Working full-time and pursuing her master’s degree, Ali knew planning a large wedding would be too much for her to handle. Add to that the desire to keep costs low and things as simple as possible, and the decision to have an intimate wedding with immediate family only was an easy one for her and fiancé Gage.

The couple, along with their guests, arrived in Savannah the night before the wedding and enjoyed dinner out as well as breakfast together before exchanging their vows in a short, traditional ceremony in the back gardens of the historic Gastonian B&B. They celebrated their nuptials with a sweet photo session – with their photographer Katie of Catherine Ann Photography – around the picturesque streets of Savannah, and ended their perfect day with cake and champagne in the parlor.

Ali, 24 & Gage, 25

Savannah, GA

Wedding Date: June 30, 2015

Number of Guests: 7

Wedding Cost: $4,000 (not including rings)

Wedding Ceremony Location: The Gastonian

Wedding Reception Location: The Gastonian

Why did you have an intimate wedding?

First of all, Gage and I had been together for about 5 years and living together for most of that time. We were initially planning a larger wedding, but once it was time to make decisions on the details, I realized how much I didn’t want to do it all – we were already engaged for over a year, at this point. I work full time and am pursuing my master’s degree, so it was too much to add planning a wedding on top of that.  We also didn’t want to spend a lot of money on just one day, especially because we were already practically a married couple. Because we kept the wedding small and simple we’ve been able to pay off credit cards and student loans much quicker and are saving to buy our first house. Simplicity, cost, and our priorities were the three main factors in our decision to have an intimate wedding.

What are some of the challenges that you faced planning an intimate wedding?

It truly was not that challenging at all. I would only mention that because we are not from the Savannah area, I had to do a lot of research on vendors such as photographer, makeup, and hair. The Gastonian was fantastic in that they provided several great recommendations for these vendors and also took care of the flowers and the cake, which made the process totally simple!

Was it difficult to pare down the guest list?

At first, we were considering a “larger” intimate wedding of 12-15 people. That’s where we had difficulty because we were including friends and their spouses; the number of people added up quickly. As soon as we decided to just include immediate family members, it was simple.

Did you have any ‘issues’ with the small guest list from friends and family? If so, how did you address them?

Luckily, most of our friends and family completely understood why we wanted to have an intimate wedding, and even thought it was a great, unique idea. To address the few issues we did encounter, we just stuck to our guns, explained our reasoning, and reminded ourselves that it was our special day.

What were the highlights of the ceremony?

Our ceremony was short and traditional. We discussed writing our own vows, but I knew I’d be a mess through the whole thing. I loved (and Gage agrees) my entrance to the ceremony. There is an ivy-covered bridge that links the two historic houses that make up the Gastonian. I walked out across the bridge and saw my groom and family members standing in the picturesque garden, and it was absolutely perfect! I also loved the feeling afterwards of being able to hug each and every guest that joined us for the day – it was really special. I am also so thankful that my 94 year-old great-grandmother was able to be there!

What were the highlights of the reception?

Being able to spend quality time with those closest to us.

What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding?

I loved how stress-free everything was and the quality time we were able to spend with our family. Everyone arrived in Savannah the day before and we went out for a lovely dinner and had breakfast together the morning of the wedding. After we had photos taken, I was able to spend time with my grandma and great-grandma in the inn’s parlor before everyone headed out to dinner.

What advice do you have for couples who are considering an intimate wedding?

If it truly is what you want to do, do it! It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks or wants for your wedding day – it’s your day!

Vendors:

Ceremony and Reception Venue: The Gastonian

Wedding Dress: BHLDN

Groom’s Suit: Jos A Bank

Photography: Catherine Ann Photography

Make-up: Lindsey Jones-Wirht Makeup Artist

Hair: Savannah Makeup and Hair Professionals

Trying to find a way to include a winter theme at your winter wedding, but not sure how to do it? May we suggest favors? Winter themed favors are a great way to add a cozy touch to your wedding. We’ve found 10 Etsy winter favors that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Whether you want to include a hint of the outdoors in your wedding or the entire forest, these personalized Evergreen Spruce Tree wedding favors wrapped in burlap from NatureFavors would work perfectly. The simple design can be dressed up or down!

