Coastal Chic Wedding for under $5,000

Exactly one year ago this month, I had the honor of designing and planning the wedding of Kim Porter and Derrick Wilson, a couple from Baton Rouge, LA. When Kim and Derrick contacted me, we had exactly 4 months to plan the wedding. The couple wanted to have a beachfront wedding and a reception that would accommodate 40 guests. Given the short time frame, a five thousand dollar budget and a location where I had no contacts - I had my work cut out for me. Close proximity to water was high on Kim and Derrick's priority list, as far as location. With time constraints, and budget guidelines, I quickly decided that the best location was the Mississippi Gulf Coast. In less than a 2 hour drive, we found the most serene setting on a stretch of white sand in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, with a rustic and chic setting that was perfect for the ceremony. There wasn't time to order formal bridesmaids gowns, so I started searching for off-the-rack white linen dresses, and I found the most perfect and dainty white ones from Old Navy (for $20 each). The town of Ocean Springs, quickly became of one my favorite among a string of coastal cities that had been battered by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Ocean Springs is very artsy but still very "Mayberry", Main Street is adorned with cute shops, galleries, and restaurants. After only 3 visits to Ocean Springs, and lunch at 3 restaurants - we decided on Al Fresco Italian Bistro for the reception. Again, with very little time for planning and going over the menu details repeatedly - the management and staff at Al Fresco was extremely accommodating and more than a delight to work with. The food was fabulous, atmosphere absolutely "Saturday Afternoon Sophisticated". This wedding was one of my favorites because it exemplified the best in entertaining on a budget. If you are in the Ocean Springs area, be sure and check out Al Fresco for lunch or dinner. Their website address can be found under "LOVELEE Places".