TELL ME A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR WEDDING DAY AND YOUR WEDDING DAY EXPERIENCE IN A PARAGRAPH OR TWO… // My wedding day has most definitely been one of the best days of my life. On February 1st of 2014, I woke up anxious, a little nervous, and yet so excited to see my groom on the day of our wedding. To be honest though, when it came to décor I didn’t know what to expect. Fredy and I met with our coordinators a few times, bounced ideas, and they just seemed to get us. They caught the vision in our hearts. The 14 months we were engaged gave me enough time to dream up and play and replay any scenarios in my head of how I believed the wedding would go. Would my groom smile when he saw me walk down the isle? Would he cry? Would he be as anxious as I was to see him that day? All of that to say, reality was definitely better then my dreams.
Our family and friends showed so much support and love. Our vendors were amazing. And I don’t think I will ever stop thanking God for my husband and all the precious and amazing people I met through this journey. It was definitely an experience with many highs and lows, but an exciting one at that!
WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR WEDDING? // Most of my inspiration for the wedding actually came from the creativity of the team we hired to coordinate. I came to them with a handful of pictures, a dream, and a desire to marry my best friend. When it came to specific things like the ceremony, we trusted our loved ones, our friends, and vendors to be creative.
WHAT WAS THE MOST MEMORABLE/FAVORITE PART ABOUT YOUR WEDDING DAY? // There were way too many precious moments on that day to have kept count. I couldn’t tell anyone what the most memorable part of the day was. It changes every time I’m asked that question. The first look was definitely a highlight. Seeing my handsome groom for the very first time that day before the church was worth breaking tradition for. I loved being able to hold him and tell him how much I love him in such intimacy. I also cherish the few moments I got to spend dancing with my Father (I cried like a baby!), The moment where Fredy sang “Sweet Caroline” in front of everyone. He would only ever do it in private, and it came as such a sweet surprise. When our dear friends from Shepherd’s Son played a surprise set for us. The intimacy and meaning behind the feet washing during the ceremony was definitely one of the most memorable things, but I could go on forever so I’ll stop there.
WHY WAS PHOTOGRAPHY IMPORTANT TO YOU? // Photography was important to me for this occasion because I know I’ll never marry another man again. I would like to show my future children, God willing in the years to come that I am still in love with the man I vowed to love February 1st 2014. Besides, I knew that my family would all be asking for copies and to see pictures.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE SUN & SPARROW? // Every now and then even before even getting engaged I would visit the Sun & Sparrow blog to admire the beautiful shots of love & joy captured through a camera lens. I chose Sun & Sparrow because it was what my heart wanted. I know that sounds corny, but I’m not kidding when I say that Fredy and I prayed in the car one day after speaking to our sweet photographer. We wanted nothing short of the best, and although we weren’t sure we could afford the absolute best. I consider the pleasure of having Sun & Sparrow shoot our wedding a blessing and a miracle! After speaking to the photographer over email a few times, Fredy and I had to make it happen. Our photographer is one of the sweetest girls I have ever had the privilege to meet. We chose Sun & Sparrow because of their great connection with us. I truly felt that my photographer really cared about us, and our wedding pictures. She even made a secret pinboard for us to share ideas!
DID YOU DO ANY DIY PROJECTS? IF SO, WHAT? // Fortunately, the team we hired did all the DIY’s ! The only DIY I worked on with the help of one of my awesome bridesmaids Sarah, was bedazzling an awesome pair of budget friendly heels for the big day! I also went to downtown LA and chose my own fabric for my wedding gown. I had a family friend make a design a chose!
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR BRIDES WHO ARE CURRENTLY IN THE PLANNING PROCESS? // My advice to any brides would be to hire coordinators! They are a tremendous help. I was able to work 3 jobs all while planning a wedding, but I could not have done it with out Fancy The Engagement! Second, Be organized! Unfortunately I had so much going on, I dropped the ball when it came to being organized. Thankfully everything worked out, but I would also advise any brides who are opting for an intimate wedding to try not to share too many details of the wedding with people who aren’t involved in planning. Also, don’t forget to have fun!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF BEING MARRIED NOW? // My favorite part about being married is that I get to hang out with my best friend every single day. I get to make him laugh as much as I want, whenever I want, and distance is no longer a factor. We have been best friends for over 9 years and even though back then I never imagined we would end up together, I never imagined my life without him. My favorite thing about being married is that he is mine and I am forever his. He is so funny and so much fun! I just can’t believe we didn’t get married sooner.
PLEASE COMMENT BELOW AND TELL MAURA & FREDY HOW MUCH YOU LOVE THEM!!
©2014 Sun & Sparrow, Little Sparrow Associates // Wedding filmed by Claudia Hurtarte // Rustic wedding in San Pedro
VENDORS // Coordinators: Fancy The Engagement // PHOTOGRAPHERS: Sun & Sparrow Little Sparrow Associates // Church: Trinity Lutheran Church (San Pedro, CA) Regina Brennan // Groomsmen attire: Hollywood Suit Outlet // Flowers (Brides Bouquet, cake topper, & boutonniere’s) : Laura Barraza from In Style Blooms // Bridal Jewelry & shoes: Macy’s // Bridesmaid dresses: Aroma Bride // Venue: Michael’s Tuscany Room ( San Pedro, CA) Carol Anne // Musicians: JC Villafan, Shepherds Son, Sam Kisaka
©2014 Sun & Sparrow, Little Sparrow Associates // Wedding filmed by Claudia Hurtarte // Rustic wedding in San Pedro
We set off on a two week vacation to visit Budapest, Vienna, Salzberg, Munich for Oktoberfest, and finishing off in Prague.
