Lets begin with your LOVE story…
Chad and I were introduced to each other through his aunt and my dad. We talked on the phone for hours at a time at first and then set up meeting for the first time. We went on our first date at Brock’s and then went to Starbucks and sat outside so we could talk. While we were talking, a car went through the drive through the wrong way and we both started laughing. It was at that moment that I knew he was the one for me and we were going to be together because I knew I didn’t want to look at another smile for the rest of my life. I always give him a hard time because he realized we were meant to be together on the third date but all of this happened within five days. We spent a lot of time together and instantly introduced one another to family. Within a year, we were living together in Chico and going to school at Chico State University. After 3.5 years together, Chad decided he was going to propose. I graduated from Chico State on May 20th and had almost all of my family, Chad and Chad’s parents there to witness. From there, we went to my parents house in Loma Rica for my graduation party. We did the party as usual and when it came time to open presents, he requested that I opened his last. I was hoping for a ring of course so when I opened it to find a pretty bracelet, I was a little disappointed thinking it wasn’t going to happen. However, it was a distraction while he got the ring out of his pocket and proposed with all of my family and most of his family there. It was perfect! My parents knew about it so they were ready with glasses and sparkling cider for a toast and the graduation party quickly turned into an engagement party.
What was the most important thing for you about finding the perfect dress?
I grew up watching “Say yes to the dress” and seeing those beautiful gowns, the helpful and nice consultants, and the fun pedestal where the brides get “jacked up” after they find their dress. I definitely wanted that experience when finding my special dress and I wanted to have people around to celebrate with me. With Always Elegant Bridal and Tuxedo, we got all of that and more. I was a little worried thinking I would not get that “New York TV show experience” in a bridal shop in Yuba City or Chico but I definitely got the experience I wanted. The consultants listened to what I wanted and used their experience to help with the process. Even though they do this all the time and see many brides say yes, they never made us feel as though we were just another point of business but instead made us feel valued and special.
What was the best personal moments of your wedding day?
It is so difficult to choose specific moments because there are so many! One special moment is one I had with my dad. My dad and I are really close and he has been VERY clear that my wedding day would be the worst day of his life because it meant he was losing his little girl. We knew we wanted a moment together before the wedding so he could see me in my dress and we could cry it out. I decided to do a first look but with my dad (Chad and I kept it traditional and didn’t do a first look). My mom helped me carry my dress out to him but she stood to the side with the photographers and we had our moment. He definitely did the “Kim Kardashian cry face” but we only expected that. I cried so much as well. The first words he was able to say were, “You’re just so beautiful.” In the hustle and bustle of the day, it is hard to have special moments with everyone but I am so thankful we made time for us to have that moment together before he walked me down the aisle.
The second one was probably not one that many other people have experienced but it is one that makes both my husband and I smile and laugh every time we think about it. “Bohemian Rhapsody” is one of our favorite songs and we requested it to our DJ. When he started to play it, me and a couple of friends started to sing along to it. Eventually, we had a full on circle of 30 people where everyone had their arms around one another, singing along to the song. It was really special because so many of our loved ones were together just being in the moment and singing our heart out.
Please share something that stood out on your wedding day?
THE WEATHER! We got married on May 18th at 3pm. We never would have thought it was going to rain when we chose our date but it was definitely a storm. We were able to scrounge for last minute tents, ponchos, and umbrellas so everything was still able to work. Our venue was completely outdoors so there was no way to move the ceremony or the reception inside. It started to rain 10 minutes before the ceremony and it was very windy. During the ceremony, Chad, the officiant and myself were all huddled under one umbrella. Our goal for our wedding was to have our closest family and friends witness our marriage and feel the love from everyone. When people come from near and far, sit in the pouring rain for you, and smile the entire time, you can feel the love. Other than our soaked suits or dresses and wet hair, you never would have known it was raining from the smiles on everyone’s faces. We were showered with lots of love! (Pun intended)
What was your inspiration for your wedding day and dress?
We really wanted everyone that came to celebrate us to have a good time with good food and great people. It was pretty much a Mexican backyard fiesta with wedding elegance to it. There was a Mexican theme with a lot of things in place to make sure people were entertained and had fun during and after cocktail hour. We had a mariachi band, an elotero (the corn man), games on the lawn and a photobooth. With fun being a focus, I wanted a dress that matched my personality and the wedding. I wanted a dramatic bottom with ruffles or rosettes with a more traditional top which really fits my personality because I’m 80% fun and bubbly but also 20% mature and reserved. (I am able to differentiate when I need to need to be professional and when it’s okay to have a light saber battle.) The Allure dress I found was exactly what I was looking for and the accessories I found at AE really brought the dress and my vision to life.
Any advice to future brides?
We spend a lot of time on the small details of the wedding that sometimes we forget the big picture. Of course, you want everything to come together perfectly, as you should because it is your day, but don’t stress about it. At the end of the day, you are going to be so happy that you are with the person of your dreams that it is not going to matter if the caterer didn’t put the plates on the table like you wanted or if the cake topper is forgotten. In a day that is very hectic and fast, take a few moments to look around you, look at all the people who came to see you and take everything in. It sounds really cliche but it truly can very well be the best day of your life. Try your best to enjoy it.
Florist: MHS Floral club
