Sacramento Wedding Inspiration: Take The Plunge {Get to Know Our Real Bride Model Leia} from the Winter/Spring 2017 issue of Real Weddings Magazine

Leia was a bit hesitant and nervous to enter our Cover Model Contest, but boy are we glad she did! Her laid back attitude and excitement made her a breeze to work with, plus we loved hearing about her Harry Potter themed wedding.

Keep reading to hear about her love story, and to see a picture from her favorite part of the day – holding one of the exotic birds on the property at Wine & Roses Hotel, Restaurant and Spa.

About Her

Leia is a third grade teacher. She is also a mother of two. She loves to take her kids to the park and get ice cream afterwards. When she manages to find alone time, she loves to read.

Her Love Story

Leia met her now husband, Scott, at her best friend’s wedding. After the wedding a group from the wedding continued the party at a local pub. Leia and Scott did not officially talk at the wedding, or even at the pub, but finally when they were headed out to another location, they finally connected. When Leia asked Scott to be her fake boyfriend to ward off a group of guys, he put his arm around her and never let go.

As things became serious between Leia and Scott, Leia let it be known that she had a few requirements for a proposal: She wanted it to be a surprise, she wanted someone to take photos and she wanted her kids there. Scott checked all the boxes. When they were on a family cruise, dressed and ready for formal night, they went to take a photo with the cruise photographer. Right before the click of the camera, Scott turned to Leia and said she was missing something, got down on one knee and asked her to marry him.

Their Wedding Day

Leia and Scott celebrated their love with a Harry Potter themed wedding. The two super fans loved the process of tying their favorite story into the wedding of their dreams. Leia says that having a focused theme took the stress away from planning and it truly became a labor of love. Every detail of the wedding exceeded their expectations, but for Leia, it was seeing Scott for the first time when she walked down the aisle that was her favorite part of the whole day.

Why She Entered the Contest

Leia’s wedding photographer recommended she enter the contest. Although Leia was flattered, she was not sure it was for her. However, after speaking with her biggest fan (a.k.a. her husband), she decided there was no harm in entering.

What Her Beloved Thought About the Contest

Scott encouraged Leia every step of the way. In fact, if it weren’t for him, she may never have even entered.

Her “Cover Model” Experience

Leia was both shocked and a little scared when she was selected as a finalist. The experience, however, was so fun, all of those fears quickly subsided. Her favorite part of the day was getting to take a few photos with one of the property’s exotic birds. She only wishes she could have held him longer.

The cover model finalist contest photo shoot Real Weddings Magazine team members who produced this editorial feature include: produced by Susie Baggett, Justin Buettner, Aimee Carroll, Eudelys Blanco Estaba, Cait Herrera, Kimberly Hunter, Tatiana Jitari, Nathalia Kallan, Tara Mendahna, Emily Peter, Amanda Rinehart, Aaron Roseli, Kelley Saia, Nicole Shebl, Wendy Sipple, Leah Sisto and Megan Wiskus.

And, of course, thank you to all of the wedding professionals who contributed to our cover model finalist feature:

VENUE

Wine & Roses Hotel, Restaurant and Spa | 209-371-6117 | winerose.com

PHOTOGRAPHER

Shoop’s Photography | 916-804-8578 | shoopstudios.com
Amber Felts, Primary Shooter
Aaron Roseli, Second Shooter and Assistant
Ashley Brown, Assistant

HAIR AND MAKEUP

For Danielle:

Cierra Neeley, Cierra Shae Bridal Hair & Makeup Artistry (Hair) | 916-436-6002 | cierrashae.com

Mandie Fenrich, Makeup by Mandie (Makeup) | 916-505-0487 | makeupbymandie.com

For Britania:

Lea Buehler, BGorgeous (Hair) | 916-705-5827 | lbgorgeous.com

Happi Ybarra, Happily Beautiful Makeup Artistry & Skin Studio (Makeup) | 530-632-0607 | happilybeautifulmakeup.com

For Leia:

Christina Irene Alba, For The Love of Hairspray (Hair) | 949-422-1957 | fortheloveofhairspray.com

Jenifer Haupt, I Make Beautiful (Makeup) | 916-532-9800 | imakebeautiful.com

GOWNS

Always Elegant Bridal & Tuxedo | 530-755-4282 | alwayselegantbridal.net