Ladies. I’m not necessarily saying that you need to seek out people with certain strengths to spend your life with but I’m also not saying that it hurts. Like this groom, for example. Built the cake table, the bar, and the photo-booth backdrop. Like with his own two hands. And when you pair that skill set with the genius of Cortney Helaine and the images from Natalie Schutt you have yourself an SMP wedding (ps…gorgeous dress and glowing bride don’t hurt either). Click here for more!
From the Bride…I think the most exciting thing for both of us when planning our wedding was always trying to include ways that we could really make our wedding feel like us. We looked for small ways to do this without being overly clichéd, like an Italian inspired menu (a nod to our Italy engagement,) hand-written vows, and constructing much of the décor ourselves (one of my husband’s biggest hobbies is woodworking.) He built our cake table, the bar, and the photo-booth backdrop, to name a few.
My one piece of advice to brides would be to take moments on the day with your husband to stand back together and really “see” your day for what it is. One of my favorite moments from our wedding day happened during the reception. We were on the dance floor with some out-of-town family and my husband grabbed my hand and led me up a little hill just past the reception. We took about 60 seconds to stand and watch our own wedding. We both were in awe of how it came together, and how amazing it was to have so many loved ones come out to celebrate us in our new marriage. It was a nice way to slow down and have a moment to enjoy our wedding day together (trust me–being present on the day IS as hard as people warn you it will be!)
My favorite part of the planning process was working with my family to make it all come together. So many people were a part of helping us create our dream wedding (on a budget!) My mom handmade our favors, which were Pizelle–a traditional Italian cookie. My father-in-law helped my husband build most of our décor. My aunts, uncles, and cousins helped us assemble invites, place settings, and grand exit ribbons. It was such a team effort and those are memories that we will always hold on to.
My favorite moment, hands down, was reciting our own vows. We had planned to do this early on in our engagement, and I was terrified from day 1. Public speaking is SO not my thing. As the day came closer I got more and more nervous. Finally, about 3 days out, I tried to back out. My then-fiancé encouraged me to stick with it… And boy am I glad we did! I can’t describe it, but walking down the aisle towards Weston made all of my fears melt away in an instant. I didn’t see anything else or hear anything else. It was complete tunnel vision. The best part? Knowing that we made personal commitments to each other in front of closest friends and family. If you are even considering writing personal vows or statements, I’d say go for it!
Photography: Natalie Schutt Photography | Event Planning: Weddings by Cortney Helaine | Floral Design: Studio C Florals | Wedding Dress: Watters | Cake: Canyon Catering | Invitations: Minted | Bridesmaids' Dresses: David's Bridal | Catering: Canyon Catering | DJ: KSDJ | Groom's Attire: Macy's Bar III | Groomsmen's Attire: Macy's Bar III | Venue: Giracci Vineyards And Farms | Bridal Boutique: The White Dress In Corona Del Mar | Groomsmen's Accessories: The Tie Bar | Rentals: Signature Party Rentals