Real DIY Wedding : Karlene and Brian in Florida

Today I'll be sharing with you the wedding of a high school friend of mine that recently married and her wedding was filled with so many wonderful DIY ideas. Karlene and Brian were married on October 18th, 2008 at The Rusty Pelican (which was also her parent's 39th wedding anniversary as they wed on October 18, 1969). I'm so happy Karlene was able to send over the details of her wedding with photos - please check back throughout the day as I will be sharing with you Karlene's amazing DIY wedding ideas and her extra special touches.
above photos courtesy of Mark Nielsen from Anthem Studios

Bridal Gown, Bridesmaid Dresses and Groomsmen Suits
from Karlene: "I got my dress "off the rack" at Alfonso's Bridal Boutique in Brandon, FL for $185. I looked at all the normal places like David's Bridal etc., but this was the nicest beachy dress I found, and it was SO comfortable! I even wore it out that night when we went to the after party with our guests. We got our bridesmaid dresses for $48 each at JCPenney, and we bought the suits at JCPenney too as the gift for the guys. Now they have a nice suit to wear for other events, rather than wasting money on renting a tux."
above photos courtesy of Mark Nielsen from Anthem Studios
top left and bottom photo courtesy of Karlene, top right photo courtesy of Mark Nielsen from Anthem Studios

DIY #1: the Sweetest Gift for the Parents of the Bride
from Karlene: "My parents never had their wedding photos hung up anywhere in the house, and my mom just happened to find SLIDES of her wedding. I had them transferred to digital and printed them out and made a shadow box for them. My dad hadn't seen the photos in 39 years, can you believe it? It was a teary rehearsal dinner, that's for sure!"

Please check back in a little bit as Karlene will be back to share even more great DIY wedding ideas with you.