As Cara and Ted planned their St. Louis wedding they looked for ways to insert their unique personalities. From using a quote from Buddha on the first page of the program to reflect the groom's interest in Buddhism to choosing a mixed wedding party (with one of Ted's female friends standing up with the groomsmen and one of Cara's male friends with the bridesmaids), it wasn't your everyday wedding.
The Bride
Cara Ramsay, 30, public relations consultant
The Groom
Ted Elsas, 33, president of a software development company
The Date
May 21
Cara and Ted both work long hours and travel often for business so hiring a planner would have been helpful, but it wasn't in the budget. "We were paying for our wedding
and saving for our first house at the same time," says Cara. Instead of giving up, the couple got it together. "Many of my vendors said I was the most organized bride they had ever seen. I think they were politely saying I was
too organized, because I truly had lists and excel grids for everything!" Cara laughs. Though the bride says she didn't especially enjoy the planning, knowing it would all pay off in the end kept her going.
-- Alonna Friedman