Here to inspire you, it’s Real Weddings Wednesday! Today, we present Cartrina & Larry John!
Tell us a little about you and your beloved:
Although we did not know it at the time, our own little love story began in 2007 on a tiny little tropical island called Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands. We met through mutual friends while we were out one night at a local bar and grill. The first time we met I don’t think either of us had any clue we would be dating in a few weeks, and both of us probably have a very different recollection of who asked who out on the first date! Regardless of who asked who out, he was such a gentleman on our first date that I could not wait to go on a second date with him. From there we hit it off and our life journey together had begun. After a few major life events, a big move for a new life in Northern California, and after 10 years of dating, he finally proposed to me on Valentine’s Day 2017 at the Fountains at Roseville. Planning the wedding was a bit stressful but all the late nights, budget planning, meeting with vendors, marriage classes, and all the ups and downs of the entire experience in the end was worth every minute of it. It might sound cliche, but looking back on the night we first met and seeing where we are today in our relationship and as a married couple, it really does feels like our love story was written in the stars…at least that’s what it feels like for the both of us.
What was the best part of your day?
Walking down the aisle to see my groom waiting for me at the altar, with the soloist singing “You are Mine” by David Hass.
What else would you like to share about your big day?
The music that was played at church was all specifically selected by me, and were songs that I grew up listening to. So it was very meaningful for me to select the songs and have them sung at our wedding. The wedding planner Ashli and the florist Heidi did an amazing job of transforming the reception venue into such a beautiful fairytale-like scene. The venue was so amazingly beautiful it felt like I was dreaming, my heart was filled with so much joy. The weather that evening was perfect all the way through the end. The DJ Matthew Cope also did an amazing job as emcee and mixing some great island music, a little bit of 90s hip-hop and a good mix of other popular music sprinkled in throughout the evening. Our photographer Amber was also amazing! It was such great experience to work with her. From our engagement photos to the wedding ceremony and reception, Amber really captured the moments in our love story that we will cherish forever. Probably one of the funniest moments that day was when we discovered that my groom’s pants ripped right down his crotch! Luckily The Firehouse Restaurant had a sewing kit and a staff that knew how to sew. Amber captured that moment with The Firehouse staff sewing my groom’s pants at the bar in the Eagle Room with me holding a glass of wine. Meanwhile the groom was sitting in a restroom stall waiting on his pants and the wedding guests waiting on us both to make our entrance as Mr. and Mrs. Deleon Guerrero. And lastly, what made this day very special to us was that fact that our two boys, our family and close friends were all there to celebrate it with us.
First Dance Song: “Look at Us” by Mt Acre Band featuring Lenny & Mati Setu
Any advice you’d give to couples planning their wedding right now?
Plan ahead and don’t stress on the small things. I prayed every day for this perfect day and it was even better that I had imagined. And hire a videographer!
Photos courtesy of and copyright Shoop’s Photography, used with permission.
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