Bonnie, artist & Kenneth, film production

Sum-up of the wedding vibe: A chill ceremony in paradise, surrounded by the people closest to us.

Planned budget: $25,000
Actual budget: $20,000
Number of guests: 15
LOCATION: Tulum, Mexico

Where we allocated the most funds:

We are both visual people, and we knew the images taken of our wedding day were really important to both of us. Bonnie did lots of research on sites like A Practical Wedding to find a photographer that matched the vibe we wanted.

Where we allocated the least funds:

Cake, flowers, table settings, and stationery. We saved time and money by sending out digital invites, since we had a small number of guests. We handmade the menus and designed our own nameplates for dinner and flew with them. The hotel had some unsightly peripheral construction during our ceremony, and we offered to buy the workers beer to pause the construction work. The manager comped a room night and offered us a voucher at their spa due to this minor inconvenience.

What was totally worth it:

The photography. DO NOT SKIMP ON THIS.