From the couple: We had a big wedding at the San Benito County Fairgrounds in Hollister California, 300 guests total. The venue was a beautifully rustic and large wooden room, very big open space. The pavilion was decorated with twinkle lights and small round bulb lights. There was no central lighting which made for a very romantic and magical mood. The center pieces were wooden flower boxes sitting on burlap runners. The colors were champagne, ivory with gold as an accent. It was a very white wedding. My bouquet was all white peonies. Our ceremony was in the room right next to the pavilion, also all wood but had the feel of a chapel. We made a canopy with white fabric and a chandelier hanging from the middle directly above where we stood. There was a live mariachi band and my dad and I sang a song with them, I also surprised Matthew with a medley of songs my friend arranged for me. Matthew's dad has a collection of old cars and we used a model T for our grand entrance into the reception, we drove right into the pavilion when they announced us. The venue sort of dictated the look and feel of the wedding. It was all wood from floor to ceiling so as far as decorating went we used wine barrels, burlap, white flowers, white candles, all different sizes, and most importantly the lights strung all around the room. All the decorations from the canopy, flowers, flower boxes, table cloths, food, favors, invitations, you name it, were done by my family and friends. It was an absolutely fantastic day, many people said they had a blast and stayed until the very end because there was a lot to miss if they didn't. The night was filled with food, dancing, musical performances, speeches, grand entrances, absolutely incredible photographers (the best of any wedding I've seen) and most importantly all of our family and friends.
Wedding planning advice: - Get a good photographer! - Don't stress about favors, most people forget to take them. - Have great dance music. Don't take over the DJ's job but make a list of "must-play-songs" - Have only the people you REALLY want in your bridal party - Eat! And have your bridesmaids pack you a basket of food for your hotel, you will be hungry again! - Don't make your guest sit under the blazing hot sun during your ceremony, that is not fun or nice. - Wear comfortable shoes, I'd even suggest wearing heels you already have and have broken in, I did and I was very happy about it. - Sleep 8hrs the night before if you can and have a delicious breakfast. - Don't get mad at your mom or siblings over silly things, every one will be stressing the closer you get to the wedding, just remember they love you and are just trying to help.
VENDORS:Photography: Smetona Photography // Venue: Bolado Park // Bridesmaids Dresses: Forever 21 // Florist: Flowers by Bria // Videographer: Origin8 Visuals
