She Strengthens

A Wedding That Truly Matters

When my parents decided to tie the knot seven years ago, they didn’t want a grand, extravagant affair. They’d been together for over a decade, and all they needed was a simple, heartfelt celebration of their love. As a 14-year-old, I was thrilled to take on the challenge of planning their special day.

A Personal and Intimate Celebration

My parents wanted a low-key, joyful celebration that reflected their personalities. They didn’t want a huge, flashy wedding that would distract from the true meaning of the occasion. We opted for a beautiful lakeside ceremony with only 60 close friends and family members in attendance. Every detail was carefully chosen to reflect their love story, from the James Bond-themed table names to the first dance to J Lo’s “Baby I Love U!”

Prioritizing What Matters

We had to work within a budget of £3,000, which meant making some tough decisions. We skipped the expensive frills and focused on what truly mattered: the love and commitment they were making to each other. My mom’s dress was a stunning £30 eBay find, and our friends and family pitched in to help with everything from DJing to making the cake.

A Day Filled with Joy

The result was a wedding that was truly unforgettable. The whole day was filled with laughter, love, and joy. Our friends and family danced the night away, and even took home the adorable heart-shaped tree table settings as a memento.

Lessons Learned

Looking back, I realize that planning a wedding on a budget forced us to prioritize what truly matters. It’s not about impressing others or keeping up with traditions; it’s about celebrating the love and commitment between two people. If you’re a foodie, focus your budget on the catering. If you don’t want a big, poufy dress, don’t have one. It’s all about spending your money on what makes you happy.

Breaking Free from Tradition

The one thing I wish could’ve been different is that my parents didn’t feel pressured to conform to traditional wedding standards. They shouldn’t have had to worry about whether their union was “proper” or not. But we refused to let that hold us back. We created our own wedding model, one that celebrated their love and commitment in a way that was true to who they are.

A Lasting Legacy

Seven years later, I still cherish the memories of that special day. It was a powerful reminder that love is what truly matters, and that we should never let societal expectations hold us back from celebrating it in our own unique way.