The Big Bad Budget!

One of the first things to do before you start booking ANY details for you and your hunnie's big day, is to sit down and talk numbers. Real numbers. This is the key to saving yourself from a massive headache and a potential feud over the dollars and cents down the road! Also, it is a good way to prepare you for budgeting your money as a couple after the "I Do's!"

The first thing I do when sitting down with a new bride is to find out what is most important to her for the wedding. What details are you most passionate about and where are you willing to scale down? For example, some brides are unwilling to pinch the pennies when it comes to a stellar photographer, but are willing to save when it comes to the cake if they aren't big cake eaters. Another example is the fashionista bride, who is usually ready to pay for the designer beauties, can save on catering by choosing a buffet style dinner. Making these choices first is a good way to make the budget work for you and your groom's tastes.

I know that this conversation is a TOUGH one, especially when approaching mom and dad, but if you go ahead and get it out of the way first, you can start planning the wedding details with a realistic mindset of what you have to spend.

Here is the budget break down I give all my new brides. This is a range, not a set guideline! That way you can decide what is most important to you, and work out the numbers in other categories where you are willing to save.

Budget Breakdown

Attire                           5-12%

Cake                            2-3%

Ceremony                   6-10%

Entertainment             3-10%

Flowers                       5-15%

Invitations                   2-5%

Reception                   35-55%

Photo/Video               7-13%

Transportation            2%

Rings                           7-15% 

Event Planner             10-15%            

See, it isn't so big, bad and scary! It just takes a little bit of work and compromise to get a good budget, and then you get to do the fun part: plan all the sweet details!

Featured Vendor

Meet Megan Doyle, Owner of La Bella Imagery

Photo by J. Layne Photography

Megan is a great friend of mine and a true talent when it comes to photography (and totally gorgeous!). I recently asked her to write a post for the blog about what it takes to be a great photographer and what brides should look out for when selecting for the big day (it is TOUGH with so many options out there!!)! Before we get into all that, let's get to know her a little bit better!

Where did you go to school? I went to the University of Central Florida and have a Bachelors Degree in Photography.

How long have you been in the business? I started my business in August 2008 and shot my first of now 25 weddings in February 2010.

Why did you choose to be a photographer? I chose to be a photographer because it's my one true passion in life. It's wonderful to wake up every morning knowing I'm using my talent to glorify God, make others happy and take care of myself all at the same time. There's no better way to make a living than that.

What is your favorite part of shooting a wedding? My favorite part of shooting a wedding is actually the "in-between" moments. These are the times when you aren't aware of the camera and the bride and groom are full engaged with each other and all of their loved ones. They make the best photographs.

So now that we know she is a total sweetheart, let's find out what she considers the MUSTS of a phenomenal photog:

Think about your wedding. Consider the dress, the venue, and all of your little details. Now consider the honeymoon, and future years as husband and wife. How will you tell your story after it’s over?

In my humble opinion, of the biggest decisions about your big day, is choosing your photographer. Contrary to popular belief, this isn’t because I’m a photographer. I’m a BIG romantic. I can’t wait for my own wedding day, and the reason I feel this way is because when all is said and done, your pictures are what last forever. They are the gift you show your family, your children, your grandchildren. With that being said, choosing a photographer can be a tough choice. So, here is a list of MUSTs to consider.

Your photographer MUST be professional. He/she must be able to handle the pressure of more than one voice having an opinion about this wedding. They must have good quality equipment, with a lot of knowledge on how to use it. Now, you may not know a lot about photography, but it doesn’t hurt to ask a few general questions. Maybe ask them about where they went to school, how long they’ve been working in the field, if they have references or testimonials. A few questions about photography should tell you whether or not they are in tune with the current professional photography world. Being professional also includes knowing how to understand the financial needs of a client, and reaching out to meet them. Now don’t get me wrong, as a photographer only a year and a half into my business, I understand financial responsibility of paying my bills, and needing to make a living. But a photographer who can understand your needs, and who is able to compromise with you, only speaks about true character. Here you know your photographer cares about YOU, not your money. A professional photographer knows how to properly mix professional with personal.

