How did you meet?
We both met as coworkers working as retail managers. Eleven years later, we are still “coworkers” because we now run a commercial pool maintenance business together.
When did you become engaged, and how?
It was in June 2022 in Lake Tahoe. It was after dinner to celebrate our 10 year anniversary, Caleb wanted to take pictures in front of the lake. Once we walk down to the lake front, Caleb dropped to one knee. He didn’t have a chance to say his whole proposal speech because Alex was already crying sobbing happy tears and said yes before he could finish.
#WeddingGoals
We both wanted our wedding to be small and intimate. We didn’t care how it looked like as long as we were able to bring together our families and friends to celebrate our special day.
How did planning go?
We worked as a team. We split off who was responsible for vendors from researching to locking down the date. Favorite time: finding our dress and tux—we both found our outfits within the first few hours of our first day of shopping—and, of course, cake tasting. Worst time: getting down to the nitty gritty details (like does it really make a difference to go with off white or ivory linen?).
What was the biggest challenge of wedding planning?
It was learning that not all vendors are the same and wedding planning in general can take up your time. That you will have to go thru an interview process with every vendor to find your perfect match (sometimes its not the budget, its their availability and its also if their personalities fits best with the couple).
How would you describe the ceremony? Was there anything specific that made it unique to you as a couple?
It was beyond beautiful. Alex’s mother walked her down the aisle and we had Caleb’s father as our officiant. Alex had a dramatic long walk down aisle to the song of “Can’t Help Falling In Love” cover from Crazy Rich Asians. We timed it perfectly just like the movie scene. Caleb almost teared up, almost. We also wanted to be untraditional. We wanted our families to be able to have the best view of our wedding ceremony and not the back of our heads. We swapped each other’s families to sit at opposite sides. (The groom’s family sat on the bride’s side, vice versa) We even had our bridesmaids and groomsmen stand at opposites so we were able to see them ourselves.
Any memorable moments from your reception? Toasts? Fun dances? Performances?
The toasts, there was so many moments of laughter and ugly happy crying.
Special Dance
Our first dance was pretty special. Caleb is not a dancer, let alone having to dance in front of everybody. I was so proud and appreciated him for being able to dance to a Blink-182 cover song for the longest three minutes of his life.
Any funny or unexpected wedding moments that happened throughout the day?
The moment Alex reached the altar, the left sleeve of her dress popped out and broke. Luckily nobody noticed, and Alex just did a quick tuck in and moved on.
Best Part of the Day
Our best part was definitely our First Look and Private Vows. It was the only moment we had for each other that we didn’t have to share with anyone else.
Favorite Details
There were so many details that showed our personalities. Our guests enjoyed signature cocktails from Mochi’s Bar which was named after our corgi-husky fur baby. Pictures of us during 10 years together as décor. Music that was instrumental covers of rock and BTS. The florals that represented both of us: modern, bohemian and a little extra.
Looking back, what do you think your guests will remember most about your wedding?
It was intimate and had delicious food.
Advice from the couple
Communicate with your partner consistently. Split responsibilities. If it’s within your budget get at least a day of coordinator (our DOC put out so many fires behind the scenes, we didn’t realize it even happened until the day after, and to have someone get everyone to stay on your timeline) and pay for the extra touch-up hours with your makeup artist (you don’t know how many times my makeup was ruined from the happy tears through out the whole day). Always remember it’s a special day for both you and your spouse.
What would you have done differently if you had the chance?
I wish we had placed more time during dinner. From talking to our guests and taking photos, we barely had time to eat the delicious food everybody raved about.
