A couple started planning their winery wedding without a set budget. Here's how their $73,000 day came together, from a pricey venue to DIY decor.

Samantha GrindellMar 30, 2024, 16:25 IST

Mark and Julia Baugh on their wedding day.Amber Dawn Photography

High-school sweethearts Julia and Mark Baugh got married on September 3, 2023.
Julia broke down their $73,405 wedding day for Business Insider.

When Julia and Mark Baugh got engaged, they didn't know much about the cost of a wedding.

They were the first of their friends to get married, meaning they had no real idea of venue prices, how much a floral arch would cost, or what they could expect to pay a videographer.

Julia spoke to Business Insider about how their wedding came together, breaking down the cost of their day.

Julia and Mark Baugh have been together since they were teenagers.

The Baughs are high-school sweethearts. Amber Dawn Photography

When they got engaged in 2021, the Baughs didn't know much about weddings.

They got engaged in 2021.Amber Dawn Photography

As they started planning, Julia and Mark weren't sure how much to budget for their wedding.

The Baughs didn't know much about wedding costs before they got engaged.Amber Dawn Photography

They fell in love with a winery.

They liked that their venue was a one-stop shop. Amber Dawn Photography

Julia also liked that the venue provided catering and bar services as part of its wedding package.

The venue was the costliest element of the wedding.Amber Dawn Photography

Julia wanted to invest in florals for the wedding.

The wedding had a plethora of flowers.Amber Dawn Photography

But the Baughs reused the flowers that made a statement at their ceremony to get the most bang for their buck.

The flowers helped to create the aesthetic. Amber Dawn Photography

The Baughs also rented furniture to add more seating for their guests.

They added additional furniture to the reception space.Amber Dawn Photography

To make the day run smoothly, the couple hired a coordinator for the wedding.

Hiring a coordinator made the wedding day easier.Amber Dawn Photography

The Baughs added DIY touches to their wedding, which saved them money and brought their vision to life.

The groom made the seating chart.Amber Dawn Photography

Julia also designed their menu cards.

The bride made the menu cards.Amber Dawn Photography

The Baughs also added an ice cream cart to their day.

Guests got to enjoy ice cream sandwiches.Amber Dawn Photography

Julia and Mark's wedding was documented in several ways.

Pictures were an important part of the day.Amber Dawn Photography

They also hired a videographer.

They chose to have a videographer as well.Amber Dawn Photography

The Baughs had a content coordinator to document candid moments from the day, too.

They hired a content coordinator.Amber Dawn Photography

Music played a big role in the couple's wedding.

They had strings at the ceremony and a DJ at the reception.Amber Dawn Photography

Julia's wedding dress was a gift, but she paid for her hair and makeup for the nuptials.

The bride in her full glam.Amber Dawn Photography

Julia and Mark hired an officiant, but they said private vows, too.

They hired an officiant.Amber Dawn Photography

In total, the couple's wedding cost over $73,000.

The wedding cost $73,405.Amber Dawn Photography

Six months into their marriage, Julia and Mark are closer than ever.

The couple on their wedding day.Amber Dawn Photography

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