Whimsical Texas Wedding: Budget Breakdown & Love Story
Michael and Tarin grew up in the same neighborhood in the suburbs of Chicago and while there was a brief moment of middle school romance, they remained close friends as they grew into adulthood. Then in college their love was rekindled and five years later they tied the knot at a gorgeous wedding at Le San Michele in Austin, Texas. Michael and Tarin kept it simple with minimal decorations complimenting the whimsical furniture and lighting the venue already had in place.
Read on to hear more from Tarin about their special day, especially their full budget breakdown! Visit the full gallery here to see so much more of this whimsical wedding at Le San Michele, all beautifully captured by Heather Hawkins Photography.
From the Bride:I’m a bit unconventional in the sense that I never dreamt of a wedding, and a few other senses too I suppose. Even after getting engaged I never purchased a bridal magazine, never took a dance lesson, never went cake tasting, never met with a florist, never rented tables, never came up with a color scheme, never went on a diet and never even had a dress fitting. Our ‘plan’ for the wedding was simple, invite awesome people and keep it casual. That we did.
So sure, over the course of our engagement there weren’t a lot of “traditional” (and fun to some) wedding planning activities. However, there also wasn’t any stress. It was light and playful. We were able to fully enjoy the day with our friends and family, who had so kindly traveled from all over to celebrate with us. We can only hope they enjoyed it half as much as we did.
We ordered (the famous) Franklin BBQ, rented music equipment to hookup an ipod, had a dear friend get internet-ordained to administer the wedding, rented buses to transport our guests, hired bartenders, reserved the greatest photographer, and selected a ceremony and reception site that already had tables, chairs and lighting. I made cobbler for dessert and my mom did the flowers. That’s about it.
Read on to see how much this whimsical wedding cost as well as Michael and Tarin's love story. Please note that costs change as the years go by, and prices are subject to change. This is just one couple’s breakdown to give you a rough estimate on how much a wedding like this may cost you.
Venue: 25%
Photographer: 10%
Alcohol & Bartenders: 15%
Food: 15%
Dresses: 5%
Groom's Attire: 5%
Bus Transportation: 10%
Miscellaneous Items: 15% (invitations, jewelry, groomsmen and bridesmaid gifts, gratuity, music equipment rentals, our stay while in Austin.. ect)
From the Bride:Growing up just two blocks apart in a suburb of Chicago, our love story began about fifteen years ago during our awkward pre-teen years. The first time we kissed, I was in braces and am pretty sure he was wearing a puka shell necklace. We were both wearing something that said ‘Abercrombie’ of course. Shockingly, our love didn’t make it through high school but we remained friends.
Many years later I was living in South Carolina, sitting in a Wills, Trusts and Estates class and trying my hardest to get out of attending the law school-med school Halloween party. Yes I’m serious - as awesome as that sounds. That is when I texted Michael - who was living in Texas - asking what he was doing for Halloween. He responded with, “picking you up from the airport.” We were engaged about five years later. The boy’s got game.
View All Images
- Bartenders: Austin Occasions
- Bride Shoes: Madewell
- Bridemaids Dresses: Anthropologie
- Bus Rental: Austin Charter Services
- Caterer: Franklin BBQ
- Dress & Apparel: Valentino
- Dress & Apparel: BHLDN
- Groom & His Men: Brooks Brothers
- Groom & His Men: J.Crew
- Hair: Propaganda Hair Group
- Photographer: Heather Hawkins Photography
- Venue: Le San Michele