The Couple: Nicole & Jon

Wedding Date: May 7, 2016

Photography by Angelee Arceo Photography

Tell us a little about you and your beloved: Jon and I met at Pepperdine Law School in 2009.  Jon proposed in June of 2014 overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge. He managed to surprise me, despite the fact that I knew he had already purchased a ring. We spent almost two years planning the wedding in hopes of avoiding much of the stress that comes with planning such an event.  Though we didn’t completely avoid wedding-related stress (we’re both avid procrastinators), the longer engagement period made the wedding itself that much sweeter.

What was the most amazing part of your day? It had been overcast and rainy most of the day before the wedding. The rain decided to continue into Saturday morning, meaning it was likely our entirely outdoor wedding needed to be brought under a tent and out of the rain. Jon and I had chosen early May in an effort to avoid the rain and extreme heat, yet the first week of May had been unseasonably cool and rainy. The weather was mocking us. A few hours before the ceremony, the venue needed a decision – should they set up for the rain contingency or go with the beautiful vineyard ceremony we envisioned?  It had stopped raining, but the grass was still damp and it was unclear if rain was in the forecast for later.  We went with our gut, told the venue to set up in vineyard, and crossed our fingers.  As we were taking pictures just before the ceremony, the sun began to peak through the clouds.  It was a huge moment of relief, and the moment we realized our wedding was going to be perfect, just like we envisioned.

Ceremony and Reception Site: Scribner Bend Vineyards

Officiant: Larry Miller (A family friend)

Photographer: Angelee Arceo Photography

Caterer: Bella Bru Cafe

Cake/Desserts: Freeport Bakery

Flowers: Bella Bloom

Bridal Attire: Miosa Bride

Bridesmaids’ Attire: After 6

Hair and Make-up: Michelle Roloff

Invitations: Vista Print

DJ/Entertainment/Band, Lighting and Photo Booth: Beat Fleet DJs

Décor Rentals: Bella Bloom & Celebrations! Party Rentals & Tents

Linen Rentals: Celebrations! Party Rentals & Tents

Transportation: Tesla Model S (Courtesy of a friend of a friend)

Honeymoon Location: Negril, Jamaica

First Dance Song: “Can’t Help Falling in Love With You” by Haley Reinhart.

Any advice you’d give to our readers who are planning their weddings right now? Wedding day/wedding weekend timelines are a must.  Your family may find it ridiculous at first, but they will eventually be grateful.

Anything that you would have done differently if you were given the chance? I think we would have started the ceremony earlier and maybe skipped the bouquet/garter toss.  Our ceremony started at 6 p.m. and ended at 10:30 p.m.  It felt like such a blur and it would have been nice to have more time to just dance and have fun.

Photos courtesy of Angelee Arceo Photography.

Blog post by Real Weddings Magazine’s Social Media Maven, Aimee Carroll.

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