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I am so excited to share this lovely mint wedding with you today!! Y'all already know, I love all things turquoise, mint and teal, so when I saw this wedding in my inbox I nearly squealed. And the fact that they pulled it off on a killer budget makes it even better!! Did I mention that the couple served Mexican food at their wedding? Umm, hello – why wasn't I invited? 😉 I love that this couple made choices based on what mattered most to them – the joy on their faces really shows that it paid off! Hope you love this sweet wedding as much as I do!! xoxo,  Jessica

Rachel + Jared

August 16, 2013

Mt. Pulaski, IL | Mt. Pulaski Christian Church | The Rail Golf Course

What was your wedding budget?

Here's our budget breakdown:

$1800 ceremony and reception venues

$1300 photographer

$1400 caterer

$700 dress

$400 musician/officiant/bridal party gifts

$200 DJ

$200 decor

$2000 other / misc

$8000 total budget

How many guests did you have?

250

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

Some things that made our wedding unique and personal were: tying an actual knot in our ceremony, using our deceased grandparents’ favorite hymns as music during the ceremony, pots of flowers as table decorations on top of cheese boxes with lace at the reception, vintage strawberry box containers holding our favorite treats as party favorites, homemade cheesecakes for dessert, Jenga pieces as the “guest book”, and Wedding MadLibs for the guests at their tables.

What was the biggest thing you did to save money?

DIY Projects – almost every decoration was handmade by family.

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

Let friends and family help! We found that we had many connections to experienced and talented people who could help make decorations, put together flower arrangements, alter a wedding dress, video-record the ceremony, and more, for a small price or as their gift to us! Also, try out local restaurants rather than catering businesses, they’re more authentic and affordable.

What was your biggest splurge?

The Rail Golf Course reception venue.

What was your favorite detail?

The decorations at the reception were definitely a favorite detail. The flower pots with lace and candles were beautiful with chains of paper roses as embellishment on the tables and pastel colored lanterns hanging from the ceiling.

What is the most memorable moment of your day?

The “first look” – such a special moment!

VENDORS

Photographer:  Karen Feder Photography  //  Dress Store: Adore Bridal and Speciality  //  Hair Stylist: BJ Hair Salon  //  DJ: Demario Williams  //  Makeup Artist: Jamie McFadden  //  Caterer: La Fiesta  //  Tuxedo and Mens Attire: Men's Warehouse  //  Reception Venue: The Rail Gold Course  //

Submitted via Two Bright Lights