In May 2023, Valerie and Ryan Jackson celebrated their love with an intimate backyard wedding ceremony at their home in Jenks, OK. The event, which included a cake cutting and heartfelt toasts, was followed by a beautiful photoshoot at Coal Creek Farms, a scenic 15-acre ranch nearby. This small yet meaningful ceremony had fewer than ten attendees, including their pastor, parents, and Valerie’s stepson.
The Decision to DIY in Wedding
Valerie dedicated 30 days to crafting various items for their wedding using her Cricut machine. Their wedding date was chosen to coincide with their seven-year anniversary. The decision to DIY their wedding was influenced by both the ceremony’s intimate size and a significant personal challenge.
“My husband (then fiancé) was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the tongue right after we got engaged,” Valerie shared. “We put wedding planning on hold while he underwent treatment. Over two years later, a month before our seven-year dating anniversary, we decided to stop waiting for an all-clear with his health. We decided to tie the knot on our anniversary, giving me exactly 30 days to create as much as I could for our intimate backyard ceremony.”
Finding Inspiration
Valerie’s sources of inspiration for her DIY projects were varied and creative. “Most of my inspiration came from browsing Etsy and a few sites like Vow’d Weddings, as well as the Cricut Official group on Facebook. I had been bookmarking wedding projects for two years, so it was easy to get started,” she explained.
Sentimental DIY Projects
Several of Valerie’s DIY projects held deep sentimental value. One particularly meaningful project was the creation of wedding mirrors. “My mother-in-law let me upcycle a family heirloom mirror, and I created a memorial piece for my mom, who passed in 2016. It was a way to include her in our special day. I used snippets from her handwritten birthday letters to me and pieced together a special message for our wedding day,” Valerie said.
Another project that carried emotional significance was her wedding shoes. “I found my wedding shoes at a thrift store by sheer luck. They were barely used gold sparkling heels, just my size, and only $4.99. I personalized them with my handwriting on the soles using black glitter iron-on vinyl and the easy press mini. They read, ‘I’m so blessed to have my true love and best friend’ and ‘As we walk this journey, from beginning to end.’”
Favorite Cricut Projects
Choosing a favorite Cricut project was tough for Valerie, but she particularly loved her bouquet and the 7ft boho floral arch backdrop. “My favorite makes for our big day were DIY paper florals, and I made a ton!” she exclaimed.
Special Moments
Reflecting on their wedding day, Valerie found it difficult to pinpoint a single favorite moment. “There were so many. Definitely our champagne toast stands out. It was not only hilarious that I failed to uncork the bottle on my own, but it also marked our first joint effort as a team and married couple. It took both of us to get the bottle open.”
Personal Touches with Personalized Wine Labels
One of the standout features of Valerie and Ryan’s wedding was their use of personalized wine labels. These custom labels added a unique and intimate touch to their celebration. Each bottle of wine featured a label that commemorated their seven-year journey together, showcasing their names, wedding date, and a special message. Personalized wine labels not only served as a beautiful addition to their wedding décor but also as cherished keepsakes for their guests, symbolizing the couple’s love and creativity.
Conclusion
Valerie and Ryan Jackson’s wedding was a testament to their love, creativity, and resilience. Despite the challenges they faced, they managed to create a beautiful and personalized wedding day filled with meaningful DIY projects and cherished moments. From upcycled family heirlooms to personalized wine labels, every detail of their special day reflected their unique journey and the deep bond they share. Their story is an inspiration to couples everywhere, proving that with love and creativity, even the most intimate celebrations can be extraordinary.
