What creative or personal aspects did you use in your wedding?
We included a few personal aspects like my flowers (artificial) were the same bouquet my sister had for her wedding. She’s allergic to flowers so artificial was the way to go. My husband wore my brothers boutonniere.
We had a private vow reading that included photos of us announcing our move to South Korea!
What was the biggest thing you did to save money?
The biggest thing we did to save money was elope! We had just our close family attend our wedding and our locations were mostly outdoors on public land. The reception was the only “venue” used and we chose a restaurant instead of a traditional venue and catering.
I also participated in an event a local bridal shop was holding called “Gowns for Good”. They were giving away dresses to military personnel, hospital workers and/or their fiancés. I got my wedding dress for free!
Did you do any DIY projects or create any handmade items for your wedding?
I created our just-married signs! I purchased the wood at a craft store, stained it myself, and went to my local library to use the laser cutter. There, I was able to engrave the text onto the wood. I surprised Tom at our first look with champagne flutes with “Mr.” and “Mrs.” on them that I also engraved at the library!
Our wedding cake decorations were DIY as well. The cake topper was engraved at the library.
During the ceremony, we had family members place a letter in a box that we will read on our 5th anniversary. The wooden box was made by my father-in-law.
I did my own hair and makeup too!
What was your biggest splurge?
Our biggest splurge was our photographer and elopement extraordinaire, Andrea Enger! It was easy to make this decision because we wanted the best photos to capture all of the amazing memories of this day. Andrea helped us plan our day based on what we wanted and what was most important to us. She helped create our timeline, and was just the perfect person to spend the day with. She captured everything and the photos are beautiful!
What were your favorite details?
Because we had such a small wedding, it was important to include the people who couldn’t be there. My bouquet was the one that my sister-in-law carried at her wedding a few months prior! Tom wore my brother’s boutonniere from their wedding. My other sister-in-law gifted me earrings and a matching necklace when I was a bridesmaid at her wedding. I wore these on our special day.
My grandfather passed about six months before our wedding and he truly loved Tom. He often told me he was so happy I found my other half. We signed our marriage license using pens that my grandfather had made when he was still doing woodworking.
I loved the small details we purchased and had personalized as well. We had a personalized ring box, as well as vow books where we wrote our own vows.
What is the most memorable moment of your day?
Our first look was our most memorable moment and one of the best parts of our day! We hiked to a private location early in the morning and changed into our wedding clothes. Andrea captured beautiful sunrise photos as we shared our vows and a first dance. This moment was really special because it was so private and intimate.
