WOW! Back and married! We are not expecting our professional photos back for several more weeks, so enjoy the very few photos I took of the day! Please disregard the chaos - I was out in the venue, in my robe, snapping a handful of pictures before everything was finished
Let's backtrack for a minute. My dress was in alterations for about 6 weeks, from drop off to pickup. During this time, I felt as though I had gained a little in my butt and hips (squats kill...) and decided I wanted to let it out a pinch because the satin was pulling a little bit. 4 days before the wedding, I finally get to see the finished product and take it home. To my surprise, the dress was 2 inches too big on both sides of my hips. I almost had a break down. My amazing seamstress took care of it and it fit PERFECT on wedding day!
We had originally planned for an outdoor ceremony. I had been watching the weather (literally every hour for a week LOL) and we decided to move it all inside the venue. Fortunately, our venue is massive and could house both the reception and the ceremony without changing any of our current layouts. I was very upset about moving it inside at first, but honestly, I don't think it would have been as beautiful outside! My amazing decorator took care of all of the changes with my venue. Not pictured was our runner, which was laid right before our party started walking.
Honestly, I don't think I could have dreamed up more perfect decor. It far exceeded my expectations and was exactly what we wanted. My cake was made by my mother, who runs a dessert business on the side. She also made our bouquets, bouts, and corsages. She is a rockstar!
Ladies, for those of you still planning - everything is going to be amazing. I promise! Even if not everything goes as planned
Approximate Breakdown
Budget: $20,000 for 275 guests
Venue: $2,000
18-Person Chalet: $600/weekend (got ready here with my girls, stayed here with new hubbs)
Cake & Desserts: Free to us
Florals: $400 spent on fake flowers (Michael's, Hobby Lobby, and JoAnn's)
Food: $2,200 (Buffet: pulled pork, grilled chicken, scalloped potatoes, green beans, rolls, side salad)
Alcohol: $1,800 (5 kegs, 48 bottles of wine, liquor for the bridal party, bartenders fees, all tapping/delivery fees)
DJ: $1,000
Photographers: $3,000 (we got lucky with 2 photographers and an assistant photographer! Her prices have changed since we booked - she is INCREDIBLE)
All Decor: $3,800 (all centerpieces, linens, back drops, cake stands, etc - I made all of the signs! She is also INCREDIBLE)
Hair: $80/pp
Makeup: $200/total (my new 15-year SIL is so great)
Bridesmaid gifts: $50/pp (monogrammed robes, tumblers, clutch for wedding day, hangers)
Groomsmen gifts: $45/pp (tumblers, bottle openers)
Total Spent
Around $15,000 - including cutlery, plates, bar cups, and all of the small things. Gifts not included, neither are our rings or attire.
Hubby
This cake stand is everythinggggMy beautiful cake!