Elizabeth + Carlos

How did you meet?

Carlos and I met in high school when we were 16. We went to different high schools but had mutual friends that enabled us to meet.

When did you become engaged, and how?

We got engaged Friday August 13, 2021. We had the day off from work and decided on a day trip to Bodega Bay. We went for a walk at our favorite lookout spot above the ocean. Carlos started fiddling with a new tripod he purchased for our 3-week trip through Mexico that we were taking a few months later. I was just looking at the ocean while he used me to test out the tripod. I turned my back and when I turned back to him there he was, on one knee with a ring. He asked, I said ‘yes’. There were other people on the trail that stopped, watched, and clapped for us. It was really special.

Budget Considerations

We started with a $30,000 budget for an all inclusive wedding package. But we pushed it up to $50,000 as we started looking at venues and caterers that could make it a more personal and special day. Our planner really helped keep us within budget. As we got closer to the day she was able to add some extra pieces to our design.

Memorable Moment

The best man’s toast. He did such a good job; kind, sweet, but also funny. Since my husband and I have been together since we were teenagers, the best man was able to bring up great stories from our past that were fun to share.

#VendorRaves

Our wedding planner was amazing—we could not have made the day so special without her and her team. Our photographer was also amazing—we were given a lot of compliments on how great and interactive she was.

#CeremonyGoals

We wanted to make it easy on us and our families. We picked a venue with an AirBnB so we could get ready there and we could stay there after the wedding. We also decided on a full service wedding planner to take care of the design and help us connect with vendors. It was very important to that our families didn’t have to do anything the day of but enjoy the wedding.

How did the planning go?

Planning went smooth. Our wedding planner was amazing and helped us with design and recommending vendors when we didn’t know where to turn. Worst moment was about three weeks before our wedding. Our original DJ, which we picked on our own, would not get on the same plan as our wedding planner and us. It was making us nervous so we decided to let him go, but our wedding planner was able to find us an amazing replacement just a few weeks before our wedding.

Biggest Challenge

The biggest challenge was all of the decisions and choices we had to make. From linens, to songs, and everything in between.

How would you describe the ceremony?

It was fun and our officiant did an amazing job making it very special. Our entry music was the theme song to Jurassic Park, it caught people off guard and it was fun to see their reaction.

What was the best part of your day?

Both of us said the the first look. It was for us and just us. Even our photographer stepped back and took pictures from afar so we would have that moment together. I had kept my look a secret and I think he was genuinely surprised.

Favorite Detail

The sweetheart table that our wedding planner set up was perfect. It had an arch with flowers and candles that flowed to the floor. Our planner also set up an amazing outdoor area with lounge furniture, tall tables, and a huge lighted “LOVE” sign that everyone enjoyed.