Real Wedding Inspiration: Phuong's DIY Wedding

Believe it or not, bride Phuong did 95 percent of the design work for her wedding to Linh last month. With DIY projects including invites, centerpieces and intricately beaded pomanders and corsages, Phuong managed to stick to her tight budget and give her wedding an incredibly personal feel. We're so excited to show you these great photos, taken by Tom Smith at the Adventure Aquarium Currents Ballroom in Camden, NJ.



Instead of fresh flowers, Phuong saved money by beading her own pomanders, corsages and centerpieces. She also used bamboo for the centerpieces and place card favors, since it's extremely sustainable and requires only water. (She loves the concept of wedding decor that lasts forever, rather than flowers that barely outlive the day itself.)

For the Asian-themed zodiac signs (one stood at each of the 12 tables), Phuong used materials found around her house. She embellished each zodiac image with scrapbooking odds and ends, and mounted the signs on $1 sticks found at her local craft store. Each sign stood in a recycled bottle, anchored by sand from her neighborhood park and decorated with ribbon scraps left over from her bridal showers. The invites (shown in the top photo) were also cut, assembled and embossed with two golden fish by hand.

Images: Tom Smith Photography