The Couple: Alisha & Mathew
Wedding Date: September 21, 2013
Photography by Melanie Soleil Photography
Tell us a little about you and your beloved: Mathew and I met in high school through mutual friends. We didn’t actually start dating until a few years later when we were attending two different colleges. We stayed in contact and in 2008, Mathew moved to Chico where I lived and we’ve been together ever since.
He proposed to me in July 2012 during our annual trip to South Lake Tahoe. We had rented kayaks and were on the water when is started to get really windy and hard to paddle. Needless to say once we landed I was in a terrible mood; hair was a mess and I was all wet. I sat down on the beach next to him and we were about to eat lunch when he pulls out a box from the backpack he had with him all day and asked me to marry him.
I didn’t start actually planning until Jan 2013. To be quite honest, the planning went smoothly and on schedule. We really wanted to portray who we are in our wedding and with the help of our family and friends, our wedding turned out perfect!
What was the most amazing part of your day? Surprising everyone at the ceremony when I pulled up in a horse and carriage. It was absolutely the best idea ever! People are still talking about it!
What else would you like to share about your big day? Well, as every brides worst nightmare, it rained during our wedding. It was sunny skies the day before AND the day after! But, with the rain came great teamwork and support from everyone and we made it all work and as you can see from the photos, it turned out beautiful!
Ceremony and Reception Site: Squirrel Creek Ranch
Officiant: Randy Montre
Photographer: Melanie Soleil Photography
Caterer: Bill’s Chuck Wagon
Cake/Desserts: Leea Bakerville
Flowers: Grass Valley Florist
Favors: DIY
Bridal Attire: David’s Bridal
Bridesmaids’ Attire: All over! The gals picked their own dresses in the same colors.
Hair: Lanette Gomes
Make-up: Nikki North
Invitations: David’s Bridal
DJ/Entertainment/Band and Lighting: A&A Music Events
Furniture Rentals: NRC Rentals
Linen Rentals: Nevada City Linen
Transportation: Empire Horse and Carriage
Honeymoon Location: Kauai, HI
First Dance Song: “Love your Love the Most” by Eric Church
Any advice you’d give to our readers who are planning their weddings right now? Take your time and don’t feel rushed! This is something you should enjoy! Incorporate your friends and family, believe it or not they have tons of great, cost saving ideas!
Anything that you would have done differently if you were given the chance? Bought tents for ceremony!
Blog post by Real Weddings Magazine’s Social Media Maven, Aimee Carroll.
Photos courtesy of and copyright Melanie Soleil Photography.
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