The Couple: Rachel Leach and Darren McCarty
Wedding Date: June 26, 2010
Photography by Sarah Maren Photography
Tell us a little about you and your beloved: Darren and I met five years ago when we worked at the same company together. I’m the social butterfly and he is the the quick wit! We’re really are a perfect match!
What was the most amazing part of your day? As any other bride would say, “The whole day was amazing!” But if I had to narrow it down… I definitely have a top three.
(1) The Reveal: the moment that I saw Darren for the first time on our wedding day was unforgettable. Once we saw each other, all the background noise faded away, and I was left with the calm silence of holding my husband-to-be.
(2) Dancing with my father: Everyone who knows me… knows that this was the pinnacle of my life to date. Being the baby of the family and having a father plagued by heart disease… dancing with Dad was a big deal.
(3) Sunset Photos: Not only did our photographers make us feel like super models… but my new husband and I got to hold each other on the rooftop… watching the sun set on the city where we had fallen in love with each other. It was the perfect day.
What else would you like to share about your big day? Our families and friends are AMAZING. We absolutely could not have had such a memorable day had it not been for the tireless efforts of our family and close friends.
Whether it was making gift bags, running to the ATM, or distracting 5-7 nieces and nephews… no one hesitated to say, “How can I help?” We tried to plan a wedding where our friends and family would have an amazing time… and it turns out, they are the reason it was an amazing time.
Ceremony Site: The Citizen Hotel, Grand Ballroom
Cocktail Hour: The Citizen Hotel, Scandal Lounge
Reception Venue: The Citizen Hotel, 7th Floor Terrace
Photographer: Sarah Maren Photographers
Videographer: Heritage Video
Wedding Planner: Jackie Young, Every Little Detail
Caterer: The Citizen Hotel
Cake: Icing on the Cupcake
Flowers: Ambience Floral Design
Favors: None… have you EVER kept or remembered a wedding favor??? Spend the money on champagne!!
Wedding Dress: Miosa Bride
Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Donna
Hair: Sam Hayes, Jr.
Makeup: Shannon Squires
Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas
DJ/Entertainment/Band: Supernatural Soundz
Honeymoon location: Oh my goodness… well, it was supposed to be Playa del Carmen in Mexico. Unfortunately, Hurricane Alex (first of the season) hit the day after our wedding… which was the day before our departure. Luckily, I learned quickly that I married the right man… because he had purchased trip insurance!! Which gave us enough wiggle room to plan an impromptu honeymoon in San Diego, CA. I wouldn’t have changed a thing!!
Any other of your wedding vendor(s) you’d like to call out? Hamilton’s Jewelers (Sacramento… especially Daniel, my rings are AMAZING!!), Fontaine Dance (Roseville), All Seasons All Reasons Fine Catering (catered my parents cocktail party the evening before the wedding), Judge Tom Cecil, Ten22 (Old Sacramento… especially Koreena Schulz, they hosted our rehearsal dinner and were phenomenal)
First Dance Song: Forever by Ben Harper
Any advice you’d give to our readers who are planning their weddings right now? Holy smokes… ENJOY IT!!! Say thank you more than you think you should. Remember that your fiance asked you to marry him before you determined a “goal weight.” And throw as many parties as you can… this is the one time it is all about you two!!
Anything that you would have done differently if you were given the chance? Not a single thing.
Photos courtesy of Sarah Maren Photography
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