Lila and Mark are college sweethearts and loved reliving their big day during the Varietals of Love styled shoot. We also loved working with them because they were such an amazingly awesome couple! Read on to hear about their experience modeling (oh, la, la!) and their love story, plus check out photos of them in all their looks!
Real Weddings: What made you want to model for this photo shoot?
Lila: We thought it would be a fun way to extend our wedding festivities, and to get to embody some model alter-egos for a day.
RW: Tell us about your modeling experience.
L: We didn’t really know what to expect, which was actually a good thing because we got to start the day with a completely blank slate. It was a whirlwind of a day, getting shuttled around on a little golf cart after hair, makeup and outfit changes, and it was so fun. Absolutely a once in a lifetime experience, and we are so thankful that we got to be a part of it together!
On Lila: Gown from Perfect Dress Party; Jewelry by Mariell. On Mark: Suit, Shirt and Shoes from Tuxedo Den; Ties from Macy’s
RW: How was modeling with your significant other?
L: Easy breezy, would highly recommend. It was so fun seeing each other’s reaction every time there was a new look or set! It definitely was hard to follow the no kissing rule!
RW: Did you relate to the concept/theme?
L: The special thing about the day was that, while our wedding day looked different from the theme of the shoot, we had a blast getting to insert ourselves in a completely new setting, clothes, and hair and makeup looks in order to bring the concept to life. The venue and set-up was so gorgeous, I’m pretty sure we could’ve rolled out of bed and modeled in our pajamas and it would have been a beautiful shoot.
On Lila: Gown from Always Elegant Bridal & Tuxedo; Jewelry and Headpiece by Mariell. On Mark: Suit, Shirt and Shoes from Tuxedo Den; Ties from Macy’s
RW: What was your favorite part of the shoot?
L: Meeting everyone! All of the people and vendors working the shoot were so incredibly talented, kind and welcoming, and helped make the day be as fun as it was. The dresses weren’t bad either!
On Lila: Gown from Always Elegant Bridal & Tuxedo; Headpiece and Jewelry by Adora by Simona. On Mark: Suit, Shirt and Shoes from Tuxedo Den; Ties from Macy’s
RW: Tell us about your love story. How did you meet? What was the proposal like?
L: We met way back in college while working in adjacent research labs. After many years, including a long distance stint, moving to a new city together, and raising our darling golden retriever, Mark asked me to marry him in December 2022 while looking out at the ocean near Pacifica. We cheers’ed with some bubbly and celebrated with friends and family, which was followed by a wonderful dinner at Acquerello in San Francisco.
On Lila: Gown from The Bridal Box; Headpiece by Adora By Simona; Earrings by Mariell. On Mark: Suit, Shirt and Shoes from Tuxedo Den; Ties from Macy’s
RW: Tell us about your wedding day.
L: It was the best weekend of our lives! We got married at Sequoia Mansion in Placerville and were able to start the celebrations with our rehearsal dinner on Friday followed by drinks with friends, marrying each other on Saturday, and held a farewell gathering on Sunday. We felt so much love for each other and every single one of our guests, and couldn’t have asked for a better wedding weekend.
On Lila: Gown from Always Elegant Bridal & Tuxedo; Jewelry from Macy’s. On Mark: Suit, Shirt and Shoes from Tuxedo Den; Ties from Macy’s
RW: If you could offer any advice to engaged couples what would it be?
L: Savor this season! Take time to figure out the vision you have for your day and make sure to find vendors who complement it and whose work you are excited about! If it works with your timeline, take time out during dinner to visit each table and catch up with your guests. Also, save a piece or two of cake to eat after the wedding or for breakfast the next morning.
On Lila: Gown from Always Elegant Bridal & Tuxedo; Headpiece and Earrings by Adora by Simona. On Mark: Suit, Shirt and Shoes from Tuxedo Den; Ties from Macy’s
Special thanks to our real couple models, Lila + Mark, and all of the professionals who contributed to this feature!
To see more from our “Varietals of Love” styled shoot, click here!
Blog post by Real Weddings Magazine’s Editorial Contributor, Emily Peter-Corey.
Photos by Bloom Photography/copyright Real Weddings Magazine.
