Budget Planning with an extra touch

Katie, her mom and I had so much fun planning this special photo project to surprise her Dad.

Katie grew up with her family having a vacation home in Telluride, Colorado and her Dad always sharing the tradition of the brides in the mountains. When Katie and Preston became engaged he said, "Katie, I guess now you plan can  your ride down the center of town on a mule on the wedding day".

Once they shared that story  I said, "We must find a mule and surprise your dad with a photo".

Hence forth, our search began for a mule, not a donkey!' With an assistant researching and contacting ranches, pony rides, veterinarians and riding stables, we received a call back from Jeff Cook, owner of Widow Maker Trail Rides with the perfect mule. He was so gracious and happy to help us with our adventure.

We had a blast that day, meeting in Southlake, with  Andrea Polito, the photographer, all smiles and Katie in her beautiful Carolina Herrera dress-being hoisted up on Jake the mule.

Needless to say, it was a special moment when Katie surprised  her Dad with the picture following  the father/daughter dance at Arlington Hall in Dallas.

Photography: http://www.politophotography.com/

Location of Photo Moment: www.campalexander.com/widowmaker/widowindex.htm

Bridal Dress: http://www.carolinaherrera.com/

Reception Location: http://www.arlingtonhallatleepark.com/

Tips:

1. When planning your wedding with a budget in mind, try to prioritize specific areas that are most important

     to you for your wedding day.

2. Ask yourself if certain details will matter or be noticed,  keeping  your guest enjoyment  as a priority.

3. Once you have begun obtaining contracts from  each  service vendor- provide an extra copy to your

     family and wedding cooridnator

4. With an excel program, similar to your vendor contact list,  provide a section for each vendor- noting the

     total payment, deposit amount and payment service- check or credit card. Insert the payment schedule

     and date for the final balance it due.    Refer to and update  this document often.