Our Wedding

I’ve been thinking about this blog post for so long and I’m so excited to share all the beautiful details with you all. It is difficult to explain how magical the experience was – hence the timeline of this blog post! Regardless of the timeline, the day was perfect and everything I dreamt it would be. I had an amazing vendor team, all our favorite people in one place, all our details came together perfectly, and I got to marry the man of my dreams – Seriously, the list could go on and on. 

My only complaint, it went by way too fast. #sayseverybride 

Being in the industry and submerged into the hustle of event planning as a full-time gig, I knew how fast the day would come and go. I prepared myself early on – I tried not to get too wrapped up in the details or let the planning consume me. Truthfully, I did feel pressure to have the most picture-perfect wedding. Whether that was from being a wedding planner myself or being one of that last single ladies in my crew to tie the knot. Either way, I tried to keep it light and enjoy the planning process. I also had the most incredible support from my vendors, bridesmaids, family and fiancé. Again, regardless of the pressure to have an insta-worthy wedding. I can say, after it is all said and done, no one can prepare you for how incredible it is to marry ‘your person’. All the little details flutter to the bottom of the priority list once that first look happens.  

Our Wedding Week

The week of our wedding was an even mix of relaxing and hectic as I'm sure most people experience. Jay and I decided to road trip down to La Jolla from Seattle. We had 22 hours together in a Toyota 4Runner, jam-packed with wedding decor. We passed time with murder-mystery podcasts, country music and Starbucks drive-thrus (hitting several along I5).

We spent the first few days in La Jolla organizing wedding details. Picking up alternations, stuffing welcome bags and finalizing details for our pre-wedding events. 

Once our families arrived the whirlwind began! The first gathering was on Wednesday night, two eve's before the big day. My mom hosted a welcome happy hour on that Wednesday, which happened to fall on Halloween. The following day, we had our rehearsal in the afternoon and dinner at George's at The Cove. After dinner, Jay and I hosted a welcome party at the La Valencia Hotel for all our guests. I know, it sounds like a lot of 'pre-wedding events' but I do suggest hosting a welcome gathering of some sort if you are planning a destination wedding. All the pre-wedding gatherings gave everyone a chance to meet and mingle. But most importantly, they gave Jay and I the opportunity to see all our guests before the big day.

The Wedding Day

The day started bright and early! Hair and makeup was done by Beauty by Stacey. I decided to go with a modern look with a little glam. I went with a dark lip and my hair slicked back, I kind of felt unstoppable. Ha. Once the photographers and videographers arrived the villa filled with a good chaos.

Jay and I had our first look at the hotel and that moment was everything – Like a giant rush of energy. Jay and I keep a running list of moments we have together - You know the moments when you feel butterflies or your heart skips a beat, a first kiss, the first date - You know the lovey-dovey stuff. Well, that 'first look moment' tops our list. You spend a year planning a wedding and at times, I think you get swept up in the details. The dress, the flowers, picking the colors, the party favors, the music, etc. the list goes on and on. But the moment you see the person you’re soon to marry it is so surreal and amazing all at the very same time. 

After our first look, the bridal party hopped on a historic white trolley to take photos around La Jolla. I remember taking mental photos when we were riding around on the trolley. It was so fun to have all our best friends together, dressed up and all sharing rose out of classy black solo cups!

When we arrived at the The Darlington House, I saw the hustle happening in the back of the venue. Our day-of planner and florist had it all dialed in and calmly under control. I can't explain in full appreciation how nice it was to be able to relax and let the day happen - and actually enjoy it! 

Just before 3 p.m. we lined up outside the venue, like we rehearsed the day before. My younger brother walked me down the aisle. That was a very surreal and emotional moment for me – I kind of felt like I was walking on air as I walked down the aisle to Jay. As soon as our eyes connected all my emotions were at ease. Our officiant told our love story and blessed us as we started our new chapter. We shared our vows and we had a tribute to my father played by Gemini Strings. 

After we said I do, the rest of the evening flew by. We sat down for dinner around 5:30 p.m. and enjoyed a family style menu. Our cratering team was a dream to work with. I had told them I wanted dinner to feel like a long-romantic Italian dinner party. They nailed it. The sunset fell between our last bite and starting speeches and I remember both our faces hurting from smiling and laughing so hard.

Since we had spent so much time with all our guest leading up to the wedding, I felt like Jay and I were able to actually enjoy the reception - our dinner, the drinks (specialty his and hers cocktails to be specific) and the band! To be honest, I didn’t eat any cake (other than a bite when we cut the cake!) and or a late-night slider. I guess I was too busy dancing to notice! 

