By Perfect Wedding Guide ‘National Wedding Expert’, Susan Southerland
When couples are planning on a budget, one of the biggest ways they can save money on their weddings is by being flexible and creative when it comes to selecting their ceremony and reception venue(s). The couple featured in today’s wedding blog made excellent use of their family ties to find their ideal site and stay within their established budget.
Please read on for more details on Natalia and Scott’s special day. Hopefully you’ll find some of their ideas helpful if you’re planning your own wedding!
Susan: How did you and your spouse meet?
Natalia: We met at the Lincoln Center Library for the Performing Arts in New York City. Scott worked there, manning the musicals sheet music desk, and I, as an aspiring musical theater performer, used to come there often to check out sheet music. One day he ran after me in the corridor, telling me he needed to check my library card. I thought it had something to do with library business, but in fact he was just making it up so he could talk to me.
Susan: Tell us about the proposal.
Natalia: I was overseas, visiting family. We went to a museum where there was an exhibit with a huge wall with the writings of a Bible passage on it: “A worthy woman who can find? For her price is far above rubies….” Proverbs 31:10. Turns out that at that same moment, Scott, at home in NY, was pondering whether he should propose to me or not. He opened the Bible at random to see if he could get a clue. The Bible opened at Proverbs 31:10. He sat down and wrote a beautiful proposal poem, and sent it to me by fax.
Susan: Why did you choose your particular wedding location?
Natalia: We got married at my in-law’s backyard in CT. They live in a historic old house built in the 1760s. It’s a beautiful location (and it helped that we didn’t have to pay for a location). It also has an old-time feel to have a wedding at one’s homestead. Scott’s sister had her wedding there, and it made Scott’s parents happy that we were having our wedding there as well.
Susan: What was it like for you on the morning of your wedding?
Natalia: A bit stressful – I had to do my hair, make-up, etc. in time. It was good to have family and friends around, helping me.
Susan: What was the most memorable part of the day for you and your spouse?
Natalia: Exchanging the vows – we wrote our own vows and we had a part for various members of the family to read out, as well. Then various people stood up to make little congratulatory speeches. Hearing everybody speak was very special.
Susan: Were there any particular elements of your wedding day that you considered unique or personal touches?
Natalia: At the wedding, my husband’s father’s country band played (they are in the Country Music Hall of Fame. I joined them in playing a few tunes on the musical saw (I’m a professional musical saw player: www.SawLady.com). We also had a handbell group that entertained at the wedding. My wedding gown was made by my good friend who is also a fashion designer (this was his wedding gift to me). I thought it a waste to have a dress made that I could wear only once, so I had him make it in antique gold and lace, so I could wear it afterward for my concert performances. Writing our own vows was a personal touch, and also the handmade wedding invitations which I designed.
Susan: Based off of your experience, would you share some advice for other brides and grooms who may still be planning their weddings?
Natalia: So many people told us later that ours was the best wedding they attended, because it was different and creative. My advice is to give your wedding a personal touch, be bold and incorporate things you like even if it’s not the conventional thing to do.
Thank you, Natalia and Scott, for sharing the details of your wedding with 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 on our wedding blog!
If you have questions on this or any other wedding related topic, please post for me here on the wedding blog or send me an email to susan(dot)southerland(at)pwg.com. Also become a fan on Facebook (search: Susan Southerland Secret) or follow me on Twitter (@Susansoutherlan).
Your partner in perfect planning,
Susan
