Summer Wedding at Lake Martin | Arissa and Mike

wedding ceremony florals and details from a summer wedding at lake Martin by alabama wedding photographer Sarah Mismash
wedding ceremony florals and details including invitations and rings from a summer wedding at lake Martin by alabama wedding photographer Sarah Mismash

What an incredible wedding day! Something I absolutely loved was the way these guys worked their budget. (Interesting comment for a wedding photographer to make, I know, but bear with me!) These guys knew they had a somewhat limited budget. So they picked their most important priorities, splurged on those, and found ways to save in other areas. Here’s a rundown (to the best of my recollection):

Venue: These guys rented an Airbnb! Which wouldn’t have been “cheap”, exactly, but also definitely wouldn’t have cost the same as a dedicated mansion wedding venue with a pool. I’m guessing they spent a few thousand — but not $7-10,000+.

Wedding Photographer: This was me!! They chose to splurge a bit here.

Wedding Dress, reception dress, and bridesmaid getting ready outfits: all thrifted!

Florals: Definitely went all out here and it shows. These florals were SO so so pretty.

Details: Mostly thrifted but there were some pieces she splurged on (like her shoes!)

a bride laughs with her bridesmaids over champagne while they prepare for the wedding day on lake Martin with alabama wedding photographer Sarah Mismash
an intimate portrait of a couple after their marriage ceremony taken by alabama wedding photographer Sarah Mismash during a summer wedding at lake Martin near Alexander city
a groom and his groomsmen laugh during photos with alabama wedding photographer Sarah Mismash during a summer wedding at lake Martin near Alexander city
a portrait of a couple kissing after their marriage ceremony taken by alabama wedding photographer Sarah Mismash during a summer wedding at lake Martin near Alexander city
a bride poses for alabama wedding photographer Sarah Mismash after changing into her wedding reception dress for the dancing
a couple and the bride's sisters smile for alabama wedding photographer Sarah Mismash during a summer wedding reception at lake Martin near Alexander city
a bride poses with her friends on the dance floor during her wedding reception at lake Martin, near Alexander city alabama
a couple cheers with all their guests and friends on the dance floor during her wedding reception at lake Martin, near Alexander city alabama
a bride dances with her sisters to thriller on the dance floor during her wedding reception at lake Martin, near Alexander city alabama
a couple kisses during their sparkler exit at the end of their wedding reception on lake Martin, near Alexander city alabama