Aside from hiring their photographer, Jana Marie, Justin + Chelsea had the wedding of their dreams for a very sweet price tag of $2,500. Everything was handmade by their family & friends (their dads playing a huge part in this). Let us stress, everything. Really, they didn’t buy one piece of their decor. They couldn’t bear the thought of spending thousands of dollars on one day, but wanted their day to be personal, special, rustic, simple, cheap & memorable.
How Chelsea scored her vintage wedding dress for less than $300:
Aside from thrift stores, I hate shopping so I knew that wedding dress shopping would be a nightmare for me. I decided to stray away from trying on dresses to purchasing one online. It was a tough job finding the right one, but when I saw my dress online I knew it was the one! I thought about it for a few days & then BAM! Purchased it a couple days after first seeing it for $280.
We saw each other before the ceremony and that was the best decision we made! I know that, had I not seen Justin, I would’ve been sick! I was calm, peaceful, content, happy and just so joyful! Seeing him before was what made me so calm.
That entire facade was made by both of their dads!
We are living proof that it is possible to have your dream wedding (I had mine!) and not spend a fortune. You just have to get creative, call on the people you love most and who love you, and work hard! A wedding is meant to celebrate the marriage that is happening – not the fancy cake topper, not the pretty aisle decorations, not the gown. One thing I had to keep telling myself over and over again was that this celebration was for Justin & I, our families & friends who were present. It wasn’t about anything else aside from the uniting of two people becoming one.
Photography: Jana Marie Photo / Venue: Groom’s parent’s house out in their pasture in a little town in Floyd, Iowa / Wedding dress: Vintageous / Rings: Eidel Precious on Etsy / Bracelet: Lynay Jewelry on Etsy / Necklaces: various garage sales / Shoes: Mod Cloth / Flower girls: handmade by bride’s mom / Bridesmaid dresses: all their own / Bow ties & boutonnieres: handmade by bride
Black
Pink
Metallic
Red
Green
Yellow
Rings
Dresses
Bridesmaids
Accessories
Flower Girl
Hairstyles
This might be the most budget friendly wedding ever. Really, everything was handmade! {photos by @JanaMariePhotos} http://t.co/jjoEy1xE
Budget friendly Iowa farm wedding: Justin + Chelsea http://t.co/nna7BCOb
I would never guess it was a budget wedding- so charming & beautiful! My favorite detail is the darling fabric bridal bouquet.
One word: Stunning!!! Budget friendly Iowa farm wedding: Justin Chelsea http://t.co/XEMbrzEX #undefined via @100layercake
Beautiful and budget friendly! http://t.co/sVLl03QV #realwedding
What a unique alternative to real flowers.
http://happinessiscreating.com/my-wedding/
Love, love the knotted straps of fabric hanging. Never would have known it was a budget wedding.
I would love to know where you got the vintage cars!!! I am planning a vintage style wedding in Iowa and I haven’t been able to find anywhere with vintage cars.
Oh my gosh oh my gosh!! I am SOOOO excited to have my imagery featured on 100 Layer Cake. I’ve been OBSESSED with this blog for so so so long. What an honor. Seriously! Thank you so much for featuring one of my favorite couples I’ve ever had. Not only was their DETAILS charming, but they are incredible together!! This just made my whole day! Thank you 100 Layer Cake!! xo to you!
MA HEART! My images are featured on one of my favorite blogs ever!! @100LayerCake #mademyday http://t.co/H09wRA1U http://t.co/FYSi7oVd
Absolutely gorgeous wedding! Love how they used the vintage fabric as a backdrop!
THANK YOU SO MUCH for featuring our wedding!!!! I have always loved this blog & am so beyond blessed that our wedding is featured here! It was such a fun day. Thank you so much!!! And in reply to Ngaire – the vintage cars belong to friends of ours:) Good luck in your search!
This wedding was AWESOME!! I am planning a DIY wedding. I am having trouble finding dresses for myself and BM. Could I ask where you found all yours? Thanks in advance
LOVE THIS! So joyful and focused on the important elements of a wedding day
Oh my goodness! This wedding was beautiful! I love all the decor and the cake topper was so cute!
I love all of the personal and diy details, I would never guess that this wedding was on a budget. Gorgeous images as well!
Jana Maria Photography and 1000 Layer Cake! Two of my inspirations together in one place! What a clever and purposeful wedding! The facade is so unique and special! I adore the handmade signs and flags, special photobooth, and I love how the beautiful bride and handsome groom saw each other before the ceremony. So lovely!
This is just gorgeous! Love it!