If you’ve decided to give your guests candy or a little gift, these shabby chic burlap gift bags with hand painted snowflakes on the front by FourRDesigns will hold everything in one place and still keep that rustic look.

These adorable wooden heart ornaments from HandyHappyHearts are a favor your guests can take home and put on their Christmas tree. The best part is they will be reminded of your wedding every year!

On a cold winter’s night your guests will be grateful that you decided to give these pine cone fire starter favors from NatureFavors. These pretty little things can also be used as a cute Christmas decoration around the home.

Hot chocolate is the quintessential winter drink. So for a winter wedding these hot chocolate wedding favors from AproposRoasters are a unique way to give your guests this sweet treat.

If you want to take the hot chocolate favor idea to the next level, these mason jar mug hot chocolate favors from TrioArtisanDesigns includes hot chocolate mix and candy in tiny mugs.

A candy table at a reception is always a hit with your guests, but trying to tie it in to your theme can be tricky. We suggest these muslin, snowflake bags from OnTheWingsPaperie. These bags are chic, with a vintage inspired flare that make a unique statement.

An edible favor, like these snowflake sugar cookies from SugarMeDesserterie, are a unique idea that guests can eat between turns on the dance floor at the reception or they can bring it home and freeze it as a little keepsake.

Another sweet edible option are these whimsical lollipop wedding favors from SmashCandies with little winter wonderland scenes!

For a unique and unconventional favor idea why not go with these handmade peppermint twist soap bars from aidebodycare? It’s the perfect vegan option that has Christmas written all over it.

*This post includes Etsy Affiliate Links

Not a big fan of traditional diamond engagement rings? Let us introduce you to the raw diamond.

Uncut diamonds are continuing to become a popular alternative for brides who aren’t concerned about karats or clarity. They are less expensive than cut diamonds, and they offer more of an earthy, organic feel than traditional diamonds.

We’ve rounded up 10 raw diamond engagement rings on Etsy that we love.

The diamond on this sterling silver, raw diamond ring from ASecondTime would look beautiful on any boho bride.

For the ethically minded bride, this rough diamond ring in 22k gold from Specimental is completely conflict-free and beautiful.

This 18k white gold, raw diamond engagement ring from DoronMeravWeddings has the simple elegance of a typical engagement ring, but the rough look of the diamond makes it stand out.

If you’re looking for something traditional with more of a hint of something different, we suggest this prong-set, rough diamond engagement ring from Specimental.

A vintage bride with an eye for all things truly old-fashioned and retro could definitely fall in love with this antique style, raw diamond, filigree engagement ring from ASecondTime.

This rough, uncut diamond ring from ASecondTime is another gorgeous choice!

An option that pairs rustic with a dainty, feminine feel is this rough diamond ring from TamaraGomez.

If you are looking to add some color, why not try something completely different like this raw blue diamond, twig engagement ring from ASecondTime?

We think this blue diamond engagement ring with patterned band from LoMoStudio is stunning!

This uncut, aquamarine, three stone engagement ring from byAngeline is all drama and wow with its big raw diamonds. This beautiful piece will definitely have everyone talking.

*This post includes Etsy Affiliate links

Travel lovers, Yelena and Liam didn’t set out to have an intimate wedding; they did, however, set out to have a destination wedding, which naturally limited the guest list to their closest family and friends. When trying to settle on a destination, the couple quickly fell in the love with Rethymno on the Greek island of Crete. With its medieval streets and maritime atmosphere the city served as the perfect setting for their nuptials and intimate courtyard celebration. And while the newlyweds may not have originally planned for a small, intimate wedding, they couldn’t have imagined a more wonderful wedding day spent with those closest to them!

