When we started planning, we wanted something small and intimate, but as time passed, I realized I wanted the celebration to be a bit bigger but still personal. Mario and I both knew we wanted an outdoor fall wedding, celebrating with our closest family and friends. The theme I had in mind was minimalist elegance, full of floral arrangements and candles.
How did planning go?
Wedding planning went great for the most part! We made sure to create our Wedding Checklist, this helped us book and secure our venue, vendors, and photographer. As the bride, my favorite moment was asking my maid of honor and bridesmaid to be a part of our bridal party. Also, putting together our save the dates and wedding invitations with our family. We had an assembly line going and enjoyed dinner together. It made our wedding feel even more real–we were so excited. A fun memory we have is practicing our dip kiss for our reception and the beginning to our first dance. We would record ourselves, and then die of laughter of how silly we looked. Those videos will be saved forever.
Biggest Challenge
Our biggest challenge was our guest list. We had a number of guests in mind at the beginning of wedding plan but that changed rather fast. We wanted to include all of our loved ones from both sides but since we both come from big families we had to make the hard decision on who would attend.
How was the Ceremony?
Our ceremony was romantic and timeless. The weather was amazing for us, the next day it was gloomy and rainy. Our officiant who is our brother-in-law kept it short and sweet, highlighting what we mean to each other and how our union came about. Our son was included not only in our vows to each other, but standing by our side, as part of our bridal party.
Memorable Moment
I ordered a photo charm for my bouquet to celebrate my late grandmother, but little did Mario know I ordered one for him to celebrate his late grandfather. After saying goodbye to each other the night before our wedding, I wrote a card to him and included the photo charm. We both lost two very important people who we wish could have been there with us on our wedding day. Mario was shocked at the gift and wore the charm over his heart.
Any funny or unexpected wedding moments that happened throughout the day?
My husband went to Starbucks the morning of our wedding to get my coffee, and made sure they wrote “Bride” on my cup.
My husband and his party had to move rooms since the hotel did not accommodate a late check-out the morning of our wedding day. They did not find this out until an hour before our photographer was set to arrive. Without me knowing, they moved everything out of his room and into the extra room that was connected to the bridal suite right next to me. I knew something was wrong since there were a lot of phone calls and people disappearing for a short time, but every time I asked I was told “nothing is wrong”, “don’t worry about it”, “Mario and Jalen are fine”.
My son was stressing out about how his hair looked, he wanted to look his best. Tears were shed but in the end he looked great, and now we laugh about it.
About an hour before we were set to leave to have our photos taken, and our First Look, our photographer informed me that the winery was not going to allow us to take photos on their property. I had a brief panic attack as any bride would. But Senia assured me that she had a plan B and to not worry. As they say things happen for a reason. In the end the winery was absolutely amazing, and the photos came out beautifully.
We planned a last minute First Look with my son. I can’t imagine my life without him and because of him he has made me a better person. As he turned around to see me in my wedding dress, tears fill his eyes. I couldn’t help but see the same three-year-old little boy when we first met.
Special Dances:
First Dance: “Best Part” (feat. H.E.R.), song and lyrics by Daniel Caesar
Family Dances: “Papa, Quiero Decirte” by Lali Torres (Father/Daughter) and “Can She Have this Dance” by Drew Aldridge (Mother/Son)
Cake Cutting Dance: “You are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne
Last Dance: “Forever” by Chris Brown
Cassandra’s Favorite Part
Mario and I both agree that the best part of our wedding day was our first look. We both hadn’t spoken to each other or seen each other for what felt like forever. He had no idea what my dress looked like, and I wanted him to be surprised—it felt so surreal, like it was just us two on this entire planet.
Favorite Detail
Our memorial table. We both wanted to honor our loved ones who couldn’t be with us to celebrate our wedding. The presence of every one of them was felt.
Looking back, what do you think your guests will remember most about your wedding?
The photo booth, taco bar, and the wine/wine slushies!
#VendorRaves
Our photographer, Yesenia from Senias Lens, was nothing less than perfect. She was so patient with us, our bridal party, and all of our guests. She was able to capture our day with amazing photos that bring up our best memories on one of the best days of our lives. We had so much fun with her and hope to continue to have her capture all our big moments for our family’s future memories.
Advice from the Couple
Plan ahead and stay organized. Do not wait till the last minute on booking vendors or completing wedding tasks. Mario and I were able to enjoy the last few weeks stress-free, leaving us with anticipation for our wedding. Also, add a first look and golden hour photos to your timeline, you won’t regret it.
What would you have done differently?
We would have booked a videographer.
