Nashville Couple Calls on Family and Friends to Help Pull off Laid Back, Houston Station Wedding
Friday, November 7, 2014
If staying within a set budget is a concern during your wedding planning process, it’s best to do what Katie and Darby did for their June wedding: Get as many friends and family members to help as possible!
This couple’s “all hands on deck” approach to their wedding day at Houston Station gave a lot of meaning to every detail, allowing those closest to them to share in their special day in a tangible way. Check out this fun-loving DIY wedding and find some inspiration of your own.
Katie & Darby
June 28th, 2014
Ceremony & Reception Location: Houston Station
Guests: 230
Budget: $10,000-$20,000
Wedding Team:
Venue | Houston Station
Day of Planner | Elizabeth Gilbreath of Houston Station
Photographer | Rachel Moore
Videographer | Friend
Wedding Dress, Accessories | Bridal and Formal Shoppe (Judy and Connie were awesome.)
Florist | Flower Occasions
Caterer | Simply Delicious
Men’s Attire | Jim’s Formalwear
Bridesmaids' Attire | Alfred Sung, online
Hair, Makeup | Friend
Invitations | Online
Programs | Chalkboard
Cake Artist | Julia’s Bakery
DJ | Red Beard Entertainment
Rentals | Southern Events
Lighting | Bright Event Productions
Transportation | Hello Trolley, Grand Avenue
Wedding Details
How would you describe your style as a couple?
Our style as a couple I would say is laid back, we really wanted our wedding to just be like one big reunion, we went to school in Arkansas and all of our best friends live in places spanning from Logan, UT, Dallas, TX, West Monroe, LA to a lot of Arkansas locations and we live in Montgomery, AL. It turned out to be just that a laid back fun reunion of friends and family!
How did you incorporate that style into your wedding?
The laid back style was carried throughout the wedding in ways like I didn’t have to use all the fancy stuff, I used a lot of friends and family for my vendors, i.e. hair and makeup, florist, and videographer and even photographer, however, she is a well known wonderful photographer in Nashville but had happened to go to my high school and was best friends with my sister. So whatever was easiest to work with I probably used!
What was your (or your guests’) favorite aspect of your wedding?
My favorite, and I think the wedding parties favorite, was the trolley ride. After the ceremony we went straight outside and hopped on a trolley to take us around downtown and we got off at Shelby street bridge and took some photos there. That depicted the fun we had, dancing, listening to music, getting to just walk around on the bridge.
For our first dance, Darby’s best friend and co-best man played "Who I Am With You" by Chris Young and sang along too. It was wonderful! I love the live music and that was what made the wedding have some unique touches.
I would say, from what I heard the most, the guests really enjoyed the ceremony. It was a very personable ceremony which is what I wanted it to be. My cousin/basketball coach/ youth minister started the ceremony and did the first half of it and then in the middle he handed it over to my dad and he finished with the vows, cross ceremony and said some things about the two of us and I really enjoyed that as well.
Where did you splurge? Where did you save/DIY?
I splurged on the venue, it was more expensive than I had originally planned but I had just fell in love and there was a coffee bar inside there, Noteable Blends, and I think that was what drew me to it most, even though I didn’t get to have any of it, I felt that the guest really enjoyed that part of it. I saved by having some vendors that were friends- all the decorating was done by one of my moms best friends, the florist was a church friend, the caterer was also a church friend and hair and makeup as well. That is kind of how I was able to save some as well as a lot of DIY for clear plastic plates and silver silverware, napkins from the Knot. The centerpieces were wood slabs from Hobby lobby that I used a 40% off coupon each time I bought one. We borrowed all of the mason jars that were centerpieces on the table and for the bridal parties flowers.
Now that the wedding day is over, is there anything about your planning process you feel you could have done differently?
The one thing I would have done differently is probably to have just relaxed I was a little up tight the whole time just wanting the be places at certain times and in the end looking back, I realize it would have all happened and turned out the same. I probably also would have ended the reception a little earlier because Darby and I were exhausted and ready to head to the hotel.
In one sentence, what words of advice do you have for couples in the midst of their planning?
Relax, enjoy the day, get the planning done early, and DON’T STRESS it takes the fun out of everything, and in the end you will be married.
About the Author:
Newlywed Leah
For many women, their fascination with weddings fades after they say, “I do.” Not for me. Even though my wedding was two years ago, I still very much have a heart for weddings and helping brides focus on what’s important — building a day that reflects both the bride and the groom while focusing on the why of the wedding — the marriage. In addition to my job as a personal trainer and wellness coach, I also coordinate weddings part time, offering couples both perspective and a little elbow grease to make sure their wedding day is a success. I’m a huge advocate for life balance and I like to remind and encourage couples to keep their sanity — and a healthy relationship — in the midst of wedding planning. Check out my health and wellness blog at www.SanityOverSurface.com.
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Posted on November 7, 2014 |
Filed under: Real Nashville Weddings, Wedding Style - Rustic, Farm ,