A huge thank you to HannaMonika Photography for sharing Yelena and Liam’s magical wedding with us!

Yelena, 31 & Liam, 32

Rethymno, Crete, Greece

Wedding Date: June 20^th, 2014

Number of Guests: 39

Wedding Cost: $13,000

Wedding Ceremony Location: We love art and architecture and European culture, and have wonderful memories of traveling around Europe throughout the years we’ve been together. This was also our 10 year anniversary in a relationship and we wanted to do something special. Yelena’s cousin who lives in Athens recommended Crete. We researched the island extensively and fell in love with the rich history, and maritime atmosphere of Rethymno. We we’re especially attracted to the narrow medieval streets filled with boutique shops and restaurants. We also discovered Hotel Rimondi, which was beautifully renovated with a contemporary vibe juxtaposed to the historical textures of Rethymno’s maze of streets. We toured the ancient Venetian Fortezza in Rethymno with our wedding planner and the wedding party the day before the wedding to choose the exact ceremony location. The intimacy and simplicity of the vaulted Christian temple and former mosque was most appealing. The ceremony was situated in front of the mihrab niche for its rustic texture and architectural detail. The ancient structures on the grounds of the Fortezza overlooked the stunningly blue Mediterranean Sea with the gleaming orange sun ready to set.

Wedding Reception Location: Our wedding planner suggested Veneto restaurant, one of the oldest buildings in Rythemno. Stone, wood and the elegant architecture of the intimate courtyard is what really attracted us. Having never visited and after much research, we based our decisions mostly on our wedding planner’s guidance, website reviews and photos. There were a number of beautiful restaurants in Rethymno, and after spending a few days there we were pleased to realize that we made the right decision.

Why did you have an intimate wedding?

We did not plan for an intimate wedding. We decided to have a destination wedding, because we love to travel. By default, it became an intimate wedding. Having said that, there’s something nice about having a smaller group of people together to celebrate with; it’s ultimately less stressful.

What are some the challenges that you faced planning an intimate wedding?

The fact that it was a destination wedding, and a far destination at that, we had to accept that a lot of our friends and family would not be able to make it. Another challenge was planning everything abroad with the cultural, language and time difference to contend with. We honestly could not have done it without our wedding planner, and close family and friends who guided us throughout the whole process.

Was it difficult to pare down the guest list? ?

Yes, it was. We did our best to invite all of our closest family and friends to both the destination ceremony and the local post wedding reception.

Did you have any ‘issues’ with the small guest list from friends and family? If so, how did you address them?

No, because all our close friends and family were invited to the destination location. They were very gracious and respectful if they were unable to make it. And we had a local post wedding celebration where all friends and family were welcomed to attend wether or not they made it to Greece.

What were the highlights of the ceremony?

Yelena walked down the aisle with her father while Tim Warren – lead singer of the Alternate Routes, and Liam’s cousin-in-law – played a live version of Sail Away by David Gray. The acoustics from the guitar and harmonica were magical. The emotional ceremony was officiated by one of our best friends, Billy Thomsen. It was filled with laughter, tears, and joy. The plan was to have the ceremony inside the temple followed by a cocktail reception right outside in a shady tree grove on the Fortezza. Things don’t always go as planned, however… it was especially windy that day and the gusty off shore breezes kept the cocktail party inside. Our wedding planner made that decision and it could not have been a better one.

What were the highlights of the reception?

The beautiful, intimate courtyard reception and communal dining, the first dance to Nina Simone, toasts from loved ones, and great conversations were all highlights for us. It’s so hard to tell because it still feels like a dream.

What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding?

The best thing about our wedding was sharing the moment, and the memories with your guests.

What advice do you have for couples who are considering an intimate wedding?

Don’t lose sight of the fact that it is your day and it is up to you to decide with whom you will be celebrating this experience.

