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White and Blue Wedding with Darling Details

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White and Blue Wedding with Darling Details

Ashton + Darren

Shreveport, Louisiana
- 05/28/2016
Total wedding budget $17,215
wedding dress
wedding dress back
bride getting ready
sky blue and blush bridesmaid dresses
sky blue and blush wedding flowers
sky blue and blush bridesmaid dresses
gray groom suit
gray groom suit
groom socks
gray groomsmen suit
wedding dress
pink and blue wedding bouquet
first look
first look
first look
first look
outdoor wedding photos
outdoor wedding photos
outdoor wedding photos
outdoor wedding photos
outdoor wedding photos
outdoor wedding photos
wedding fans
wedding altar
wedding pews
wedding fern decor
wedding processional
wedding ceremony
wedding ceremony
unity candle alternatives
first kiss
wedding kissing photos
outdoor wedding photos
outdoor wedding photos
wedding calligraphy signage
wedding decor
wedding calligraphy signage
bicycle wedding decor
blue, pink and gray wedding attire
lights wedding reception venue
wedding signage
wedding cup favors
vintage wedding decor
wedding reception table decor
wedding reception table decor
wedding calligraphy
wedding calligraphy
naked wedding cake
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White and Blue Wedding with Darling Details_050
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White and Blue Wedding with Darling Details_055
customized dessert napkins
cake cutting
cake cutting
wedding signage
ribbon recessional
ribbon recessional
ribbon recessional

What was your budget?

We spent $17,215 on our wedding.

  • $4,300 Venue
  • $1,700 Wedding Dress, Veil
  • $250 Groom’s Attire
  • $1240 Invitations/Stamps
  • $2,500 Photography (engagements and wedding)
  • $600 DJ
  • $1,350 Bouquets, Boutonnieres, Flowers
  • $3,200 Caterer
  • $700 Wedding and Groom’s Cakes
  • $200 Calligraphy (for signs and cards)
  • $ 75 Rentals for Reception Decorations
  • $500 Favors and Necessities (Cake Topper, Garter, Guest Book, Send-off Wands, Cups, Napkins, Programs, Kid’s Table)
  • $ 600 Decorations (Table Centerpieces, Table number cards/pictures of bride & groom)
  • Utilized talents of friends for Make-up/Hair
  • Utilized talents of friend for Wedding Planning

How many guests did you have?

We had about 160 guests.

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

We included favorite engagement pictures on the bride and groom table.  Also among special pictures and plaques, we included a shadow box of dried flowers from the 1st bouquet given to me by my husband-to-be.   

Instead of table number cards on our guest tables, we placed picture cards of us at the different ages in our lives.  Along with centerpieces each table had pictures, beginning with both of us at Age 1 on Table 1, progressing up to Age 18 on Table 18. 

I also included my dad’s childhood Bible in with the wedding décor.  I wore a solitary diamond necklace that my dad had made from his mother’s wedding ring, given to me specifically for my wedding day. 

One of Darren’s favorite things to do when he dresses up is to pair funky patterned socks with his outfits. Our wedding day proved to be no exception to this style of choice. Darren chose striped and polka dotted socks that matched our wedding colors and gave a pair to each of his groomsmen as a gift for the wedding day.

Have young nephews, little cousins and friends, we offered an alternative “Kids’ Area” for the young children that might find the wedding ceremony boring for them.  Puzzles, bubbles, books, and coloring books were supplied for them and their caretakers so that their wedding experience would be a pleasant one.  Each child had their own special bag of favors to help them remember the day.

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

We chose to have ribbon wands to swing as a send-off for the bride and groom.  Rather than to purchase these ready-made, these wands were handmade by my mother. She also made and monogrammed personalized pillows for the reception area. Anticipating warm temperatures for a May outside wedding, the programs were not traditional, but were paper southern style fans.   These were designed, printed and put together by family and friends. 

What was the biggest thing you did to save money?

I kept to my rustic/vintage style, keeping wedding décor elegant but simple.  Going with this style, handmade or used decorations were more fitting that newly bought ones.  I utilized the skills and talents of family and friends for handmade things, as well as used props and decorations lent to me.

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

Having attended quite a few wedding, I was always observant of ideas that fit my personality and style.  As time neared for me to plan my own wedding, I had a pretty good idea of what I wanted my wedding to be.  You have to have that starting point, but still, the chore of planning can be overwhelming if you try to go it alone.  Let your family and friends know your style and enlist their help. Bridal Fairs are great so attend the ones you can.  But for me, most of the vendors I chose came from the advice and knowledge of friends.  Bridal Fairs gave me opportunities to personally meet and schedule my chosen vendors.

What was your biggest splurge?

My biggest splurge was probably the venue.  I was raised in the country and was accustom to the simplicities of that life.  The Dixie Gin offered a similar atmosphere.    

Even though this was the biggest expense of my wedding, it so much fit my lifestyle and my wedding style.  Selecting the venue was first and foremost and preceded the rest of the planning. 

What was your favorite detail?

My favorite detail was the airiness of an outside morning wedding, accompanied by a brunch.  I’ve never been one that liked being confined to inside a building.  The freshness of the air, and the gentle breeze added that special tranquility to this best day ever. 

What is the most memorable moment of your day?

So that we could spend more time with our wedding guest rather than tying up valuable time taking pictures after the wedding, we decided on having “the first look” before the ceremony.  This is our most memorable part of the day because in the middle of all the busyness happening, we were able to slow down and spend a few minutes together free from distractions.

VENDORS 

Photography: Micahla Wilson Photography • Venue: Dixie Cotton Gin • Flowers: Botanical Occasion’s by Leanne Graves • Day-of Coordinator: Lauren Allen at Dixie Gin • Stationery: Sue Paperie • Calligraphy: PAPERGLAZE Calligraphy • Catering: Maison Louisane • Bakery: Georgie Girl • Rentals: Vintage Rental Boutique • DJ: Jesse’s Professional DJ Services • Hair & Makeup: Sister-in-law of the bride • Wedding Gown Designer: Willowby by Watters • Bridal Salon or Shop: Happily Ever After • Groom and Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse