Brandis and Ronald’s 1940s-inspired wedding captivated us from the first moment we laid eyes on it. The bride, who planned this intimate 80-guest affair herself, put so much heart into every detail. Of course, she did get a lot of help from Etsy artisans, including FrenchKnotCouture, who created the custom bolero Brandis wore over her Maggie Sottero gown. Brandis, who told us, “I did not want real flowers that would perish and leave me with no memory,” instead had Etsy artist Croska create a bouquet of crystal brooches, pearls, satin and sheer fabric flowers in shades of white, off-white and cream, which she plans to preserve in a shadow box. While Brandis, who happened to be completing nursing school while planning her wedding (!!), created many of the wedding’s most alluring elements herself–including those magnificent table number cards and menu cards–she does caution other busy brides not go overboard on the DIY. “I recommend creating DIY items that you can keep as a keepsake.” Amen to that. Congratulations to Brandis and Ronald. And big thanks to Civic Photos, whose evocative images capture this wedding in all its swing-era splendor.