Blue White Red // Independence Day Inspiration

We over here at Borrowed & Blue would like to wish you a Happy 4th of July and extend our gratitude for the many soldiers past, present, and future who are risking their lives to protect our freedoms, and we'd also like to remember the families who have to be without their husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, partners, children--sometimes indefinitely.


In honor of Independence Day, we'd love to share the beauty of Jessica White Photography and share how this beautiful wedding couple were savvy in their wedding planning.

This stunning couple wanted a destination wedding away from the hectic New York City they live in. Instead of hiring a photographer from their home city, they hired a local (and fabulous) photographer in their destination city, which meant they didn't have to pay travel expenses, freeing up their wedding budget! If you're considering a destination wedding, do some research on local vendors and you may find that hiring local is much cheaper than dealing with travel expenses. (Although not always, so make sure you always do your research!)

Share the love and like her Facebook page here! {{Seriously, all of her work is swoon-worthy! You won't regret it.}}

Stay tuned for more tips on how to save on wedding photography expenses!

Cheers!

Vendor Spotlight: The Utah House

A few weeks ago, I was researching affordable and beautiful venues to feature, and was getting very discouraged because it seemed like almost every venue cost more than my entire wedding. Right when I thought all hope was lost, I stumbled across The Utah House, located in Kaysville, UT.  I was amazed with how gorgeous it was, so I decided to get in contact with Jayne, the coordinator for the Utah House, and she was kind enough to send me some pictures of their venue and answer a few questions about the services they offer.  This venue is not only a great place for a wedding reception, but it is affordable enough to rent out for any type of event.  If you live in the Utah area, be sure to check it out!

What is the Utah House?

I like to remind prospective brides that the Utah House was not designed as a reception venue.  The main goal of the Utah House is to demonstrate, educate, and empower the public about new ways of constructing homes and landscapes that promote the sustainable use of resources, energy efficiency, water conservation, healthy indoor environments, and universal design.  Soon after the Utah House was built it was quickly realized that it was also a beautiful venue for other events.  The water wise landscape and beautiful facility offer a great backdrop for weddings, parties, and other small gatherings.

How many weddings/events do you host a day?

The Utah House can accommodate one wedding per day, and the USU Botanical Center can accomodate 2 weddings per day.

What is the maximum number of guests you can accomodate?

The Utah House can accommodate 200 guests at a given time.

What is the site fee & what does it include?  

The site fee is $400 Monday through Thursday and $500 Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  It includes the entire house (with the exception of the office space) and landscape, 40 chairs, and several tables sized 36" X 60" and 18" X 60".  We have cabana style tables (29" square) and a sound system available for rent.

Do you have space for the bride to get ready?

The Utah House has a large master bedroom with a beautiful master bath.  These spaces are ideal for bridal preparations.

Is there a time limit on how long a party can be at your venue? 

The rental time period is for 6 hours, this includes set up and tear down/clean up.  If more time is needed, clients can purchase extra time for the rate of $50 per hour.

Can brides use their own vendors, or do you work with a certain set?

At the moment there are no restrictions on using outside vendors.

Do you have event planners on staff?

No, but staff is available to answer any questions and to work with brides and planners to make their event successful.  A staff person will be available during the rental period to offer support.

Are brides allowed to bring in their own decorations?

Yes, brides are welcome to bring in their own decorations.  We do have a few restrictions. (Jayne has provided me with a list of these restrictions. Pleas contact me if you are interested in learning more.)

What advice would you give to brides who are searching for a venue for their ceremony/reception?

The advice I would give to brides is to come and visit the site before making any decisions.  many of their questions and concerns can be answered simply by stopping by and touring the facility.

Note: The Utah House is part of the USU Botanical Center, which is home to 3 different venues that can be rented for events: The Wetland Discovery Point, The Rasmussen Teaching Garden, and The Garden Pavilion.  You may see all these venues here and keep your eyes open for individual features on them on B&B in the future.

Feel free to contact me at budgetweddingsandevents@gmail.com with any questions or for more information regarding this venue!

Alyssa Ence Photography

Photography is probably the biggest part of your wedding budget, along with the dress, so it's important to find someone who is both amazing at photography and not ridiculously expensive!  I was researching affordable vendors to spotlight on this blog, and all the amazing photographers I found cost more than my entire wedding.  I thought all hope was lost, but then I remembered my cute friend Alyssa.  She takes gorgeous pictures and her prices are so reasonable.  I honestly wish I would have had her take my wedding pictures!  Alyssa was kind enough to send me some information about her business, Alyssa Ence Photography, and I can't get over how amazing she is at her job.  Read on, and you'll see what I'm talking about!

Why wedding photography?

First off, I love capturing weddings because there is so much emotion in the whole day.  Pictures on your wedding day tell so many stories and thoughts that you truly can't express in words.  I am there to make your day less stressful and my job is to capture EVERY moment of your special day!

What are some of your pricing options for wedding packages?

I really like to customize it for each bride, depending on how much time they are needing out of me.  Their time is much more valuable and is worth the price!  I like to discuss what the bride expects out of me so I can get a better idea of what her day is going to be and where I will need to be.  I don't like to make a set price because I feel like everyone's day and everyone's vision of what they want their photographer to do and be is completely different.

Where are you willing to travel to take pictures?

I am based in St. George, but I travel throughout Utah!  Obviously, traveling fees would apply, but no matter the distance I will try to be there to capture your big day!

What are some of your favorite areas to shoot?

I love shooting in different areas that you wouldn't expect to be the prettiest.  I also really love shooting in random backgrounds that make the person stand out even more and make the audience go, "Wow, I never thought that could look so cool!"  Another area I love is old vintage rundown buildings.

What advice do you have for new photographers?

My advice for any photographers wanting to shoot weddings is, first thing's first-- NEVER miss a moment.  Always have your camera at full speed and bring extra SD cards.  It amazes me how many pictures I take that I get home and think, "Thank goodness I captured that moment!"  You don't want a disappointed bride!

What is your advice for brides looking for a photographer?

When choosing a photographer, they obviously have to be in  your price range, but definitely don't go so cheap that a relative is forced to take them just so you can save a few bucks.  Photography is definitely worth the money!  I have so many people say, "I wish I would have paid the extra money to get a better photographer who knew what they were doing, instead of my relative that thinks she has a nice camera."  Your wedding day is the one day you can't RETAKE pictures at, so make sure you really think about that.  Pictures and video are the only thing you can look back at for your wedding, so make sure you get the person you like even if it's spending a little more than you thought.

You can find Alyssa Ence Photography here:  Website//Facebook//Blog

Thanks, Alyssa, for letting me feature you here on B&B!  I seriously can't get over how amazing her pictures are.  If you're hungry to see more, like me, be sure to check out her website and like her on FB!  Also, if you have any more questions for Alyssa, or to book her for your special day, you can contact her at alyssaencephotography@gmail.com.