We just love stylish brides, and we love them even more when they’re budget-savvy to boot; which is why we absolutely adore today’s bride Jessica. Jessica married her high school sweetheart Isaac in an intimate and casual backyard ceremony wearing a beautiful lace dress she found for less than $30 at JC Penney (of all places!) and a killer pair of heeled Oxfords. Super cute style for under $100, now that’s our kind of bride!
Kayla Selans at Love Light Lens was there to capture the young lovebirds all aglow and madly in love on their big day.
Jessica, 20 & Isaac, 20
Central Florida
Wedding Date: April 6, 2013
Number of Guests: 30
Wedding Cost: $1,300
Wedding Ceremony Location: My parents’ backyard!
Wedding Reception Location: Also in my parents’ backyard
Why did you have an intimate wedding?
I wanted to share the day with people that I care about the most, and who I genuinely believe care about us and our happiness together.
What are some the challenges that you faced planning an intimate wedding?
Just the wedding planning in general, but I’m pretty sure it’s the same with any wedding, big or small.
Was it difficult to pare down the guest list?
No, I already knew I wanted a small guest list from the beginning, and I knew who I wanted to be there–immediate family, close family, and close friends–the people that supported us since we began dating (back in 10th grade!).
Did you have any ‘issues’ with the small guest list from friends and family? If so, how did you address them?
I don’t think anyone had a problem with the small guest list.
What were the highlights of the ceremony?
When we both started crying as we were reading our vows. I remember we both said we weren’t going to cry. And also when I looked around and saw a lot of our friends and family crying too; it was a nice feeling knowing that these people were so happy for us!
What were the highlights of the reception?
We only had a small dinner, but I enjoyed eating and talking with everyone there and seeing everyone happy and congratulating us.
What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding?
Just overall it was the best thing for us; I don’t think I can pinpoint one thing. I guess, for me, I think it was a lot less stressful than having something huge; it was shorter than a big and long wedding would have been, and I recognized and personally knew every person there.
What advice do you have for couples who are considering an intimate wedding?
Definitely do it!
Vendors:
Photography: The amazing Kayla Selans at Love Light Lens
Dress: it was a surprise find at JCPenney’s! For less than $30, and I love that I can easily re-wear this for an anniversary dinner.
Flowers & Centerpieces: found on Etsy!
Shoes: Modcloth.com
Such a great find with that dress! And I just adore those shoes too. A wonderful, budget ensemble.
Simply Beautiful. These photos inspired me to choose Kayla Salens for my wedding photographer.
I would love to know where this cake it from! So lovely and simplistic.
i was wondering where you got your cake topper from? I can't find it anywhere!!
Can you share where you got your wedding cake topper?
This is to answer the questions above, I got the wedding topper from walmart! My mother in law ordered the small cake from there and we saw the cake topper inside the cake book that they showed us!