On to my second point: Your photographer MUST be personable. One of the number one reasons for choosing your photographer SHOULD BE that you are comfortable with them. There’s nothing worse than a “photog” (as we like to call ourselves) you can’t kiss your iancé’/spouse in front of. I’m eternally grateful for being young in this business, because it puts me in touch with the people I’m photographing. You need to be able to be vulnerable whether or not you’re paying attention to the camera. Megan and I talk about this constantly. Understanding how your client ticks, works, and feels are HUGE in weddings. And if your photographer is not in tune, laid-back, and comfortable with letting YOU be YOU, well I’m sorry to say but… it’s time to choose a new photog. 99% of the time the people I’ve photographed become my friend. I like to build relationships. That’s what it’s all about… relationships and going the extra mile for your clients. Stay a little longer, grab coffee to catch up with wedding planning even if you don’t need to. Your photog should be INTERESTED in your wedding, the details, the photos you want. The better this relationship becomes, the more you feel at ease on your wedding day, and your family will see how in LOVE you are, not how awkward you feel with all the attention on you.

My third point is pretty simple. Your photographer MUST be passionate. I LOVE MY JOB. I love my clients and meeting new people. I love editing. I’m a total romantic, a lover. And honestly, I just love to photograph. If your photographer isn’t passionate about their job, they’re not going to give you spectacular. The best thing about being passionate about photography is the ability to be creative, and try new things. Photographers who aren’t passionate will just take the same pictures over and over for every client and not care about anything but their paycheck. Find a photog that knows your style and can give you exactly what you want in a new and creative way.

Which leads to my last point… Your photographer MUST be perfect for you. One of my favorite selling points is that I want to cater to your specific wedding style. I don’t want you to hire me because you like my ONE style of editing. I want you to hire me because I’m smart about what I do, I’m in tune with what you want, and I can deliver exactly how you imagine your wedding day to look in photographs. If you like vintage, your picture should look vintage. If you like colorful, your pictures should be bright and colorful. Of course I want you to hire me because you like the way I shoot, but I want you to feel like every little last detail was accounted for in the proper way.

All of your hard work, planning, and execution should be exactly how you see it in your mind, and photography is a big part of that. When you look back on your wedding day down the road, you want to cherish the moments, the details, the little things. It’s all about the in-betweens. The moments you never thought would have been captured. It should all be there. Let your photographer give you your dream day on paper…

So I’ll ask once more, how will you tell your story?

Great advice, huh?! I hope you enjoyed hearing from Megan with La Bella Imagery!

Check out her amazing work at

www.labellaimagery.com

Thanks for stopping by and happy planning!

Bride to Be!

Meet Katie, A White Veiled Occasion Bride to Be!

Photo by Katherine Henderson

The Bride & Groom to Be: Katie Weller & Mike Goreski

The Wedding Date: February 18, 2012

Their Dating Story: We met almost seven years ago when I was 17 and he 22. We dated for a matter of weeks and broke it off. Mike says I ran stop signs and it bothered him, and I say that he called me too often!

After we broke up, we remained friendly and he'd occasionally call me to pick up him after he'd been drinking or after he was drunk to tell me how he liked me still. He drove me Bazerk!! Ha! My girlfriends and I actually made a name for guys who WOULDN'T take a hint and leave you alone... they were officially deemed "a Mike." He called me all through college, some seasons more than other seasons and I'd usually pick up 1 in 10 calls. He kept saying he wanted to be my friend, and I told him I had enough friends, I didn't need any more! He didn't care; he kept trying. We would occasionally hang out when I would come in town, him taking me to dinner of course, but for the most part I couldn't handle all the unwanted attention he provided me with.

Mike had been dating a girl on and off while I was away at college in West Palm Beach and would call me occasionally for advice. One time, it must have been my junior year; I had seen him out at dinner with his girlfriend and some friends when I was visiting my family in St. Petersburg, FL. I told him that day that I knew she was not the girl he was going to marry, saying, "I can just tell by the way you look at her. You're not enthralled by her, that's how it's supposed to be when you marry someone."

