European Villa Fairytale wedding at Villa Del Sol D’ Oro // ©2019  Sun & Sparrow // Southern California Wedding Photographers

FAIRYTALE MUSINGS FROM THE BRIDE AND THE GROOM :  The morning of our wedding was filled with excitement and stress, but I wouldn’t change it for the world…

Eleana: Excited but also kind of stressed out. I’m mostly practical and I wanted to make sure that everything that could be controlled/handled were taken care of for the vendors and the guests. I was really looking forward to my friends coming to spend the morning with me while I got ready too; having the support of your ladies is so essential and since I didn’t have a wedding party, I was extra glad that they were taking the time out of their schedule to hang out. I was excited to see Mike (we slept in separate rooms the night before) and do the First Look, since I felt that would be a big moment for us.

Mike: Felt normal the morning of the wedding. Met up with some friends and ate breakfast and got my hair done. As we were driving to the venue, got a bit more anxious, arrived at the venue and started to get ready. Just looking forward to getting to the venue so that I would be ready on time.

Did you have a ‘first look’ or a ‘walk down the aisle’ moment? How did you feel when you saw your significant other for the first time?

Eleana: First Look; I was nervous but also really calm. I hoped he would like my dress! When he turned around, he started crying and then I started crying (though probably not as much as him). I told him to stop since it would ruin all my make-up.

Mike: We had a first look moment. I got emotional and had tears running down as I saw my beautiful wife in her dress. She looked beautiful and and dress had this long train that looked amazing.

What was your favorite moment?

Eleana: Probably when Mike was drunk and slid across the dance floor on this knees to give me a lap dance – it was definitely a goal achieved. The ceremony was really well done by both the pastor (who is Mike’s friend) and the reading done by my cousin. I think the moments with my dad were also really special – and of course, all the moments with friends. I definitely felt like I couldn’t/didn’t give anyone enough of the time that they deserved and I’m so thankful for all the help/love/support (even from some friends who weren’t able to make it to the actual wedding!). And some of the drunk people that had to be carried out (no names will be named).

Mike: There were many favorite moments from the wedding day. The first look was unforgettable. Just seeing all our family and friends. The ceremony was good. The speeches were good. The food was good. Enjoyed drinking and dancing and just spending time with everyone.

How did your wedding feel like a fairytale?

Eleana: The venue, for one, was amazing. It definitely didn’t feel like we were in Los Angeles and we were transported somewhere else with our guests. The atmosphere of fun and happiness from our loved ones really contributed to the day; it was great knowing they were there for us and were celebrating our next step together. Though now that we’re married, it doesn’t feel any different than before (which I think is a good thing).

Mike:  The weather was perfect and the feel from the venue gave good energy. Did not seem like we were in a big city.

OUR AMAZING VENDOR TEAM:
Venue: Villa del Sol d’Oro  | Coordinator:  Sandi & Sean McQuilkin  | Photographer: Sun & Sparrow  | Photo booth: VOX DJs | Florals (arch/personals): Leonora Moss | Florals (centerpieces): Connie Kwok (friend) | Invitations (design): Danielle Yip (friend) | Invitations (print): Simon with Emperor Printing | Calligraphy/Signage: Estefania Becerra (friend) | Rentals & Catering: Lindburgh McPherson  | Desserts: Danielle Keene with sheilamae.com | Wedding Gown Maker: Whispers & Echoes, a BHLDN label : | Hair & Makeup: Joyce Luck Style | Groom Suit: John Varvatos  | Groom Details: socks: Ted Baker | tie Original Penguin | shirt & shoes: Calvin Klein