When Vikki from All You Need is Love Events sent this wedding my way, I couldn’t wait to share it. Not only because there are so many sweet DIY touches (like that handmade “just married” banner above), but also because I think the bride has some great advice to share, especially for you couples planning destination weddings.
These are the things that I found the most helpful in planning our wedding: 1) the budget breakdown calculator on The Knot; 2) booking venues & vendors early; 3) Trusting and not controlling vendors (chances are – especially if you booked smart & early – they know what they’re doing); 4) A wonderful, helpful fiance; 5) Pinterest; 6) Etsy; and 7) last, but definitely not least, the amazing ladies of All You Need is Love Events
When Mike & I became engaged, we knew from the start we wanted a Santa Barbara wedding. Mike proposed there, and the small coastal town charm was also perfect for our families traveling in from the midwest. Many rented vacation homes and stayed for a week. For those considering a destination wedding, this was the most wonderful thing ever for several reasons: 1) It allowed Mike & I to relax and start vacationing nearly a week before the wedding, washing away any lingering stresses; 2) Being able to spend so much quality time with families beforehand took away the need to worry about this at the wedding; 3) Our guests loved it!
It was important to me that our wedding have a real personal touch. I’m a print production artist, so I designed all the stationery, including invitations, ceremony programs, reception seating banner, as well as our wedding website – which Mike then programmed into existence from the ground up. I used the scrap paper from the programs to make these cute tags for the favors. Mike’s mom, known for her gorgeous quilting, hand-quilted the most beautiful “Just Married” banner for us, in addition to sewing the ceremony programs and making ribbons for the back of Mike & I’s chairs at the reception.
I love the bride’s advice about planning a destination wedding, and how she also shared the tools she found most helpful in her own planning. Are there any other destination brides out there? Feel free to ask questions or leave your own best advice in the comments!
{Vendors} Coordinators: All You Need is Love Events / Venue and Catering: Canary Hotel / Rentals: Ventura Rentals / Lighting: LBPS Events / Music: Jason Sulkin / DJ: Music by Bonnie / Photographer: Shutterbirds Photography / Floral: All You Need is Love Events / Makeup/Hair: TEAM Hair and Makeup / Officiant: Rich Tobin / Dessert: Enjoy Cupcakes / Linens: La Tavola