The summer after my junior year of college (so 4 years after we met) I went on a Mission Trip to Uganda. We were on moderately good terms but he still annoyed me... He had become a Christian earlier in the year and I was following the Lord, so when Mike asked me if I would go to breakfast with him when I returned I thought, "Sure, I'll get to tell him about my trip; it will be a good way promote missions to him." To my shock Mike had hidden motives of this breakfast; that day Mike told me that he was engaged. My jaw dropped to the floor! I just sat across the table from him staring until he finally said "Say something please...” I proceeded with caution as I told him the blunt truth... "Mike, you're making the biggest mistake of your life. She is not the girl you're supposed to marry. Don't get me wrong, I'm not going to date you if you break it off with her but, you’re making a big mistake." I explained to him my response and then he shocked me even more. He said, "I told my pastor that I love her, but sometimes I think about what it would be like if we (him and I) were together...” Again, my jaw dropped. I left feeling bad that he was confused but knowing without a doubt that I did NOT like him. Besides, if he's saying this to me while he's engaged what kind of guy is he!! Hello, didn't we learn ANYTHING from "He's Just Not That Into You?" "You’re the rule, not the exception."

He remained in the relationship until about September, and then they broke it off, saving both of them. He started calling me and I was NOT into it. I was dating another guy at the time, one of those tall, dark and handsome, natural born muscular, boat owning, truck driving but insanely crazy type of guys?! Lol! When it went sour fast, I found myself wondering if I should be nice and give Mike a chance... I mean he was a Christian, he was nice, had a solid job, and was obviously really into me so... "Give him a chance," I told myself.

In November 2009 we starting talking on the phone and it was going alright. Within two weeks he asked me if he could visit for a weekend. I reluctantly agreed but figured, hey at least then I'll KNOW if I don't like him and can quit wasting my time answering his phone calls. Haha! So, he came down late on a Friday night and it was a disaster from the start. I wasn't attracted to him and everything he did and said annoyed me... I knew I was being crazy but it was just everything ABOUT him that annoyed me...and I TOLD HIM. I was so blunt I couldn't believe I didn't scare him off for life. I was HEARTLESS. I had to convince him that I wasn't into him. He basically told me that he couldn't like someone THIS much if they didn't like him back... I said "Trust me, I DON'T"

Less than 24 hours later, he was in his truck on his way home to St. Peterusburg, FL with a bruised ego. He texted me on his way home telling me that he still really had a great time, thanked me for having him and that his feelings hadn't changed. Wow, I felt horrible! My roommates were asking me how I could be SO mean, "He didn’t even do anything," they said. Later, he told me that he KNEW he wasn't supposed to come that weekend, that God had told him, that but he didn't listen, now he knew why.

We kept in touch on and off after that as he began to attend meetings concerning mission trips that my dad was leading. He brought a youth team to Peru under my dad the following summer and my parents would talk about him when I would come home, but it didn't change my mind. So when August 2010 came and Mike said he needed to talk, I didn't know what was up. He called me and told me he'd been thinking and praying about it, and just wanted me to know that he was going to pursue me until I was officially off the market or until he folded and gave up. I was shocked that he still felt this way, so I told him that I would pray about it. I asked that he didn’t' contact me for a month and asked him to pray as well. The month began, I prayed everyday, and when the month was over I didn't feel any differently. I told him Happy Birthday on September 14, 2010 and then took off on a girl’s trip to Ireland and Scotland.

While there, I closed a relationship that had been in the back of my mind since 2004. I had visited in Scotland for 2 months the summer after my sophomore year in high school, and met a boy at a youth group whom I had kept in contact with via email and Skype. I hoped that I'd see him, not like him and be done with the idea that kept me from committing to any other relationships, but that wasn't the case. After a fun trip with my girlfriends, I came home feeling more confused than when I had left. We decided that we would not speak anymore because none of it made sense. He knew he was called to ministry there and I knew I wasn’t. I desired to go back to Uganda and be on the mission field. It was my heartbeat and he knew that and didn't want to hold me back from God's best. So as we closed the door we cut off communication to make the process easier. By December 2010 I wrote in my journal, "I am SO happy where I am right now. I never thought -in a million years- I would be someone to say this but, I think I could be single for the rest of my life and be happy." The Lord had come and satisfied me in a way that was overwhelmingly peaceful. I knew he heard my cry.

