What made you want to model for this photo shoot?
I have always tried to be adventurous and not let fear stop me from trying something new. Applying to be a Real Weddings model was no different – it was scary, I was putting myself out there, and I am so happy that I did.
What was your favorite part of modeling?
As a little girl I used to play dress up and tell my mom to take pictures of me – this was the adult version! All the vendors were incredible and made me feel so comfortable. It was like getting ready for my wedding day without any of the stress.
What was your favorite part of this shoot? Did you relate to the concept?
It is so hard to pick a favorite part of the shoot, everything was absolutely beautiful, but I have to say the desserts – they were breathtaking! I loved the concept: the combination of the colors and the romantic, relaxed decorations made the shoot feel like it was an exotic location.
What do you do for a living?
I work in the government affairs department of a health plan analyzing legislation and regulations at the federal, state and local level.
What do you do for fun?
Besides spending time with my husband and dog, I like to do a lot of crafts and DIY – anything from sewing and baking, to canning my own food and house projects.
Tell us about your love story. How did you meet? What was the proposal like?
We met at a Halloween party and hit it off. After the busy holidays we started to seriously date and have been inseparable ever since. Chris proposed while we were on vacation in Mexico on the beach during sunrise (he is very romantic!). My engagement ring has the diamond from his grandmother’s wedding ring and the band from my great grandmother’s ring – it has 150 years of our family’s history in it.
Tell us about your own wedding.
We knew we wanted to get married in South Lake Tahoe – it is our home away from home. We instantly fell in love with the venue and the rest seemed to fall into place. It is nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains with a lake view – nothing can beat the scenery. We were never able to find the right words to describe our theme/inspiration – it is just us. The wedding colors corresponded with the Campbell of Argyle tartan because the groom, groomsmen, family and friends all wore kilts!
Nearly all of the decorations were from our house, borrowed from friends and family, or DIY (there was a lot). Some of the DIY projects included our invitations, table numbers, the favors, the bar, wedding arch, lawn games, various signs and accent decorations.
Our ceremony was a blend of a tradition of personal touch, from Scottish handfasting to our officiant who had introduced us. Our reception featured our favorite food and drinks, speeches by our closest friends and family and many tears. Everyone danced until their feet hurt. The day was a beautiful whirlwind, and everything came together wonderfully. We wanted to be surrounded by friends and family having the time of our lives – the day was perfect.
If you could offer any advice to future brides, what would it be?
Two things: your vendors are worth their weight in gold (hire good vendors so you don’t stress about the details on your big day), and give you phone to a trusted friend or family member to answer all the incoming texts and emails the day before and the day of the wedding. You would be surprised how many people text you about parking, what you think the weather will be like or asking to sit at a certain table.
Interviewed by Kelley Saia.
The Digital Edition is featured below but be on the lookout for a behind the scenes video coming soon. Be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram so you never miss a post.
THE DETAILS
VENUE AND STYLED CUISINE
La Provence Restaurant & Terrace
916-789-2002 | laprovenceroseville.com
PHOTOGRAPHER
Lolita Vasquez Photography
916-393-6551 | lolitavasquezphotography.com
DESIGN, STYLING, COORDINATION, FLORAL DESIGN AND RENTALS
Graceful Gatherings
530-305-5339 | gracefulgatherings.net
STYLING, CAKE DESIGN AND DESSERT BUFFET
Frank Vilt’s Cakes
530-409-7046 | frankviltscakes.com
HAIR ARTIST
Alexis Reynolds
Halo Salon & Day Spa | 916-782-8842 | halosalondayspa.com
MAKEUP ARTIST
Porsche Ray
The Makeover Mommy | 928-442-6596 | themakeovermommy.com
JOANNE’S GOWNS
The Bridal Box
916-742-4638 | thebridalbox.net
De La Rosa’s Bridal & Tuxedos
916-983-3400 | delarosasbridal.com
JEWELRY
Chloe + Isabel | chloeandisabel.com
Macy’s | macys.com
Arden Fair Mall | 916-925-2845 | Downtown Plaza | 916-444-3333
Sunrise Mall | 916-962-3333 | Westfield Galleria at Roseville | 916-771-3333
PAPERIE
Paper n Peonies
903-780-7772 | papernpeonies.etsy.com
FLATWARE AND NAPKIN RENTALS
Celebrations! Party Rentals & Tents
916-773-2133 | 916-562-2900 | 775-773-8900 | celebrationspartyrentals.com
VIDEOGRAPHER
5 Star Wedding Films and Photography
916-905-5782 | 5starweddingfilms.com
Special thanks to our real bride model, Joanne, and all of the professionals who contributed to this feature!
Blog post by Real Weddings Magazine’s Associate Editor Emily Peter.
Photos by Lolita Vasquez Photography/copyright Real Weddings Magazine.
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