Each week, we feature a couple from our latest issue.
Photo credit: Hillary Ferguson Photography
For Krista and Aaron Starkey, creativity was the name of the game at their rustic-themed wedding. They wrote their own vows, and Krista handmade much of the reception decor-including the hand-lettered and -illustrated signs at each table that featured quotes meaningful to the couple.
For Krista, one of the day's most memorable moments also displayed off her and Aaron's creativity: The pair's first look included a sentimental gift exchange. Krista gave Aaron a Martin guitar, and he gave her a necklace made with the diamonds of his grandmother's wedding rings, which she left to him.
Aaron even had a pretty creative proposal idea.
"Aaron and I went out to dinner on his birthday and went to the park afterwards," Krista says. "He had made a video compilation of all my family and our closest friends all giving sweet and funny reasons why I should say yes to giving Aaron this birthday gift-to spend my life with him."
Photo credit: Hillary Ferguson Photography
The Details
Wedding date: July 3, 2015
Wedding colors: Navy, gray, green and pink
Attendants: Seven groomsmen, seven bridesmaids, a ring bearer and a flower girl
Bride wore: A gown from Wolsfelt's Bridal in Aurora, Illinois, a "something borrowed" veil, shoes from Amazon, earrings from T.J.Maxx and a necklace that Aaron gave to her as a wedding gift, designed at Diamond Cellar
Hair and makeup: Done by friends
Groom wore: A suit from Romanoff's Classic Tuxedos
Rings: Diamond Cellar
Rehearsal dinner: Hilton Garden Inn
Ceremony: WatersEdge
Reception: WatersEdge
Caterer: In-house
Cake: Baked by a friend
Florist: The Flowerman
Photographer: Hillary Ferguson Photography
Photo booth: Picture Perfect Photo Booth Rentals
Videographer: Kendra Schwarz
Invitations: Made by a friend
Reception tunes: In-house
First dance: "Always, Then, & Now" by Jay Brannan
Registries: Target and Bed, Bath and Beyond
Favorite gift: Handmade plate and mugs
Transportation: Xtreme Limo
Guests stayed at: Hilton Garden Inn
Honeymoon: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic