Introducing Andrew and Katja, a quirky, fun loving, down to earth couple from Sheldon, Vermont. Two weeks ago we brought them onto our site talking about the prelude to their wedding, their engagement, and relationship. We found out that these two were close to being high school sweethearts, and have grown together in friendship for quite sometime. Today we are walking you through their planning process, seeing how they made their wedding uniquely them.
“During our engagement we spent a lot of time discussing what we envisioned for certain aspects of our wedding – constantly confirming that we shared the same values. We also prepared for our lives together, finding our home in Sheldon and making plans for home improvement projects, our garden, and pets.”
Andrew and Katja, having recently purchased a house, were very careful to not compromise their incredibly tight budget of $10,000 to $15,000. They remembered that the hardest part of the process was to stay within this budget without compromising their vision. They wanted their wedding to reflect them as a couple and the friendship that they hve with the people around them.
“The best parts were whenever we figured out a detail that we’d had no good ideas for. Probably the most exciting was 
when we finally figured out the perfect way to incorporate board games, one of our favorite hobbies. We read online the idea of using Carcassonne, a tile laying game, as the guestbook. We had guests sign tiles then we arrange them according to the game rules, framed them and hung them on our wall. Continuing with this train of thought, we decided to have small games on each table and to have the winner take the game home. We also decided to have meeples (little board game people shaped pieces) as the wedding favors and giant meeples for our cake toppers.” By incorporating their board games Andrew and Katja were able to show a reflection of themselves without breaking that tight budget. As a plus, they are now able to use their centerpieces over and over again. They also made budget conscious food and beverage options keeping them within their range.
“First we picked the “tier” that was within budget, then it was pretty easy to select the menu. We knew we wanted a cheese platter and clam chowder, because those were the tastiest starters. We then picked the vegetarian options that sounded best to us, picked the only fish option, and picked the meat option that my mom and sister said tasted best (we’re both vegetarian). For the cake we had cupcakes and a small cutting cake, because I don’t really like cake but love cupcakes, and Andrew liked that choice too. We didn’t stress too much over the menu decisions.”
As a bit of a “splurge” Katja was able to purchase her favorite dress. They wanted a casual yet classy feel and had the gentleman dressing in bowties and khakis. “I got my dress at Fiori Bridal in Essex, which was the first place (of three) I went to look at dresses. I had the best experience there (maybe in part because that was the one place where all my bridesmaids and my mom and mom-in-law came with me to help me pick). I ended up spending a little more than I intended but the dress was perfect; simple and elegant. The dress was made by Casablanca.”
It is imperative while wedding planning to really decide what is important to you and trying to focus on that rather than the smaller details which could stress you out. Andrew and Katja wanted to focus on the fun aspects of their wedding such as guests playing the board games an relaxing in the Mountains. The ceremony and reception took place in Jay Peak, Vermont.
“Everything was perfect. Even though it poured and we had to move to our back-up ceremony location, we were totally happy with the way everything turned out.”
Andrew and Katja wanted to remind everyone to not stress all that much, at the end of the day you are married and around all of our family and friends that are there to love and support you.
“So far the hardest part has been getting used to my new last name. Enjoy every moment of the wedding, because it goes by so fast! Part of what makes Andrew and I such a strong couple is our similar family values, which come from our equally fantastic families and how we were raised. We’ve been supported by both of our families throughout our relationship, and both felt like a part of each others’ families before it was “official”, making the transition an easy one. Likewise we have great friends who have been there to support us and will continue to be there for us. We have many people to go to if we ever need help or advice.”
