The Couple: Bianca & Rico
Wedding Date: September 15th, 2018
Photography by Monica S. Photography
Tell us a little about you and your beloved: Bianca and I met through a mutual friend. Our mutual friend, Ken, was heading out to see a movie with Bianca’s sister. I was asked to tag along and Bianca ended up tagging along on the other end. When we picked up the girls, it may have been love at first sight (for me). The night wasn’t perfect, but it seems I did enough to garner some interest from her in the next few weeks to follow. The rest is history!
We were together for 13 years (this was way back in high school) until we got married. It was never a question of “IF”, just “when.” I proposed to Bianca on my 30th birthday. I am not one for parties but decided to give into the family’s demands of having a big 30th birthday bash. Bianca planned everything down to the details on the straws and napkins. Loads of family and friends there, tons of food, and good music.
However, she had no idea that she was actually planning her engagement party. I had spoke to my family and let them know of MY plans. As it came time to cut the cake, rather than everyone celebrating my getting old, I flipped the script. I thanked everyone for coming and being a part of our lives and then dropped to a knee and popped the question. She had no idea and it ended up being a surprise engagement party. One of the best days and decisions of my life.
Bianca planned nearly every detail of our wedding. I was of little help and could barely take care of my remedial tasks. Party planning comes natural for her and my family and they put together a night to remember!
What was the most amazing part of your day? The most amazing part of my day was watching Bianca come down the aisle. There is no better feeling than watching someone you truly love and want to be with forever, taking that walk and feels the same way you do. Overall, the day was one of the best days ever. Sharing it with ALL the people we love and celebrating all night with good food, music, and love, is something I won’t ever forget.
Ceremony and Reception Site; and Caterer: Croatian-American Cultural Center
Officiant and Wedding Planner: Jennifer Galenti (life-long family friend)
Photographer: Monica S. Photography
Videographer: Good Media
Cake/Desserts: Joey’s Cake
Flowers: Nikki Sternin
Favors: Fabled Weddings on Etsy
Bridal Attire: Macy’s
Make-up: Angelica M. Prado
DJ/Entertainment/Band and Lighting: DJ Alexx Gold
Photo Booth: Creative Smiles Photo Booth
Rentals: LA VERA Party Rentals & Design
Honeymoon Location: Santorini, Greece
First Dance Song: “Perfect” Duet by Ed Sheeran and Beyoncé
Any advice you’d give to our readers who are planning their weddings right now? Plan the day how you want it. Hopefully, you only do it once, but take the time to do things together and make sure it is everything you want (and can afford). However, don’t waste time on details that can cost more money, unnecessarily, but rather focus on celebrating the day with people you love.
Also, nothing is perfect and mistakes will be made. We had wrong colored napkins, things put in different order, but what made the day so great, is we didn’t waste any energy on those things. It wasn’t perfect, but it was perfect for us. Nobody else even noticed what was wrong and nobody ever will. Smile, dance, eat, and enjoy yourselves. The day is ultimately for you and your significant other, don’t forget that. Enjoy each other!
Anything that you would have done differently if you were given the chance? The only true regret I had from that day is I wish I would’ve eaten more! Pictures are great, family is the best, but everyone talked about how good the food was and we hardly ate it. We spent too much time taking pictures and talking to guests. We were starving by the end of the night.
Also, I would make sure your DJ or whoever is orchestrating the day, knows the whole schedule and the plan. We did cut the cake and I’m not sure anybody really know we cut it. It didn’t matter much, but I’ve had many people tell they don’t even remember that. In the pictures and videos, you can’t tell, but just a minor detail that may have been missed and could’ve been improved I guess.
Photography by Monica S. Photography.
Blog post by Real Weddings Magazine’s Social Media Maven, Aimee Carroll.
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