Tahoe Wedding Inspiration: Mountain Retreat {Get to Know Kendall}

As a full-time wedding planner, Kendall found it difficult to start planning her own wedding, and modeling for us gave her the inspiration to start planning her big day (we’d like to think!). Scroll down to read all about her love story and what is what like to be our Real Bride Model for our “Mountain Retreat” Cover Model Contest Photo Shoot!

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Why did you enter this contest?

I entered this contest because it was something a little outside my comfort zone, and I thought it would help me feel like more of a bride. I am a full-time wedding planner so it’s difficult to get into the mindset of enjoying the whole wedding process.

What did your partner think about you entering this contest? What was their reaction when you were selected? What was your reaction when you were selected?

Charlie was very supportive when I told him, he thought it was awesome that Real Weddings Magazine picked local brides for their photo shoots! When I told him that I was selected he was super excited for me and proud of me. When I got the text, I was shocked because I had never entered a contest like this before. As soon as a I got the news that I’d be one of the models, I was glad that I stepped outside my comfort zone and entered the contest. Reality set in when I was sliding on the first dress at the shoot.

Tell us about your cover model experience. What was your favorite part of the day? How did you feel afterwards?

The experience was thrilling! I was excited when I heard it was going to take place at The Hideout. I knew whether I could model or not, it was going to be a successful shoot based on the scenery alone. The hard part was the freezing temperature—it was about 45 degrees the entire time, with a few rain showers. Styled shoots happen rain or shine, so we all made the best of it and had a blast! My favorite part of the day was seeing the different design elements, and of course, the dresses! The day after I was absolutely exhausted. I should have done some stretching afterwards because my neck was pretty strained from all the poses.

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

Our love story is simple and embarrassingly millennial. Charlie and I had a mutual friend on Facebook. He saw my profile, friend requested me (twice) and then finally decided to message me and introduce himself. I didn’t know who he was, so I actually denied the first friend request! I’d like to think it was a little bit of fate that he gave it a second try. We went on a date two weeks later and have been together ever since. After six years together, Charlie got down on one knee at the Sacramento Rose Garden.

Tell us about your wedding day.

Charlie and I will be having an intimate wedding in Carmel. Our ceremony will be on a bluff overlooking the ocean during sunset. I wanted something that felt a little more adventurous, yet romantic and intimate. Following the ceremony, our reception will be at an award-winning restaurant in the heart of downtown Carmel, on a private rooftop under the stars.

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

My advice as a wedding planner would be to hire a day-of coordinator (at the very least) because you will enjoy your wedding more than you’d ever imagine. My advice to brides, would be to stick to your guns, don’t let anyone else decide what your wedding will be.