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If February's gray days have you down, I have the perfect wedding to brighten your mood! Jinitza + Brenton opted for a rich yellow for the wedding and the results are absolutely beautiful. I love the gorgeous florals and the stunning ceremony venue. And make sure you check out their centerpieces… Elegant and budget-savvy! xoxo, Jessica

Jinitza + Brenton

August 31, 2014

Charlotte, NC | Asbury Park Grove

What was your budget? 

Our budget was $18,000.

Venue: $1700

Alcohol: $1500

Officiant Fee: $200

Reception Décor: $800

DJ: $550

Invitations: $500

Save the Dates: $100

Videographer: $500

Limo: $300

Photographer: $1300

Caterer: $4000

Cake: $500

Ceremony Décor: $500

Bride Bouquet: $150

Bridesmaid’s Bouquet: $200

Boutonnieres: $140

Wedding Dress/Veil: $1200

Groom Tux: $200

Bride Hair/Makeup: $100

Bride Wedding Band: $200

Groom Wedding Band: $200

Wedding Coordinator: $1200

Engagement Party: $500

Wedding Favors: $300

How many guests did you have?

We had 150 guests.

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

During the ceremony, my husband had one of our friends sing to us and our guest. In addition, my husband and his fraternity brothers created a “fraternity hop” or step/dance routine to entertain our guests during the reception.

Did you do any DIY projects or create any handmade items for your weddings?

DIY projects by the bride: Ceremony Program Fans, Sparkler Tags, Bride/Bridesmaid’s Dress Hangers. DIY Projects by the Mothers of the Bride and Groom: ALL Décor for the Ceremony and Reception, and Bridesmaid’s Bouquets and Boutonnieres.

What was the biggest thing you did to save money?

At Asbury Park Grove, they allowed us to buy and bring in our own alcohol that the venue served. That was a game changer! We wanted open bar during cocktail hour and the reception but at other venues it was totaling over $4000 for this option. By allowing us to purchase our alcoholic beverages at a wholesale store, saved us a TON of money!

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

Best advice I would give any bride is to use any wedding website’s bridal timeline to know when you need to start booking vendors, and small need-to-do items you’re your wedding, including when to set hair and makeup trail run-throughs and when to hire an officiant. Personally, I used the The Knot.com. This website was great to see wedding inspirations and has a fantastic timeline outline that lets you plug in your wedding date to know the exact timeframe you should start completing your wedding tasks.

Also, HIRE a day-of wedding coordinator, even if it’s a friend or family memeber.  No bride should ever be called the day of her wedding trying to figure out where a vendor is and/or where they should go. That day should be stress-free and preparing to walk down the aisle.

What was your biggest splurge?

My wonderful wedding coordinator, Carla Eustauce of Style Perfect Events, was my splurge. Everyone tried to convince me that I didn’t need a month-of coordinator but during our first meeting I knew she would do anything in her power to make my life stress free the day of! And she did just that! She kept us on time, made sure all my decorations were as I imagined and keep all the mess-ups and miss happens away from me!

What was your favorite detail?

My favorite detail was my beautiful, live-flower bridal bouquet created by Pink Petunia Designs. My bouquet was filled with roses and calla-lilies in our wedding main color- canary yellow! It was so vibrant and gorgeous! Yellow is my favorite color because it exhibit the sunshine and happiness. It is also reflected in my beautiful engagement ring!

What is the most memorable moment of your day?

My father first seeing me in my wedding dress. I loved his reaction and will remember it always!

VENDORS

Photography: Casey Hendrickson Photography • Venue + Catering: Asbury Park Grove • Flowers: Covenant Wedding & Events • Wedding Planner & Day of Coordinator: Bride and Style Perfect Events • Event Design + Styling:Covenant Wedding & Events • Favors: Sweet Girls Candy Buffet  • Videography: Gifted Talents (no website) • Bakery: Friend of the Family • Linens: Connie Duglin Linen Rentals • DJ: DJ Dexter Dynamite, Thank God for DJs, LLC • Transportation: Silver Fox Limos • Hair & Makeup: Swinda Molina • Candy Table: Sweet Girls Candy Buffet • Bridal Bouquet: Pink Petunia Designs • Officiant: Rev Tod Coles • Bridesmaids Gifts: Waterfall Designs & Mono Robes • Wedding Napkins: Oriental Trading Company • Save the Dates: Wedding Paper Divas • Bridesmaids Dresses: Alfred Sung • Wedding Gown Designer: Alfred Angelo • Bridal Shop: Bridal Mart • Jewelry: Icing, Inc. • Veil: New York Bride & Groom • Shoes: Shoes to Dye For • Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Jos A Bank Clothiers • Ties: Ties.com