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

Colorful Outdoor Wedding