What was your budget?

10,000 for 50 people

What creative or personal aspects did you include in your wedding?

What was the biggest thing you did to save money?
My Maid of Honor made all of the bouquets, and they were so perfect. I was in her wedding a few months prior, and noticed her bouquets were so cute. (And I was severely procrastinating on last minute details like bouquets..) So I had her make mine. Best of all, she’s used this as a springboard for starting her own business, Boyd Bouquets.

We also had a student photographer do all of our wedding photography. He had previous wedding experience, so it wasn’t too much of a gamble because we knew he did amazing work.

What’s the best advice you have for planning your wedding now that you’re on the other side?
Don’t let the fear of a blizzard scare you out of your winter wonderland wedding, but make sure your contracts allow you to reschedule! You never know what’s going to happen. Our big day was originally supposed to be December 20th, 2009. Unfortunately, Virginia saw a historic blizzard that weekend and we had to reschedule. It was very frustrating, but luckily the venue (and most of our vendors) were able to make the new date. Be assertive! When I was interviewing a new wedding DJ the week before the rescheduled wedding, I asked if they were running any specials for that month. I ended up getting the last hour of the reception at no charge.

What was your biggest splurge?
Having the cannon lit off after the ceremony. While touring The Inn at Kelly’s Ford, Alex and I saw the cannon and jokingly asked the owner if they could light it off for us. I was a bit on the pricey side, but totally worth it. We all ran outside to watch the cannon, and it made for some adorable pictures.

What was your favorite detail?
My shoes! I got a pair of hot pink heels from David’s Bridal and put some gel inserts in them. So they were super comfortable and chic!

What is the most memorable moment of your day?
I work in the healthcare industry, so I made sure to get my ring fitted half a size smaller. I had heard horror stories from my coworkers about flinging off their wedding bands into the garbage after taking off gloves. The ring fits me jsut fine, and I never have to worry about losing it at work. The only problem.. Alex had a little bit of trouble getting it on. I ended up taking it from him and putting it on myself. Also, mid ceremony he asked me which hand it went on. (Can you tell we barely had a rehearsal?)

My vendors:
planning/officiant/flowers: Virginia Chilton

photography: David Mudre

hair/makeup:  Trish Langley

venue/catering: The Inn at Kelly”s Ford

bouquets: Boyd Bouquets

dress: David”s Bridal

bridesmaid dresses: Alfred Angelo

cake: Simply Sweet

DJ: Grenier & Sons