Real Wedding: Brittany and Brandon

How was the question popped?

He proposed while we were taking a walk one night around my apartment complex. He brought up memories we’d made over the years I’d been there and talked about starting over in the same area. He says he was trying to lead the conversation into a more romantic direction but I was making it difficult by being the realist when usually that's his role! I thought he was talking about buying a house so I brought up pros and cons and prices! Then he told me that even with all of that, he wasn't afraid. I asked him, "not afraid of what?" and he said, "of being your husband"! When I looked up at him he pulled me towards him, kissed me, and dropped to his knee and opened the ring box. He asked me to marry him and I was screaming so much that I forgot to say yes. I tossed everything I was holding- gloves, water bottle. After I calmed down I was like, "are you serious right now??" He said, "of course! Why do you think I'm down here!?" And I said, "OH! Right! YES!!" I was so excited I couldn't even wait for him to get the ring all the way on my finger. I shoved it on myself. I was in shock for about a week. I felt so special.

Talk about the wedding planning process... How long were you engaged?  What planning tools did you use? 

We were engaged for about 10 months which was more than enough time for planning. I’m a medical student and couldn’t have done it without a planner. Sarah and Damon Goude of Regalo Design were lifesavers. Even though I had a planner, I still wanted to come up with all the ideas on décor, so I went to the Pink Bridal Show and I browsed a lot of planning sites such as The Pink Book, Ashley’s Bride Guide, Wedding Channel, and Ruffled Blog for inspiration.

Brittany + Brandon :: Teaser from Catchlight Cinema on Vimeo.

What was your vision/theme?  How did you bring it to life?

I had high hopes of DIYing my accessories and table decorations but, as a medical student, there was just no way I could make that happen. I wanted to make my girls’ birdcage veils as well as my own. I wanted to learn calligraphy for our thank you sign to use for thank you post cards. None of this happened but I had a lot of fun browsing Ebay for the vintage items that I used as table decorations and Etsy for my accessories.

I adore the elegance and class of the classic jazz era so I really had fun searching for a band with that sound, a getaway car, and little details that were reminiscent of that period. The vintage furniture section of our reception was, by far, my favorite, in terms of décor. Mao Thao of FourInchFold Vintage Rentals did an amazing job styling it and I added old family wedding photos, setting up our “Polaroid”-style guest book there. Through browsing wedding blogs, I ran into more ideas and if I liked something I tried to incorporate it, whether it was vintage or new, eclectic or traditional. I’m glad I did that. Although our “theme” was elegant and jazzy with some vintage touches, I threw in “Oh The Places You’ll Go” by Dr. Seuss as one of our ceremony readings because I read it and it was silly and exciting! Our guests really enjoyed the personal touches. Your wedding should always be about what you love and what makes you happy.

What was your wedding day budget? Where did you save big?  Where did you splurge?

We planned for 250 and initially started with a $25,000 budget, which we quickly blew. But, we saved SO much money (like thousands!!) with Regalo Design. Everything we booked in their name was tax free and they are master negotiators! The most we saved was on the venue. I splurged on the band because it was important to me to have live music and the vintage furniture rentals and décor that was set up in our reception space. It was well worth it because that little vintage section was my favorite part of all the décor. 

What's the best advice you can give a bride and groom planning their wedding?

The day of our wedding, it rained ALL day! So, all of the meticulous planning was kind of pointless. I would advise any bride to just enjoy the process and the day and focus more on the love that you’ve found instead of miniscule details because you really have no idea how it will all turn out. And no matter how it turns out, it’s always beautiful because it’s your wedding day and you’re in love and celebrating and nothing else matters! 

What has surprised you most during the first few months of marriage?

I thought we couldn’t be closer or more in love than on our wedding day but I’m amazed at how much more we’ve learned about each other and how much our love has grown in these few months. It’s great! He’s truly my best friend and the love of my life! It’s exciting to know it’s only going to grow. 

Here's to a happy and long marriage!  Congrats to you both!  Here's a list of all the great vendors that made this dream come true...

• Photographer: Aubrey Joy Photography (Based in Washington State... see more of Brittany and Brandon's pictures here.)
• Wedding Planner: Regalo Design
• Caterer: Schermerhorn Symphony Center
• Florist: Regalo Design
• Cake: The Bake Shoppe
• Invitations & Calligraphy: Anibella Ink + Paper
• Jewelry: Etsy.com
• Rings: Genesis Diamonds
• Hair and Makeup: Marian Carden of Trade Secret, Green Hills Mall
• Bridal Shop (Gown): The White Room
• Formalwear: Street Tuxedo
• Bridal Party Attire: The White Room
• Ceremony Location: Schermerhorn Symphony Center- Main Lobby
• Reception Location: Schermerhorn Symphony Center- Concert Hall
• Transportation: Nashville Wedding Cars (1939 Packard)
• Videographer: Catchlight Cinema
• Music/Entertainment: Nashville Jazz Orchestra
• Rentals and Décor: Regalo Design
• Vintage Furniture Rentals: Four Inch Fold
• Officiate/ Minister: Furman Fordham II of Riverside Chapel SDA