Happy Monday, lovelies! We’re starting the week off right with a gorgeous wedding from Priscila Valentina Photography. And Skyler read Green Wedding Shoes throughout the planning process — love it! :) It’s always so amazing to hear how GWS can help inspire your day!
Skyler + Aaron knew from the start that they wanted their day to feel totally + completely them … but in wedding form! They handcrafted almost every detail together, which helped them fully embrace + enjoy the planning process and ensure their wedding truly reflected them as a couple. One of my absolute favorite elements is the hand-built wedding altar, which now has a place in their living room, serving as a sweet reminder of their special day! Such a fun idea. It was also important to them to incorporate their family + friend’s talents into their celebration, so friends played their ceremony music, Skyler’s sister sang in their ceremony + reception and their friend Christi coordinated the event + baked the yummiest cupcakes for dessert!
From Skyler: We were sure to add sweet, personal touches to our day. For example, Aaron’s grandpa’s war medal was incorporated into his boutonniere. This was a way for Aaron’s grandpa to be close to his heart since he was unable to be with us that day (he passed away last year). Incorporated onto the handle of my bouquet was the bracelet I wore to my mom & step-dad’s wedding when I was the flower girl. My grandma kept it for me all these years and gifted it to me at our rehearsal dinner. I knew it deserved a place in our special day.
I’m totally loving the bridesmaid’s black lace dresses! Such an unconventional choice that I think works beautifully at this wedding. It also makes their bouquets really pop!
And how great do the groomsmen look in their chambray shirts + suspenders?!
Skyler: Since our wedding day was the most perfect day ever, I can't choose just one! My favorites are seeing Aaron for the first time and seeing my dad right before the ceremony. Aaron and my first look was so us. You know how the bride typically taps the groom's shoulder to signal for him to turn around? Well, that was the plan but Aaron forgot the directions of our photographers, heard Nick say, "Go!", and in his eagerness totally turned around just as I was about to tap him! It was perfect in it's own way. Seeing my dad right before the ceremony was like our own first look as well. It was so emotional, knowing that you are stepping out of one chapter and moving onto the next. I'm so happy I had my dad to stand by me and walk me into my happily ever after. Oh, and let me tell you about Aaron's vows. They were so sweet, heartfelt, and intimate, I literally felt like it was just him and me. Can you guess how many people (okay, women) came up to me saying how Aaron had made them cry and to hang on to him forever? Oh, and I loved getting down on the dance floor! Oh, and the sparkler exit. Okay, I just really loved everything about our day!
Aaron: Oh wow, there were so many fantastic moments! My absolute favorite moment was finally seeing my bride in her gorgeous wedding gown for the first time. She was (is) stunning, and being able to see her in the beautiful backdrop of the old San Juan Capistrano Mission was just perfect. Another favorite for me was just before I saw her as I was opening a gift that she had given me; it was a small pin with a picture of my late grandfather that had a note she had written saying that the pin was for me to wear inside my jacket. The fact that she did that with such intimate thoughtfulness still blesses me and reminds me of how much she loves me. Best. Wife. Ever.
Processional: Perth (Instrumental) – Bon Iver
Recessional: Wouldn't It Be Nice – The Beach Boys
First Dance: Your Glory – All Sons and Daughters
From our handmade invites, escort windows and dessert table to the lettered buntings, signs and succulents in cans, we tried to incorporate as much of who we are as a couple into our day. Our day was about love: pure, sweet, whimsical, handmade, colorful love.
My advice to other brides is to not let the stress of wedding planning get in the way of your growing as a couple. Engagement is a sweet, sweet time that you will never have again, so don't wish it away! Decide which things about your day are most important (ours were photography, videography, and the venue) and don't try to be like all of the weddings you see on blogs or in magazines. Trust me, you will go crazy! Take something you like from each wedding and make it your own. Lastly, don't forget what the day is all about: saying yes to forever with your best friend!
photography: Priscila Valentina Photography // venue: Franciscan Gardens, San Juan Capistrano, CA // event coordinator: Christi Gartner // floral design: Christa Rose Florals // wedding dress: Justin Alexander // hairpiece: Gilded Shadows // bridesmaids jewelry: 31 Bits // shoes: Enzo Angiolini // hair + makeup: Sarah Spurlock – Bride’s mother + Kandis Hutton (bridesmaid) // groom suit: Hugo Boss // cinematography: Chemistry of Light / paper goods: Designed and printed by bride // catering: 24 Carrots // cupcakes + donuts: Christi Gartner and KD’s Donuts // dj: APC Entertainment // ceremony + reception music: Zach Finn, Johnny West, Timothy Huy + Kyra Lange
Really love how the vibrant bouquets pop against the lovely black lace! Beautiful wedding!
What a gorgeous wedding. I love every detail. The photos are definitely Pinterest worthy!
I’ve been searching for black lace dresses! LOVE those. Where are they from???
Hi Ashley,
Here is a cute black lace dresses I love: http://greenweddingshoes.com/product/flare-dot-dress/ — hope that helps!
The first look was great! You can see the anticipation in his face. Great wedding photography!
I’m in awe with how gorgeous the bride looks, from her dress to her hair to her makeup. FLAWLESS!
It is very beautiful. Amazing dress and young Favors :)
Absolutely beautiful wedding. Every image is amazing.
What a gorgeous bride!! love her dress, her hair and her make up just perfect!! such an amazing pictures and fairytale wedding love it!!
Love that first shot by the bells!
This wedding is SO lovely and sweet, but I have to say, I’m really in love with those bridesmaids’ dresses!
I am so inspired by this wedding. My bridesmaid is now going to wear black. Beautiful!
I love the Skyler Aaron wedding and the location. I’m searching for the perfect location and hope it isn’t rude to ask approximately how much the wedding cost. I’m new at this.
Helen
Beautiful post !!!!