There’s something especially meaningful about working with real couples—the kind of connection you can’t script, the kind of love that naturally fills every frame. For our “Let’s Do Brunch” styled shoot, Della and Auzzie brought exactly that: authenticity, warmth, and a quiet, joyful bond that made the entire day feel less like a production and more like a celebration of their story.
Like many modern couples, Della and Auzzie’s engagement has unfolded in its own time, shaped by life’s twists and turns. When they discovered that we only feature real couples as models, they saw an opportunity not just to participate—but to dream. As Auzzie shared, when they did the shoot with us, they hadn’t yet fully envisioned their wedding day, and this experience became a chance to explore what that could look like, guided by a talented team of creatives.
From the moment Della stepped into her gown to the candid, laughter-filled moments they shared between takes, their connection was effortless. Della described feeling completely cared for and uplifted throughout the day, while Auzzie embraced the rare chance to dress up, step away from the everyday, and fully soak in the experience. Together, they brought a playful ease to the shoot—sneaking smiles, sharing inside jokes, and reminding everyone around them what love looks like in its most genuine form.
Their story is a beautiful reflection of what this shoot was all about: celebrating love not as a perfectly planned event, but as an evolving journey—one filled with communication, care, and those small, meaningful moments that bring two people closer every day.
Here you get to know our real couple models, Della & Auzzie just a little more!
ABOVE LOOK ON DELLA & AUZZIE: On Auzzie: Groom’s own Suit, Shirt, and Shoes // Tie from Macy’s
On Della: Headpiece by Adora by Simona // Earrings and Ring by Ruby Noir // Gown from Ellis Blake Bridal
What made you want to model for this photo shoot?
Auzzie: Life circumstances have lengthened our engagement. We haven’t had much time to dream about what we want our special day to be like beyond exploring the possibilities that are shown on social media and in Real Weddings Magazine. When we learned that real couples are their models Della immediately asked if she could apply so that we could see how Real Weddings Magazine and their vendors would create a vision for our love. We were hoping to get inspiration for our own wedding day—and we certainly did!
ABOVE LOOK ON DELLA & AUZZIE: On Auzzie: Suit, Shirt and Shoes from Tuxedo Den // Tie from Macy’s
On Della: Veil by Ariel Taub // Jewelry from Macy’s // Ring by Ruby Noir // Gown from Ellis Blake Bridal // Shoes from DSW
Tell us about your modeling experience.
Della: It was so fun to try on all the different kinds of dresses and have a glam team making me look amazing. I have natural hair so I was a little apprehensive at the thought of having it styled, but the hairstylist could not have done a better job of making me feel at ease with the ways she styled my hair and gave me agency around what I wanted and didn’t want done. I felt cared for and uplifted the whole day, which is such a pleasant change of pace.
Auzzie: The team brought so much energy and excitement to the photo shoot, I couldn’t help but have a great time. I work from home so it has been a long time since I wore a suit but I enjoyed getting dressed up and being in such beautiful settings.
Did you relate to the concept/theme?
Della: I loved the bright and natural feel of it. The oranges and pinks felt like spring.
Auzzie: I thought it was fun that there oranges weaved throughout. I’m from Central California and we are known for our oranges, so I got some ideas on how I could sneak some oranges into our wedding to give it a bit of a hometown vibe.
ABOVE LOOK ON DELLA & AUZZIE: On Auzzie: Suit, Shirt and Shoes from Tuxedo Den // Tie from Macy’s
On Della: Headpiece and Earrings by Adora by Simona // Ring by Ruby Noir // Gown from Brides for a Cause // Shoes from DSW
How was modeling with your significant other?
Della: Auzzie looks great in a suit so that was an extra fun part of the day. I also felt at ease with him as we dealt with the direction from the photographer and the other team members helping us look our best. We exchanged silly faces when we had some short moments of downtime to give our smiles a break. It was nice to spend the whole day with him in such a unique way.
Auzzie: It was surreal in the best way to see my partner all made up in a wedding dress, ready to walk down the aisle as if we were really about to get married.
What was your favorite part of the shoot?
Della: The cows and burro bartenders. They were so sweet and didn’t eat my flowers, which was very professional of them.
Auzzie: I got to spend the whole day making faces at Della and trying to make her laugh.
ABOVE LOOK ON AUZZIE & DELLA: On Auzzie: Suit, Shirt and Shoes from Tuxedo Den // Tie from Macy’s
On Della: Headpiece by Adora by Simona // Earrings from Macy’s // Ring by Ruby Noir // Gown from Ellis Blake Bridal // Shoes from DSW
Tell us about your love story. How did you meet? What was the proposal like?
We became engaged in January of 2022. He came to visit me with his family and watch one of my last dance performances of the year. One of our favorite ways to bond and celebrate is to get dressed up and cook a fancy meal together. This particular time he told me to get dressed up and cooked me a wonderful Brazilian dinner all by himself. I wasn’t suspecting a thing. After the meal he went to my bedroom to “clean up” and called me inside. He had set up donuts that spelled “Marry me Della?” since those are my favorite dessert and had laptop set up to film the proposal. I said yes! A few days later we did an engagement photoshoot with a photographer we had worked with in the past who is fantastic; he planned this as a surprise. Those are some of my favorite photos of us as a couple.
ABOVE LOOK ON DELLA & AUZZIE: On Auzzie: Suit, Shirt and Shoes from Tuxedo Den // Tie from Macy’s
On Della: Headpiece by Adora by Simona // Earrings from Azazie // Ring by Ruby Noir // Gown from Brides for a Cause
Tell us about your wedding day.
Auzzie loves trees so we’re hoping to find a venue with lots of picturesque trees, maybe some where with redwoods. Della loves antique furniture, so she has a vision where the seating for the ceremony will be a bunch of differently colored antique couches spread over a lawn with small tables where people can drink tea or champagne. After the ceremony there might be a social cocktail hour so we can talk to as many of our guests as we can. Then we’ll have a buffet, either taco bar or Cameroonian food, and of course lots of dancing.
ABOVE LOOK ON DELLA & AUZZIE: On Auzzie: Groom’s own Suit, Shirt, and Shoes // Tie from Macy’s
On Della: Wrap by Ariel Taub // Earrings by Renewable Jewels // Ring by Ruby Noir // Gown from Brides for a Cause
If you could offer any advice to engaged couples, what would it be?
Della: Communication and pleasant surprises keep the joy and trust alive. We sometimes ask each other, ’How can I love you best today?’ and organize surprise dates for one another.
Auzzie: I heard somewhere that acts of caregiving are not just expressions of love but key to growing closer, and since then I see opportunities to support Della as a way to deepen our connection.
Special thanks to our real couple models, Della & Auzzie, and to all of the professionals who contributed to this feature!
Click here to see more from our “Let’s Do Brunch” styled shoot!
