The Couple: Gina and Rob
Wedding Date: August 4, 2012
Photography by Kris Holland Photography
Tell us a little about you and your beloved: We met back in 2005. I was bartending at the recently opened Chili’s Bar & Grill in Natomas and Rob was working for the Sacramento Kings. Chili’s was the newest restaurant in the area so he started coming in for lunch there rather than going to the other two restaurants that were in the area at the time. I started to get butterflies in my stomach when I would hear the door open, hoping I would see him come in! Well, as Rob would say, a bartender stole his heart and he doesn’t even drink!
Fast forward to September 2011, Rob got a job with the Miami Heat and we up and moved our life in two weeks. I honestly thought that the move would push back an engagement at least a year or two. The night before our four day drive to Miami, he secretly purchased a ring. I had a hair appointment that night and we were down to one car so he had to pick me up when I was done. By the time I was done, he was still at the jeweler’s so he told me that he had a flat tire and that he was getting it fixed! I stayed calm on the outside but on the inside I was thinking, we have a 3 thousand mile drive that we are starting tomorrow and he is so calm about having a flat tire! Though, I believed it and didn’t worry since he wasn’t worried.
He proposed at our first dinner in Miami at the Chart House restaurant. Needless to say, I was EXTREMELY surprised! I kept saying, “Shut up, shut up!” I was so excited and happy and he was too! He was just excited he was able to pull off the surprise. So the next day I started planning our wedding in Sacramento!
What was the most amazing part of your day? Rob and I live in Miami, so our wedding was a time for ALL of our family and friends to be together. It was amazing and meant so much for everyone to be there for us.
What else would you like to share about your big day? August is the only time of year that we could have a wedding because of Rob’s work schedule and of course it’s the hottest month of the year in Sacramento. I always imagined having my wedding photos taken outside but thought it would be dreadful for everyone in the heat. On the morning of our wedding day, it was cool, crisp, and overcast! It couldn’t have been more perfect!
Ceremony and Reception Site, and Caterer: The Citizen Hotel
Photographer: Kris Holland Photography
Videographer: Max Video Productions
Cake: Sugar and Spice Specialty Desserts
Flowers: Visual Impact Design
Favors: Cookie Connection
Bridal Attire: Boutique no longer in business
Bridesmaids’ Attire: David’s Bridal
Hair: Tina Lusk from Zimbali Salon
Make-up: Alison Johnson and Melanie Guzzetta from Miss Bliss Makeup
Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas
DJ/Entertainment/Band: Extreme Productions Entertainment
Honeymoon Location: West Palm Beach, FL
Any other of your wedding vendor(s) you’d like to call out? Both of our rings are from Kenny G & Co.
First Dance Song: “You” by Chris Young
Any advice you’d give to our readers who are planning their weddings right now? If you are planning a wedding remotely, like I had to do, choosing a venue that includes a coordinator and catering is a life saver! Michelle at The Citizen Hotel made my life so easy. She was amazing! All of my vendors worked with me and always made time for me when I came into town.
Anything that you would have done differently if you were given the chance? I wish we were able to do engagement photos. With us living in Miami and Rob’s work schedule, were weren’t able to be in Sacramento together until our wedding!
Blog post by Real Weddings Magazine’s Social Media Maven, Aimee Carroll.
Photos courtesy of and copyright Kris Holland Photography.
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