Real A|E Bride Alyse & Forrest

Every love story has a beginning, and theirs started with a dating app and a first date that neither was entirely sure about. What followed was a relationship built on choosing one another, creating memories, and finding a place that feels like home.

Tell us about the two of you. How did your story begin?

"It all started with Hinge and a hike where we weren't 100% sure about each other. Then we couldn't live without each other. Forrest and I have created so many special memories, from our engagement in Las Vegas to the everyday moments that have made our relationship what it is today. Together, we’ve built a life in Sacramento that includes our family, our sweet dog Scoob, and our favorite memories together. One of the most special parts of our relationship is the family we’ve created, including Hayden, my bonus daughter by love. Our story isn’t just about finding each other; it’s about choosing each other and building a life that feels like home."

What made you realize this was your person?

"It’s the way Forrest makes life feel like home. It’s knowing that I have someone to share the big milestones with, but also the ordinary days that end up meaning the most. Love is in the little things, the laughter, the support, and the feeling that you can be completely yourself with someone. Forrest is my partner in every sense of the word, and I knew I wanted to keep choosing him through every chapter life brings our way."

When imagining their wedding day, Forrest and Alyse wanted a celebration that reflected everything they had built together. Romantic, timeless, and filled with the people who had been part of their journey.

What was your vision for your wedding day, and what inspired it?

"Our vision was to create a day that felt romantic, timeless, and full of love. More than anything, we wanted our wedding to feel like us—a beautiful celebration surrounded by the people who mean the most to us. We wanted a day where we could party, take everything in, celebrate our family, and make memories we would carry with us forever. At the end of the day, the most important thing was not having a perfect wedding, but having a meaningful one."

There is something so special about the moment a bride finds her dress. Suddenly, the wedding day that once felt so far away starts to become real. For Alyse, finding her gown was about discovering something that felt beautiful, timeless, and completely her.

Tell us about your dress. What made it feel like your dress?

"My dress was special because it made me feel like the bride I had always imagined myself being. There’s something about finding the dress that makes everything suddenly feel real. It wasn’t just about how it looked; it was about how I felt wearing it and imagining walking down the aisle to marry Forrest. I wanted something that felt timeless, beautiful, and true to me."

Wedding planning comes with countless decisions, from the flowers and decorations to the smallest finishing touches. But sometimes, it's those little details that become the most meaningful parts of the entire experience.

What part of wedding planning surprised you the most?

"I think what surprised me most was how emotional the little details became. Planning a wedding involves so many decisions, but each one represents a piece of your story and the people you love. It made me realize that the day is about so much more than flowers, decorations, or a timeline. It’s about celebrating the life you’ve built together and the people who have helped make it special."

With the ceremony approaching, guests beginning to take their seats, and all the excitement building, Alyse found herself surrounded by the girls who had been there for her throughout the journey. Her maid of honor decided it was time to bring everyone together, choose a song, and celebrate before the big moment.

What happened next became one of her favorite memories of the day. Was there a moment during the day that stopped time for just a second?

"Minutes before walking down the aisle, all the girls were in my room. The music was playing, and people were starting to take their seats. My maid of honor decided to get all the girls together, pick a song, and pour a chambong. We all danced to "Any Man of Mine" by Shania Twain. I felt so much love, and it allowed me to take a breath and calm my nerves. It is truly important to pick your bridesmaids, as they are the ones to hype you up and calm your nerves."

After experiencing all the excitement, emotions, and little surprises that come with planning a wedding, we asked Alyse what she would tell another bride preparing for her own special day.

Looking back now, what advice would you give to a future bride?

"Enjoy the process as much as you can and remember what the day is really about. It’s so easy to get caught up in the details and worry about everything being perfect, but the moments you’ll remember most are often the ones you never planned. Take time to be present, spend a few quiet moments with your partner, and don’t let the little things steal your joy. The day goes by faster than you can imagine, so soak up every second. Things will go wrong, and that is okay!"

As Forrest and Alyse begin this next chapter together, their excitement isn't just about the wedding day. It's about everything still waiting for them: new adventures, travels, family traditions, and all the little moments that make a life together so special.

What are you most excited about in this next chapter of marriage?

"I’m most excited about continuing to build our life together. We’ve already shared so many special memories, and I can’t wait for all the ones still ahead of us—from new adventures and travels to the simple everyday moments at home. I’m excited to keep growing together, creating traditions, making memories with our family, and watching our life continue to unfold. Marriage feels like the beginning of another beautiful chapter with my favorite person."