What was your total budget? Please provide a budget breakdown.
- Venue: $8,000 (included ceremony site, reception site, food, tables, chairs, linens)
- Flowers: Cost of Flowers and Supplies $1,850)
- Decor Items: No Fee; provided by Floral Designer (Sister)
- Attire for Bride: $4,500
- Hair and Make-up for Bride: $350
- Attire for Groom: $350
- Bartenders/Liquor: $1,800
- Photographer: No fee; sister of Groom
- DJ: $300 (family member of Bride)
- Officiant: No fee; Brother in law to Groom
- Mariachi: $400
- Reception Band: $5,000
- Cake: $350
Total Budget: $23,000
How many guests did you have?
350
How did you meet?
We meet in middle school. We’ve known each other since the age of 13.
What is your proposal story?
Disneyland! We love Disneyland, we go every year for her birthday. It was a challenge to find somewhere private but I pulled it off…next to the Snow White wishing well. She said yes! I was so nervous but according to her…. it was perfect!
We added a small detail on our wedding day to remind us of that moment. It was a “Disney” themed wooden ring box.
Tell us about your wedding vision.
Our vision was to have a romantic, vintage wedding with lots of flowers! We wanted our guests to feel the love and see the small details of our time and energy put into our wedding.
Our color was mauve with small touches of burgundy. Such beautiful colors; it just felt right! The color was seen throughout the decor in the florals and also in the bridesmaid dresses. Groomsmen wore all black suits with mauve ties.
The wedding took place at a private wedding venue, that offered an outdoor ceremony and indoor reception. The garden was full of luscious greenery, and water fountains. Following the ceremony, the guests were surprised by the mariachi that initiated the cocktail hour. Guests were able to enjoy the garden, where there were different areas to enjoy the appetizers and cocktails.
Bride and groom had signature drinks for guests; “The Dapper”, “Cranberry Kiss”, and “Mint to Be” were some of their options.
Tell us about your attire choices.
For the groomsmen, we wanted a dapper look. We went with all black European style. For the bridesmaids, we went with the combination of vintage and romantic, lace floor-length, off the shoulders dresses.
The bride chose a fitted, lace, vintage-inspired dress with a sexy plunging neckline. It fit so perfectly and she wore a long cathedral veil to complete the vintage look.
What was most important to you two? Was there anything you chose to splurge on or skip?
The most important thing for us was the atmosphere. We wanted an open-concept space to accommodate the 350 guests we had.
One of the areas where we decided to splurge, was the live six-member band we had for the reception. (Banda Proceso Norteno) The band played throughout the evening and filled the dance floor!
What were your favorite parts of the day?
The ceremony! OMG, the best part of our day. It was so personal with much love and details put into it. Flower girls were our little nieces. They looked so beautiful with their flower crowns. Bridesmaids were Bride’s sisters and close friends. Groomsmen were all cousins. Bride and Groom wrote out their own personal vows, and the groom’s brother-in-law was the officiant.
Also, the bride and groom incorporated a unique unity ceremony. They used a plant to represent their union and the beginning of their family, and they each poured in the soil to represent each other.
The ceremony began with our theme song; “Can you feel the love tonight.”
Tell us about your wedding flowers.
The wedding flowers included soft tones in blush, mauve, and touches of burgundy. Flowers used included “Quicksand” roses, brownie tulips, and burgundy ranunculus. Also, a special touch on the sweetheart table were stems of burgundy cymbidium orchids from the groom’s mom’s garden. The floral designer was the groom’s older sister and she worked alongside the bride and groom to bring all visions to life.
Tell us about your wedding cake.
The cake was a three-tiered cake. The decor on the cake included a floral wreath around the base and additional flowers on the second and top tier. Flowers used were a mix of white hydrangeas, roses, tulips, and spray roses.
Did you include any family heirlooms or special traditions?
The groom wore a boutonniere that once belonged to his late father. Florals were added to adorn the pearl-studded boutonniere, first worn in 1977.
Do you have any advice for couples planning their weddings now?
Remember that your special day is about the union between the bride and groom. Make sure to include special details that describe who you are as a couple and always keep in mind that it is a celebration of your love.
Vendors
Photography: Sarah Cazares Photos | Ceremony Venue: Rancho Las Palmas | Reception Venue: Rancho Las Palmas | Floral: H & S Floral Design | Stationery: Melissa Hubans Designs | Videography: J Matic Films | Wedding Cake: Karla’s Cakes | Hair Stylist for Photos day: Meztli Escobar |Make up Artist for Photos day: Jacquelin Bulajic |Hair and Makeup: Artistry by Drea | Wedding Dress: Martina Liana Bridal | Calligraphy: Eternal Calligraphy Design | Ceremony Musicians: Mariachi San Martin | Ring Box: Great Dane’s Designs | Wedding Dress: Martina Liana Bridal | Groom’s Attire: Robert’s Men’s Suits | Veil: Martina Liana Bridal | Submitted via: Matchology
