|
Tying the Knot in Country Elegance
By Tracy Rolling
 | | Ashley Hall and Garrett Butler thumb through wedding magazines collecting ideas for their Ramona wedding.
Photo by Tracy Rolling |
|
Can couples plan the happiest day of their lives creatively, elegantly and locally, while observing a sensible budget?
"Sure they can," says Ashley Hall, a local preschool teacher, and Garrett Butler, a heavy equipment operator, who are counting down the days until their fall wedding.
As the duo plan their "I dos," the bride-to-be says, "Our theme is country elegance, and our colors are red, black and white."
Sharing how their love story began more than four years ago, the twosome describes how they met at a homecoming party arranged by Hall's parents, who were lifelong friends of the Butlers.
They began dating, and Butler proposed last December under an oak tree in Ramona, where they had once carved their names.
Thus far they have set a date, booked the church and reserved a reception location, but between now and the big day there is much to be done.
Thanks to Butler's mom Carlene Butler, a veteran wedding and party planner, some of the tasks will be simplified as she shares prudent tricks of the trade.
"Not all invitations have to be ordered. Brides and grooms have more options, like local stores that carry specialty themed paper and pre-printed invitations. These documents can be creatively personalized," says Carlene, adding, "Nowadays, couples are making more decisions together about the particulars. It allows the wedding to be a unique blend of both the bride and groom."
This is true for Hall and Butler as they navigate through their own wedding plans. One of their first unanimous decisions was to have their reception at Dos Picos Park.
Nestled under a romantic canopy of oak trees, the couple's celebration will feature twinkling white lights, red floral bouquets on white linen tabletops and specially-prepared carne asada for about 200 guests.
Other park amenities include a nearby children's play area, a picturesque setting complete with a gazebo and convenient parking.
Besides agreeing on the location, wedding party attire and a disc jockey for the reception, the couple has hired a professional photographer - Courtney McIntosh-Allison of Fairy Tale Creations.
"We heard about Courtney from Carlene and learned that photography is one area where we should flex our budget," says Hall.
"When couples are choosing a wedding photographer, they should think of it as purchasing a lifelong keepsake," Carlene suggests, advising people to hire smart, seek references and not spend more than $2,400.
Another important element is the wedding cake; it symbolizes luck and unity.
"Here, again, the cake can be personalized to represent the couple's tastes and interests," says Carlene.
From a three-tiered cake with cascading flowers to a monogrammed cake with
icing ribbon, there are literally thousands of designs to choose from.
As well, cakes vary in price and can be topped with the more traditional statues or a bride and groom figurine dressed in camouflage, a Hall-Butler choice as they both hunt small game.
Butler's best man will be his brother, Hayden Butler, while Hall's bridesmaid will be her sister, Alyssa Hall. Her junior bridesmaid will be Taylor Butler, Garrett's daughter.
Reiterating the importance of planning, Carlene says, "The key is to plan a beautiful day that will be shared with family and friends and remembered forever."
Hall and Butler plan to reside in Ramona and estimate their wedding will cost less than $7,000.
| 
