Hayley and Bryce were waiting tables when they met. They quickly fell in love, and received plenty of advice from the older couples they served: “When you know, you know. Don’t wait– get married and enjoy every moment of your new lives together,” was one of the pieces of advice that really resonated with them. The couple knew their love for each other was deep and lasting, so they decided there was no reason to wait to make things official.
Surrounded by 50 of their closest friends and family, the couple tied the knot in a simple, heartfelt ceremony at Redwine United Methodist Church in Georgia.
“It was amazing to have almost everyone that meant something to us all in one place, and not being distracted by pleasantries and restrictive traditions. It was very raw, in a way,” says Hayley.
Thanks to photographer Jenelle AuClair for the wonderful photos!
Hayley, 22 & Bryce, 27
Location: Oakwood, GA
Wedding Date: October 17, 2015
Number of Guests: 50
Wedding Cost: ~ $4,000
Wedding Ceremony Location: Redwine United Methodist Church
Wedding Reception Location: same
Why did you have an intimate wedding?
We wanted to share our day specifically with people who had invested something in us and in our relationship. We didn’t want to spend a lot of resources on inviting people that were just coming to see it, not because they were emotionally invested. So our guests were all people who had given their time, wisdom, love, prayers, and energy to help us become the couple that we are. Plus, our venue was small!
What are some the challenges that you faced planning an intimate wedding?
The cost was the hardest thing for us. Because we were both waiting tables (that’s how we met!), we spent a considerable amount of time and stress on doing almost everything ourselves in order to keep down costs. I couldn’t thank anyone enough that spent time with me making things or cooking for the wedding!
Was it difficult to pare down the guest list?
In some ways, it was. We didn’t want to offend family, but more distant relatives got left out. It helped that there were lots of people that couldn’t travel to Georgia from around the country, but we still made sure they knew they were valued by the invitation.
Did you have any ‘issues’ with the small guest list from friends and family? If so, how did you address them?
We had some folks that we weren’t really close with hinting at getting an invite, particularly because we worked together and they all wanted to attend. We would explain that we were keeping it small, and that was the extent of the trouble. It wasn’t so bad.
What were the highlights of the ceremony?
One of the most powerful moments was the open prayer we held at the beginning. There weren’t many dry eyes at that point! We were very sincere and heartfelt throughout the ceremony, and everyone really seemed to appreciate the transparency and emotion between us. Not to mention the perfect atmosphere created by the location and decorations at sunset!
What were the highlights of the reception?
There were a lot of dorky dances, and mac and cheese.
What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding?
Everyone there was so honored to have been a part of it, and the amount of love we received was overwhelming. It was amazing to have almost everyone that meant something to us all in one place, and not being distracted by pleasantries and restrictive traditions. It was very raw, in a way.
What advice do you have for couples who are considering an intimate wedding?
You do what you want. No one else’s opinion matters besides the two of you, and your happiness with the result is ultimately the only thing that matters (besides actually being married at the end of it)!
Vendors:
Venue: Redwine United Methodist Church
Photographer: Jenelle AuClair
Floral: Jenelle AuClair and Sarah (our amazing photographers did double duty!)
Makeup & hair: Mikayla Grenon
Dress: David’s Bridal (clearance!)
Everything else was handmade or from a pawn shop, thrift shop, or Amazon find!
