Sacramento Wedding Inspiration: Love is Magic {Get to Know} from Winter/Spring 2018 issue

Jacqueline and Zach knew each other for almost 15 years before even getting engaged! We definitely caught a glimpse of their loving relationship while working with them on our Love is Magic styled shoot. And the best part, Zach was so patient while Jacqueline and the team continually admired her hair and makeup, dresses and accessories. Read on to find out how the two met, and how they enjoyed their modeling experience.

What made you want to model for this photo shoot?

Our wedding photographer encouraged me to enter the Real Weddings Cover Model contest. Instead, Zach and I were selected to do a wedding style photo shoot…together! I thought it would be fun to get all done up and try on wedding dresses again. I have never modeled before and I was excited that I was able to do this with my husband!

What was your favorite part of modeling?

The experience reminded us of our wedding day and we got to reminisce and relive some of the moments. And I felt like a real model! I was pampered and I loved the different makeup and hair looks, jewelry and the gorgeous dresses! The whole team did such a great job. Everything was beautiful. And the photos are amazing! It was such a fun experience! And I am so proud of Zach; he did such a good job too!

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

I loved how romantic and cute everything was! The venue was gorgeous and everything including the flowers, cake, table settings, chairs, and décor was incredible. We had a romantic vineyard wedding with pinks and silvers and this theme was similar, but with a lot of glam and magical and whimsical sparkle.

What do you do for a living?

Zach is a Pharmacy Technician at Sutter Health hospital in Davis and a self-taught oil painter. I was a manager at an insurance company and for a short time, and a wedding planner (for our wedding). I planned every detail and made a lot of the decor and wedding items myself! I also help animals in need by volunteering at the local animal shelter, the Sacramento SPCA.

What do you do for fun?

We love traveling, playing with our pets, eating Thai food, watching horror movies and Game of Thrones, hiking, and weekend getaways to Zach’s family cabin in Tahoe.

Tell us about your love story. How did you meet? What was the proposal like?

We first met in 2002 working together at the Folsom Dos Coyotes (they even catered our wedding!) and we became best friends. We also went to the same high school and took classes together in college. We have been friends all along but it wasn’t until New Years 2015 when we had our first kiss and started dating.

The proposal happened on August 10th, 2016. I have always wanted to see the McWay Falls waterfall in Big Sur. It is a famous waterfall in California and one of few in the world that cascade directly into the ocean! Once we got there, we took photos and stared at the gorgeous scenery. We soon found ourselves alone with the waterfall, so Zach gave me a long passionate kiss and said, “Okay, there is no better time to do this.” I said, “Wait, what?” He continued, “We’ve known each other for 14 years, you’re my best friend, I love you so much and you’re the only one that I want to spend the rest of my life with.” He was so cute and so nervous. Then he got down on one knee, “Will you marry me?” I said, “Oh my gosh! Yes!” I was so surprised and so incredibly happy. There were many happy tears.

Tell us about your own wedding.

We were married at Scribner Bend Vineyard. It was so beautiful and romantic, and the best and most amazing day ever. We wrote letters to each other before the wedding and did not see each other until I walked down the aisle. We also wrote our own vows. Everyone had so much fun, and it was so wonderful to celebrate with our closest family and friends.

What was it like modeling together?

It was awesome! I loved having him with me and I think I actually prefer it that way. He’s always there for me and supports me, and catches me when I fall (literally!). He did such an amazing job and was so patient all day while I was getting my makeup done multiple times. Zach did it all for me and was happy to do it. He also thought I looked really pretty with the different looks and dresses.

If you could offer any advice to future brides, what would it be?

Take in every moment of your wedding; it goes by so fast. And remember that things may go wrong or be different from what you imagined but always focus on what’s important: marrying your soul mate and best friend and celebrating this special day and being together. Also, make sure you use a great photographer!

Click here to see more from the “Love is Magic“ photo shoot blog series!

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

Photos by Rochelle Wilhelms Photography/copyright Real Weddings Magazine.

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