by: Abi & Darrell's engagement session from yesterday was the perfect introduction to their real wedding today--a super-lovely outdoor affair. Abi made such a beautiful bride and was able to accomplish so much on their $4,000 wedding budget.
Photographer: Crystal Genes Photography of North Carolina
Ceremony: The Valentine Farm--an 1800's farmstead of friends Allyson {Bridesmaid} & Ryan {Officiant}
Reception: Perfect Settings, Columbia, PA--"The owner, Daisy Pagan was amazing. She really helped pull things together when I was ready to pull out my hair. My bridesmaids Allyson, Kathleen and I did all the decorating there two days before the wedding."
Thank Yous: MagnetStreet Weddings
Colors: Plum with touches of pink, green, brown and gold.
Wedding Style: Vintage chic. Classic elegance. Timeless. "In other words, I didn't want it to look trendy now or dated 50 years from now. We almost didn't have an outdoor wedding because of rain. And shame on me because I didn't really have a back up plan. It drizzled slightly about two hours before the wedding and then poured after we entered the reception."
Now for the eye candy ... Enjoy & be inspired to create your dream wedding--on whatever budget you have! Read on to discover how Abi & Darrell achieved their wedding dreams ...
Such pretty blue eyes, no?
Highlights Our first-look session with the photographer before the wedding. I think it really calmed our nerves and the pictures are priceless. I would suggest that every couple have a first look session. We also made a point of giving my children each a special gift during the ceremony to let them know we are a family. A pocket watch for Christian and a Sapphire ring for Grace. The looks on their faces made me so happy.
Advice I'm glad I took Don't put anything off until the last minute. Enjoy the day--even though something will go wrong, you just can't let it ruin your day.
Advice I wished I took Have a rain plan. Things could have easily gone very wrong. I wouldn't have the wonderful pictures I do, if it had rained at ceremony time. Also, the guests would have had no idea where to go.
Best part of the whole wedding Becoming Darrell's wife. I loved standing across from him and saying our wedding vows and sealing our union with a perfect kiss.
"Darrell built the arbor that we stood under--we designed it ourselves. It is now sitting in our backyard slated to be redesigned into a swing set for my children. However they don't know it yet, it's a surprise."
"Yes I am holding a chicken. The chicken was one of three pet chickens and the photographer thought it would make a cool picture."
"The sailboat escort cards were hand made for the children's table. They might have been the first reception decor that I chose. I found a tutorial in an old Martha Stewart Weddings magazine a friend gave me. I just loved them."
Advice you'd like to give We only spent about $4,000on this wedding. We simply couldn't afford more. I wanted a day that was mine and that wasn't cookie cutter. So we had a long engagement, found tutorials and enlisted talented friends to help me make everything for this wedding that we could. I also entered A LOT of contests. Here is just some of what I won: a photographer, a rehearsal dinner, a bridal bouquet, a day of wedding coordinator, a beauty service to come to me to do my wedding hair, make-up and nails and of course these wonderful thank you magnets {from MagnetStreet Weddings}! I would say, if one of your life-long dreams is a beautiful wedding, you can do it on any budget!
"Photo of Thanks" Thank You Magnet
Well said, Abi! Thanks for including us on your big day! And--for sharing all that you accomplished for your wedding. Wow, it sure pays off to enter those contests! Congratulations! We wish you & Darrell, Christian & Grace, all the best and a lifetime of love, joy and happiness!
