We’re always thrilled to use real brides for our photo shoots! They make it easy for us to capture the happiness and excitement that only a bride has. This includes Amanda Grein who stars in our “Snow White” styled shoot. Her excitement extended way beyond the camera; read on to learn how she met her fiancée, and even how she proposed!
We loved getting to know her, and hope you will, too!
RW: What made you want to model for this photo shoot?
AG: My friend, Nikki Hancock from Heart of Life Photography & Design, posted the form on her Facebook page. I thought, “oh that would be so fun!” I mentioned it to my fiancée, who was super supportive about it, so I applied. Plus, how fun is it to get glammed up and wear some dreamy dresses?
RW: What was your favorite part of modeling?
AG: Watching the team work together, and meeting some of the nicest people. It was so fun to watch everyone work to make the set come together beautifully! I also enjoyed seeing my look change throughout the day.
RW: What was your favorite part of this shoot? Did you relate to the concept?
AG: The setting and table/mantle set up. Everything was so stunning and breathtaking. I was wishing I could just get married right then! Also, the flowers were incredible! The bouquet was so rich and beautiful, and the flower cape was something out of a dream.
RW: What do you do for a living?
AG: I am the Sales Coordinator for a chemical manufacturing company.
RW: What do you do for fun?
AG: My fiancé and I love to go on adventures with our son. Whether it’s hiking, running, cooking a new recipe or just driving to Apple Hill/Tahoe for the day. We love to all be together as a family and making the most of every minute.
RW: Tell us about your love story. How did you meet? What was the proposal like?
AG: Vanessa and I met in 2013, when I planned her cousin’s baby shower. At the time, we just said hi and moved on. We ran into each other a couple times after that, but it wasn’t until 2014 when we ran into each other at Ikea that we really connected. Vanessa then came over later that day and we hung out. Who knew that two years later we would be getting married?
I popped the question to Vanessa through a surprise proposal. I prefaced the surprise by telling Vanessa that Aiden should get pictures taken for his 6th birthday. She agreed and we went to “Update out family pictures.” While Vanessa and Aiden were taking some mom and son pictures, I snuck away to the car to get the adventure boxes I put together. Each box was tied with their favorite color balloon and huge cupcake. Once I returned, I gave both Vanessa and Aiden their boxes. Aiden’s was filled with adventure toys, and his own huge Titanic cupcake, Vanessa’s had her giant cupcake, and engagement ring. I asked both of them, if they would like to spend forever with me.
RW: Tell us about your own wedding.
AG: Our wedding will take place in the spring at a Private Estate in Loomis, CA. It will be a true celebration of two families coming together and the love that unites us all. Our ceremony will be in the olive orchard and surrounded by wildflowers, candles, and love.
RW: If you could offer any advice to future brides, what would it be?
AG: Don’t stress the little things, and do what your heart truly desires. Remember that your wedding day is about you and your spouse and celebrating the love between you. Make sure to surround yourself with those who love and support you both, and will continue to support you both throughout your marriage.
—Interviewed by Kelley Saia
“Snow White” was produced by Rick and Jennifer Tan—Tan Weddings & Events, Tricia Mainer—Getting Hitched? Wedding Design & Rentals, Shannon Cosgrove-Rivas—Flourish, Susie Baggett and Wendy Sipple—Real Weddings Magazine.
The Details // Venue and Catering
Kirkwood Mountain Resort | 209-258-7406 | kirkwood.com
Photographer
Katherine Elyse Photography | 916-812-5475 | katherineelysephotography.com
Design, Styling and Coordination
Tan Wedding & Events | 530-601-0914 | tanweddingandevents.com
Styling and Floral Design
Flourish | 916-212-5179 | flourishdesigns.com
Cake and Candied Apples
Something Sweet Bakery | 209-745-9000 | somethingsweetgalt.com
Hair and Makeup
All Dolled Up Hair and Makeup Artistry | Melissa Oretta, Hair and Makeup
530-888-1562 | alldolleduphairandmakeup.com
Gowns
Sparkle Bridal Couture | 916-538-6615 | sparklebridalcouture.com
Cloak
Cloak & Dagger Creations | 978-486-4414 | cloakmaker.com
Jewelry (Amanda’s Main Look and Additional Looks)
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
Jewelry and Hair Accessories (Amanda’s Additional Looks)
Hair Comes The Bride | haircomesthebride.com
Hair Accessories (Amanda’s Additional Looks)
Ellen Marie Design | ellenmariedesign.com
Sara Gabriel | saragabriel.com
Paperie
Bella Vita Invitations | 916-682-8226 | bellavitainvitations.com
Design, Styling and Rentals
Getting Hitched? Wedding Design & Rentals | 916-879-3511 | gettinghitchedweddingrentals.com
Custom Décor Pillows and Foiled Names
Swoonable | swoonable.net
Videographer
Justin Buettner Wedding Photography | 916-220-0159 | jbweddingphoto.com
Special thanks to our real bride model, Amanda, and to all of the professionals who contributed to this feature!
Stay tuned for more posts from our “Snow White” styled shoot!
Blog post by Real Weddings Magazine’s Associate Editor Emily Peter.
Photos by Katherine Elyse Photography / copyright Real Weddings Magazine.
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