The Couple: Sophia & Ryan
Wedding Date: August 2017
Photography by Lixxim Photography
Tell us a little about you and your beloved: Ryan and I met through mutual friends. Although we lived a parallel life, we had never crossed paths but once we did, we were inseparable. Ryan and I share a mutual love of riding bikes, spending time with family, and exploring local eateries. We wake up every day with the excitement to concur life’s challenges together.
Ryan proposed to me on the beach in Santa Cruz, California. Once we walked out to the water, Ryan asked a teenager walking by to take a photo of us (this is when I became curious…how many guys ask strangers to take photos? That’s what selfies are for!). As the teen stood in front of us to take a photo, Ryan fell to one knee and proposed. It was picture perfect without even knowing! After about 3 minutes of kissing and laughter I said, “Oh…yes! I forgot to say YES!” For the next hour we laid on the sand and called our friends and family to share the good news.
Shortly after the proposal, the wedding planning began. After getting tours of about 10 venues and hours of research, we decided on the Sutter Club. The primary reason we chose the Sutter Club was because it gave flexibility to structure the day as we liked and they provide beautiful linens, glasses, and a fantastic wedding planner. Honestly, the “feel” was the most important to us. We wanted to feel like we could trust the venue and depend on the venue staff to facilitate the event properly. Our main goal was for our guests to have a good time…we wanted to throw a big party! I am a big deal hunter so I found creative ways to ensure the price didn’t get out of control (design my own invitations, did my own hair, etc.) while maintaining elegance. I was determined to have a beautiful wedding that didn’t break the bank and ensure Ryan and I enjoyed the process (wine helps LOL).
Another thing that made the wedding planning so much more enjoyable was our decision not to have formal/traditional bridesmaids and groomsmen. We didn’t want to add any burden to our friends and we liked the idea of standing at the altar alone, makes sense right? We’re the ones getting married! Our friends loved this because they could wear whatever they wanted and still do the fun stuff like bachelor party, get ready together, and let loose!
Ceremony and Reception Site; and Caterer: Sutter Club
Ceremony Musicians: Pianist
Photographer: Lixxim Photography
Videographer: Kyle Mize
Cake/Desserts: My wonderful cousin made a groom’s cake that looked like a basketball shoe!
Bridal Attire: Rosa Clara
Bridesmaids’ Attire: No traditional bridesmaids although my lady friends wore neutral tones
Hair: DIY
Make-up: Vanessa Luna
Invitations: DIY, printed by Minute Man Press
DJ/Entertainment/Band: Silverado Professional DJ Service
Transportation: Lyft
Honeymoon Location: Tulum
Any advice you’d give to our readers who are planning their weddings right now? Don’t fret over all the small details (most people don’t notice and it just adds extra stress). Your guests are looking for good company, drinks & food, and good music to dance to…that’s it!
Anything that you would have done differently if you were given the chance? No regrets!
Blog post by Real Weddings Magazine’s Social Media Maven, Aimee Carroll.
Photos courtesy of Lixxim Photography
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