The Wedding Story of Abby and Preston Neilson

There’s nothing quite like a surprise engagement. And on a romantically lit bridge, too? (Swooning, here!) Five years after this relationship began with a casual game of basketball at 17 and 18 years old, this was Abby and Preston’s sweet wedding story beginning. What's even sweeter? Preston had arranged for one of his seven sisters to hide until just the right moment came to pop out and take pictures.

Abby began planning her woodsy and bohemian dream wedding by pinning away. “I originally wanted to elope somewhere with a cool setting,” she says. “But we both wanted to have a fun reception, so we decided on having a small, intimate ceremony in the woods with mostly just family. Then, we had a larger reception right after.”
 

Opting for a full-length look, most of what Abby aimed for in finding her dress was something long and white. Her gorgeous Sherri Hill gown was the beautiful result.

A wooded area was obviously key for this couple’s vision and The Pond in Nappanee, Indiana was a venue that delivered exactly what they desired for their natural, jewel-toned nuptials—gorgeous grounds and an open reception area with a roof. The venue's close proximity was also important for Abby as she made most of the decor herself, and this helped to ease transport and setup of all the items she handcrafted.

Brides often use recommended vendors, but in Abby’s case, her talented photographer was also a friend! Abby explains, “I used Rachel Mae Photography because she is a friend of mine, and so I already knew she was amazing. She was actually one of my bridesmaids, too. (Her husband was her second shooter, which is how she was in the group shots).

 

What We Love

We absolutely love this wedding's relaxed, natural feel and that it was filled with special touches unique to the couple and their style. Abby says, “Something I was trying to do was make the decor less ‘wedding-specific.' Most of it is now used as decor in our house—plants and terrariums all around, the ‘N’ and arrows are on our wall and the big dreamcatcher backdrop behind the food table that I made is now the headboard in our room.”

Another special touch? The couple learned a choreographed first dance in two hours, two days before their wedding, thanks to a sister-in-law dance teacher!

“I also have amazing aunts!” Abby says. “My aunt Beth went all out for our Italian dinner, including cheese cakes! My aunt Lori used her talents in arranging all the centerpieces, the flowers on and around the cake and coming up with the greenery on the wall behind."

 

Advice From the Bride

Abby says, “Do as much as possible, as early as possible, and use your friends and family as people to designate tasks to so you have less to do. They want to help!”
 

 

 

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