The Broke-Ass Bride: Bad-ass Wedding Inspiration on a Broke-Ass Budget

The Ride of our Lives: A Cinderella Story, part 1

I relished in every single minute of the “prettifying” part of my wedding day like it the sleepover party of my dreams. Surrounded by my favorite ladies (sisters Dawn and Kim, future SIL Cathy, bestie Mapo, future SIL Judith and my mom), getting the royal treatment, feeling full of joy, relaxed and openhearted, my body buzzing with anticipation. It was a fairy tale transformation that made me feel like a bad-ass princess, ready to take on the day, find my prince charming and waltz our way into our happily-ever-after.

Cinderella smile.

It started with my hairdresser Martina putting tight Shirley Temple curls all around my head….

Curlsplosion!

…which she then had to brush completely out to achieve the perfect look, before fastening my gorgeous, custom TS Tiara headband across me like a whimsical crystal halo.  At this point, Martina had been my hairdresser for nearly 2 years by the point we reached this day. She’s adorable and bubbly and warm, and she made my hair look ultrafly. I loved having her there to share in the excitement.

tying the knot before tying the knot.

Meanwhile, my dress was waiting patiently….. showing off for the camera.

with my coat of many colors.

Even the dresses had their own special makeover party.  A few days before the rehearsal, my wedding dress designer Deborah Lindquist saved the day by doing a last-minute alteration on my rehearsal dress.  When we picked it up, she thrilled us with a generous offer to come over the morning of the wedding not only deliver but steam my dress and help me into it. You might remember that I worked with Deb for nearly a year, after bartering a work-trade for a discount on the gown, and we bonded through that experience. I was so touched when she offered to come help.  That morning she surprised us by offering to also steam the bridesmaid’s dresses so everyone would look perfect. I felt so spoiled with love! Having her there was so special.

a colorful gaggle of tafetta.

I took care of some last minute hygiene (to make sure that first kiss would be as sweet as ever)

brusha brusha brusha!

And carefully nested the bottle of wine given to us by our friend Nick, who crafted us the most gorgeous box for the box ceremony….

here's hoping we don't meet again soon.

I swathed it in a vintage sari depicting the Baraat (an indian wedding processional) which was a recurring element in our paper goods.

yards of marital marching.

Paco wanted to wish me a happy wedding day, too.

today, we become a true family.

I checked in with my mom for some girlish giggly glee…

Mamaw, you look marvelous!

While my vows, our rings and a letter from our best homey in absentia to include in the box ceremony canoodled quietly.  Our rings are nestled into a seashell from the beach in San Felipe on which Hunter proposed to me. My dad fastened a bit of ribbon onto the lip of the seashell with epoxy, we strung a ring on each side, and tied a bow. That way it could be passed around during the Ring Warming Ceremony (more to come on that) in a ‘cradle of love’, as-it-were.

Our rings sat in a seashell from the beach where he proposed.

I inserted my “cutlets” and maid of honor Dawn felt me up to make sure they were secure. I needed them to fill out the bustier of my dress a little better. What can I say, I”m a proud member of the itty bitty titty committee. These cutlets would prove to be the only thing that save me from certain death by mortification later that night.

Tune in tokyo.

Our incredible makeup gal, Jessica Rinsky, put the finishing touches on my momma’s lips. We found Jessica at the Laura Mercier counter at Nordstrom – The Grove, in a moment of desperation after a failed makeup trial elsewhere and hired her on the spot. Her personality and talent were bright shining stars! I am very particular about makeup… but she made me and my mother glow as if it were completely natural. If you don’t like feeling like you’re wearing lots of makeup, and want a really natural radiance, I totes recommend Laura Mercier’s line.

a perfect pout.

Then it was my turn to hop in the (effing fabulous) chair once more to get my final touchups done.

My sweatpants said "Love this Life" across the rear. And how I do.

Painting on the perfect pucker.

Waterproof mascara please (I'm a crier).

Pucker up, buttercup!

My ladies each signed the sole of my shoe, so their support would keep me sure-footed through the day.

What a gorgeous momma I've got!

Mapo drew a margarita. She knows me too well.

Sister Kim left her mark while Paco made a fort underfoot.

Let's play dress up!

….Then it was time to get in the gown! Come back for part 2: Dress up time!

(Catch up on past recaps here. See more details in our wedding highlight video here.)