What was the most important thing for you about finding the perfect dress?
My priorities about finding the perfect dress changed after a spur of the moment dress shopping trip shortly after our engagement. I thought that I wanted a bohemian style lace dress bought online that I could have tailored to fit. After my first experience trying on dresses, I quickly learned that both the style and the size that I would have ordered online would not have made me feel confident on my wedding day. After choosing our venue, I felt compelled to find a dress that would match our forest themed wedding. I wanted my dress to be unique, to compliment my figure, and to have a romantic look that would bring an enchanting touch to our big day.
What was the best personal moments of your wedding day?
David and I shared a first look and exchanged personal letters to each other before the wedding ceremony. This include just us two, the videographers and the photographers – it was very special and it allowed us to calm our nerves and get some photos done before the day really got started. Another moment that I remember fondly is when David and I sat down to eat and watched everyone around us – that was the moment that it all felt real. In front of us, grandparents talking with old friends that they hadn’t seen in over a decade, family sharing jokes, friends sharing memories with other friends, talking, laughing, sharing, eating and drinking – the good stuff. We spent the previous year doing our best to make sure that our guests would be happy on our wedding day and in that moment, it finally felt like it all paid off.
Please share something that stood out on your wedding day?
Asking my husband what stood out to him, his first response is “YOU”. To me, what stood out was the weather and the scenery. A storm had swept through earlier in the week leaving us wondering what we would do if we had bad weather. We planned and planned but we hadn’t planned for bad weather – something inside me had just said not to worry about it. Just that week we had purchased blankets, rented outdoor heaters and borrowed a dozen tents from my work in case the rain came. We did what we could to mitigate for weather but there was still something inside me that chose to not worry about it. On our wedding day, Mount Shasta had a fresh coat of snow, the sun was out and there wasn’t a single cloud in the sky. We didn’t have wind or rain. We were very blessed but I am glad that we got the blankets and outdoor heaters because as soon as the sun went down, the chilly feeling of fall settled in quickly.
What was your inspiration for your wedding day and dress?
Our inspiration was a combination of many things and I wasn’t sure if it would all come together cohesively, to be honest! David comes from a small town agriculture background which I love and wanted to incorporate into the wedding day. The venue, Iron Horse Unlimited, brought a combination of the forest and rustic vibes with a stunning view of Mount Shasta and outbuilding structures which were milled with barn wood on site. As a seasonal person, I wanted to capture the arrival of fall in my theme; I knew this could be done with some detail pieces and the fall floral colors. With the venue bringing rustic and forest, I knew that I didn’t need to add anything of that nature. My groom wanted to wear jeans and boots so I decided to keep the upper half of the men classy with the coat, vest and tie to compliment my more elegant bridesmaids dresses. My dress was a very romantic style gown with off the shoulder sleeves, a subtle plunged neckline and a long train. I had a vision that I could bring these themes together and I am glad that I stuck to it.
Any advice to future brides?
Dear future brides, you’ll probably spend an entire year making decision after decision, trying to hash out every detail of your wedding and stay true to your theme and your budget. There will be people who disappoint you or make wedding planning more difficult for you – expect that. You are doing the best you can do. All that really matters in the end is that you and your future hubby are 100% married, enjoy it! Dance your booty off and flaunt your wedding photos because this season will only last a little while.
Florist – Marshalls Florist (Redding, Ca)