That same December, Mike was preparing with my dad to go on a three person mission trip to Peru. They were flying out of Fort Lauderdale, so they stayed at my apartment so I could drive them to the airport. That night, to my surprise, Mike and I stayed up talking. When I went to bed, I thought, "That was weird..." The next day I drove them to the airport and said goodbye. While he was gone I kept thinking about him... I confessed it to my roommates/best friends and they told me I was crazy and I didn't like him... I told them I thought I did.

When Mike got back he invited me to go on a trip, all expenses paid, to Arizona to go hiking, snowboarding and sightseeing. I laughed and didn't give a response, so when he went to buy his tickets a couple days later he called me asking. I had asked one of my best friends for advice and she simply replied, "I'd go if I were you." So I reluctantly said yes to him. Later when I told my best friend I said yes she said, "Why would you do that???" I responded "YOU SAID YOU WOULD DO IT!" She replied, "Yeah, but I'm an idiot!" Haha! So, I was stuck!

I went home for Christmas and decided I'd hang out with him and if I didn't like him, I'd just cancel. It wouldn't be the best, but at least it wouldn't be a miserable trip... When I went back home and spent time with him, I still thought, "I think I like him!" In January we talked on the phone every night and February we headed out for what neither of us knew would be a trip of a lifetime.

We joke now and call Arizona the "Land of Love and Canyons," because it was there that we fell in love. We both knew it but I wouldn't admit it. Of course I FINALLY told him that I ACTUALLY liked him and we made it official. Since then it has been a whirlwind of fighting and love and fighting and love, and we're both more positive than we could ever be that we're supposed to be together for the rest of our lives.

It's funny that the one person I said NEVER to would be so similar to me. Active, Crazy, loves youth ministry, competitive, challenging and has a desire to serve on the mission field long term. It's love : )

How did Mike propose? We were having date night and went to the beach before dinner to have a sunset bible study. We had bible study together and then laid down to watch the sunset. The sky was filled with the perfect amount of clouds and was covered in pinks and oranges. He'd recently decided to start writing a journal for me and asked me if I wanted to read some of his journal entries. I said sure, not thinking anything of it. He wrote about how he never knew it could be like this (love) and how he couldn’t picture living another day without me in his life. (I still had no idea!) Then he sat up and he said something like, "The last seven months have been the best of my whole life, and I was hoping we could make it forever." He showed me an open box and I looked at him, laughed and said "Nawaww!" Then he asked and I said "YESS!" We cried, hugged and kissed and then looked at the ring and gawked over it.

What is your wedding style? Beachy, with a beach ceremony and a ballroom reception. My colors are coral and grey. Details include guys in grey tuxes, girls each in a different style long chiffon coral dress, starfish and shell accents, and white orchids.

Venue: Bilmar Beach Resort, St. Petersburg, FL.


Hope you enjoyed reading about Katie & Mike's unbelievable story of coming together and falling in love! We can't wait to be apart of the big day and watch all of the sweet beachy details come together! Congrats you two!

A Down Home, Sweet Southern Rock the Dress!

Because there is NOTHING more romantic and fun than being in your wedding dress, my husband and I decided to get back in the wedding garb one last time to take some photos without the wedding day flurry and time restrictions! They turned out amazing! The photos were taken at Alpine Groves Park in St Johns, FL. Thanks to the crazy weather trends of summer in Florida, it poured! We got some pictures before the rain in front of an old barn and made it under the overhang of an old white house before the rain started to fall. For some reason I decided that we needed to just let loose and get out in the rain, and it was SO worth it! We had a blast being silly and kissing in the rain, and Meg did a beautiful job capturing every sweet moment!

Here are some of the photos from the shoot! Be sure to check out all of Meg's work at La Bella Imagery!

Ways to Serve Food for Reception

Are you planning your reception? Many brides are on budgets these days so it is important to keep in mind the different options for food service and reception types. Here is a good guide to follow: 

AFTERNOON TEA

This is a delightful and affordable reception held between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. (usually doesn’t start after 3:30 p.m.). An afternoon tea reception is perfect for die hard romantics who like to do things a little differently.

