When my partner and I finally decided to plan a wedding, 10 years into our relationship, a certain anxiety began to set in. Was this celebration going to put us into a lifetime of debt? Was it going to be enjoyable for our friends and family? How do we reflect our unique personalities and interests? Are we being too conventional for our queer politics?

It wasn't easy. We had arguments and even called-in a friend to facilitate a very important wedding planning meeting for us, couples therapy style. In the end, we created an affordable, fabulous event that was full of love, and it was the best day of our lives.

In a city as expensive as San Francisco, creating something magical on a budget was a challenge, but we did it. Here's how!