Elizabeth and Daniel enlisted their amazingly talented friends and family to help create an intimate, personalized day that everyone would remember. From the save-the-dates to the wedding cake, each aspect of this enchanting wedding set on a rustic farm between the two DIY darlings was handcrafted with love.

“We wanted to make our wedding day as handmade as we could!” exclaims Elizabeth on their decision to take the wedding planning, literally, into their own hands.

Thanks to M Studios for the stellar photos!

Elizabeth & Daniel

Westport, MA

Wedding Date: November 10, 2012

Number of Guests: 75

Wedding Cost: $10,000

Wedding Ceremony Location: Bittersweet Farms

Wedding Reception Location: Bittersweet Farms

Couples seeking elegance and intimacy need not look further than Main Street Manor Bed & Breakfast Inn located in the heart of Flemington, N.J.

Celebrations at this charming Victorian manor are highlighted with antique china, vintage silver, fresh flowers, and the excellent personal service that has won them many prestigious awards for both weddings and accommodations. The inn’s menu, which features simple butler-passed hors d’oeuvres to extensive sit-down farm-to-table fare, is sure to please every palate.

A variety of wedding packages, ranging from an elegant elopement package to an all-inclusive or venue-only for up to 35 guests, allow you to plan your day, your way, while the inn’s talented team provides you with full wedding planning services guiding you to a stress-free soiree. The inn also ensures that the property is exclusively yours for the duration of your celebration, creating a truly intimate experience.

The lush gardens, sweeping front veranda overlooking gorgeous perennials, and cozy interiors at Main Street Manor provide picture-perfect backdrops for both your ceremony and reception, as seen in Schirin and Cris’s real wedding.

Photos: Perfette Photo

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Metallics continue to be one of the biggest trends for 2013 weddings, finding a place with every style on the design spectrum, from flecks of gold at a vintage DIY wedding to glistening tabletops at a classic soiree. Everything that these luxe hues touch turns to pure sophistication.

Whether you add iridescent details to your cake or swathe it in shine, metallic tones are sure to make a statement. Balance out the bling with softer touches in color, sugar flowers, or designs.

This glam trend is extremely DIY-friendly — a simple spray of metallic paint or sprinkle of glitter take objects, such as branches, wine bottles, even fruit, from ordinary to opulent. (And yes, the fruit is edible thanks to Deli Garage paint!)

Even something as simple as a toy animal can turn into a lavish stirrer, magnet, place card, and more. See the full DIY project for these touches of whimsy here.

And don’t think your metallic color palette has to stick to neutrals — we’re seeing metallics in pastel shades such as mint, pink, and blue.

Image One: ericaobrien.com; Image Two: inspiredbythis.com; Image Three: akcakedesign.com; Image Four: greenweddingshoes.com; Image Five: inspiredbythis.com; Image Six: weddingchicks.com; Image Seven: brit.co; Image Eight: weddingchicks.com; Image Nine: thesweetestoccasion.com; Image Ten: etsy.com

Want to win a week in paradise?

Until April 30, couples can enter to win a romantic week for two in the Cook Islands, perfect for the wedding celebration or honeymoon escape. Prize includes round trip economy airfare on Air New Zealand and five nights at the luxurious Edgewater Resort Rarotonga.

Rarotonga, the idyllic main land mass in the 15-island archipelago that is known as the Cook Islands, is like Tahiti’s shyer sister, but equally as beautiful. Boasting the same paradise landscapes as their Pacific Ocean Polynesian neighbors – ethereal lagoons, stunning volcanic peaks, exotic flora, crystal clear waters, and lush valleys — Rarotonga on average has only 7,500 North American visitors a year. The seclusion gives an air of “it’s just us” romance, which is ideal for intimate, destination weddings.

The Cook Islands offer a variety of accommodations for visitors to choose from, from family-friendly resorts, to quaint self-catering options, to luxurious adults-only villas, and their spot on the map opens the door for a variety of beach-related activities, such as snorkeling, lagoon cruising, and kitesurfing, to keep guests occupied before and after the wedding. Head inland to explore the rich safari landscape via bus or 4WD bikes.

Planning on tying the knot in paradise? Be sure to arrive three business days prior in order to have your marriage stamped with legal approval, keeping in mind that the islands lay on the other side of the International Date Line, causing them to be a day behind us. No matter your style, the island boasts a myriad of backdrops for celebrations, with a number of planners to help guide you.

Click here for your chance to win a week in the Cook Islands.

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After seven years together, Brittany and Ryan decided to tie the knot with a small wedding brimming with personal touches and gorgeous details. Rather than hosting a reception following their “I do’s”, Brittany and Ryan opted for a pre-ceremony reception at their home featuring tasty treats for all to enjoy.

“Having a reception before the ceremony was great because it was short and sweet with delicious pastry and Irish coffee” says Brittany.

Brittany offers this advice for brides-to-be: “Enjoy the day and make sure you find a few minutes to spend with just your spouse. Even small weddings go by quickly.”

Their deliciously simple wedding day was captured by Lane Baldwin Photography .

Brittany, 25 & Ryan, 31

Bay Village, Ohio

March 17, 2013

Number of Guests: 17

Wedding Cost: $2,500.00 (this includes photographer, officiant, license, rings, attire, food, beverages, flowers and gifts to each other).

Wedding Ceremony Location: The Irene Fuller House

Wedding Reception Location: Couple’s house, BEFORE the ceremony