Life Unscripted: Weddings

Weddings

Wedding planning for me was a mix of craziness, nerves, stress, excitement, creativity and a careful use of finances. Throughout the process, I kept telling myself not to stress, to enjoy the moments and that too quickly it would be gone. I can't say that I miss it, because having free time again is wonderful. But I loved planning my wedding, right down to the tiny details, and I look back on that time fondly. Read all about my wedding and check out some of our fantastic photos in this post.

I have a passion to share what I learned about wedding planning with other brides. I don't think anyone should have to break the bank to have a beautiful wedding, but too often brides get suckered into paying more than they should. I hope to serve as an example of how to have a lovely, customized wedding on a budget.

Leading up to my wedding, I wrote blog posts that I hoped will help other brides and would give my friends and family a peek into the process. Now that the wedding has passed, I plan to add more details I learned along the way. I invite you to check back anytime and take a look at what I have to share!

Find my inspiration and get some new ideas on my Pinterest page:

>> Advise guests with an attire recommendation board
>> Ideas for inexpensive flower girl dresses

>> Cut cost with homemade crafts

>> Tasty treats for weddings, or whenever

>> My favorite reception decor ideas

My Wedding Directory

For those who have asked, or are interested, here's the list of what, where and who helped make our wedding what it was. This is also my visual reminder of why we were able to do our wedding for under $5,000. Because when you set out to save money and look for ways to do so, you absolutely can.

* Items we (Nick, I, family, church, etc.) already owned prior to wedding planning which we used/borrowed.
** Items we found on sale, were given a discount on, were given as a gift, or used a coupon to receive money off.

Bride.

Dress: White by Vera Wang via David's Bridal**

Veil: Complements of my mom (yup, she and I made it!)**

Hairpiece: David's Bridal**

Necklace and earrings: Givenchy via Von Maur

Shoes: Maribelle by David's Bridal in "pool"

Bridesmaids.

Dresses: David's Bridal in "pool"

Maid of Honor: Brandi Santos (friend of bride)

Bridesmaid: Jenae Loyola-Gibson (cousin of bride)

Bridesmaid: Jessica Hilgenberg (friend of bride)

Bridesmaid: Joykrystyna Mance (sister of groom)

Groom.

Tux: Skeffington's via Boegel's Menswear**

Groomsmen.

Vests, etc.: Via Boegel's Menswear**

Best Man: Stephen Mance (brother of groom)

Groomsman: Joshua Mance (brother of groom)

Groomsman: Elliot Larimore (friend of groom and bride)

Groomsman: Michael Loyola (brother of bride)

Flower Girl.

Dress: Marmellata via Kohl's**

Headpiece: Floral Sense

Basket: Purchased at Hobby Lobby, customized by me

Flower girl: Olivia Butler (family of bride)

Officiants.

Ties: Boegel's Menswear

Processional/giving away officiant: Tim Loyola (uncle of bride)

Presiding officiant: Tom Loyola (father of bride)

Assistants/Attendants.

Ushers: J.P. Watts and Sean Hansen (friends of bride and groom)

Guestbook attendants: Hannah Bolen and Lindsey Norman (friends of bride and groom)

Director/time keeper: Missy Bolen (a friend who attends our church)

Bride's attendant: Angie Gabriel (friend of bride)

Ceremony.

Photographer: Tim at Tim Tab Studios

Flowers: Floral Sense (my cousin Crystal Butler did an AMAZING job)**

Decorations: Done by Nick and myself with tulle**, silk flowers** and columns** from Hobby Lobby and Christmas lights from Target

Programs: Designed, printed and cut by me with help from Nick (paper**)

Location: Clinton E-Free Church**
Prelude:

Music (ceremony).

Prelude: Photo slideshow featuring Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, My Wish by Rascal Flatts, Falling for You by Colbie Caillat

Seating of family: I Love NYE by Badly Drawn Boy

Processional: Better Together by Jack Johnson

Bride's processional: Customized instrumental rendition of A Thousand Years by Christina Perri, performed by Michael Loyola on piano

Specials: God Bless the Broken Road by Rascal Flatts, performed by Gayle Honeywell, accompanied by Michael Loyola on piano // Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us, performed by Joykrystyna Mance on piano

Recessional: I Do by Colbie Caillat

Reception.

Flowers: Floral Sense (also acquired chair covers)**

Location: Clinton E-Free fellowship hall**

Food: All food was prepared by our wonderful friends at Clinton E-Free

Cakes: Sweetheart Bakery**

Cupcakes: Jewel**, silk flower toppers from Michael's craft store**

Favors: Drawstring bags** decorated with customized tags** made by Nick and me, filled with M&Ms

Centerpieces: Antique blue glass mason jars**, antique doilies (some*), homemade paper fans, small glass bottles (some*), flower confetti**, small votive candles**

Head table: Blue jars for bouquets*, gold monogram letters*, ceramic birds*, "Just Married" banner from Michael's craft store**, tulle**, Christmas lights

Dance floor: Rental**

Ceiling: Tulle**, Christmas lights, tissue paper pom poms** (via Martha Stewart) hung with the help of fishing line, 3M hooks and many friends (who also did things like ironing table cloths, tying chair covers and picking up rentals)

Music (reception).

Background (during the meal): Customized Pandora station of big band-era music

Dance: Playlist created by Nick and myself using iTunes (some*)

- Cupid Shuffle by Cupid

- Good Time by Owl City

- Yeah 3x (Clean Version) by Chris Brown

- Celebration by Kool & The Gang

- Footloose by Kenny Loggins

- Don't Stop Believin' by Journey

- Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison

- I Do by The Marvelows

- Save the Last Dance for Me by Michael Buble

- Just One of Those Things by Frank Sinatra

- Lucky (Album Version) by Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat

- Count on Me by Bruno Mars

- Ho Hey by The Lumineers

- Hey, Soul Sister by Train

- Forever by Chris Brown

- Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen

- Brokenhearted by Karmin

- Cha Cha Slide by Mr. C The Slide Man

- Good Feeling by Flo Rida

- We Found Love by Rihanna

- Just the Way You Are by Bruno Mars

- You and I by Michael Buble

- Make You Feel My Love by Adele

- The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra

- Ain't That a Kick in the Head by Dean Martin

- This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) by Natalie Cole

- Firework by Katy Perry

- I Gotta Feeling by The Blackeyed Peas

- You Always Make Me Smile by Kyle Andrews

- (I've Had) The Time of My Life by Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes

DJ: John McClung (a friend and pastor on staff at our church)

Hi, I'm Elise Mance, the blogger behind Life Unscripted. I'm a published writer and artist with a passion for sharing the truth in creative and vibrant ways. I love Jesus, my husband Nick, finding new adventures, and really good coffee. Thanks for visiting!