The Details

Nothing but the details...

The average woman would say that they have planned their wedding and had it figured out since they were young. I hadn't thought much about my "big day" or what it would be like and I only had 3 months to plan.

Within the 3 months, this is what I managed to plan out...

The ceremony (which I didn’t entirely plan out), outfits, party decor, and food (which I did).

The Hytch

Once we settled on eloping, I stumbled on The Hytch via Instagram. It's in the name, they help you get hitched but in style. I wanted a quick wedding but I needed glam, and something affordable.

We had options of location, we went with the Sierra Water Gardens because it fit our timeline of events well. with the surprise of elopement the night before we didn't want our friends & families to drive too far and we had a party to get ready for. The space looked magical, despite it had snowed the night before. It honestly took me back to when Blake had proposed, it was a beautiful snowy day in Tahoe. I am so beyond delighted I trusted in them.  

Ceremony Wear

Dress - ASOS

Suit - Macy's

Let me tell you it was a frenzy looking for the "it dress" or the "perfect dress" I looked everywhere.
 from bridal sites thru different styles. But I knew what I was looking for, so once I refined my search I found it! It may not stand time but it fit my budget (it's currently on sale right now!) and I loved how it made me feel & it looks breathtaking in the pictures. I also accessorized with a headdress I bought off of Etsy & star/moon diamond necklace Blake gave me. I kept my hair/makeup super minimal/everyday. 

We got lucky with Blake's suit, we bought it Black Friday at Macy's and it was half off (3pc suit $300). We bought the shirt and tie separately, the shirt is this cute black button up with tiny flowers all over (Macys) & pink satin tie (Express on clearence).  We wanted to (or should I say I wanted? lol) have fun with color and patterns and I'm so happy how it turned out!

*not pictured we also wore Adidas shoes! Comfy, cute, & memorable.

Food & Dessert

Cake Topper - Etsy

Birthday or wedding cake? Why not BOTH.
To those who knew my birthday was the day after my wedding, so my sister and I sneakily told our parents that the cake & desserts were for celebrating my birthday at the party!

We had a family friend on my brother-in-laws side help with desserts: cake, brownies & cookies. We had a mini dessert section. Since the atmosphere was very casual, I chose a cake that would be a fun piece but also attention grabbing, it was also yummy! 

Since the party was very laid back, casual and fun, we just kept the food as such. 

The question is what is wedding food? If everyone is having a good time, and if the food is enjoyable, no one cares! I kept getting judged for intending to have too casual of food but honestly I'd do it again! "Fun & Simple" is what I kept repeating, because as much I wanted the party fun, it also had to be simple.

Bought 4 giant party platter of subs and all the fixings on the side, from Port of Subs. I made BBQ weenies and meatballs, that were so delightful *chefs kiss. Chips & dip were credibly available at every table. As healthy options there were fruit and shrimps (my Tia made them and you can count on a solid mexican tia's recipe).

*Not pictured Food table, I'm sorry. But not really, had such a wild time I just forgot! Just think of this Port of Subs stock image as inpso.

We had a bit of a DIY bar. Grab whatever you wanted or make to drink.

Party decor 

Color, color, and color! 

I am not afraid of color, and mostly I wanted colors to radiate fun energy & just a true good time. So I simply used all the colors. What's more fun than a rainbow? 

Now the party was held at my parents' home, I am so blessed they welcomed a huge group of strangers all to celebrate L-O-V-E. We may have kept the wedding secret, but the party was always in full notion. If the party was being held at my parents they had to know, they just thought it was a "going away" party. 

                                    

   

I love how this came out! 

I really wanted a selfie wall or just somewhere totally ready for the gram. It starts with table covers. Party City had a deal 5 for $5 deal and I got 10, laid them on top of each other (ALL 10 and I suggest having a partner to cut while another holds the table covers), cut into strips, and tie to pole. I bought a 6ft wood pole (about an inch wide) just thin enough that'll fit into a command strip hook and wide enough for group pics! 

How to properly or elegantly stage food was one of the many things I searched on Pinterest. Just put the food on the table, right? When you're having subs & bbq weenies I wanted the serving table to look like my Pinterest likes threw up on it. I bought Scotch wrapping paper &  chalkboard paper and layered them. Once the food was placed I wrote in sharpie and chalk marker all over the table. (trust me it looked cute)

I had found this adorable "Love is Sweet" sign for clearance at Michaels. Something I had learned, shopping December-February, always check the clearance because there were good finds! And I believe that's because it was off season. 

*use extra strips as added decor!

what do you do with a jumbo bag of confetti for under $20? 

Make it rain like it is New Years, obviously. We asked our friends to sprinkle confetti on us as we had our first dance, and you bet our friends felt more obliged to do so. 

        

 This whole process no matter what you choose is stressful, just stay true to you and have fun. I didn't want to wear white, I had subs & bbq weenies at my party, and I wore sneakers all day. I would be lying if I said I didn't stress out, despite my intentions of keeping it “simple”. If you're planning on shopping online shop on a reputable site, or you'll find yourself in a pickle with items not arriving on time or just completely different. Don't be afraid to check the clearance! If you know your date, and you're months away slowly start collecting items, instead of buying all at once (but always be aware of your stash! If you're buying & buying and not keeping track you'll end up with stuff you have or don't need). The dollar store and craft store are a blessing! And if someone asks to help, allow them. We really want to do everything ourselves but once it was crunch time I really valued the help.

💐