Here to inspire you, it’s Real Weddings Wednesday! Today, we present Vanessa + Raymond!

Sweet Marie Photography Bay Area Winery Wedding Real Weddings Wednesday

Sweet Marie Photography Bay Area Winery Wedding Real Weddings Wednesday

Tell us a little about you and your beloved:

We met back in the Summer of 2011 through our friends who were coworkers at the time. We hit it off right away and began dating shortly after. We had a very different relationship compared to others due to Raymond accepting a scholarship for baseball in New Mexico prior to meeting myself (Vanessa). We spent the first two years dating maintaining a long-distance relationship, then Raymond came back to the Bay Area to finish at a local state college. We went from a 1,212-mile difference to a 87-mile one. We both share a love for Disney, so Raymond thought it was only fit to propose in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland in the summer of 2017. It was truly a magical experience and a trip we both will never forget. We decided to have a two-year engagement, which would allow myself to finish up schooling and then focus on wedding planning.

Sweet Marie Photography Bay Area Winery Wedding Real Weddings Wednesday

Sweet Marie Photography Bay Area Winery Wedding Real Weddings Wednesday

Sweet Marie Photography Bay Area Winery Wedding Real Weddings Wednesday

Sweet Marie Photography Bay Area Winery Wedding Real Weddings Wednesday

What was the best part of your day?

Seeing Raymond crying as I walked down the aisle. Just kidding! It was finally being able to call one another “husband” and “wife.”

Anything else you’d like to share about your day?

Raymond’s cousin, Christina Leyva, helped plan and set up day-of as well. She helped bring my visions to life.

Sweet Marie Photography Bay Area Winery Wedding Real Weddings Wednesday Sweet Marie Photography Bay Area Winery Wedding Real Weddings Wednesday Sweet Marie Photography Bay Area Winery Wedding Real Weddings Wednesday

First Dance Song: “She’s Everything” by Brad Paisley

Honeymoon Location: Maui, HI

Sweet Marie Photography Bay Area Winery Wedding Real Weddings Wednesday

Any advice you’d give to couples planning their wedding right now?

Take your time. The wedding is about what you both envision and should be about you both as a couple. Also, on your wedding day take some time just the two of you (away from everyone else) to take it all in. The day really does fly by.

Anything that you would have done differently if you were given the chance? 

Maybe better time management with making our rounds at tables? Honestly, it was such a beautiful day. Beautiful weather, beautiful scenery, surrounded by beautiful people. Best day ever! 

Sweet Marie Photography Bay Area Winery Wedding Real Weddings Wednesday

Photos courtesy of and copyright Sweet Marie Photography, used with permission.

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