The Opportunity
Sometimes the projects that teach us the most are the ones that begin with a simple question:
“Can you build this?”
Before my first wedding arch build, I had completed a few custom pieces for a friend. Later, a wedding venue reached out after struggling to find someone willing to build a custom arch they had envisioned.
They sent over inspiration photos from a rental company they found online but it wasn’t local. It was beautiful, elegant, and honestly… a little intimidating.
This wasn’t a small project.
The design called for a three-piece arch with a center section standing 10 feet tall. It needed to be sturdy enough for outdoor use, yet modular and portable so it could be transported, assembled, and disassembled with ease.
My first thought was, “Can I really pull this off?”
Thankfully, I have an amazing husband who rarely lets me stay in my comfort zone. He encouraged me to go for it and immediately jumped in to help. While I love designing and creating, many of these larger builds wouldn’t be possible without his construction knowledge, problem-solving skills, and willingness to tackle the heavy lifting.
With no plans and no exact measurements, I began researching.
Designing Without a Blueprint
For hours, I studied materials, construction methods, and design details, trying to determine how to build something that stayed true to the inspiration while also meeting the practical needs.
One of the biggest challenges was the lattice design.
The entire arch was covered in a square lattice pattern. Most commercially available lattice panels are diamond-shaped and made from thin material that wasn’t suitable for this project. If I wanted the look we were after, I was going to have to build it myself.
That meant countless strips ripped from 2x4s on the table saw, careful spacing calculations, layout work, and a lot of patience.
Building the Lattice
What looked like a simple design element in the inspiration photo quickly became one of the most time-consuming parts of the build.
Every strip had to be cut, spaced, and attached to create the custom square lattice pattern. There was a lot of measuring, adjusting, and double-checking along the way.
Building custom pieces often means creating solutions instead of buying them, and this project was no exception.
Making It Modular
Then came the challenge of the arch itself.
We built a jig to create the curved top sections and spent plenty of time “ciphering,” as we say around here, trying to determine the best way to make the entire system modular.
Every solution seemed to create another question.
How would it transport?
How would it assemble?
How would the side panels attach securely while still being removable?
The answer came from something completely unexpected.
An old bed frame leaning in the shop caught my husband’s attention. Looking at the rail system, he realized the same concept could allow the lattice side panels to slide onto the main posts.
Sometimes the best ideas don’t come from a blueprint.
Sometimes they come from an old bed frame sitting in the corner of a workshop.
The Moment It All Came Together
When the build was finally complete, I was proud of it. But the moment that truly stayed with me came later.
When I saw the wedding photos.
Seeing something that started as an idea, a stack of lumber, and a lot of problem-solving become part of such an important day was surreal.
It wasn’t just an arch anymore.
It had become part of someone’s memories. As I reflected back on my own wedding 28 years ago, I realized my outdoor wedding backdrop was also a huge white lattice panel system that we rented.
Why Custom Builds Matter
That project sparked something in me.
It reinforced how much I love designing, building, and creating custom pieces. Whether it’s a wedding arch, a ceremony backdrop, a custom bench, or another one-of-a-kind build, there’s something incredibly rewarding about taking a concept and turning it into reality.
Looking back, I’m grateful I said yes, even when I wasn’t entirely sure how I was going to make it happen.
Because sometimes the projects that seem the most intimidating are the ones that teach us what we’re capable of creating.
If you have an idea for a custom project and aren’t sure where to start, I’d love to hear about it. Whether you’re planning your next event, dreaming up a unique piece for your home, or exploring a one-of-a-kind build, feel free to reach out. I’d be honored to help bring your next project or idea to life.