What could be better than a classic barn wedding loaded with tons of rustic details? I absolutely love the navy and orange color combination of today’s wedding… What an easy way to incorporate pumpkins into the decor! And how cute are the Mason jar glasses with the chalkboard labels?  Enjoy this darling wedding! xoxo, Jessica

Jennifer + Craig

October 24, 2015

Santa Rosa, CA  |  Church of One Tree and Deturk Round Barn

What was your budget?

Our budget was around $15,000.

Venue: $3,000

Catering: $4,500

DJ: $600

Dress: $2000

Cake and Desserts: $800

Favors: $300

Invitations: $400

Photography: $1600

Rentals: $300

Wedding Bands: $300

Flowers: $600

Tuxedo: $250

Decorations: $500

How many guests did you have?

Around 150 guests attended of the 200 invited.

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

We did all of the decorating DIY.  We found items at garage sales, Salvation Army, thrift stores, craft stores, etc.

We had a “beer ceremony” in place of a more traditional wine ceremony.  The groom poured his own Samuel Smith’s Organic Chocolate Stout into his own glass and I poured Samuel Smith’s Organic Raspberry Fruit Ale into my own glass.  Then the groom poured some of his chocolate stout into my glass and I poured some of my raspberry ale into his glass so that they blended together as a symbol of our lives coming together.  It was silly but also very cute.  The audience had Pabst Blue Ribbon cans under their chairs and were asked to toast with us.  It was very creative and very us!

We did a dessert bar and a small wedding cake because a lot of people don’t even eat wedding cake!

We also had arcade machines and outside lawn games (badminton and cornhole) for the guests that don’t like to dance.  It was very well received seeing as how the groom and many of his friends are huge gamers.

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

We wrapped wine bottles in twine for the table numbers.  We had several DIY favors including mason jars with chalk board label for the guests to drink out of for the night and take home.  We also had little match boxes with our wedding date and the word “Lumos” on them because I am a huge Harry Potter fan.  There were also mini mason jars with a bit of moonshine in them!

What was the biggest thing you did to save money?

We relied on help from friends for our DJ, flowers,  hair and makeup.  We also worked with vendors that were sympathetic to our budget.

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

When somebody offers to help, take them up on it!  We were able to keep cost down and have the wedding of our dreams by cashing in all of our favors! Also, when the day comes, put it all behind you.  There is no point in stressing on things once they are already happening.  When it came to the actual wedding day I just said “it is what it is” and I wouldn’t let myself be disappointed.  And… it totally worked.

What was your biggest splurge?

My wedding dress was a big splurge but totally worth it.  I felt like such a princess!  The look was timeless.

What was your favorite detail?

I loved our DIY decorations thrown together the day before the wedding.  The whole bridal party pitched in and put their own touches on it, so it was all very personal.  You could tell that the entire venue was put together with love.

What is the most memorable moment of your day?

Everything was very memorable, but the most talked about moment was our beer ceremony.  The sound of the PBR cans bursting open as everybody in the little church got ready to toast with us was priceless.  I don’t think I will ever hear anything that beautiful again!

VENDORS 

Photography: CaptureCreate Photography • Videography: Capture.Create Photography • Ceremony Venue: Church of One Tree • Reception Venue: Deturk Round Barn • Flowers: DIY • Day-of Coordinator: Personal Friend • Event Design / Styling: DIY • Stationery: Invite Shop • Catering: Whiskey Tip • Bakery: Caveliere’s • Rentals: Grapevine Party Rentals • Hair Stylist: Andrea Blado at Salon Melrose • Bridal Shop: Wine Country Bridal (Consultant: Elizabeth Garcia) • Shoes: Style & Co. • Groom’s Suit/Tux: Vera Wang • Groomsmen Suits/Tux: Men’s Wearhouse