Anytime I take on a new writing project, I like to talk about it with the people around me. My family, my friends, even unsuspecting victims that come in to eat where I work nights; they all receive a surprise barrage of questions on any number of unrelated topics. I have to say, the wedding series has fast become my favorite project. I now understand why batty old grandmothers interrogate their flocks about their love lives. It’s fun.
Though some people do squirm hilariously when commitment questions pop up; others rise to the occasion marvelously. I have been wooed to tears in recent weeks by tales of passion, romance, and (occasionally) heartbreak. I have to say though, I really love the one I’m about to share with you. This wedding was non-traditional, low-budget, and ridiculously romantic.
One evening back in July of 2014, young Asheville couple, Ali Johnson and Jacob Whitman, along with only a handful of their closest family and friends, gathered in their Oakley backyard where they exchanged rings and vows. The wedding was fairly quick, but immeasurably sweet. Not a dry eye was to be found in the crowd; even the couple’s pup was overcome by the emotions tumbling like waves through the air.
“Having the ceremony in my backyard allowed us to incorporate our dog, Max. I was so emotional and focused on getting my vows out without crying, I didn’t notice anything he was doing. He sat on my dress right beside us as we took hands as husband and wife.”
Clearly rocking in the romance department, Ali and Jake’s story stands as testament that a couple doesn’t have to break the bank, nor bow to traditional expectations, to pull off their dream wedding. I asked Ali how they managed it:
“Asheville has no shortage of wedding services that are easy to work with for all ranges of budget; even if you are not a wedding planner. I had an overwhelming amount of flower farms, venues (even nontraditional venues will often accommodate a wedding), photographers, and food to choose from. It made creating my wedding eclectic and memorable.
Overall I feel like we budgeted very wisely. I like to be organized and get bargains, so I saved a lot of money doing things myself, and hunting deals. We also tapped into friends and acquaintances for a good portion of our services, which aided our budget.”
By discovering what was truly important to them, this couple was able to put aside the stress of planning a traditional wedding, and created something unique for themselves. Ali employed her artistic expertise and her team of bridesmaids which assembled bouquets with flowers sourced from Lady Luck Flower Farm. They ditched the dry, flavorless cake by making their own homemade tiramisu. (Did we mention, Jake’s a chef?) Instead of the traditional sit-down reception, they opted for the food truck, El-Kimchi, so guests could eat and mingle at their leisure. Ali and Jake were even able to snag an exceptional photographer in their friend, Adam Wamsley, who is currently operating out of New York.
If anything, this story is proof that the real magic in a good wedding, is about the people, not the stuff. So many times, we get lost in color schemes, seating arrangements, and playlists that we lose sight of the true importance of such a day. No matter how much money you have to throw at it, if you’re in love that’s something to celebrate, and it shouldn’t take a back seat to the details. Invite who you want, do it where you’re happy, and only fill it with things that make your love shine brighter.
Ali Whitman is the owner of Art Organized, and can often be found among the precious pieces at Blue Spiral 1. Jake Whitman is Executive Chef at Native Kitchen Social Pub.
All flowers were provided by Lady Luck Flower Farm.
All photos are to the credit of Adam Wamsley, who is now working in fashion photography in New York.