With the help of their friend and wedding planner Caroline Hartman, Nicole and Scott created an afternoon wedding that was simple, tasteful and relaxed.

“Our reception was very relaxed; we had a daytime wedding with no alcohol so the energy of the whole event stayed really light,” says Nicole.

Tables were topped with hydrangea and wildflower blooms and handmade accents such as paper pom poms, a whimsical heart curtain and a “Lovebirds” banner added a touch of whimsy to event.

By having an intimate wedding, Nicole and Scott were able to spend time with each and every one of their 70 guests.

Thanks to Jessica Castro Photography for the stunning photos!

tattooed bride

Nicole, 29 & Scott, 35

Orlando, FL

Wedding Date: August 11, 2012

Number of Guests: 70

Wedding Cost: Around $9,000 without including the cost of rings and the honeymoon.

Wedding Ceremony Location: Loch Haven Neighborhood Center

Wedding Reception: Loch Haven Neighborhood Center

tattooed bride

wedding flowers in mason jar

Outdoor Florida wedding ceremony

Wedding lanterns

Sunflower bridal bouquet

wedding first kiss

Why did you have an intimate wedding?

Scott and I are pretty simple — we wanted our wedding to represent us, which is also why we chose a more DIY approach, in general.

Florida wedding

Blue bridesmaid dresses

Tattooed bride

white gold wedding rings

Blue bridesmaid dresses and sunflower bouquets

grey groom's suit

groomsmen grey suits

groomsmen grey suits

What are some the challenges that you faced planning an intimate wedding?

Honestly, we would have been completely lost if it weren’t for our amazing friend and wedding planner, Caroline Hartman. She brought everything together in such a thoughtful way, with close attention to detail, while matching our tastes perfectly.

Outdoor Florida wedding ceremony

Bride and groom portrait

Blue bridesmaid dresses

groomsmen portrait

Outdoor Florida wedding ceremony

Outdoor Florida wedding ceremony

Outdoor Florida wedding ceremony

Was it difficult to pare down the guest list?

Yes, we originally planned on keeping our guest list much smaller but it kept growing.

wedding violinist

Outdoor Florida wedding ceremony

Outdoor Florida wedding ceremony

Outdoor Florida wedding ceremony

Outdoor Florida wedding ceremony

 

Did you have any ‘issues’ with the small guest list from friends and family? If so, how did you address them?

No, thankfully no issues came up about the guest list.

Outdoor Florida wedding ceremony

Outdoor Florida wedding ceremony

Outdoor Florida wedding ceremony

Outdoor Florida wedding ceremony

Outdoor Florida wedding ceremony

Outdoor Florida wedding ceremony

Outdoor Florida wedding ceremony

What were the highlights of the ceremony?

I loved the idea of having the little ones throw feathers down the aisle instead of flowers. Pom poms in the trees really set the atmosphere outside. The most special part of the ceremony was, by far, the exchange of vows.

Blue hydrangea centerpieces

Bride and groom entrance

Blue hydrangea centerpieces

Florida wedding reception

wedding disco ball

Wedding first dance

wedding lovebirds bunting banner

Paper heart garland

wedding reception bean salad

green leaf wedding cake

wedding dance

mason jar centerpieces

What were the highlights of the reception?

Our reception was very relaxed; we had a daytime wedding with no alcohol so the energy of the whole event stayed really light. We picked our favorite music and made sure the food was fresh and mostly raw. Everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves, which is what we were hoping for above all else.

wedding first dance

tattooed bride

rustic mason jar centerpiece

bride and ring bearer hug

green leaf wedding cake

cake cutting

What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding?

There wasn’t a lot of pressure or drama. We were able to spend time visiting with family and friends without being overwhelmed. It didn’t feel like a performance — our wedding felt more like a celebration of our union like we thought it should.

bridesmaid wedding dj

wedding guests dancing

bride dancing

tearful bride hug

kraft paper wrapped wedding gift

bored ring bearer

What advice do you have for couples who are considering an intimate wedding?

Keep it simple! Don’t get wrapped up in the need to follow tradition. Don’t buy all the overly priced stuff that you could make yourself; spend that extra money on your honeymoon or your future together. It is possible to have a unique, beautiful, and affordable wedding.

tearful bride and groom

dancing groom

bride and groom dance

dancing bride

tattooed bride and groom

 Vendors:

Photographer: Jessica Castro Photography

Caterer: Infusion Tea

Wedding Planner: Caroline Hartman

Decor: Etsy.com

DJ: Dj Ynot

Disposable Dishes: Smarty Had a Party

Linens: BBJ Linen