Colorful Outdoor Wedding
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Today's wedding is the perfect event to get us in the mood for all the summer weddings that are just around the corner! The vibrant colors, outdoor venue and rustic decor blend together beautifully. The classic Chrysler and their crossbow hobby were such a fun elements to incorporate into the photos. At the reception, I absolutely love the hot chocolate bar, antique dishes Nicole and her mom thrifted for the meal and the birch tree-inspired wedding cake. Enjoy this colorful outdoor wedding! xoxo, Jessica
Nicole and Joe Donahue
September 20, 2014
Hamburg, NJ | Family Residence
What was your budget?
Our budget was $20,000.
Dress: $800 David's bridal
Photography budget: $1600
Flowers: $200 ShopRite, bouquets and centerpieces
Makeup and hair: free
Shoes: $150 country outfitters
Rentals for venue: $6,000
DJ: $1500
Catering: $7,000 for 180 people buffet
Alcohol: $1000
Cake: $2000
Bridal accessories and jewelry: $50 etsy
Arbor: $1000
Hay: $500
Dance floor accessories and antique dishes: $300 garage sales
Groom attire: $50
How many guests did you have?
Number of guests: 180
What creative or personal aspects did you include in your wedding?
We went to garage sales to get all the vintage tableware (dishes, mugs, silverware, etc.) We made the place cards with paper and an assortment of sticks to make a pretty tree. We used couches from our house and brought them to the dance floor area. Bales of hay were the seats for the ceremony and the fire pit area and we just draped them with blankets. My sister made a hot chocolate stand with candy and toppings and we bought all our own alcohol (beer and wine only). My mom found the chandelier for the reception at a garage sale and most other things were from Etsy if we didn't DIY them. And the arbor, my favorite part, was made by a family friend, we bought the wood and the flowers to go on it and he made it into a masterpiece.
What was the biggest thing you did to save money?
Hired mom as planner and coupons and DIY! We did all the work ourselves.
What’s the best advice you have for planning your wedding now that you’re on the other side?
Don't spend a lot of money on cake. Buy a sheet cake and a small pretty cake to slice and take pictures, then everyone else can eat the sheet cake
What was your biggest splurge?
Our cake was the biggest splurge.
What was your favorite detail?
The arbor was my favorite detail.
What is the most memorable moment of your day?
The cows coming down to the ceremony while I said I do!
VENDORS
Jeweler: D'Andreas Jewelers • Flowers: Shoprite (local grocery store) • Dresses: David's Bridal • Hair and make-up: Family friend • Catering : Family friend • Cake: Pink Cake Box • DJ: Global Productions DJ • Decor: Etsy and DIY • Photography: Laura Lee Photography
Editor's note: Due to the pandemic, some of the general wedding planning advice we share may not be applicable or possible due to restrictions on events. Please adhere to all current regulations and stay safe and healthy! Get more resources for planning a pandemic wedding here.
