Amy and Mark's Earthy, Laid-Back Big Day

If your dream wedding is a big outdoor party, you're going to want to learn a thing or two from Amy and Mark's nature-filled nuptials. Photographer Evangeline Lane shared this beautiful Vermont wedding that proves you can throw a party to remember without a lot of fuss and stress if you focus on a few key elements.

The stars aligned when Amy, who hails from Vermont, and Mark, who grew up in Oregon, met in San Francisco when they happened to work around the corner from each other. Mark won Amy over with Americanos, and she found him "just dreamy." Six years later, on Earth Day, the pair were hiking on the Old Salmon River near Mt. Hood, OR, when they shared a granola bar, and Mark asked Amy if she would share her life with him. She said yes.

Amy described her theme and vision for their big day, "Our wedding was laid-back, full of family and fun. We didn't really have a theme other than finding a beautiful outdoor venue, lots of color, and keeping things simple. Our main goal was to have a kick-ass ceremony, great music, and plenty to drink. It was a huge joint effort with friends and family all pitching in to pull off an awesome party."

Click through to see more photos from the big day! Photos by Evangeline Lane Photography

Where did the wedding take place and why did you choose it?

"Catamount Outdoor Center in Williston, Vermont. I used to do high school cross-country ski races there. It's simply beautiful and felt like someone's backyard." Source: Evangeline Lane Photography

Amy not only sewed the little sleeves onto her dress, but she also made ties for her dad, Mark's dad, and Mark (now she even has a shop on Etsy). Source: Evangeline Lane Photography

Amy made herself, Mark, and the wedding party hand-embroidered vintage hankies as gifts. Source: Evangeline Lane Photography

What didn't go according to plan and how did you solve it?

"The weather. The whole week before it was about 100 degrees with 100 percent humidity until Friday when the heat broke with a massive thunder, lightening, and wind storm rolled in, which lasted until about an hour before the ceremony. We put the sides of the tent down and hoped for the best. It ended up being perfect weather from an hour before the ceremony until 10 p.m., and the clouds made the sky look amazing." Source: Evangeline Lane Photography

What made your wedding unique?

"The people. The mashup of Oregonians and Vermonters ended up working out way better then expected. Everyone got along incredibly well. It all started during our rehearsal dinner where everyone ended up swimming in Lake Champlain and hanging out in the beach drinking beers together. It couldn't have been more perfect." Source: Evangeline Lane Photography

"The ceremony was my favorite part because it was officiated by one of our best friends, it was short and sweet, and it represented us to a T," Amy noted. Source: Evangeline Lane Photography

They didn't have official colors and let the wedding party wear whatever they wanted. Source: Evangeline Lane Photography

Amy and her dad made the altar out of fallen logs and various plants, and a close family friend did all the flower arrangements. Source: Evangeline Lane Photography

What advice would you give to other brides-to-be planning a wedding?

"Don't sweat the small stuff: no one is going to remember whether or
not your centerpieces matched your napkins. Don't forget to focus on
your partner and why you are doing this in the first place. The reason
why weddings are so awesome is because you are sharing an honest
moment of love and vulnerability between two people, and the feeling
from that moment carries over into the reception. A good ceremony
always equals a good party." Source: Evangeline Lane Photography

Their guest book was a Jenga game! Source: Evangeline Lane Photography

They hand-made all the signs and lawn games. Source: Evangeline Lane Photography

They had a cookie bar instead of a cake (all baked by friends and family), and Amy's mom made about 150 little jams from fruit in her garden as party favors. Source: Evangeline Lane Photography

Amy's DIY skills even went toward the drinks! She made cherry gastrique for the bartenders to make old fashioneds with. Source: Evangeline Lane Photography

Vendors

Vendors

Photographer: Evangeline Lane

Venue: Catamount Outdoor Center in Williston, VT

Bride's Dress: Cicada

Groom's Suit: J.Crew

Engagement Ring and Bands: Kamofie and The Sly Fox

Tent Rental: Vermont Tent Company

DJ: Good Time Entertainment

Ties and hankies: Larkin Made

Caterer: Supper Solutions Source: Evangeline Lane Photography