What was your budget? Please give us a breakdown of how you spent your budget.
Our total budget was approximately $30,000, but we did go over.
- Venue, Drinks, Food, etc: $25,000
- Wedding Decor, Vendors, Attire: $10,000
Total: $35,000
How many guests did you have?
We had 132 guests.
What creative or personal aspects did you include in your wedding?
I wanted a theme for our wedding that classily and uniquely portrayed us! So, I came up with the style “Subtle Vintage Travel.” Being that my husband is British, we met and worked on Cruise ships for 4 years, and I am in love with all things vintage, this theme ‘subtly” portrays us 😉 These details were seen in the vintage suitcases, antique furniture, paper airplanes, destination table names, nautical tie pins, and your classic British and American Flags!
Did you do any DIY projects or create any handmade items for your weddings?
What WASN’T a DIY project! ☺ A few of my favorites include my custom made floral cathedral veil and feather sparkle shoes, lace detailed bridal party robes, hand painted globes, dream catcher unity candle, and DONUT WALL!
What was the biggest thing you did to save money?
I planned ahead and found the BEST prices for all our Bridal Party Gifts. I purchased these a good 6-8 months in advance to ensure I stuck to my budget. The list a week prior to the wedding seems to grow and grow so get these important memory makers ordered and made early!!
What’s the best advice you have for planning your wedding now that you’re on the other side?
Remember it is not just about the DAY, The so-called “Wedding Day” is a Journey! Don’t stop celebrating after the engagement, relish in every milestone! Celebrate the vendor bookings, accessory purchases, bridal showers, bachelor party, and late-night craft nights! It goes by so quickly and once you’re married, those Engaged AF t-shirts eventually become pajamas. Turn those stressful decisions into memory makers and this whole wedding planning thing gets a whole lot more fun!!
What was your biggest splurge?
My Wedding Dress! I was fortunate enough to find a designer who LITERALLY has the same taste in style! My multi-pastel colored Nicoletta dress by THE Hayley Paige literally gave me LIFE on my wedding day! I did go to one of her Trunk Shows to get a discount price! I will find a way to wear this again don’t you worry world!
What was your favorite detail?
I really stayed true to my style and the vibe that I wanted no matter how unique or eccentric it was! I was passed down my grandmother’s vintage crown that my mother also wore on her wedding day. This fully pearled, beaded and stitched crown was a statement piece I knew I would not regret! I even did a second hairdo for the Reception by creating a sleek ballerina bun to contrast the Long Hollywood curls for the ceremony!
What is the most memorable moment of your day?
Every aspect of our wedding ceremony was more magical, emotional and exciting than I ever thought! I surprised my future husband with a recording of myself singing the love song “Unconditionally” as I walked down the aisle. Seeing his tears flow like Niagara Falls and him whispering in my ear “how could you do that to me ☺”, I knew this was going to be a memory imprinted in my mind forever.
VENDORS
Photography: Kappen Photography • Ceremony/ Reception Venue: Riviera Mansion • Flowers: Jill Abijion • Event Design / Styling: Inventing Vintage • Stationery: Shutterfly & Davids Bridal • Calligraphy: Inventing Vintage • Favors: Laura Tenney • Videography: David Van Name • Catering: Riviera Mansion • Bakery: Ralphs Bakery • Rentals: My Flippin Party • Linens: Riviera Mansion • DJ: Dj Desire • Ceremony Musicians: Malcolm Murdock-Violin • Reception Musicians: Shane Roch • Hair Stylist: Chelsea Brentner • Makeup Artist: Irene Mar MUA • Bridesmaids Dresses: Asos • Wedding Gown Designer: Nicoletta dress by Hayley Paige • Bridal Salon or Shop: Blush Bridal Couture in Tustin, Ca • Veil / Headpiece: Inventing Vintage • Shoes: Inventing Vintage • Groom’s Suit/Tux: Giorgio Rossi • Groomsmen Suits/Tux: Asos • Ties: Etsy
