• Real Weddings

Michael and Alison's wedding was an absolutely perfect day. The day began in the shady, magical Muir Woods where the couple and their wedding party looked like a procession of royalty amidst the enormous trees and moody ferns. The wedding itself was situated on the bay with a pristine view of San Francisco at the beautiful venue, The Lyford House. Pastel blues and pinks pop up all throughout the wedding lending it a soft and tender atmosphere to make the day even more wonderful for this happy couple.
Continue reading to hear tips on what to focus your money on to make the most meaningful memories on a budget. Brumley & Wells beautifully photographed Michael and Alison's soft pink and blue wedding, which you can see more of in the full gallery here.

From the Vendors:The Lyford House served as a whimsical and unique venue for the bride and groom to get ready. It's walls are covered in James Audobon prints, and the house is full of antique naturalist instruments, birdwatching books, and elements that make the place feel like the home of a nature enthusiast. Michael and Alison planned their wedding to be a relaxed, schedule-free day with their friends from all over the globe.

Decadent hors d'oeuvres, from Carrie Dove Catering, were passed around all evening long as a string quartet, Montalvo Strings, serenaded the international bunch. Michael and Alison planned their day with very unique priorities, spending only $15 on their wedding rings, and renting a venue that donates all of it's proceeds to support the education and conservation of the Richardson Bay Audubon Center and Sanctuary. With the money they saved on small details, they are honeymooning in Kamchatka, Lake Baikal, Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan and Nepal. It was really fun to see a couple create such a unique wedding experience, and to exercise such freedom in planning the day.

I would suggest that the couple focus on three elements that are important to them. You need to sort out the other elements but don't agonize over them. And think creatively when it comes to venue, music, etc. We wanted live music and used a very talented high school string quartet. They were reasonably priced and absolutely brilliant. We found our garb on sale and made some of our own deserts. My mum did our flowers to save us some money but we used a florist to do the fiddly boutonnieres to save some time. And we selected a venue where our fees would go to a good cause rather than a corporation. Think about what matters to you and your partner and use that to guide you as you plan your wedding. It feels amazing to have friends and family say that the day was "perfectly you."

• Boutonnieres: La Martine Floral Design
• Bow ring: Tiffany's
• Cakes & Catering: Whole Foods Market
• Coordinator & Caterer: Carrie Dove Catering
• Dress Designer: Brumley & Wells
• Fashion: Ulla-Maija Couture
• Favors: Big Island Candies
• Favors: Sacramento Bee Keeping
• Groom's Attire: Ted Baker London
• Hair & Makeup: Aurora Theresa
• Shoe Designer: Paul Green
• String Quartet: Montalvo Strings
• Venue: The Lyford House