What is your favorite wedding day memory?

So many it’s hard to choose. I think it would have to be our ceremony. We had it outside of our venue. My brother-in-law was our officiant so it was very personal to Joe and I. We had not heard any of the speech beforehand, so it was as a much of a surprise to us as it was to our guests. He had everyone laughing throughout most of it and some people even commented that it was the best ceremony they’ve ever been a part of. We didn’t do things very “traditional” and it was much more laid back than the typical ceremony so maybe that’s why people enjoyed it so much.

What did you DIY for your wedding?

Designed our invitation suite + envelopes, all the wedding signs, posters and corn hole boards. Hand wrote our escort cards on seashells that I bought on Etsy. Put together the table decorations {bought paper flowers and table numbers on Etsy, and other miscellaneous items from Hobby Lobby}. Made the groom and groomsman boutonniere’s from left over paper flowers, twine and driftwood and hand punched confetti with my now husband!

Did you have a something old, new, borrowed or blue?

We didn’t do very traditional things. I didn’t wear something “old”, but we had a table with all of our grandparents and parents pictures on their wedding days. I had a lot of “new” things: my wedding dress, necklace, veil, etc. I got the idea for wearing Sperry’s from my mom, so I guess the concept is “borrowed”. She wore white sneakers on her wedding day in 1973. We both hate heels and prefer to be comfortable! I am short, measuring at just about 5′ 3″ but I didn’t want to be in pain on one of the biggest days of our lives.

Any advice for brides currently in the planning process?

SO MUCH. Ask for help if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Wear flats if that’s what you’re used to, “pain is beauty” doesn’t apply since you can’t even see your shoes. Facebook market and Etsy might be your best friend during the planning process. “Don’t sweat the small stuff” is VERY true on your wedding day, it’s not worth the stress. Time really does fly by, so take it all in. EAT, please eat – breakfast, lunch and dinner! {I highly recommend a donut wall for the morning of}. Pick a “first dance” song that is meaningful to you and your soon to be husband, it doesn’t have to be “top 40”, we picked an oldie and are so happy we did. Wake up extra early and take a bubble bath. Drink water in between each glass of wine. Don’t look at the weather report two weeks out, it will change! Do not book your honeymoon the day after the wedding, have a day buffer to relax and get organized and definitely pack for it before your wedding. -Catie, the Bride

Event Credits

Photography: Once Like A Spark // Videographer: NST Pictures // Venue + Catering: Newport Beach House // Wedding Planner: One Love By Erica // Paper Flowers: Myrtle And Quince // Invitations: Ollie Print Shoppe // Photobooth: Photo Booth Planet // DJ: Boston Beats // Engagement Ring: Gold Leaf Jewelry // Bride's Attire: Haley Paige // Bride's Shoes: Sperry // Bridesmaid's Attire: Jenny Yoo // Bridemaid's Shoes: DSW // Bridesmaid's Jewelry: Silverstorm // Hair: Kara Evans Hair // Make-up: Bella Rose Beauty // Groom + Groomsmen's Attire: Generation Tux // Ties: Ties.com // Favor Bags: SWD Parties // Table Numbers: Z Create Design // Guestbook Sign: Z Create Design // Guestbook: Starboard Press // Seashells for Nametags: Coastal Glamour