Summer Camp Inspired Forest Wedding With Thrift Shop Finds: Patrick & Kinsey

Afternoon lovelies, I’m gonna let this real wedding do all the walking and talking today…

Just a quick note though, if outdoor, bohemian styled weddings are your thang and you happen to have a penchant for thrift shop finds, you’re gonna love this couples big day!

Words by Kinsey. Amazing images by Joyeuse Photography.

I think both my husband and I have a huge love of nature and travel, we definitely wanted that part of us to show through in our wedding. We also wanted the day to feel like being at summer camp, but kind of an ethereal version of what you might remember from being a kid.

My natural state is a little bit gypsy/bohemian/country. Trying to combine all of the styles and themes without becoming too convoluted was a challenge but I like to think we pulled it off!

We chose our venue as Patrick attended summer camp there as a kid, and being less than a mile away from our home it was an easy choice. The camp ground provided outdoor activities as well as plenty of cabin and camping space for the guests that chose to spend the entire weekend with us!

We went to our local garden center Mahoney’s and bought all of our plants and flowers for the wedding from them. We made succulent arrangements ahead of time, and bought fresh cut flowers the day before and my friends and I arranged them.

My brother used a selection of these flowers to create my bouquet and my sister and maid of honor’s bouquet.

I designed maps of the campsite and had them printed on organic cotton by spoonflower.com although it was a big chore the result was well worth it.

We thrifted most of the decor for our wedding, spending an entire year hitting up all of the local shops once or twice a week! Our table clothes and napkins were found originally at a discount store, The Christmas Tree Shop, and when they ran out we scoured the internet to find fill ins.

My veil was made from a piece of lace from my mother’s sewing box! I also had a rhinestone head piece from the 1920s, also found on ebay.

My maids picked their own vintage style bridesmaid dresses and I made necklaces for each bridesmaid out of vintage chain and stone pendulums.

My dad and I linked arms walking through the forest with my sister.

He walked me down the aisle to “Love More” by Sharon Van Etton. This was sung by my wonderful friends, April and Jesse Moore.

Patrick and I met at a reunion with friends who had shared a loss of a wonderful human being who was known for bringing people together. To be able to look back on such a tragic event (of losing our friend) and have love and friendship bloom from it is a gift that I have never found words for.

Patrick knew immediately that he wanted our relationship to grow, and soon after flying home to DC (from Austin TX) called to see if I would visit him. Our adventure took off from there, we have travelled around our beautiful country and explored places abroad.

We have made homes and friends in a number of states and continue to find adventures in everyday life.

One of my most memorable moments was holding hands for the first time as a married couple.

I had big plans for my wedding day accessories since I design and make jewelry, but ultimately I ended up wearing a vintage Sapphire ring from my mother and a gold friendship bracelet my sister gave me. It felt right to keep it simple!

My dress was a vintage 1950s gown found on Ebay. I worked with a local seamstress to redesign the dress to be slightly more modern while staying true to the vintage aesthetic.

From the moment I saw this dress I had a vision. I wanted something that would be extremely comfortable and easy to wear. Let’s just say I am not known for my grace, and needed something that wouldn’t constrain me too much! The fabric was a silk marquisette, and was light and airy while still providing the ethereal look of layers and layers of fabric.

We repurposed the lace from the sleeves and added it to the bust, and used appliques from the early 1900’s to embellish the bodice.

Tahni of Joyeuse Photography (aka the very best) was our amazing wedding photographer.

Our best friend and officiant, Angelique Eliopoulos, made our cake. The flavor was honey bourbon cake with cream cheese frosting.

We also had miniature pies by OldTimeFavorites. We offered a Strawberry Rhubarb (special order), Buttermilk, Southern Pecan, and Chocolate Walnut Bourbon. These were a huge hit, came right on time, and were adorable little bite-sized treats that guests could enjoy during the reception or take with them!

Any words of wisdom for future brides?

Remember to ask for help, things will inevitably be delayed or not go as planned, Embrace the chaos and remember to breathe (and eat!) Share your vision and plan with more than one person so those helping have many sources for questions. Get your hands dirty, and ask others that you love to as well.

There is nothing more satisfying than looking back on such a monumental day and having every detail touched by someone you love. Remember that the day is about being with your loved ones and Marrying your partner, nothing more. The details will fall into place.

Thank you Patrick and Kinsey for sharing your very special forest wedding with the WTW blog! Loving the whole ethereal / boho / thrift shop / family vibe you had going on!

Lovely ladies, please do leave some congrats to the couple and love for the work opf the amazing Joyeuse Photography.

wedding credits / photographer: joyeuse photography / venue: east boston camps, westford  ma / dress: ebay / bridesmaids dresses: various (see body of post) / catering: baton creole / flowers: mahoneys garden / cake: friend, via this recipe / pies via etsy /

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