The best part of planning and paying for your own wedding – like today’s newlyweds Jill and Jeffrey did – is that it means you get to call all the shots. While it was difficult for the couple to narrow the guest list down to just 75 people, they made it work because, ultimately, they loved their intimate venue so much. Also, keeping it small meant keeping it personal for the couple. They made sure to add in lots of small touches to make it feel like a real family affair including having their dog Taco – wearing a custom navy tuxedo, we might add – escort the maid of honor down the aisle. Most importantly, however, every guest in attendance was a special person in the newlyweds’ lives and they were able to spend time and celebrate with each and every one of one.
Special thanks to Bri Johnson for sharing Jill and Jeffrey’s stylish Brooklyn wedding with us today!
Jill & Jeffrey
Location: Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, NY
Wedding Date: June 12, 2016
Number of Guests: 59
Wedding Ceremony Location: St. Agnes Church
Wedding Reception Location: June Wine Bar
Why did you have an intimate wedding?
We thought it would be more personal if we kept the guest list small and that it would allow us to actually spend time with everyone who attended. Also, the guest list was decided after we chose our venue, which had a maximum space allowance of 75 people. We loved the space, so we made the guest list work.
What are some of the challenges that you faced planning an intimate wedding?
Narrowing down a guest list to 75 people was probably the biggest challenge as there were definitely people that we would have loved to include, but couldn’t.
Did you have any ‘issues’ with the small guest list from friends and family? If so, how did you address them?
We did not have any issues from friends or family. We could not allow children at the reception due to the size, but we could have them at the church during the ceremony. Also, since this was our wedding, that we planned ourselves and paid for ourselves, we were free to make all of the decisions.
What were the highlights of the ceremony?
The ceremony was in a beautiful large church. The sunlight coming through the glass windows was amazing and having an organist play was a great experience. Also, we had our maid of honor walk down the aisle with our shih tzu, Taco, who was dressed in a custom made navy tuxedo. That was pretty amazing!
What were the highlights of the reception?
The reception was held at June Wine Bar and the backyard there is gorgeous in the summer. We had red wine supplied by Jeff’s aunt and uncle – Diana and Tom Bloxham – who make an amazing Pinot Noir out in California. June also has a fabulous selection of natural wines. We each made a signature cocktail and we had passed appetizers throughout the evening.
What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding?
The best thing is that we feel that we were able to spend time with every single person that attended the wedding. I don’t think the planning was necessarily any easier than for a large wedding.
What advice do you have for couples who are considering an intimate wedding?
If you want to be able to feel like your wedding is a family affair and be able to share the event with everyone who attends, go for it! Every single person who attended our wedding is someone that we feel is an important part of our lives.
Vendors:
Photography: Bri Johnson
Florist & Decor: Alyssa Hoppe
Venue & Catering: June Wine Bar
Cake by: Baked
Invitations by: Paperless Post
Bridal Gown & Shoes: J. Crew
Bridal Hair: Soon Beauty Lab
Bridal Makeup: Benefit Cosmetics
Wedding Bands: Re-Fined
Grooms Tuxedo: Brooklyn Tailors
Honeymoon: Spain Basque Country and cycling the Pyrenees
