M2

It was Intimate
As I stood at the end of the aisle before my big entrance, I couldn't help but appreciate that everyone in the crowd was not only a familiar face, but the face of people I loved and admired. While I was waiting in the wings with my parents, I was shaking and unable to control my nerves, but as soon as I saw that the people who would witness me pledge my love to my best friend were my favorite people in the world, my nerves disappeared. Everyone there had their own special story of our relationship and it made the entire event feel like home.

It helped our budget
My now husband and I paid for our wedding on our own, and the smaller guest list allowed us to get other things we otherwise would of had to forgo. Knowing we wouldn't have to spend too much on invitations and meals let us a splurge on things that ended up being the best parts of our wedding: We got our favorite photographers, were able to add in a videographer, and even planned a day-after sightseeing bus around the city for all our guests. All of these things would have been nixed had our guest list been bigger.

It lowered our stress levels
We had our wedding in Philadelphia, but the majority of our loved ones were coming from Florida. It just so happens that the week of our wedding, a major hurricane hit the Sunshine State and I spent the days leading up to the day rebooking flights and hotel rooms. While the situation was stressful, having less people to worry about helped our stress levels immensely. Plus, since our entire guest list was made up of close family and friends, no one had a problem with the added costs and worries that came with the last minute changes.

We were able to enjoy everyone
Many couples often note that the entire wedding was a blur and they don't even remember seeing half the people who were there. While I can agree that our whole day definitely felt like a blur, I can wholeheartedly say that I spent time with each and every one of my guests. Being able to show my friends and family how much they mean to me on my wedding day is something I will always remember.

We look back at our pictures with adoration
When looking back on the wedding albums of my family members, I am constantly asking "who is that?" I know that with our wedding photos, we will be able to look back and remember every single person who was there. I look forward to the day our kids watch our wedding video and recognize every person in the crowd.

If you're like me and your small guest list has you concerned, remember all the amazing things that come out of having a small, intimate wedding. For my husband and I, it was the best "mishap" that could have ever happened to us.

Style Me Pretty Contributor - Jessica Tzikas is a freelance writer, editor, and content manager from South Florida, who recently moved back to the sunshine state after living in Philadelphia for the past few years. When she isn't writing, you can find her reading by the beach, practicing yoga, and exploring nearby towns with her new husband.