Vendors:

Photography: HannaMonika

Dress: Suzanne Neville

Bride’s Shoes: Enzo Angiolini

Groom’s Suit: J-Crew Ludlow Shop

Groom’s Shoes: Johnston & Murphy

Reception Venue: Veneto

Invitations: paperlesspost

Planning: Moments

Favors: Custom

Rings:  WWake

With a small circle of close-knit family and friends, the decision to have an intimate wedding came naturally to Jael and Gilbert. The couple chose to have a simple civil ceremony at the Seattle courthouse in May, followed by a backyard dinner party reception 3 months later at their home in Ballard, complete with a family-style meal, their closest friends – including those of the furry four-legged variety –and a surprise magician!

A huge thank you to Betty Elaine for sharing all the beautiful photos from Jael and Gilbert’s wedding day with us.

Jael, 31 & Gilbert, 45

Seattle, WA

Wedding Date: May 15, 2015 (Wedding Celebration/Reception: August 15, 2015)

Number of Guests: 50

Wedding Cost: $15,000

Wedding Ceremony Location: Seattle Municipal Court

Wedding Reception Location: Our private residence in Ballard, Washington

Why did you have an intimate wedding?

To begin with, Gil and I have always kept a small circle of close friends and our immediate family, so our decision to have a small intimate wedding came naturally.

What are some of the challenges that you faced planning an intimate wedding?

Doing all the planning, coordination and logistics by ourselves. We were not really sure how to pick our vendors at first, so we spent time reading reviews of local vendors, contacting and assessing their personalities and work ethics by the way they responded to our email inquiries and during phone conversations. There was a point where we liked two vendors, but had to pick just one—that was tough! Also, since our wedding reception was at home, we spent several weekends finishing house projects and getting our yard ready leading up to the day of our reception on top of our already quite busy work schedules. But it was also a fun collaborative experience as a couple!

Was it difficult to pare down the guest list?

In the beginning, it was a bit challenging. To stay true to our vision, we came up with some guidelines to help us pare down our list. We kept it small by having immediate family and inviting only our closest friends that we have consistently kept in contact with.

Did you have any ‘issues’ with the small guest list from friends and family? If so, how did you address them?

Once we decided that we were having an intimate wedding, we were pretty firm moving forward with our plan. It also worked out that we could not comfortably fit more than 50 people, plus vendors, in our backyard.

What were the highlights of the ceremony?

We were so lucky to be able to do our ceremony on the rooftop of the Seattle Municipal Court which is only available “weather-permitting”. This made for a gorgeous backdrop of Seattle’s iconic buildings and the Puget Sound!

What were the highlights of the reception?

Our wedding reception came 3 months after our civil ceremony since we wanted to host an outdoor dinner party at our private residence, and living in Seattle, our best chance for dry weather is in the middle of summer—having said that, there was lightning, thunder and a downpour the night before! The next day, however, the day of our wedding reception, the skies cleared! And everything went as we envisioned. We had a string duet playing in the background, a family-style meal shared on long banquet tables, and our furry babies even got to enjoy the special moment with their mom and dad and with all of our guests. Also, perhaps an unexpected highlight to our wedding reception, everyone seemed to the magician who we hired as a surprise treat! 

What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding?

The best thing about having an intimate wedding was being able to celebrate an important juncture in our lives at our own home with our closest friends and family who have seen our relationship grow throughout the years.

What advice do you have for couples who are considering an intimate wedding?

It is easy to get out of control when planning a wedding in general; planning an intimate wedding is not any different. The best advice we can give is that early on during the planning process, try to be objective. Establish your goal, create a plan, and literally write down all the steps it would realistically take for you to reach the goal that you envisioned; from that blueprint you can fine-tune your process as you go along.

Vendors:

Photography: Photography by Betty Elaine

Caterer: City Catering

Cake: Honey Crumb Cake Studio

Flower: Botanique

Invitations: Dahlia Press

Calligraphy: Letters by Ellen

Vintage Furnishings: Vintage Ambiance

Musician: Puget Sound Strings

Entertainment: Nate Jester of Ace of Illusions

Favors: Fran’s Chocolates