Planning a wedding on a budget is not the easiest of tasks, especially these days as blogs, facebook and pinterest brim with gorgeousness, minutely styled to look rustic but that in reality cost a bomb. It can all be a bit overwhelming. But it is possible to create a truly beautiful day on a budget, and that's why we adore today's wedding. Nathanael and Shannon are a true inspiration for those of us trying to make gorgeous happen without limitless credit cards. They got married outdoors in a family friend's stunning back garden with simple DIY décor (mostly done by Nathanael and Shannon's dads as well as Nathanael himself). In total, this lovely couple spent just $5,000, so get ready for your jaw to hit the floor when you see what Bethany Small captured of one truly beautiful day...

Aren't Nathanael and Shannon just the epitome of the all-American couple?  The two knew each other from overlapping social circles, but it was at a party at Nathanael's house, when Shannon arrived with friends, that they first caught each other's attention. Nathanael took the chance and invited Shannon out to breakfast that week. Not feeling the time was right Shannon said no, but if at first you don't succeed...

Months later Nathanel asked Shannon out again and this time it was a resounding yes. The guys went for a classic date night, going to the cinema, sneaking in some treats and of course talking more than watching the film.

A year later on the anniversary of their first date Nathanael planned a whirlwind day for Shannon - a proposal disguised as an elaborate first engagement celebration. A word of warning this will put all you Irish men to shame! First Nathanael cooked pancakes for Shannon which they ate at the stunningly scenic Columbia Gorge (baked goods - always a good start). Nathanael then took Shannon to various different spots they'd gone on dates throughout the previous year - waterfalls, lookout points, scenic drives, lunch downtown. After a day of romance Nathanael and Shannon both got ready for dinner at each of their homes. Over dinner, Nathanael handed Shannon an anniversary gift, a sneaky decoy to put her off the idea he might propose. Finally, after their meal Nathanael took Shannon to Mt. Hood, there under the stars Nathanael got down on one knee and popped the question to a resounding yes. How could a girl say no?

After a proposal so filled with nature and the great outdoors, it's not surprising that Nathanael and Shannon chose to have their wedding outside. They were lucky enough to be able to borrow the property of a family friend, and so to use such wonderful woodland as the venue for one amazing day.

For their venue they had a few things in mind and this outdoorsy spot ticked all the boxes "We really wanted to get married outside in front of a leafy tree and this location had a grove of trees, a beautiful open field, horses (Nathanael’s favorite animal), and a homey-feeling rustic country house and yard. "

With the dream venue chosen, Nathanael and Shannon had a few other priorities, and they were pretty simple. They wanted to involve as many of their loved ones as possible, keep to a small budget, not get stressed out and for the whole day to feel like one big fun party.

Adorably most of the décor and style focused details were DIYed by the boys. With a passion for graphic design Nathanael designed all of the stationery and programs, his dad made all the wooden signs and cake stands and Shannon's dad  made the the beautiful entryway and sheer draperies!

One sure way to keep the need for ceremony decor to a minimum is to have your ceremony in such a naturally beautiful spot...

The gorgeous and simple bouquets were by Good Seed Design and match the relaxed pink and white vibes perfectly.

And sticking to the same palette the seven bridesmaids all wore strapless floaty pink numbers, accessorised with rings made by Shannon - each personalised for each bridesmaid.

And it's official!

After the ceremony Nathanael and Shannon escaped the crowd and took some sweet pictures with the horses during the “golden hour” sunset.

The gorgeous Shannon had her hair and makeup done by two of her trusty bridesmaids and wore a flowing Maggie Sottero dress, with embellished bodice. So pretty on such a lovely day in the country.

You would never guess that the couple were keeping to a budget - the amount of detail and thought is quite incredible. But it is all deceptively simple to recreate. Framed glass with pretty illustrations and pictures hanging from trees on clothes pegs were all put together by helpful family and friends.

A sweetheart table just for the couple! The other tables reflected the outdoorsy theme with soft roses in mismatched bottles and scattered pine cones forming the centrepieces.

One area that got special attention was the cake display of delights. Guests were treated to smores as wedding favours, with hand-designed stamped tags by Nathanael, and the wedding cake stood on a very special handmade cake stand.

To end the night Nathanael, Shannon and their guests danced away under a magical outdoor chandelier. Who said budget weddings had to be boring? This is one of the most amazing weddings we've ever featured, it's incredible what can be created with a limited amount of money but a whole lotta love and creativity.

After planning such a gorgeous wedding with such limited resources Nathaneal and Shannon have some solid advice: "Don’t let anything ever take your mind off of the main purpose: the joy of the fact that you are getting married, and that it is a beautiful celebration. This means avoiding unnecessary opinions, critical people, sometimes clashing with family, stressing over details too much, over plans falling through and any other unforeseen or unexpected happenings. Stand firm on your desires and plans. But continually ask for help and contribution." Lastly Nathanael and Shannon recommend spending some of your honeymoon time at home to soak up and enjoy the fact that you are now married before heading back to normality.

Huge congratulations Nathanael and Shannon, and thank you for sharing your gorgeous day with us. You guys are a huge inspiration, we're in awe.

A big thank you also to Bethany Small for sharing her work with us. If you'd like to see more of Bethany's work pop over to www.bethanysmallphotography.com

The Wedding Details

• Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero from Rachele Kay Bridal Consignment
• Bridesmaids dresses: Light in the Box
• Shoes: Style & Co.
• Groomsmen’s suits: H&M
• Accessories: Macy’s
• Flowers: Good Seed Floral Design

• Cake: Susan's Sweets
• Bride's Wedding Ring: Band from Shane Co. and diamond from Colella Galleries
• Grooms Wedding Ring: Harry Ritchie's Jewelers
• Ceremony & Reception Music: Andrew Serino and Philip Serino