Ryan and I met as teenagers; we became friends, and started dating one year after we first met. We were together for about 7 years, until he finally proposed to me on December 19, 2005. We were on vacation in Maui, taking a stroll after a romantic lunch at the Ritz. We stopped at a gazebo on a cliff over looking the beach; Ryan got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife.
From that point forward, I knew I wanted a wedding to remember. A wedding that was chic, classy, beautiful and unique; I wanted my guests to walk away remembering my wedding as the best they have ever been to. And it all started with my gown...
The Unique Bride was the first Bridal shop I went to, I tried on a few different gowns and although I was extremely happy with the staff, I decided to explore other shops to assure I had the best selection. After searching several other places and different designers I ended up back at The Unique Bride, their hospitality, knowledge and taste was unlike any other shop I visited, and I felt most comfortable with their staff (especially Mary, who was with me every step of the way). On the day I came back to Unique Bride, they had a rep from Amsale conducting a mini-trunk show. I tried on a couple of dresses, then the rep came in and suggested a stunning ivory, strapless, a-line gown with a beautiful, sparkling appliqué trimming the bottom of the bodice. I tried it on, and my face completely changed. I could not stop smiling, I felt like a real life, princess...this was THE DRESS.
The ceremony was held at the chapel at St. Mary's College of California (my alma mater). It began at 12:30 in the afternoon; the colors were midnight-blue and mulberry. Kissing balls with black baccara roses and stephanotis flowers hung all around, the brides maids held burgundy calla lilies, and I held simple white mini calla lilies (provided by Flowers by Atalanta). My bridesmaids looked gorgeous, my groomsmen dashing. My mother so pretty in her lilac gown, cried tears of joy as she watched my father, looking so proud, walk me down the isle. The ceremony was beautiful, and I married the love of my life.
The reception was semi-formal, held at the Marriott in Walnut Creek. The banquet room was breathtakingly decorated by my florist, and the 5-tier ivory wedding cake (provided by Beaux Gateaux) stood gracefully next to the head table. My DJ played music to appeal to both the young and the older crowds and dance floor was packed all night. My photographer (Joseph Kohn, IQphoto) and my videographer (Alex Kon, IQvideography) were amazing, and captured every special moment beautifully.
My wedding was perfect, it was just as I had always dreamed it would be, and it is something I will never forget.
Thank you Amsale for being a part for the magic!