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I absolutely LOVE this classic glam wedding I've got to share with you today! The rich purple hues mixed with the warm fall colors in the bridesmaids bouquets just make my heart sing! This couple saved a bundle by getting a venue that included many things, as well as by doing a bit of DIY! You're going to love the colors and the warm sunshine light in the photos from the outdoor ceremony! Oh, and they included their dog which is the CUTEST! Enjoy this lovely wedding! xoxo Jessica

Michelle + Jonathan

October 4, 2014

Mount Pleasant, NC | The Saratoga Springs

What was your wedding budget?

Budget: $16,500

Venue (included decorations and DJ): $6,500

Catering: $3,500

Photography: $3,000

Minister: $100

Dress, Shoes, Veil: $1,600

Wedding Party Gifts: $150

Favors: $125

Alcohol: $425

Wedding Cake: $325

Bride’s Makeup & Hair: $140

Misc. DIY Décor: $100

Invitations & Programs (DIY): $100

Save the Date: $125

Flowers: Done as a gift by a family member

How many guests did you have?

105

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

One of our dogs was our “ring bearer” – he didn’t carry the ring but walked down the aisle with my MOH and stayed on the gazebo steps throughout the entire ceremony.

Rose Ceremony to honor our mothers – My mother couldn’t physically make the walk down the aisle so mothers were seated before the ceremony. My husband and I wanted to be sure to honor the women who raised us with a special tribute to them.My husband’s father was his best man.

What was the biggest thing you did to save money?

Flowers (free) – husband’s Aunt handmade all bouquets & boutonnieres for us.

Invitations & Programs – Purchased Supplies (about $100) and handmade every invitation and program (it was a lot of fun too!)

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

ENJOY IT! Sometimes its SUPER fun and sometimes it’s really stressful and you can’t wait for the planning part to be over.   I would tell future brides to enjoy planning the biggest celebration of their life.

What was your biggest splurge?

PHOTOGRAPHY! We could have gone with much cheaper photographers but I HAD to have The Burks. They were the photographers for my best friend’s wedding so I knew they were well worth the money. Cost also included Engagement and Bridal Session.

What was your favorite detail?

Bridesmaid Dresses. I wanted a very specific color of purple and surprisingly it was hard to find.   I originally LOVED the color but wasn’t sure about the chain detail around the neck. I took pictures of my MOH in it at the store and couldn’t stop thinking and looking at the pictures. So I knew this was the dress. All of my bridesmaids looked gorgeous in them and I LOVE how all of our colors fit my vision perfectly!

What is the most memorable moment of your day?

Our final dance, I supplied bubbles for the exit but the DJ/Wedding Director suggested also giving everyone bubbles to blow while we took our final dance. It was so special to be surrounded by our loved ones and dancing through bubbles was really FUN! I will always remember looking at my MOH and she mouthed “remember this” – she too knew how special the moment was! Our dance ended in a dip and a kiss from my husband – Best Dance of my life!

VENDORS

Venue: The Saratoga Springs  •  Catering: Bistro Catering & Events  •  Photography: The Burks  •  Makeup: True Beauty Zone   •   Hair: Hailey Plott Flynn  •  Cake: The Sweet Life  •  DJ: BK Entertainment  •   Officiant: Derrick Ross