With the help of their friend and wedding planner Caroline Hartman, Nicole and Scott created an afternoon wedding that was simple, tasteful and relaxed.
“Our reception was very relaxed; we had a daytime wedding with no alcohol so the energy of the whole event stayed really light,” says Nicole.
Tables were topped with hydrangea and wildflower blooms and handmade accents such as paper pom poms, a whimsical heart curtain and a “Lovebirds” banner added a touch of whimsy to event.
By having an intimate wedding, Nicole and Scott were able to spend time with each and every one of their 70 guests.
Thanks to Jessica Castro Photography for the stunning photos!
Nicole, 29 & Scott, 35
Orlando, FL
Wedding Date: August 11, 2012
Number of Guests: 70
Wedding Cost: Around $9,000 without including the cost of rings and the honeymoon.
Wedding Ceremony Location: Loch Haven Neighborhood Center
Wedding Reception: Loch Haven Neighborhood Center
Why did you have an intimate wedding?
Scott and I are pretty simple — we wanted our wedding to represent us, which is also why we chose a more DIY approach, in general.
What are some the challenges that you faced planning an intimate wedding?
Honestly, we would have been completely lost if it weren’t for our amazing friend and wedding planner, Caroline Hartman. She brought everything together in such a thoughtful way, with close attention to detail, while matching our tastes perfectly.
Was it difficult to pare down the guest list?
Yes, we originally planned on keeping our guest list much smaller but it kept growing.
Did you have any ‘issues’ with the small guest list from friends and family? If so, how did you address them?
No, thankfully no issues came up about the guest list.
What were the highlights of the ceremony?
I loved the idea of having the little ones throw feathers down the aisle instead of flowers. Pom poms in the trees really set the atmosphere outside. The most special part of the ceremony was, by far, the exchange of vows.
What were the highlights of the reception?
Our reception was very relaxed; we had a daytime wedding with no alcohol so the energy of the whole event stayed really light. We picked our favorite music and made sure the food was fresh and mostly raw. Everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves, which is what we were hoping for above all else.
What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding?
There wasn’t a lot of pressure or drama. We were able to spend time visiting with family and friends without being overwhelmed. It didn’t feel like a performance — our wedding felt more like a celebration of our union like we thought it should.
What advice do you have for couples who are considering an intimate wedding?
Keep it simple! Don’t get wrapped up in the need to follow tradition. Don’t buy all the overly priced stuff that you could make yourself; spend that extra money on your honeymoon or your future together. It is possible to have a unique, beautiful, and affordable wedding.
Vendors:
Photographer: Jessica Castro Photography
Caterer: Infusion Tea
Wedding Planner: Caroline Hartman
Decor: Etsy.com
DJ: Dj Ynot
Disposable Dishes: Smarty Had a Party
Linens: BBJ Linen
