Happy Real Weddings Wednesdays, everyone! Today we’re celebrating Meghan and Daniel, who’s beautiful love story makes its way to The Palms. Photographed by the fabulous Susie Mendoza Photography, expect lots of greenery, a stunning, detailed gown (thanks Always Elegant Bridal!) and timeless finishes and decor, courtesy of We Do Designs. Happy Wednesday, and happy reading!

Bridal gown hanging up outside in The Palms.

Bride smiling at the camera.

 

Bride having her bridesmaid zip up her dress.

Groom fixing his suit and getting ready for his wedding.

Tell us a little about you and your beloved.

We are high school sweethearts. We dated for almost 10 years before getting engaged. We love to travel! The wedding theme was inspired by our trip to Europe; old times, whimsical elegance that can be found there, British gardens, [and the] Palace Versailles Hall of Mirrors.

Groom wiping a tear at his first look.

Groom pressing his forehead into his bride's temple for the camera.

Bride and groom posing on a bridge surrounded by palm trees.

Groom dipping his bride in their empty reception room.

What was the best part of your wedding day?

Watching everything we had planned come to life in such a beautiful way and sharing all the special moments with our loved ones and close friends.

Bride posing with all her bridesmaids.

Groom and his groomsmen posing together outside for photos.

Bridal party cheering as the bride and groom kiss.

The bridal party sitting with one another.

What else would you like to share about your big day?

There were three things [that were] very important to my husband that we agreed to at the start of wedding planning. 1. Our dog Bella had to be involved. 2. The venue had to be climate controlled. 3.) He wanted a party! Including all of these items made the day perfect! Our sweet girl walked down the aisle with her own floral collar and pearl leash, and we got incredible photos with her that are so special. It was hot (as any summer in Northern California is) so the indoor reception with AC was brilliant. We did a first look, private vows, and bridal party pictures before the ceremony to expedite the timeline. The short ceremony started at 3:30, all extended family photos were complete by 4:15, and dinner was done by six, leaving the rest of the night for the party! Daniel never left the dance floor and we had so many people share it [with]. [It] was the most fun wedding they had been to in years!

A sign that reads, "Welcome to Meghan and Daniel's wedding".

Father of the bride walking her down the aisle.

Photo of the bride and groom holding hands at the altar.

Bride and groom kissing in black and white, after saying 'I do'.

Bride and groom walking down the aisle together and celebrating.

Groom dipping his bride after saying "I do".

What advice would you give to our readers who are planning their weddings right now?

Don’t overdo the DIY. Projects may seem doable, and they are, but too many DIY projects left to the end of the timeline causes unnecessary stress and takes the fun out of the projects. If you are able, hire out, or purchase some of the items. Ultimately, don’t let tasks linger until one month before the wedding.

Groom holding up his bride as she kisses him.

Bride and groom posing together and smiling at the camera.

Bride and groom hugging while the bride's veil flows in the wind.

Groom kissing his bride's forehead inside of her veil.

Bride and groom walking away from the camera and kissing.

Groom dipping his bride as they walk towards the rest of their guests.

Photo of the reception venue, full of white tables and hanging flowers.

Bridesmaid giving a speech to the bride and groom at their shared table.

Groom dipping his bride for their first dance.

Anything you would have done differently?

Our wedding was such a dream, but the morning after the wedding I asked myself this exact question and only three minor [things] came to mind: 1. Practice our first kiss – both myself and my husband reached for each others necks, then I quickly moved my hands to his waist – so the true ‘first kiss’ photo shows our arms tangled! 2. Be more intentional about taking in the morning-of, and getting some staged ‘getting ready’ pictures with my bridesmaids – the morning was a whirlwind and I wish I had been more present with them in that time. 3. Move the cake into the center of the dance floor so everyone could see the cake cutting!

Bride and groom cutting their wedding cake.

Photos courtesy of and copyright Susie Mendoza Photography used with permission.

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