Last October, my wife and I exchanged our vows in an enchanting, intimate setting at Lola Cafe, QC. The place has a Glass House for special events like ours. With its transparent walls, the space bathed in natural light, creating an idyllic backdrop for our small gathering of 35 cherished friends and family. I'd say this would take the significant chunck of the budget.
The journey to our wedding day was as memorable as the event itself, thanks to our meticulous planning using Notion. Here's how we broke it down:
- Sourcing Suppliers: My wife took the lead here, her knack for finding the perfect vendors made our wedding uniquely ours. From the florist who decorated the glass house with vibrant bouquets and warm lights to coordinators and sounds. Though the caterer was provided by the venue as well we just need to choose the menu.
- Cost Management: My role was to ensure that our dream wedding stayed within budget. Using Notion, I documented every expense, from the venue cost to the smallest decorative item. We had a shared page where we could both update and track
- Venue: The Glass House at Lola Cafe was reasonably priced for intimate gatherings, and we benefited from their event package which included basic setup and with food.
- Catering: Provided by the venue we just had to choose from the menu.
- Decorations: Flowers, lighting, and table theme and arrangement.
- Photography and Videography: We invested in a photographer who specialized in small, intimate weddings, ensuring every moment was captured without the pressure of a large crowd.
- Miscellaneous: Everything from invitations to thank you gifts.
This system not only helped us manage our finances but also kept us aligned on every aspect of our planning.
The day began with clear skies, perfectly complementing the glass house's open feel. Then it drizzled for several minutes, it gave us the cozy feels when the soft rain touches the glass atop, then it transitioned to sunny again not long after. Here’s how the rest of it unfolded:
- Ceremony: Simple yet elegant, with vows exchanged under a floral arch, the natural light and greenery outside setting a serene scene.
- Reception: The transition to the reception was seamless as it was in the same place, which allowed for much ease, intimate conversations and laughter as well.
- Moments Captured: Our photographer and videographer not only captured the traditional shots but also the candid moments that made our day so special. The photos and videos now serve as a beautiful reminder of the love and joy shared.
Our wedding not only celebrated our union but also opened eyes to the possibilities of smaller, more personal weddings. It's been heartening to see our choices resonate with others, possibly setting a trend for more intimate, meaningful ceremonies. For those considering a similar path, remember - it's not about the size of the crowd but the depth of the connection.
- Many expressed a newfound appreciation for smaller weddings, highlighting the warmth and closeness of the event.
- Some question was, "How much did all this cost?" While we didn't share exact numbers, and gave them a range and we explained that by halving the guest list, we more than halved our expenses, making a luxurious experience affordable.
- Some guests even started brainstorming their own small wedding ideas, asking for tips on vendors and planning tools like Notion which helped us so much.
Oh yea, we went to Japan! 🗻 🎌 🍜 😁