This couple deserves a standing ovation, a really nice prize or how about just a lot of big ol’ whopping respect from us here at SMP for putting together such a gorgeously tasteful and stylish wedding with a modest budget. We are so impressed with the bride’s DIY execution, and the fact that she partnered with Sautee Nacoochee Vineyards to hold the first wedding ever at the venue is just icing on the cake. The pictures are simply a must; so enjoy browsing through all of them in the gallery, courtesy of Ashley Ryan Photography.
From the Bride… I stumbled upon Sautee Nacoochee Vineyards while my fiance and his parents were wine tasting in the North Georgia mountains one weekend. While talking to one of the staff members, we got onto the conversation about weddings, how popular they have become on vineyards, and how I have always dreamed of having my wedding on a vineyard. Fate took over because the staff member informed me the venue was finishing up their wedding venue and looking to book their first wedding. I immediately got in touch with the owner and set up a time to come see the venue. It was perfect and everything I could have wanted. It was homey, vintage, romantic, laid back, simple, and absolutely breathtaking! I am proud to say that I did everything DIY and created this wedding on a serious budget. The total cost of my wedding was — ready? $5,000.00! Everything turned out perfect and could have not been more enjoyable. For it being the venue’s first wedding, they assisted in so many tasks and were helpful every step of the planning process. I am truly blessed to have family and friends with such creative minds and help me along the way — and Pinterest!
The venue really came through on decoration. Instead of chairs, I opted for their cloth benches that have”live, laugh, love, dream” painted on them. The view was immaculate enough, so to go along with the winery theme I had a wine barrel replace where an altar would be that we placed our unity candle on. Along the aisle, we had stakes in the ground with candle holders hanging on them. It was tastefully simple. My little niece walked down the aisle with a “here comes the bride” sign before I walked out. Another idea from Pinterest. My little nephew carried our rings on a pillow my grandmother made out of her mother’s lace handkerchief. Such a sweet idea. For the reception, I used the tables provided by the venue and rented white linens. I got half my table top ideas from Pinterest, and my grandmother added her special touch to the other half of tables. I bought birch wood slices off the internet and put mason jars with candles in them wrapped in lace. It created such a romantic ambiance. My grandmother put together vintage bird cages. Our food was catered by Moe’s Original BBQ. We know the owners, so they definitely went above and beyond to make sure everything ran smoothly. The menu hung from a clothespin on chicken coop wire, which was another idea from Pinterest! My cake was made by my mother’s cousin who owns a bakery. She made tiers miniature cupcakes, and at the top of the tier, she placed a mini cake for us to cut. The grooms cake was made of mini red velvet cupcakes with butter cream icing on top! Our DJ is my dear friend’s husband. He really pumped up the crowd and played such a variety of music. For a guest “book,” we had a large wooden L made that our guests signed with a metallic pin. It really turned out great, and now we now have it hanging in our house.
Everything about this wedding expressed Colt’s and my taste and laid-back nature. Out main concern was for everyone to feel comfortable, have a great time and enjoy the breathtaking view of the vineyard. Guest were coming up to me, saying it was one of the best weddings they have been to, which made me so happy — I never thought I would have a wedding due to my budget, but if you plan accordingly, take on your own tasks and make it about you and your husband, everything will fall in place. I honestly wasn’t expecting it to be perfect because we couldn’t afford the luxuries I thought I “needed” but it indeed turned out perfect!
Wedding Photography: Ashley Ryan Photography / Wedding Venue: Sautee Nacoochee Vineyards in Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia / Floral Design: The Bride’s Grandmother / Event Design + Planning: The Bride + Sautee Nacoochee Vineyards / Catering: Moe’s Original BBQ / Wedding Invitations: Invitations by Brittany / DJ: To the Rescue Entertainment / Wedding Dress: Bari Jay via Wedding Angels Boutique / Bride’s Shoes: Lulu Townsend / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Wedding Angels Boutique / Men’s Tuxedos: Calvin Klein via Men’s Wearhouse