I want to share the story of Mikaela and Colin who tied the knot in an April wedding in Rochester, Vermont. I love everything about this small micro wedding! They rented out an Airbnb for the ceremony, a modern farmhouse which Mikaela called her dream home. While searching for the venue she looked for a spectacular house that stood out. The one she chose was modern and clean and surrounded by rolling hills, an aesthetic that Vermont, where Mikaela was born and raised, is known for.
The couple had only sixteen guests and Mikaela’s life-long friend officiated the wedding. With the exception of her dad walking Mikaela down the aisle, were very few typical wedding traditions to be had.
“I didn’t throw my bouquet, we didn’t have a bride & groom dance, no cake, we kissed and ended the ceremony with “Just Like A Heaven” by the Cure,” Mikaela said. “ It was truly about us with nothing cheesy or uncomfortable and everyone accepted that!”
In addition to finding an Airbnb for the ceremony itself, she also researched and found a vegetarian-friendly farm to table bistro and an inn for her guests to stay at. A dinner was held at the bistro after the ceremony and a small reception was held at the inn.
“Budget-wise, it’s ideal, but you exclude a lot of friends and family members. It’s a decision you have to make and stick with when planning. We are so happy we went with a smaller wedding. It was easy to plan, drama-free and we didn’t break the bank!”
It’s definitely a decision she hasn’t regretted.
Originally, Mikaela didn’t want to hire a professional photographer at all. But, after interviewing five photographers she chose a photographer, Amy Bennett, who understood that Mikaela doesn’t like being in front of the camera: she typically likes being behind the camera. She works as a project manager slash videographer. The research paid off. The bride said she didn’t notice the photographer during the non-staged photos; Rather, Mikaela said Amy blended into the crowd.
The wedding cost Mikaela and her husband less than $7K.
One advantage to having such a small, inexpensive wedding was the opportunity to individualize gifts for her guests. All the women in Mikaela's wedding party received bracelets engraved with Whitney Houston song lyrics, each one individualized and ordered by Mikaela on Etsy.
“I like to give,” Mikaela gushed. “You can really personalize your gift bags.”
In addition to the Whitney Houston inspired bracelets, Mikaela gifted her guests gold tins with chocolates, personalized soy candles in Mason jars with gold lids and cookies. She even included body butter and lip balm that Mikaela made at home.
Mikaela has a few tips for those who want to have a paired down, intimate wedding like her and Colin.
“Write down exactly what you want in a wedding and plan from there,” she advised. “There will always be opinions or a little drama about your guest lists, but you have to stick with your plan and budget! Don’t change your plan!”
Photos by: Amy Bennett Photography
