Archive for the ‘Party Petals’ Category

The Couple:  Vanessa and Greg 

Wedding Date:  October 17, 2010 

Photography by:  Shepard Photography 

Tell us a little about you and your beloved:  The truth is…we met in jail :) What a great story to tell our kids, right?! Greg and I both worked at the same location and had a shift together for no more than an hour. The first time we hung out was for a celebration for him and two others who got new jobs. That night, we hit it off and have been together ever since. We make an amazing team! I joke that it was “love at first sight” whhen we first found out we both had annual passes to Disneyland. 

For Valentine’s Day 2010 we decided to keep it low key. We really needed to organize our garage so we had planned to do that all weekend. Greg and I were planning a trip to the snow the following weekend, and we had completed the purchase of my snow outfit on Saturday. He wanted me to try everything on to make sure I didn’t need anything else. So, I rolled out of bed, put on my snow pants, my new snow boots and headed downstairs to try on the rest. Greg and I went in to the garage to find my snow gloves and to try on my gaiters. I put on my snow gloves which prompted Greg to ask, “What are those?” I said “my gloves” and then I took them off. Greg said “then what are these?” as he pointed to another pair of gloves. I had no idea who they belonged to but he was insistent that I try them on! So I put the right hand on and said they fit. Greg asked me to put the left hand on, and I couldn’t figure out why he was being so difficult about these gloves. Well, I put my left hand in and my finger touched something… “A BUG!!!!” I shouted while removing the glove and shaking it vigorously so the “bug” fell out. Let me tell you, it was a VERY shiny bug. I dug through the box it landed in and realized it wasn’t a bug; it was a beautiful engagement ring! If I would have paid any attention I would have realized Greg was on one knee the entire time. He asked me to marry him, I said yes, and the rest is history! 

What was the most amazing part of your day?  Being surrounded by our closest friends and family. It rained that day and our venue did the most amazing job moving us inside, and it couldn’t have worked out better. The atmosphere was so intimate and we could feel the love, excitement and joy of our guests. 

What else would you like to share about your big day?  Greg and I have a lot of personality, and it was important to us that we had humor as a part of our day. From the jokes during the ceremony, to the granny panties wrapped around the garter, to the “Just Married” Disneyland buttons we wore during the reception…it was a blast! 

Ceremony and Reception Site:  The Grand Island Mansion 

Photographer: Chris Shepard, Shepard Photography 

Caterer:  on-site and absolutely delicious! It was the first wedding I’ve attended where everyone was too busy eating and not chatting with the bride and groom. We were able to eat a full meal and visit with each other while people went back for seconds and thirds. The guests were extremely pleased with the food and the cake. 

Cake:  On site and fabulous! 

Flowers:  Party Petals 

Wedding Dress:  Alfred Angelo 

Bridesmaid Dresses:  David’s Bridal 

Hair:  Kitty Coppin, Shear Magic 

Makeup:  Morgan Macek, Chiara Bella 

Invitations:  Wedding Paper Divas 

DJ/Entertainment/Band:  Lakeside Sounds 

Honeymoon location:  Princess Cruise – 10 day Eastern Caribbean 

Any other of your wedding vendor(s) you’d like to call out?  Our officiant (Lori Levisen with Loving Celebrations) was absolutely amazing!!! We have to mention her! She reminded us of the fairy godmother from Cinderella. All of our guests commented on how wonderful she was!  

First Dance Song:  “You’re my Everything” Nat King Cole 

Any advice you’d give to our readers who are planning their weddings right now?   Make sure your day reflects you and your fiancee because these memories will last a lifetime. We connected with all of our vendors and we couldn’t have asked for a better crew. It is so important to have a rapport with them because they are what set the tone for your day. Planning a wedding can be very stressful but if you are in this together you can make the most out of it. Have date nights with your fiancee and do not speak of the wedding…it’s important to keep your sanity and romance through such a hectic process. 

Anything that you would have done differently if you were given the chance?  Not a thing :) 

Photo courtesy of Shepard Photography.  

Check out the Real Weddings Contest Page! Great bridal loot for real Sacramento-area brides!

Subscribe to the Real Weddings Magazine Blog!