In the words of the lovely bride, Suzanne, look for ideas and make them your own. Everything in her and Brian’s wedding is truly inspired. From the Mason jar flowers along the aisle, the string quartet playing pop songs, to the Chinese lanterns, there were certainly unique details to their wedding. I also love that they thought of the other people in attendance. They printed programs that could be used as fans on the hot day out. Suzanne even had her bridal party wear dresses they said they would indeed wear again. Practical, functional, and beautiful – excellent characteristics to maintain, don’t you think?
What is your story as a couple, how did you meet & fall in love?
We worked together for years before we ever went out. Now we have a beautiful family together.
What makes the two of you a perfect match?
We believe in the same values, and we laugh A LOT.
How did he (or you) propose?
It was a few days before Valentine’s Day, and I thought he was giving me a gift early. But it was a beautiful rose quartz engagement ring.
How long was the planning process? Did you think it was enough time?
We took a little over a year to plan because we needed to save the money to have the wedding we always envisioned.
What was the best advice you received when you were planning your wedding?
Spend money on the photographer and the music. It’s what everyone remembers.
What tips & tricks (can we use “hacks”?) can you share future brides that you yourself have learned during and after your wedding?
Look on Pinterest for ideas, and then make them all your own.
What were some challenges you faced while planning your wedding & what did you do to address them?
I think finances are the biggest challenges. How to have the wedding you want, and stay on budget. You have to be creative and find short cuts. We printed and made our own programs. It was fun, and saved us printing costs.
What inspired your wedding décor? Why did you choose the things that you did?
I wanted dresses that my bridesmaids would feel comfortable in, and they all say that they will wear the dress again.
What was the wedding budget?
$10,000
Where did you save the most money?
The venue included liquor in the per plate cost. The bridesmaids’ dresses were from Dilliard’s. We handmade all of the wedding favors and the wedding programs. Friends videotaped the event, and the DJ came highly recommended.
What was the biggest expense?
The reception. Even with a low cost venue, the per plate cost was the most expensive.
How many guests were invited in your wedding and what was the final guest count?
150 were invited, and 86 RSVP.
How did you narrow down your list?
We included people who we stay in touch with.
What songs did you use during the ceremony?
We had a string quartet who was willing to use up-to-date music like Journey, Norah Jones, and Jason Mraz. It was a fun spin on the traditional music. I walked down the aisle to a string version of Elvis, “Can’t help falling in love with you” that my husband arranged. It was very special.
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
We went to Breckenridge, Colorado. It was AMAZING!
What are you most excited about for the future?
Raising our family and laughing together.
Do you have advice for couples still in the planning process?
Stay true to your own style and what you want. This wedding is about your and your partner. It’s not about pleasing everyone else.
What is the overall story for this album?
Our photographer’s style captures the emotions of the day. She’s a great story teller on her own.
What inspired the wedding day outfits?
I wanted more a more comfortable and “earthy” style, my fiancé was more traditional. We tried to blend our styles and be creative.
What was your favorite part of the day?
Seeing Brian for the first time walking down the aisle, the kiss, and then dancing the night away with all of our friends.
Were there any Do it Yourself (DIY) projects? If so, can you describe them in detail?
We made homemade applebutter in small mason jars for wedding favors. We spent all summer preparing and storing. We also printed our own programs to create fans since our wedding was outside during a warm month in Florida.
What were the highlights from the ceremony & reception?
Instead of rice, we went outside on the beach to release Chinese lanterns at the end of the night. Everyone had a fun time.
What part of the ceremonies do you think was the most memorable for you? (& your guests?)
The program fans, and the string quartet. Everyone also LOVED the mason jar flowers along the aisles. And NO ONE could resist the sunset over Tampa Bay.
Suzanne and Brian also shared with us their lovely wedding video. Click play to enjoy it, and maybe you can even pick up an idea or two for your own beach wedding.
VENDORS
Photographer: Marissa Moss Photography
DJ: Big Beats Entertainment
Floral Designer: Harriett’s Flowers
Dress Store: Jon’s Bridal
Musicians: Rosewood String Quartet
Cake Designer: Sweet Frosted Occasions
Reception Venue: The Resort & Club at Little Harbor