Real Bride Model Nicole was so easy to work with! She was game for anything including multiple flowers in her hair and our team tossing leaves in front of the camera in an attempt for the perfect photo (seriously, just look at her smile in those photos!). Read on to her about her love story and experience modeling.

We have more to share from Amor de Mi Vida, so be on the lookout a behind the scenes video in the coming soon. Be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram so you never miss a post!

What made you want to model for this photo shoot?

This was an amazing opportunity to support Sparkle Bridal Couture’s plus size dress line. Real Weddings Magazine supports real brides and creates an authentic experience that you can feel through the pictures.

Tell us about your modeling experience. What was your favorite part of the day? How did you feel afterwards?

This is my first time ever being in front of a camera. My favorite part was working with so many talented people. I watched throughout the day as they brought the venue to life. Every detail was carefully set up, and it was all so beautiful! Hair and make-up were also a blast! I felt pampered like a celebrity. The end of the day felt surreal. I cannot wait to see the completed magazine!

What was your favorite part of the shoot? Did you relate to the concept/theme?

My favorite part of the photo shoot was in the reception area. It was perfect down to every detail! This was a Spanish style shoot with lots of colors and even some succulents. Succulents are a main theme in my wedding. I loved to see their use of color and how everything was tied together.

Tell us about your love story. How did you meet? What was the proposal like?
Our love story! All I can say is when you know you know! When I first met Russ, I could not stop smiling, and I still can’t. He just makes me happy. We met at Cold Stone Creamery about 10 years ago. We went on a couple dates, and then under the stars he asked if I would be his girlfriend! Fast forward seven years and on Christmas morning he asked me to be his wife. I am so excited to spend the rest of my life with my best friend.

Tell us about your wedding day.

Russ and I are getting married on April 18, 2020. We have put so much work into having this special day, I just can’t wait. We are getting married at Yolanda Ranch in Woodland. This was my dream venue. It was the first venue I toured, and I knew my heart was set! We have succulents, lavender, and eucalyptus decorating the farmhouse table. There will be string lights and chandeliers. It will be the most amazing day!

If you could offer any advice to engaged couples what would it be? 

Get the big stuff out of the way as soon as possible. Venue, catering, photography, and entertainment. This helped us focus on the details, and the little things that are going to make the day unique to you!

THE DETAILS

VENUE  //  The Stone House  |  stonehouse.io  

PHOTOGRAPHER  //  Kristina Cilia Photography  |  kristinaciliaphotography.com   

DESIGN, STYLING AND COORDINATION    //  Magnolia Avenue Events  |  magnoliaavenueevents.com

STYLING AND FLORAL DESIGN  //  Amour Florist & Bridal  |  amourmoments.com

CAKE AND CUPCAKE DESIGN  //  Baker & A Black Cat  |  bakerandablackcat.com 

CHURROS  //  Savannahs Savory Sweets  |  savannahssavorysweets.com

HAIR ARTIST  //  Halo Salon & Day Spa  |  halosalondayspa.com  

MAKEUP ARTIST  //  Happily Beautiful Makeup Artistry & Skin Studio  |  happilybeautifulmakeup.com

GOWNS  //  Sparkle Bridal Couture  |  sparklebridalcouture.com 

VEIL  //  Azazie  |  azazie.com

JEWELRY  //  Catherine Alkire Jewelry  |  catherinealkirejewelry.com  

Macy’s  |  Moka Davis, My Stylist@Macy’s Roseville Galleria  |  macys.com/mystylist

Style Avenue Studios  |  styleavenuestudios.com

CALLIGRAPHER AND PAPERIE  //  Ashley Baumgartner Photography and Calligraphy  |  ashleybaumgartner.com

RENTALS  //  Getting Hitched Design + Rentals  |  gethitchedweddingrentals.com  

SETTEE, CART AND CANDELABRAS //  Simple Country Weddings  |  simplecountryweddings.com

CHAIRS, LINENS, GLASSWARE, PLATES AND FLATWARE

Standard Party Rentals  |  standardpartyrentals.com  

PLANT-DYED SILK RIBBONS  //  Tan Weddings & Events  |  tanweddingsandevents.com 

VIDEOGRAPHER  //  JB Wedding Photography  |  jbweddingphoto.com

Special thanks to our real bride model, Nicole, and all of the professionals who contributed to this feature!

See more from Amor de mi Vida!

Blog post by Real Weddings Magazine’s Associate Editor Emily Peter.

Photos by Kristina Cilia Photography / copyright Real Weddings Magazine.