{Real Bride Series} Sabrina

White, Black and Red. Wanted to keep it a classic theme.

How many bridesmaids did you have?
I had 4 bridesmaids. All of my bridesmaids were AMAZING! They all know me so well, that they were the most help whenever I needed something. My matron of honor, April has been my best friend since 4th grade so it was so special to me to have her by my side.

Where did you find your dress? Was finding the dress a difficult process or relatively easy? 

I found a picture of what I wanted my dress to look like online. I tried to find the actual dress, but no luck. I knew whatever dress I found I was going to have to have a seamstress do some custom work. My mom and matron of honor went one weekend to several shops, my budget was very low so I was looking for an off the rack dress. We found a couple possibilities, but no “ah ha moment”. I had posted something on facebook about going dress shopping and an old high school friend private messaged me and told me that her grandmother owned a bridal dress shop and was closing it – all dresses were $100!!! I rushed over there by myself and narrowed it down to two dresses – Mom and April met me that night there and I ended up buying both dresses.

Two wedding dresses for $200 – I was in heaven. Took both dresses to an amazing seamstress, told her what I wanted and she transformed the simple $100 dress into exactly what I wanted. Simple wedding/ball gown dress with black trim at waist and at the bottom. My now husband was so amazed that my final dress with cleaning and alterations cost a total of $500. And I still have that second wedding dress if anyone is in need. 

Where did your ceremony and reception take place? 

We got married at ASU Old Main. We both just wanted a venue with a historic background story and I wanted red brick for nice background in our pictures. The cool thing is that we are both ASU Alumni – Go Devils!

What flowers did you choose for your bouquet and throughout the wedding? 

My flowers were white daisies and red roses. Again, I just wanted simply, but elegant.

What was the flavor of your cake? 

We choose not to have a cake, but do a chocolate fountain instead. It was a hit! Everyone liked all the choices of what to cover in chocolate: strawberries, marshmallows, rice krispy treats, pineapple, cookies, pretzels, etc.

Did you provide favors to your guests? 

We decided to save a little money and forego having favors and instead be able to host an open bar for our guests.

Is there a detail that you had at your wedding that makes it unique? 

Our centerpieces were very unique for us. We had 3 cylinder vases and wrapped them with a transparent image from Spain, France & Italy – these were the destinations for our honeymoon. My husband was in charge of this and they came out fantastic – filled them with water and had a floating candle in each of them.

What was your pick for “first dance” with your husband? Is there meaning to the song selection? We (aka “I”) picked Tim McGraw, My Best Friend. My husband is not really a country fan, but the words of the song symbolize our love for each other and our relationship.

Any favorite moments that stand out in the day?  

So many of them…where do I start…here are just a few. 1. My bridesmaids opening a bottle of champagne in the hotel while us getting ready and it exploding all over her and her dress. 2. Us girls being on time and waiting for the guys to be ready. 3. The first look picture…loved the look he gave me. 4. The photo booth was a blast 5. My Matron of Honors speech – it rocked! 5. Going to In-Out Burger at 2am in my wedding dress. And last but not least…calling him my Husband

Did you take a honeymoon? If so where did you go? 

Not only did we take a honeymoon, we took a trip of a lifetime! We explored Spain, France and Italy for 24 full days. In Spain we went to Malaga, Majorca and Barcelona. France we mostly stayed in Paris. Italy we toured Venice, Naples, Sorrento, Positano, Almafi, Rome, and Tuscany. The best part is we did it on our own, no travel agent, no limos or taxi, just us on one hell of an adventure.

What is one piece of advice you will leave for future brides?

Enjoy! Enjoy the fun and the memories, don’t get caught up on the things that matter to other people. Just because your friend did it one way or society says this is how weddings should be…do it your way. Skimp on the wedding budget and have a big honeymoon/vacation together.

Vendors:

Photographer: Courtney Lively Photography//Makeup: Micky at Babydoll Weddings//Hair: Lisa at Diversity in Hair//Florist: Jack and Jills Flowers//Chocolate Fountain: A Time for Chocolate//DJ: Fannning Flames DJ//Venue: ASU Old Main//Catering: Atlasta Catering//Event Coordinator: Pro Em.