Capitol Wedding: Elizabeth & Henry’s Personalized, Small Budget Mormon Wedding in Maryland

 “You should date my brother so we can be sisters”

And that’s how Elizabeth & Henry’s relationship got started. Elizabeth’s friend Calisa wanted to set her up with her brother Henry, but Elizabeth thought Henry was “too young” for her. Fast forward through a few awkward interactions, eventually some charm & a first date on Elizabeth’s birthday! After only two months of dating (yowza!) this couple knew they wanted to spent the rest of their lives together. I think Elizabeth says it best, “I married the man of my dreams. Now I have an amazing husband and a great sister. Calisa got her wish.”

Elizabeth & Henry include a handful of personalized touches in their wedding day, and in order to keep within their small budget, they actually had the wedding on a Thursday! I think my favorite detail from their big day was the pastel ribbon backdrop to their ceremony. Beautiful (and perfect for spring wedding inspiration!).

A special thanks to Balance Photography for sharing their beautiful images for this Maryland wedding feature.

Henry & Elizabeth’s Personalized, Small-Budget Mormon Wedding in Maryland

Vendors:

Ceremony: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Washington D.C. Temple |Reception/Ring Ceremony Venue: Newton White Mansion | Photographer: Balance Photography | Caterer/Cake/Linens: Graul’s Market | Flowers & Decor: Intrigue Designs | Boutonnieres: 2 Hand Studios | Dress: Casablanca Bridal from Bridal’s by Elena | Shoes: Enzo Angiolini | Necklace & Bracelet: Mother’s pearls | Earrings: Chevy Chase Bridal| Rings: Helzberg Diamonds | Bridesmaids: New York & Company (tops), Macy‘s (skirts) | Hair & Makeup: Up-Do’s For I Do’s | Tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse | Ties: Cyberoptix | Invitations: Paper Trousseau | Music: Absolute Entertainment | Photobooth: Party Booths

Something that meant the world to me on the Big Day was the representation of my two grandmothers in my attire. My garter was worn by my maternal grandmother for her wedding. While putting on the garter, I was able to recreate a photo taken of her when she married my grandfather.

My bouquet included brooches and pins that had belonged to my paternal grandmother who passed in 2005. I was thrilled that sentimental items from their lives could be included in the most special day of mine.

Do you love these vintage key boutonnieres as much as I do!? LOVE!

The ceremony location was an easy choice. Being Latter-day Saints (Mormon) we could have been married in the temple of our choice, but the Washington, DC temple has always been a special place for both Henry and I. The night we were engaged, we had visited the temple before Henry popped the question.

Click inside for the rest of Henry  & Elizabeth’s small budget Maryland wedding at Newton White Mansion in Maryland. From Balance Photography.

Selecting our color theme took me back to childhood. I have always loved the combination of navy blue with different shades of pink. Especially the lighter pinks used. They remind me of all my years dancing ballet as a young girl.

How they saved money and kept their small budget in check:

Getting married on a Thursday made planning easier and much more budget friendly. Some vendors offer discounts if you book them for a less popular day. My venue, for example, was half price because we wanted to use it on a weekday!

Another way we saved money was by using our local market to cater and bake our cake. We are very lucky that nearby Graul’s Market makes delicious food and is known locally for doing amazing things at reasonable prices. We wanted simplicity in our food and cake and they delivered.

The Newton White Mansion was a place I liked for a long time. In doing some research, we discovered it was originally owned by the first commanding officer of the U.S.S. Enterprise. I was thrilled when I found this out because Henry’s father would soon be retiring from a career in the Navy and was wearing his dress uniform for the wedding.

Congratulations Elizabeth & Henry! Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful, small budget Maryland wedding at Newton White Mansion with us! A special thanks again to Balance Photography for sharing their images.