Sacramento Wedding Inspiration: Tropical Paradise {Get to Know}

What made you want to model for this photo shoot?

My best friend and current bridesmaid, Mandy Burchett, modeled with this magazine in 2016. Editor’s note: Click here to see Mandy in Surf’s Up! She had such a wonderful experience, so she strongly suggested I apply. I also was a fan of this magazine prior to my experience. I love how helpful this magazine is as well as how it showcases beautiful and authentic women.

What was your favorite part of modeling?

My favorite part of modeling was learning new poses; something I hope will be useful for my wedding day. I also really enjoyed trying on all the beautiful dresses as well as hanging out with the magazine team off set.

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

My favorite part of this shoot was drinking the fake cocktail in front of the fire. It truly felt like a Carrie Bradshaw moment. My second favorite part was eating the sea-salt caramels made by chef Jeanette McKee. Jeanette was like my second mom growing up, so it was fun seeing her there and eating her caramels. I didn’t relate to this concept, because how opposite it is to my upcoming wedding date. We won’t be getting married at a hotel in the city or drinking by a fireplace. Nevertheless, it was such a beautiful shoot and the team did amazing.

What do you do for a living?

I teach kindergarten and love every minute of it. This shoot was fun, because I had the chance to hang out with adults for the day.

What do you do for fun?

When I’m not wedding planning, you can usually find me at home or a coffee shop reading a good book. I also love anything outdoors as well as spending time with my fiancé, family, and friends. Often you can find us all at baseball game or having a wine and board game night.

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

We met at our alum school, William Jessup University in Rocklin. Through a series of hilarious events, we started dating my senior year. The proposal was beautiful and perfect in every way. He proposed at the same spot where we had our first date. Our first date consisted of fishing and him making me dinner. On our proposal day, he tied the ring box to a fishing line and asked me with both of our families present. When I said yes, they popped bottles of champagne that had personalized labels with us on them. The best part was having both of our families there enjoying the moment with us.

Tell us about your own wedding.

We are actually getting married at the same location where we had our first date and got engaged! The reception will be held at a private property in Loomis, our theme is “rustic elegance.” My favorite season is fall, so it seemed perfect to have a fall wedding. Our colors are burgundy, sage green and charcoal grey. We have a beautiful white tent, wine barrels and lanterns to fit the theme from Woodland Firehouse Rentals. My favorite part about my wedding is how personal it is. We have several friends and wedding guests that are also my vendors. Our vendors consist of Perky Posies (Katie Noland), Taylor Made Desserts (Taylor Maxon), Sydnie Leah Photography, hair by Brelynn Shirey and make up by Tina Malek Abdelsayed. My grandfather also built our cross, which adds a special detail. Our officiant is our pastor, Dr. Mark Moore from Faith Legacy Church in Sacramento. Finally, our catering is by Lucille’s, so I can’t wait to eat some great southern-style food!

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

My advice is to enjoy every minute of it. Soak it up, before the engagement season is gone. Stay present and practice self-care. Finally, don’t forget to show gratitude to your fiancé, family and friends; they are in it for the long haul. From my experience, I couldn’t survive this season without them. (I also couldn’t survive it without bingeing Friends with a bottle of my favorite vino, of course.)

Interviewed by Kelley Saia.

The digital layout 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

Hyatt Regency Sacramento

916-321-3520 | sacramento.hyatt.com

PHOTOGRAPHER

Ashley Teasley Photography

530-391-9260 | ashleyteasleyphotography.com

DESIGN, STYLING AND COORDINATION

Ames Haus Design

916-730-1635 | ameshaus.com

STYLING AND FLORAL DESIGN

Strelitzia Flower Company