bridesmaid…I couldn’t say “I DO” without you.”
• Maid of Honor: “Thank you for being my Maid of Honor…I couldn’t say “I DO” without you.”
• Matron of Honor: “Thank you for being my Matron of Honor…I couldn’t say “I DO” without you.”
• Wedding Day: “Thank you for being part of my Wedding Day…I couldn’t say “I DO” without you.”
•  A Special You: “A Special Gift for A Special You”

Check out The Wedding Outlet to view the entire collection.

Sponsored post.

The post Bridesmaid Gift Idea: Customizable Jewelry from Wedding Outlet appeared first on Intimate Weddings - Small Wedding Blog - DIY Wedding Ideas for Small and Intimate Weddings - Real Small Weddings.

“It was so amazing and humbling how much all of our friends and family helped with all of the details,” says Paige.

The couple exchanged heartfelt vows in an outdoor lakeside ceremony on the pastoral property. With the help of a friend who just started up an antique business, a “living room” lounge was created outside for guests to mingle while playing games such as croquet and cornhole during cocktail hour. They then were escorted into the barn for the reception, which boasted Gothic-style architecture made soft with twinkling lights, mason jars, and banners, and dined family-style on delicious comfort foods.

The day was beautifully captured by Jen Ing Photography.

Paige, 26 & Paul, 26

Amherst, MA 

Wedding Date: August 25, 2012

Number of Guests: 75

Wedding Ceremony Location: Bramble Hill Farm

Wedding Reception Location: Bramble Hill Farm

Why did you have an intimate wedding?

We always knew we wanted to have a small, personal wedding since we wanted the process to be fun and as stress-free as possible. Costs were also definitely a consideration and when we realized that the farm couldn’t sustain more than 100 people that made our decision much easier!

What are some the challenges that you faced planning an intimate wedding?

While having an intimate wedding makes many planning details easier, paring down the guest list can be a bit of a challenge. However, I think people are understanding when they find out you’re having a small wedding. It’s not like there was a guest list of 250 people and they were left out.

Did you have any ‘issues’ with the small guest list from friends and family? If so, how did you address them?

The only issue we really ran into was the question of plus ones, which we ultimately had to eliminate. We felt that it wasn’t fair to give some people dates and not others.

What were the highlights of the ceremony?

My uncle performed our ceremony (which he had never done before) and did an incredible job. We also loved writing our own vows. The small number of guests made the ceremony feel very intimate and personal and it was also less nerve-wracking.

What were the highlights of the reception?

The food was fantastic — some of our favorite dishes were served such as barbecue pulled pork, corn bread, and cider donuts. It was served family-style and it felt like we were just all having a meal together. Lots of people said they were surprised to see me eating. How could I not?!

What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding?

We definitely had an “all hands on deck” approach to our wedding, which wouldn’t have been possible if we were dealing with an enormous guest list. It was a truly special, personal day.

What advice do you have for couples who are considering an intimate wedding?

As cliché as it sounds, it’s your day! When you announce your decision to have an intimate wedding, people should respect the limitations that are involved. And let it be fun!

Vendors:

Venue: Bramble Hill Farm
Catering: The People’s Pint
Dress: Saja Wedding
Bridesmaids’ dresses: J.Crew
Groom and groomsmen’s suits: J.Crew
Music: Rusty Belle (band), Pearse Lombard (DJ)
Invitations: Emily Elizabeth Stationery
Wedding Photographer: Jen Ing Photography

The post Real Weddings: Paige and Paul’s Rustic Massachusetts Farm Wedding appeared first on Intimate Weddings - Small Wedding Blog - DIY Wedding Ideas for Small and Intimate Weddings - Real Small Weddings.