Find Out How This Cool Photographer Couple Saved Thousands on Their Beautiful Garden Wedding

For those who follow them on Instagram, you’d know how Kimi Juan and Thomas Caja, both travel photographers, can make you want to go to the beach with their amazing photographs. At 25, both of them tied the knot, and it was all sorts of gorgeous. The couple decided on a ₱300,000 budget, and were determined to stick to it despite the challenges and expenses. But guess what? They pulled it off, and the results were a tasteful rustic garden wedding. How did they do it? I’m sure you’re all eager to know! So we’ve listed five hacks that the couple did, together with Kimi’s tips and experiences on each! Keep scrolling to read what she had to say, as well as get a glimpse of their beautiful photos by Pleiocene Photography!

“It was really the reception venue that cut the costs for us. My lola has a beautiful resort that we were able to turn into a nice intimate reception. It also meant something to me to have it there because that’s where I grew up, and there was a beautiful space to set up that was perfect for our theme. Choosing a simple venue, but getting a really good stylist can save you a lot of money too.”

 

“Close family and friends only! We had 120 guests in total. It was really hard to not invite everyone we knew, but it made our night really special to spend it with our immediate family and closest friends. I think our planner told us that we were the only couple that didn’t add to the guest list last minute–from 120 we even reached 115 (including babies)! Haha!”

 

“I also didn’t splurge much on my wedding gown and shoes. I always wanted a simple dress, but also something that made me stand out. My dress had no train because I just wanted to wear one dress the whole night (what would I do with two dresses anyway?). I also wanted something I could wear again in the future, so it would never just sit in the closet. My dress is an RTW dress, and so are my shoes. I got them at a department store, so it’s really all about choosing very well.”

 

“We didn’t have any! We realized that people don’t even use giveaways, and they would end up just being kalat in someone’s home, so we decided that we wouldn’t give anything away. We thought that as long as everyone was drinking, eating, and having fun, that would make an equally unforgettable night!”

 

“At first our plan was to have a civil wedding only, because it’s just so practical, and we could use the extra money to start our life together. But we decided to have a church wedding and a simple reception, and I challenged myself to stay in budget. With the help of my planner, we were able to find suppliers that could give us our dream wedding at the prices we wanted, and it was really a dream come true for everything to fall into place. Choose your suppliers carefully, there are always cheaper choices that do amazing work, you just gotta look for them. Hire a planner, they’re so useful, especially if you’re busy or don’t want to be stressed.”

 

Photographer: Pleiocene Pictures / Videographer: Mayad Studios / Ceremony Venue: Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish Alabang / Reception Venue: Lake Island Resort / Bride's Dress: Adrianna Papell / Bride's Shoes: Aldo / Bridesmaid Dresses: Tantease / Groom's Suit: Kaye Gorospe / Groom's Shoes: Cole Haan / Groomsmen Suit: Uniqlo / Hairstylist: Suyen Salazar / Makeup Artist: Celine Cabildo / Florist: Kaye Gorospe / Event Stylist: Passion Cooks / Caterer: Passion Cooks / Invitation Design: Hazzel Lactaoen / Invitation Printing: The Invitation Co. / Engagement and Wedding Rings: JMA Jewelry / Choir: Quorista / Host: Vani Altomonte / Wedding Coordinator: Maxine Covar Events / Photobooth: Pose and Print
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