Stefanie + Elliot’s wedding is a true example of how beautiful things can turn out when decisions are made based on the people you want at your wedding rather than stretching your budget to add an extra detail where it’s not really needed. Stefanie says, “The number one thing that we read would save us money was having a low head count and because that wasn’t an option, we saved where we could!“. Although the details were minimal- classic white tables, string Christmas lights, and simple floral arrangements, the look & feel was the perfect amount of elegant they were looking for, and Justin Michau captured it beautifully.
Stefanie’s bouquet recipe: ranunculus, spray roses, queen anne’s lace, wax flower, blue thistle, scabiosa pods, and seeded eucalyptus.
Stefanie’s father passed away earlier in the year, and she had never imagined him not being there to give her away when she finally met the guy she would marry. For the ceremony, she walked out from the woods by herself and Elliot met her halfway and escorted her the rest of the way. It was such a tender moment and you can actually see when Elliot met her and gently wiped her tears.
They saved money by purchasing the flowers at coast and assembling them themselves.
We’ve all seen those monogrammed mugs, yes? Individually they can be pretty pricey, so they saved here too by using ceramic pens to draw their own letters. Nice little tip!
By not getting a traditional wedding cake, and asking close friends to bake pies, they cut a big cost out.
And now for their adorable moving picture by Flora + Fauna…
Great advice from Stefanie… There were a lot of details that were planned that we just didn’t have time for. I wasn’t able to hand out homemade jam to my friends who stood with me. Elliot and his best man hung lights in a big willow tree outside the barn and I wanted to get a couple photos underneath it and wasn’t able to. Even in the midst of all of the details that may not have worked out like we planned, we were married at the end of the day. There were things that I was expecting that didn’t happen, but the things that were able to happen were totally *us.*
My advice is to embrace the day and to embrace what is happening in that moment. Some things will change, and other things won’t happen, but remember what is most important. The coloring of your flowers or the order of your music playlist doesn’t make a marriage. Truly *be* with your soon-to-be-spouse and give THAT person your full attention. Not the relative who doesn’t like your choice of entree. Looking at our photos, our photographer perfectly captured what was happening. We don’t have a ton of super posey pictures but rather a slice of the emotion in any given moment. I am glad Elliot and I were able to spend that time together in the woods before the busyness of the day swept us away. I especially appreciate that when I look back, I can view those tender moments.
Lastly, I know this might be obvious, but decide what is most important to you and do not let comparison steal your joy! I had to stop looking at blogs and websites because I kept comparing myself and the lack of cute details we had because of our budget. In the end, it came together beautifully and was more than I could have hoped for.
For more inspiration check out our Weddings Ideas section + Pinterest boards.
Photographer: Justin Michau / Videographer: Derrek Sullivan of Flora + Fauna / Ceremony & Reception Venue: Fallbrook Barn and Lodge / Event Coordinator, Designer: Bride / Day of coordination: Rob Hagstrom (friend of bride) / Invitation Designer: Groom / Hair & Makeup: Megan Gill (friend of Bride) / Florist: bouquets & boutonnieres designed by Maida’s Floral Shop Inc / Table Displays: designed by friend of the Bride, Lenee Thornton (MOB’s garden, wildflowers, and bunches from Maida’s Floral Shop Inc) / Fruit Tart: Wegman’s Bakery (additional assorted pies made by friends and family) / Catering: SUNY Oswego Campus Catering / Wedding Dress: Mori Lee Style #6726 purchased at Monica’s Bridal / Shoes: BCBGeneration / Hairpiece: fresh white wax flowers by Maida’s Floral Shop Inc / Groom’s Suit: Banana Republic, and tie from Bride’s thrift collection / Shoes: Cole Haan
