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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