A couple took the internet by storm by being fiscally responsible over their wedding day choices. Many wondered how they pulled off their big day celebration without breaking the bank, so the bride took to social media to share a few tips and tricks on how they did it, and how you can too.
The bride and groom, Kiara and Joel Brokenbrough, pulled it off by keeping things as minimal as possible for their wedding day.
Their backstory is just as sweet and simple as their beautiful wedding day. They had known each other before but the two reconnected in 2018 and began dating shortly afterward. The thing that truly connected them was their spirituality. They were engaged for one month before getting married on February 12.
According to local ABC7 News, newlyweds Kiara and Joel spent $500.00 covering her dress, venue, and reception. Ladies, you may want to pay attention for your big day because Kiara dropped some gems while speaking to Good Morning America.
Kiara explained, “Our goal was to just be as minimal as possible. And to spend the least amount of money as possible.” The bride purchased her wedding dress from the popular brand Shein which only cost $47. “I didn’t want to spend a lot of money on a dress because I had the mindset I’m gonna wear this one time for a few hours,” she said.
The location of the ceremony was off the Angeles Crest Highway with Southern California’s San Gabriel and Sierra Pelona Mountains as a beautiful backdrop. Due to not applying for a public permit, they only invited about 30 to 40 relatives and close friends. The couple only paid for the chairs and an arch for the ceremony.
“You have a wedding, with witnesses there to witness you, vowing to your spouse, vowing to God that you guys are going to stay together for life,” said Kiara. “And then you celebrate with food, drinks, and dance. And that’s exactly what we did.”
Kiara had a lot of support from family and friends. Her godmother gifted the couple flowers. Her godsister and aunt chipped in with a wedding cake.
When it came to the reception at nearby Misty’s Lounge, Kiara said her guests purchased their own food and drinks, the bride says they “Understood the assignment. They understood the things that we were trying to do, and they really supported us.”
Though unconventional the couple believed that their matrimony truly reflected the essence of what it means to get married.
The couple said they did not want to go into debt prior to marriage. They hoped their wedding day inspires other couples to save money.
“Don’t let a budget stop you from marrying that person. If you feel like you need to get married, let our wedding be a sign to you that it doesn’t take all that and it can definitely happen,” said Kiara.
Kiara is a social media manager and content creator. Joel is a former professional basketball player who played in several countries and now coaches basketball at North Hollywood high school. he also teaches P.E. at several schools in the area. He hopes to someday coach at the college level and mentor young men and women about their purpose.
Watch the video below:
