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Showing posts with label wedding. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wedding. Show all posts

I am a Finalist for a Wedding Photography Giveaway!


Thursday, September 1, 2011


I have never entered a contest or let alone ever won one. I was searching for random wedding contest online and found a photographer who is doing a 2012 giveaway for a free wedding photography session. Check out her blog here
I entered her giveaway and never thought I would win anything but my fiance and I were chosen to be one of the finalists! We have a very low budget for our wedding and could really benefit from winning this contest.  Remember to check out her blog and vote for Roberto and China! Voting ends September 12! 

Make sure to look at the sidebar where you will see the button for voting for us. This takes you straight to her blog for the voting process! -------->
Thanks everyone! 
xo
China

Confessions of a Budget Savvy Bride


Friday, August 26, 2011


My fiance and I are 21 year old college students planning for a wedding in less than a year with a $5,000 budget...Can we do it?
The average wedding costs around $28,000! So far, this is what we have spent with a little help from my parents. 

1. The wedding dress- The budget for the wedding dress was supposed to be $350 or lower. I found "the one" at David's Bridal for $500. Yes I went a little over my expected budget for the dress but if it's "the one" you might as well splurge a little. 
(Just in case the fiance reads this post)
 2. The Venue: We have spent $1,000 so far on the venue and that is just the deposit. Altogether the venue costs $2,000. We originally wanted the wedding on a Saturday, which would cost us $3,000. We saved $1,000 for booking the wedding on a weekday! Our wedding will be held outside with the reception in a barn at High Country Orchards  in beautiful Washington State. 


3. Hand-making our own decorations: So far I have spend $70.86 on decorations. Mostly the supplies needed to DIY. So far I have DIY'd my bouquet, bridesmaid's pinwheels, groomsmen's boutonniere, invitations, save the date, guestbook and tissue paper pom poms/ flowers. Phew! And still more to do!

4. Photographer: I am very lucky to be having a photographer who is a friend of my moms. She takes amazing photographs and her style of photos is exactly what I want. She is offering us a wedding package that is $800 and she is giving us a free engagement photo shoot! Check out her cute blog!

So far we have spent $2,370.86! That leaves us with $2,629.14 to cover our rings, more decor, catering, favors, tux rental, minister, bridal accessories and bridal party gifts. It's gonna be close and I hope we can do it. 
xo
China 

easy chalkboard mirrored frames


Thursday, August 25, 2011


I am trying to be very budget friendly for my wedding as well as eco friendly. I got inspiration to hand make these easy to-do chalkboard frames from this wedding that has given me so many great ideas.

Supplies
- Mirror with frame (I got mine from a yard sale)
- Chalkboard spray (Michaels)
- Chalk (Target for only $1!)


Step 1: 
Carefully take mirror out of frame. Make sure to clean the mirror well with a glass cleaner.

Step 2:
Spray paint the mirror! I had to put mine in a cardboard box so that I wouldn't ruin the yard (mother's orders).
Let dry for 24 hours....
Step 3:
To break in the board, rub the surface with the side of chalk and remove with a felt eraser.
Reassemble the mirror and BADA-BOOM you're done!

I can't wait to use these for the guest book table and even the dessert table at my wedding! I hope you enjoyed this quick and simple DIY!
xo
China
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