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New York Summer Wedding

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Today's budget-savvy wedding is quintessential summer! I love the beautiful outdoor setting Ashley and Zachary selected for their big day. And how fun is the zip line the had for their guests?! The perfect way to cool down on a hot July day. Enjoy this fun summer wedding! xoxo, Jessica

Ashley + Zachary

Springwater, New York
- 07/23/2016
Total wedding budget $10,000

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What was your budget? 

Here were some of our major budget line items.

  • Flowers (bridal, bridesmaids, throw away bouquets, boutonnieres, and flowers for the cake): $538
  • Cake: $600
  • Photographer: $3950
  • Shoes: $45
  • Necklace: $130
  • Gifts for Bridal party, groomsmen, parents of Bride and Groom: $550
  • Gown: $1000 (including alterations, keepsake box, and undergarments)
  • Cardbox: $20
  • Centerpieces: $75
  • Karaoke: $500

How many guests did you have?

We had 82 guests.

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

We really focused on having a laid back family fun wedding.  a lot of our family lives across the US so we really wanted this to be a fun day for everyone!  Our family friend performed the ceremony as well as sang 2 very special songs; our father daughter dance and “Angels Among Us” for those family members no longer with us.  We made sure it was kid friendly and of course everyone was invited to bring their swimsuits for swimming in the pond at the reception.  I also made sure to have Rice Krispy Treats as part of the desserts since I am not a fan of cake.  Our wedding favors were Smores since that is one of my all time favorites.  We also had a campfire for those who wished to roast marshmallows while enjoying the reception, karaoke, and watching others zipline!

Did you do any DIY projects or create any handmade items for your weddings?

 Our centerpieces, table cards, memories table signs, wedding favors, Rice Krispy treat display and card box were all DIY.

What was the biggest thing you did to save money?

We opted for a karaoke machine for entertainment.  We also used Spotify for wedding playlists

What’s the best advice you have for planning your wedding now that you’re on the other side?

Make it fun and enjoyable.  It was so much more fun not stressing over all the tiny details.  There was so much laughter and fun times while planning and even leading up to walking down the aisle.  I am so glad I focused on the time with everyone rather than making everything perfect.  Laugh at the little things.  Something will go wrong but in the end, it will be everything you wanted no matter what!  

What was your biggest splurge?

Our photographer was our biggest splurge.

What was your favorite detail?

My favorite detail was the zip line.  I mean, how many people can say they had a zip line at their wedding and actually went down in their wedding dress?!

What is the most memorable moment of your day?

The magic of family!  Zachary met his brother for the first time and my big “brother”  who I had not seen since 1998 surprised me.  I did not even know he received an invitation.  It meant so much being able to share such a special day with these family members.

VENDORS

Photography: Bri Johnson • Ceremony Venue: Family home• Flowers: Village Florist • Stationery: Shutterfly • Calligraphy: Michaelle Russell (no website) • Catering: Dinosaur BBQ • Bakery: Rochester NY Wedding Cakes • Rentals: McCarthy Tents and Events + Crescent Moon • Hair Stylist +Makeup Artist: Salon 311 • Karaoke: Mobile Music of Rochester • Wine: Hickory Hollow Wine Cellars • Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal • Bridal Shop: David’s Bridal • Jewelry: Kay Jewelers • Groom and Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse