Once I had selected a dress, the color scheme fell into place pretty quickly. Although it’s not very noticeable, the gown has a pale lavender ribbon just below the bodice. And because I had virtually no time to hem and haw about color schemes, and decided I didn’t really care too much anyway as long as it was pretty, I started to plan around a purple wedding scheme. I contacted my bridesmaids (my brother’s wife and brother-in-law’s wife), my mom and (now) mother-in-law and told them I didn’t really care what they wore for a dress as long as it was in the “purple family.” Yes, I really was that laissez-faire about it. I wanted them to feel good and have something they could potentially wear again. I don’t buy into the idea that only the bride should be beautiful on her wedding day. They each selected dresses that fit them well, both physically and personality-wise, and I think they did a great job.

For the men, we just rented basic, classic black tuxes from Men’s Wearhouse. I didn’t particularly care for their selection of bow ties and vests, however, so I trolled eBay for attractive purple ties. They were not matchy-matchy, but I think that worked well with the rustic, relaxed atmosphere we were going for.

The adorable ring bearer, who just so happens to be my nephew, wore a J. Crew seersucker suit.

{All photos by Peter Doyle Photography}