Amy and Gabe used alot of common tricks to keep their wedding budget low: they kept the guest list intimate, didn’t have a bridal party, chose to have a daytime wedding,  and employed the help of friends to pull together their big day. Thanks Amy & Gabe for sharing your day with us!

 

Amy & Gabriel

August 21

Chapel Hill, NC, The Carolina Inn

 

What was your budget? If you are able, give us a rough breakdown of how you spent your budget.

We didn’t have a budget to begin with but our expenses ended up being approximately $10,000 for the wedding and reception.

Venue/Catering: $4720

Minister: $350

Cake: $427

Flowers: $997

Music: $515

Invitations: $45

Photographer: $673

Bride Attire & Accessories, Gown by Nicole Miller: $831

Groom Attire: $250

Hair/Makeup for Bride and Mother of the Bride: $339

Wedding Coordinator: $400

Wedding Favors: $175

 

How many guests did you have?

70 guests

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

Gabe and I got engaged on Memorial Day 2010 and wanted to get married in the summer. We had about 3 months to pull together a wedding for us and our large families. My sister and I made all the of the escort cards, the menus and wrapped the party favors in handmade paper from Nepal.

 

What was the biggest thing you did to save money?

Overall, we wanted to keep things very simple. A big money saver was to host a daytime wedding. We found other ways to save money as well: we did not have wedding party, my brother (an amateur photographer) took photos, we used a “day of” wedding coordinator, and my cousin dee-jayed the wedding for us for free!

 

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

Find a great venue with style and character. Our reception was in the original ballroom at a historic inn and the space was incredibly beautiful and elegant. We just had centerpieces of roses and hydrangeas. Keep things simple and remember that it is your wedding!

What was your biggest splurge?

My $335 Stuart Weiztman shoes for the rehearsal dinner!

What was your favorite detail?

The black and white tiled floor and the chandeliers in the ballroom at the Inn.

 

What is the most memorable moment of your day?

When my two nephews (ages 5 and got up to make speeches.

 

VENDORS:

• Wedding Consultant: Bliss By Sam Weddings

• Rehearsal Dinner: Spanky’s Restaurant and Bar

• Minister: Robin Renteria

• Cake: Swank Cake Design

• Flowers: University Florist

• Music: Arioso Strings

• Photographer: Keepsake Photography and Graphic Design

• Hair/Makeup: Mina’s Studio

 

 

What was your budget? If you are able, give us a rough breakdown of how you spent your budget.

My budget was 500 dollars. My mother paid for the cost to rent out the banquet room which was 400. I found my dress off the rack for 100 dollars at The Bridal Store off of Capital Blvd. I believe I spent 10 dollars on my shoes and 20 dollars on jewelry. My husband’s family paid for the food which was 800 dollars. All the decorations, photos, music, my bouquet and surprise extras were provided by Mrs. Terry Spicer of Spiced Elegance.

How many guests did you have?

We had a total of 25 guest

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

Since time was a huge factor, we decided to just have our closest family members to attend. The ceremony would remind one of a tribal wedding were everyone is gathered around standing, watching us say our vows.

What was the biggest thing you did to save money?

First we prayed to God that everything would work out since our budget was really tight. We really did not have any money to spend on anything, but God always provides. My mother had an awesome connection through Mrs. Spicer and she worked miracles.

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

I would tell bride and groom to-bes to not stress over what you don’t have for your wedding. Originally we were going Downtown. Then, of course, family got involved. If family wants to help, let them help. They feel left out if you don’t. Our wedding was going to be in a church office with 10 people, including me and Antwon. Yes, most females have a vision of what their wedding day would be like, but be thankful for what you’ve found, which is a life time of love and support.

What was your biggest splurge?

I would have to say that the venue, The Cardinal Room, was the biggest splurge. It’s located at the very top of what used to be the highest building in Downtown Raleigh. The view is amazing.

What was your favorite detail?

I would have to say the “Sweetheart Table” that Mrs. Spicer thought of was the best detail. Lord knows I love my family, but after I finally married Antwon I just wanted it to be us for the rest of that day! It was just the two of us. We had candles, flowers, ribbons. It was nice. All of the details were a surprise and beautifully executed.

What is the most memorable moment of your day?

The most memorable moment of our day would have to be when I was coming down the stairs and Danny Mccullers was playing “I Found Love”, by Bebe Winans. I looked down and I saw Antwon’s feet, I was like, “Ok, here come the tears”. I knew I would cry, but not that soon. I took another few steps and saw him looking at me and I just couldn’t hold them in. I still get tears just thinking about that moment.

Photographer: DeShelia Spann Photography

Event Planner: Spiced Elegance Wedding & Event Planner

Musicians: Danny Mac Music

Reception Venue: Cardinal Club