Shang

A smooth flowing rhythm is a music buff’s dream. A smooth flowing wedding, on the other hand, is that of a bride’s. Lucky for Jackie, who was both a bride and a musically inclined person, she got the answer to her dreams. An amazing groom who she looks up to as a musician and an amazing wedding that was just perfect in her books. And add to that is the undeniable fact that everyone in that event had fun (pictures say it all).

Also, if you are a DIY, Etsy & Pinterest fan, our couple’s wedding day will surely fill you up with ideas as Jackie even admitted that she “Pinterested too much”. But no one’s complaining! We just love how personal and adorable the wedding details are! It makes me want to do arts & craft just for the heck of it. Congratulations on such a lovely wedding Jackie & Christopher!

What is your story as a couple, how did you meet & fall in love?

In our early twenties I started following Chris’s band. Chris was the lead guitarist in an up and coming band in the tri state area and I would go to every show. We started dating the summer after their first album release party in 2006. We were inseparable. We moved in together in 2011, we bought our first house together summer 2013 and he popped the question on Christmas Eve 2013 (first Christmas in our new home).

What makes the two of you a perfect match?

We have immense respect and love for each other. We support each other in everything that we do. We always have fun together. We are truly best friends.

What was the best advice you received when you were planning your wedding?

Don’t sweat the small stuff, because it all happens so fast. Stop and take in the moments as they happen.

What inspired your wedding decor? Why did you choose the things that you did?

I got a lot of inspiration on Pinterest but made it personal to us as a couple. I didn’t want the decor and the colors to be just about me I wanted it to reflect both Chris and I equally.

Do you have advice for couples still in the planning process?

It’s okay to plan out every little detail, but the day of your wedding let go of control and just be in the moment with the one you love. Soak in your day every chance you get because the day goes by so so fast. Enjoy every minute of it!

What were some challenges you faced planning your wedding & what would you have done differently to avoid them?

There really weren’t any challenges for me. I did end up Pinteresting a little too much and had to stop taking on DIY projects before finishing others. That would be the only thing I would’ve done differently. Just take on one DIY project at a time.

What was the wedding budget?

30,000.

Where did you save the most money?

Our  venue. They were running a special when we booked and it helped us out a lot because we had a huge guest list. Also stationary, I designed it and printed it myself.

Can you share some tips or tricks that you learned along the way leading up to the wedding or after?

Yes. Definitely book a photobooth. It is really really nice to look at the next day and the following weeks after your wedding and before you receive your professional photos. Plus they are hilarious and make you smile every time you look at your friends and family having a blast!

Where did you go on your honeymoon?

Mediterranean Cruise.

What are you most excited about for the future?

Growing, laughing, living, and loving everyday with my best friend.

How many guests were invited in your wedding and what was the final guest count?

276 invited. 195 attended.

Was it difficult to narrow down your guest list?

We didn’t even bother. We invited everyone we wanted to invite.

Was there a theme for the ceremony and reception?

Kind of but not really. We just went with lace and burlap, natural tones of brown and beige and ivory, with accents of deep red and navy blue. Lots of musical notes and hints to our interest in the music scene. The girls wore necklaces with anchors (because I’m a boater) and copper discs with the latitude and longitude of the ceremony stamped onto them.

What songs did you use during the ceremony?

• Processional: “Carry You” by Dispatch
• Bride Entrance: “Falling in Love in a Coffee Shop” by Landon Pigg
• Recessional: “You Make my Dreams Come True” by Halle and Oates

What would you say, the overall story for this album?

The perfect couple had the most magical day with all of their family and friends there to help celebrate.

What inspired the wedding day outfits?

I wanted a dress that wouldn’t weigh me down on the beach.  Something beach-y and lace. And for the bridesmaids something light and romantic. Chris chose black tuxedos for the groomsmen. He likes it a little more traditional.

Was there any Do it Yourself (DIY) projects? If so, can you describe them in detail?

There are so many DIYs because I’m crazy.  I made the sign to our ceremony out of stained wood and spray chalk paint “Shoes here, vows there, love everywhere,” saw that on Pinterest. I designed our programs in our theme colors and in a typography style and printed them on recycled brown paper. Glued Popsicle stick to it and tied with lace. The paintbrushes for “your Sandy feet” were inspiration from Pinterest. I tied lace around those and decorated a steel bucket for them. I made the mason jars for the aisle decor and purchased my own baby’s breath. They were hung from the chairs down the aisle. I made mason jar candles for reception tables. Beatles sheet music with hearts cut out of them were Modge Podged to the jars and tied with lace. Heart confetti was sprinkled around the table made of recycled brown paper, sheet music, and red and navy scrapbook paper. I made the place cards out of shipping tags which I aged using coffee. Then tied guitar picks to them. The picks were printed with one of our engagement photos (taken by our amazing photographer Kate Connolly) on them. I printed my own menus also on recycled paper then folded a doilie over them and tied them with twine. The doilie looked pretty and lacey and the venue then tucked the menus into a folded navy linen napkin and placed them on gold chargers. I made my bridesmaids earrings and purchased all of their other accessories on Etsy. I tried to buy everything on Etsy. My accessories, garter, sash, and flower girl dress.

What were the highlights from the ceremony & reception?

Highlights from the ceremony was just how personal and funny our officiant Jill Dillner made it. She even accidentally called Chris my wife and we were roaring with laughter. Great moment. From the reception it was everything!! The venue made everything perfect!! And we danced our butts off!! Our DJ’s (literally our DJ’s) rocked the house. We didn’t stop dancing all night. The photobooth was amazing. Everything about our night was phenomenal.

What was your favorite part of the day?

The ceremony was perfect and true to us. But the reception was the best time of my life!! We had a blast and barely stepped off that dance floor.

Vendors

Photographer:  Off BEET Productions
Reception Venue: Ramada Inn of Toms River
Videographer:  Christian J. Boho
Transportation:  Santos Limousine
Florist:  Something Nice Floral Designs in Point Pleasant
Ceremony:  Jenkinsons Banquets
Cake:  Chocolate Carousel
DJ, Photobooth & Lighting:  Limelight Entertainment