Grace + Andrew live in West Virginia, but met and got engaged in New Zealand (where Andrew is from). Since they knew that no matter where their wedding took place – many of their guests would have to travel half-way around the globe to be there – they decided on a beautiful, bohemian barn wedding, along the banks of New River Gorge, in West Virginia. It was important to them to really maximize and enjoy this special time when their American + New Zealand sides would be meeting for the first time, so they decided their wedding would be a fun, three day event where everyone could relax and get to know each other. I love all of the boho textiles and whimsical objects incorporated into the design and Grace’s gorgeous Grace Loves Lace wedding dress, which she found and brought over from Australia. Here’s more from the newlyweds about their inspiration for the day:

Our vision for the actual wedding came from a mixture of things we love and we kept the rustic, wooded setting in mind when making design choices – keeping the colors soft and natural. Our goal was to have our guests experience an amazing family time and a bit of West Virginia in a cozy, relaxed setting. I think our random, casual, eclectic, fun, outdoor, adventure and travel loving personalities shined through and it was a reflection of us.

Huge thanks to Love is a Big Deal for sharing these gorgeous images with us today and congrats to Grace + Andrew!

The bridesmaids each wore the dress of their choice from Free People and were gifted raw crystal necklaces from Grace to wear on the wedding day.

Processional: Child – Edward Sharpe + The Magnetic Zeros

Recessional: Follow the Sun – Xavier Rudd

First Dance: Just a Boy – Angus + Julia Stone

The lush, West Virginia riverbanks provided such an incredible backdrop for portraits. Love these sweet, post-ceremony shots of Grace + Andrew…

From Grace, I love Moroccan, Indian and gypsy style elements, so I incorporated some of that feel in the table settings and garlands. My sisters and I had a lot of fun collecting cool, old bottles from antique shops in Virginia. My brother made us an antler chandelier to dance beneath, and I was able to use some items from my home where I grew up that had a lot of sentimental significance…

Grace + Andrew worked with Jessica Sloane who provided them with remote styling assistance – such a great idea for couples who are getting married in an off-the-beaten-path setting or can’t afford to hire a stylist to help with design on the day-of the wedding.

Exchanging our vows was the most special. Seeing the emotion in Andrew's eyes was beyond words, and knowing I was incredibly blessed on that day to be marrying my best and closest friend. The minutes of quiet stillness we had alone when our photographer had us close our eyes and hold hands, feeling everything about the moment was pretty awesome too.

BUT... if we had to pick one thing (it's tricky!)... the fun and good times with our friends and family that had come from far and near, all together dancing barefoot on the straw floor in the barn to the local bluegrass band playing playing mean Americana music - that made the night something we will never forget!

Do what is true to you and what will make you happiest when you look back. This day can be whatever you want it to be! Keep perspective on what really matters and know that at least a few things are bound to go awry.

photography: Love is a Big Deal // venue: The Confluence Resort, Hico, West Virginia // remote styling: Jessica Sloane // rentals: Salvaged to Sassy // floral design: Bessie’s Floral Designs // wedding dress: Grace Loves Lace // jewelry: Callisto Jewelry // shoes: Walkaholics // bridesmaid dresses: each chose their own from Free People // hair + makeup: DIY // groom suit: Zanerobe // paper goods: DIY // catering + cake: Gourmet on the Gorge // music: The Wild Rumpus, awesome band local to Fayettville, WV

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