Wedding Reception Food Ideas

 Finger sandwiches with crusts removed (dainties)

 Fresh fruit

Scones and cream

Wedding cake (of course!)

Cupcakes (instead of the wedding cake if you want!)

A wide variety of teas and champagne punch

The Good News: An afternoon tea event is a great opportunity for creativity. This style of event also works well for couples with a large guest list and a small budget.

Keep in Mind: Although this is a delightful event, this type of wedding reception doesn’t provide a full meal for wedding guests and because it is typically a shorter reception, dancing is unlikely.

DESSERT-ONLY

For the late-night partying duo, this “sweet” late evening alternative may be the answer starting sometime between 9:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.

Wedding Reception Food Ideas:

Wedding Cake

An extensive assortment of rich desserts

Chocolate fountain with accompanying fruits

Candy buffet (a personal favorite!)

Champagne and specialty coffee

An espresso bar

The Good News: This option is sophisticated and inexpensive.

Keep in Mind: This party doesn’t provide a real meal for guests and because of the sweet menu, there are no provisions for diabetics.

DINNER: BUFFET

For the casual bridal couple who prefer a fun and relaxing reception, having wedding guests serve themselves from a variety of food offerings is a great option for wedding reception food.

Wedding Reception Food Ideas:

A variety of dishes that allow guests to pick and choose to create a great meal, attractively set out on long tables.

Both meat and vegetarian entrees

Plenty of side dishes; a selection of vegetables and salads

The Good News: The very nature of a buffet offers something for everyone.

Keep in Mind: Contrary to popular belief, a buffet is not necessarily cheaper than a sit-down meal.  Also, because of the time guests could spend waiting in line for food, this is not the most elegant option.

DINNER: SIT-DOWN

Elegant traditionalists will welcome the opportunity to have waiters serve their guests food.

Wedding Reception Food Ideas:

One, two or three entree selections with an appetizer, salad or soup, side dishes and dessert.

The Good News:

The couple gets to determine each menu item.

Because everyone eats at the same time, this is a much more elegant option.

Since people tend to finish their meals more quickly, an event like this allows for more time on the dance floor and a great party.

Keep in Mind: This party isn’t cheap and wedding guests will have a limited selection of food.

DINNER: FOOD STATIONS

For the adventurous couple, this eating fantasy made up of buffet tables scattered around the reception area, each with a different specialty of food, is a delight.

Wedding Reception Food ideas:

The couple gets to try all their favorites – seafood, pasta, roast beef…the possibilities are endless! To add to the adventure, why not suggest adding a chef serving wontons from a wok or an iceboat filled with shrimp or crab legs?

The Good News: The style of this reception provides a lot of fun and variety for wedding guests to sample foods from each station. This is a great opportunity for you to display your creative wedding planning creativity with the menu and decor. One thing’s for sure–wedding guests will rave about this party for years to come!

Keep in Mind: This can get very pricey!

Past Wedding!

Jenny and Dave Stifter :: Married April 18th 2010

Jenny's Style: Vintage and Anything Anthropologie

Location: Epping Forest Yacht Club :: Jacksonville, FL

Wedding Colors: Gray, Tiffany Blue, Ivory

The Details: Crocheted Gray and Tiffany Blue flowers sprinkled around tables, manzanita branch centerpieces, ivory bells for couple's send off and T-Shirts as favors with their favorite charity Hope for Haiti.

Photography done by Dot to Dot Photography

Why I do what I do!

Most little girls dream of planning their own wedding... I dreamed of planning EVERYONE's wedding : ) Of course I thought of mine a lot too! But really, ever since I can remember I have been in love with all things weddings. I love that wrapped up in one occasion, two people come together in marriage, families are united, new friends are made, old relationships are refreshed and love is all around!!

Now that I am all grown up I still love the idea of planning everyone's wedding! It is so exciting to see a wedding start from just an idea to watching the dream come true on the day of! I am so excited to share with you all the sweet details of my brides and how to make wedding planning fun! So grab a glass of wine, put on Say Yes to the Dress and get planning : )