Wedding Blog

Today’s real wedding blog features a couple who decided to get creative with their limited wedding budget. Rather than a hotel, church or other traditional wedding venue, they opted to exchange their vows at a location in Atlanta with historic charm and character.

I really enjoyed reading how Bonnie and Paul made their day unique and fun for themselves as well as their guests. Please read on to learn more about their real wedding story!

Susan: Tell us about the proposal.
Bonnie: We were visiting Paul’s family in Corpus Christi, TX for the dedication of a sculpture in honor of his father who had passed away six months prior. We drove to San Antonio to drop Paul’s sister at the airport and decided to stay and hang out on the Riverwalk for the day (it was the one-year anniversary of our first date). While walking around La Volita, the artist area of the Riverwalk, we came upon a tiny chapel. A bride was about to walk in and her mother was straightening her dress. We stopped and watched it. I turned around and out of the blue, Paul asked me to marry him. It was so unexpected and surprising that I asked him to repeat what he said. He jovially refused until I answered the question. I quickly said yes, and we stood in the middle of the street hugging and crying. Later that day, we went into one of the jewelry stores and bought a temporary ring for $15, which I wore for the next six months or so until we got the real one. Paul had no plans to ask me to marry him on that day, but the moment struck him and he had to do it.

Susan: Why did you choose your particular wedding location?
Bonnie: Partly for practical reasons. It was close, available and inexpensive compared to other locations we looked at. I also loved that it had history. The Trolley Barn (www.thetrolleybarn.com) used to be the place where Atlanta trolleys were taken to be serviced, back when there was a trolley line down Edgewood Avenue. It’s a beautiful old building with both outside and inside space. We could also choose our own caterer and buy our own drinks, which was an added bonus.

Susan: What was it like for you on the morning of your wedding?
Bonnie: Busy. Since we did a lot of the planning and prep ourselves, we had a lot of work to do that day. We woke up together in our bed (we bought our house 5 months prior to our wedding) and got started on the day’s activities. We decorated the venue, talked to the caterer, hung out with family and friends. Honestly, it was much like getting ready for a big party, which is how we saw our wedding anyway.

Susan: What was the most memorable part of the day for you and Paul?
Bonnie: The entire day was magical for us. And while it was very non-traditional, it was exactly what we wanted. We kept referring to it as a party with a wedding intermission, and that’s what we got. Our friends and family dressed casually, got to hang out with each other and just enjoy our day. The band was fantastic and everyone just kicked off their shoes and danced the night away. The toasts went on for quite a while, as our friends and family all wanted to say something supportive, enlightening or just plain funny. I think the memories I hold are simply that we had an amazing time, and so did our guests. We regularly still hear that we had the best wedding ever, three years later.

Susan: Were there any particular elements of your wedding day that you considered unique or personal touches?
Bonnie: So many. First, we had the cocktail party prior to the ceremony. We had two friends get ordained so they could conduct the ceremony. We purchased our own wine and beer from Costco, and served Menage a Trois wine at the wedding. Everyone came in casual attire and the food was outstanding. Our cake was from Publix, and decorations were simple and homemade. Our goal was not to impress anyone or spend a lot of money…our goal was to have a wonderful time with our family and friends to mark the start of our fun and casual life. Mission accomplished.

Susan: Based off of your experience, would you share some advice for other brides and grooms who may still be planning their weddings?
Bonnie: Do what you want and do your best to stick to your guns. I find so many people spend tons of money and stress so much about their day, and few get to enjoy it to the fullest. Always remember it’s your wedding day, not your family’s, friend’s, or church’s. Make it a day you’ll look back on with a smile and one that you and your spouse will enjoy talking about for the rest of your lives.

Thank you, Bonnie and Paul, for sharing the details of your wedding with all of us! Do you have a real wedding story you would like to share? If so, please email me at the address below with your experience and some photos. You might be the next bride featured in this wedding blog!

If you have questions on this or any other wedding related topic, please post for me here or send me an email to susan(dot)southerland(at)pwg.com. Also become a fan on Facebook by clicking here and follow me on Twitter by clicking here.

Your partner in perfect planning,
Susan