Lake Tahoe Wedding Inspiration: Love Swept {Get to Know}

We’ve got another 21st century love story to share! Jessica and Alan from our Love Swept styled shoot met online and both quickly realized they had found someone to share a life with. And although their wedding is going to be country chic, they enjoyed our rustic beach themed photo shoot. Read on to discover how Alan proposed, and Jessica’s favorite part of modeling!

What made you want to model for this photo shoot?

I originally applied to be a Real Weddings cover model, however we were asked if we wanted to do a concept shoot. We decided to do the shoot mostly because it is something that we have never done before, a once-in-a-lifetime type experience. The fact that we got to do the shoot together made it that much better!

What was your favorite part of modeling?

The modeling itself was very fun, and really tiring. It was thrilling really, not like anything else I’ve ever done. I also loved that I got to try out so many different hair and makeup ideas; it helped me decide what I wanted my hair and makeup to be like for our wedding in May. I also really loved that Alan got so into it and actually enjoyed himself. I was a little nervous since he was so out of his element.

What was your favorite part of this shoot? Did you relate to the concept?

To be honest the concept itself was not what I would typically go for, but I think that is what made it so fun. We both grew up in the country and are having a very country barn wedding, so the glam and beach theme was awesome. It was freezing outside and so windy, but that’s what made the shoot so awesome! It fit the concept perfectly. I felt like a real siren standing on those rocks calling the ships in. I would say my favorite part was being able to do the shoot with Alan and seeing how well he was doing. He was such a natural!

What do you do for a living?

I am currently enrolled in a Bachelors program for Maternal and Child Health: Human Lactation. I also sell LuLaRoe, however I am taking it easy while I’m in school since homework keeps me very busy. Alan is a very busy man; he is a utility worker with PG&E. He works very hard and long hours, and sometimes crazy hours during emergencies.

What do you do for fun?

We are both hunters, mostly duck hunting, so we enjoy going together. We do a lot of housework on our new house that we recently purchased; always a list of stuff to do.

Tell us about your love story. How did you meet? What was the proposal like?

We actually met online. We both were at a point in our lives that were looking for someone that we connected with on a deeper level and we were ready to settle down and start a family. We talked online for about a month because Alan was working out of town. We finally had our first date in June 2016, and he brought me to a California Waterfowl Banquet. We had so much fun that day; I knew he was going to be in my life forever.

Alan proposed on Valentine’s Day. We decided to stay in and order food and have a nice dinner and a movie at home. He came home from work and went straight upstairs to shower without kissing me or anything, which isn’t normal. He came down stairs, went back out to his car and returned with a beautiful bouquet of pink roses. He walked up to me sitting on the couch and handed me the flowers. It was so cute because I knew what he was doing as soon as he walked up to me. He was so nervous, looking like he was going to puke, and he said “Now is a better time than ever,” got down on one knee and said “Jessica, I love you so much and want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?” I giggled because of what he said, got up and said, “Of course I will.” It was the best night of my life. We laugh about it now because of what he said but it’s a good, funny story. I think he was just so nervous that he wasn’t sure what to say.

Tell us about your own wedding.

We are getting married at the Bayley House Barn in Pilot Hill. It’s in the town that I grew up in, so it is extra special for me. I’ve always wanted to have a barn wedding, with a country chic feel. We decided to add a touch of our hobby into the wedding. We are using duck feathers in the floral arrangements and small duck decoys on the tables. It’s going to have our twist of hunting with a classy touch! We are very excited.

What was it like modeling with your real significant other?

It was really fun. Alan did so well and I really enjoyed watching him. I was extremely proud of him. I loved that we got to do a photo shoot that was so different from our style. I felt like we did really well together and can’t wait to see how the pictures turn out.

If you could offer any advice to future brides, what would it be?

Soak it all in and don’t stress out over the little things. Enjoy the planning and process with your soon to be spouse.

-Interviewed by Kelley Saia

THE DETAILS

VENUE AND STYLED CUISINE
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa & Casino | 775-886-6693 | laketahoe.hyatt.com

PHOTOGRAPHER
Randy Jackson Photography | 530-277-7906 | randyjacksonphotography.com
Randy Jackson, Primary Shooter | Rochelle Wilhelms, Second Shooter

DESIGN, STYLING AND COORDINATION
Obsessed Events | 530-295-8154 | obsessedevents.com

STYLING AND FLORAL DESIGN
Placerville Flowers on Main | 530-622-1121 | placervilleflowersonmain.com

CAKE AND DESSERT DESIGN
Frank Vilt’s Cakes | 530-409-7046 | frankviltscakes.com

HAIR AND MAKEUP
Jenifer Haupt, I Make Beautiful | 916-532-9800 | imakebeautiful.com

JESSICA’S GOWNS
Sparkle Bridal Couture | 916-538-6615 | sparklebridalcouture.com

JEWELRY FOR JESSICA’S MAIN AND ADDITIONAL LOOKS
Style Avenue Studios | 916-812-1114 | styleavenuestudios.com

HAIR ACCESSORIES FOR JESSICA’S ADDITIONAL LOOKS
Bel Aire Bridal | belairebridal.com

PAPERIE AND SIGNAGE
Paper n Peonies | 903-780-7772 | papernpeonies.etsy.com

PLANT-DYED SILK TABLE RUNNER
Tan Weddings & Events | 530-601-0914 | tanweddingsandevents.com

STYLING, LOUNGE FURNITURE, SWEETHEART SETEE AND DECOR
The Entertainer | 775-783-9300 | tahoeentertainer.com

FARM TABLE, ROUND TABLE AND LINEN, KONA DINNER PLATES, MAUI SALAD PLATES, NAPKINS, CHAIR WRAPS, TALL WHITE CANDELABRA AND CHIAVARI CHAIRS
Celebrations! Party Rentals & Tents
916-773-2133 | 775-773-8900 | celebrationspartyrentals.com

SILVER CHARGER TRAYS, SILVER COFFEE URN AND SILVER CHAMPAGNE FLUTES
Getting Hitched? Wedding Design & Rentals | 916-807-4505 | gethitchedweddingrentals.com

CUSTOM DECOR PILLOW AND CUSTOM CAKE TOPPER
Swoonable | swoonable.net

VIDEOGRAPHER
Justin Buettner Wedding Photography | 916-220-0159 | jbweddingphoto.com

Special thanks to our real couple models, Jessica & Alan, and all of the professionals who contributed to this feature!