We didn’t make it to the after-party, but I will say it was a day I will never ever forget.

The Dress

I wore a dress by Sarah Seven, Hotel Living. I have to note, and my bridesmaids and mothers will agree, I tried on hundreds of wedding dresses. I was almost convinced that I wouldn’t find the one, then I retried-on Hotel Living at the Dress Theory in Seattle. I knew the second I put it back on it was the dress I was searching for – classic and elegant, modern but sexy. I dropped the back and added buttons down the back of the dress. Everything else I left as is. I loved it. I wore Jimmy Choo blush sued heels. My hair piece was from BHLD and earrings from a local consignment shop in Kirkland. My day of jewelry was custom made by Rachel Brooks Jewelry. Jay surprised me with a gold band and gold bracelet with a single diamond pendant as a wedding gift. He had the gold band engraved with our wedding date 11.2.2018. One last fabulous item, I wore a pink fur cape. It was the perfect tone of pink to tie in the old Hollywood glam that I was going for. 

Jay was dressed in Hugo Boss tuxedo pants and wore a midnight blue tux jacket, and he was SO handsome! My bridesmaids wore Show me Your Mumu and Groomsmen were all in Tuxedo's from A Better Deal Tuxedo.

Our Vendors

Our day ran so smooth, thanks to all my vendors. I have such a new found respect for all wedding vendors. I can't thank ours enough for all the hard work they put in the months leading up and on our wedding day. We are forever grateful. 

Tips for Wedding Dress Shopping

Okay, so you found your soulmate and you set the date. Now you have to find “THE” dress. I didn’t realize how much pressure goes into finding “THE” dress, (thank god they serve champagne!). I tried on several dresses before I found my dress. I seriously lost count of how many I tired on or bridal shops I visited. I went into the whole process pretty blindly, I thought that was a good strategy. In hindsight, I wish I would have done a little research beforehand. I had a rough idea of designers and styles from working with past brides and friends but I didn’t really consider what I wanted. I’ll say one thing, finding a bridal gown can be as stressful as you make it (try not to overthink it, even though it might feel like there is a giant mountain of pressure). Below are a few friendly tips from my journey, I hope it helps you in your quest to finding “THE” dress. 

Go Early

People say you should order your dress 6 months prior to your wedding to give the designer 12-16 weeks for production and then time for alternations. It seems like a long time, but you may not find ‘THE’ dress on the first round, so doesn’t hurt to start shopping early. (Also, keep in mind you can rush order dresses but it will cost you some extra $$).

Set a Budget

This is really going to help you in your search. You can also be very upfront with all the bridal shops and ask them price ranges for their dresses. It’s good to upfront in this department both for you and the stylist. 

Request a Senior Stylist

This helped me a ton! I felt like their knowledge was on-point and very helpful when I was deciding between designers, fabrics and just overall style. 

Do Your Homework

Like I mentioned above, I wish I would have done a little research before jumping into dress shopping. There are so many types of dresses – Trumpet, Mermaid, Ballgown, Sheath, A-Line, Mini, etc. If you kind of know the style you like or look on your body it will be easier when you arrive to start picking through dresses. Also, try on dresses that you’d never typically try, some might surprise you! 

Keep the Viewing Party Small

Yes, it’s so fun to get all the bridesmaids and the mothers together but it can quickly get overwhelming with opinions and extra thoughts. Choose the group wisely!

Eat

Don’t starve yourself before your appointment. Trying on dresses is weirdly exhausting and no one loves shopping when your starving. So make sure to eat a healthy breakfast or light lunch and bring some water to wash down that champagne. 

Glam It Up

Since you will be trying on so many pretty gowns throw on some lipstick or a fun sparkly earring. Doesn’t hurt to play the part a bit. I wouldn’t recommend a full face of makeup, just a little glam to get you in the mood.

Bring Heels

I wish I did this at every appointment! Bring a pair of shoes that may be similar to what you will wear on the big day. It helps give you a little lift and idea of height in the dress. (and I think you always feel a bit sexier in a pair of heals anyways!)

Nude Undies

This is a big one, grab a pair of nude panties. You don’t want bright red or black undies showing through. Here is a great pair: Commando Thong 

Be Comfortable and Feel Fabulous

If you made it this far, here is the best tip of all and might be a bit clique but it’s soooo true. Find something that is you. Find something you feel comfortable in and something that makes you feel fabulous, sexy and like a bride. It’s an interesting combination to find, but stay true to that gut feeling. 

To help in your search, here are some of my favorite bridal salons here in the Northwest:

Good luck!!! 

Xo, 

Kayla