Happy Real Weddings Wednesday, folks! Today, we’re celebrating Monique + Christian’s beautiful, garden ceremony. Make sure to keep scrolling so you can see more wonderful photos from Karissa Wright Productions, along with personal insights from the couple themselves. Happy Wednesday!
Tell us a little about you and your beloved.
We had met at Monique’s cousin’s 21st party. The following week, Christian had asked my friend to ask me if we all could hang out. The first time we hung out we clicked before the night ended [and] he asked for my number. I had an upcoming surgery to get my tonsils removed and he texted me the day of my surgery telling me “good luck.” Christian even texted once I got out to see how I was doing. I honestly thought he forgot since we didn’t talk much. After that we started hanging out every weekend and started texting every day. He waited ten months for me to meet my step-daughter and seven years later we are almost married for a year. I (Monique) was graduating college and was planning on taking graduation pictures. Christian knew I love Fall, and had told me I should take it during Fall in Yosemite. This was his was of planning the proposal. I had told him when he proposed, I wanted my nails done, someone recording it, and to look good. So, his plan worked out perfectly. My cousin’s wife and cousin went with us to Yosemite because his wife was taking my photos. It was November 7th, 2020 when he proposed. I remember making jokes to Christian in Yosemite that day saying, “Wow it’s so beautiful out here. You should propose to me out here, but I know you’re not.” Sure, enough he did, and it was beautiful. We went to a few different spots in Yosemite for my pictures before he proposed. While he was proposing it started snowing and I loved seeing all the beautiful colors on the trees. (Fun fact: Christian didn’t tell anyone about him proposing. He had asked my dad if he could marry me, but didn’t tell him when he was going to do it). The wedding planning was stressful because I was in my credential program while planning a wedding. I also made all the decorations, but I had help from some family members, which made it a little easier. Two nights before the wedding, I stayed up until 4 a.m. putting all the flowers together with my sister-in-law, Tia, and stepmom. Now, looking back to my wedding day, all the stress was worth it!
What was the best part of your wedding day?
Monique: The most amazing part of my day was walking down the aisle and seeing Christian for the first time. I also loved when he read his vows to me.
Christian: The most amazing part of my day was seeing Monique for the first time as she walked down the aisle.
What else would you like to share about your big day?
It was the best day of my life! I enjoyed every second of it and I’m really glad Karissa captured all my important moments! I loved making my husband a scrapbook of our journey together and he enjoyed opening it up on our wedding day.
What advice would you give to our readers who are planning their weddings right now?
Planning a wedding can be stressful, but it will be worth it at the end! Once the wedding is over you will be happy with all of your hard work. Remember why you are doing it because it can easy to forget with all the planning you are doing. If you are doing all the decorations by yourself don’t be afraid to ask for help! It will be less stressful.
Anything you would have done differently?
One thing I would have done differently would be to put some alone time away for Christian and I to hang out. I was talking to all my guests and was on the dance floor all night long. When the night ended, I realized the only alone time we had was when we were taking pictures.
Photos courtesy of and copyright Karissa Wright Productions used with permission.
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