FROM THE BRIDE AND GROOM // Following a classic girls sleepover with my bridesmaids, I woke up in bed next to my two best friends. I remember thinking “Today’s the day! Remember to enjoy every moment.” I took multiple moments to stop and collect my thoughts throughout the day. Things started to pass by quickly, and our two bedroom hotel room filled up fast with bridesmaids getting their makeup and hair done. As excited and sure I was about marrying the man of my dreams, I was jittery in a way I never had been. But I kept strong and continued to enjoy every moment and giggle from my best friends surrounding me. I looked at my bridesmaids, thinking ahead at the amazing day I knew so many people I loved worked so hard to help me put on.

Joe woke up to a house full of guys, woke up super thirsty from all the salt the guys binged on the night before at their own sleepover. The guys watched an hour of news, had a toast and started getting ready. Joes best lady demanded that he eat, he wasn’t hungry because he felt jittery and incredibly excited. Guys took a group photo in front and listened to Mexican music on the drive to the church (to celebrate Cinco de mayo). Joe was excited to see me, and was stunned when he saw me down the aisle.

When it was time to head to our venue, we hopped into our limo. We arrived at the church and everything felt like a blur. But seeing Joe at the end of that long aisle, everything melted away. Everything felt right, the most I’d ever felt. I remember the gentle smile on his face, even seeing it from afar. And I loved how he kept looking at me throughout the ceremony, it was so sweet. I was also so impressed at how many loved ones showed up to the mass. One thing that we decided to do differently was to visit Joe’s father’s grave. We wanted to be intentional to honor him and his family on the day of our wedding. When we arrived, it wasn’t sad at all. It would have been awesome to have him there at the ceremony, but we were so happy to have him in our hearts in that moment.

After some of the most heartfelt moments at our ceremony and at Joe’s father’s grave, we were finally ready to head to our ceremony! When I walked into the Ebell of Long Beach, I was so so so impressed! My mom & Aunt had decorated the space with the help of our coordinators, Wish Wonder Dream. Everything from the arrangements to the table placement to the garlands that went on the bannisters were so gorgeous. My vision of vibrant florals, bougainvillea and Spanish inspiration was executed beautifully. I’ve always loved bright colors, but really love to have everything as natural as possible. I planned for succulents and bougainvillea because they can be found in nature together and are easy plants that have the capability to self sustain and grow wild. I wanted to balance it with beige and champagne colors because I love sparkle! Even the greens I used look like they could grow in a similar climate to succulents.

OUR FAVORITE MOMENT FROM THE DAY WAS DANCING THE NIGHT AWAY. It was time for our grand entrance and we basically didn’t stop until the end. Our dance went PERFECTLY because I let him lead, stayed calm and allowed him to guide me when we got stuck. I was so proud of us. After dinner the party was ON. I am impressed with how long we lasted on the dance floor, and am so happy we lived the night out to its fullest.I remember smiling and laughing and partying nonstop all happy and no drama that I knew of with my husband and loved ones.

It was the perfect start to the rest of our lives!

MY VENDORS:

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