As the holiday season approaches, I always feel a little more love in my heart and I must not be the only one! Did you know that almost 40% of all engagements take place between Christmas and Valentine’s Day? Well, I was not one of the 40% because my guy proposed to me just days after our 7th year anniversary on July 1st of 2017.
In an effort to keep this short, i'll spare you all of the mushy details. Okay, just a little...Jo had spent almost an entire year planning this, he had my ring designed and made by one of my best friends Sarah Rachel Brown and he even hand picked the stones (Natural emeralds and smokey diamonds). He surprised me on the beach in the place we had our first date, he coordinated with my best friend and family and did it all just before we went to see Iron Maiden with our best buds.
I should have known, the whole thing was weird. He was forcing me to go to the beach on a cloudy day right when we were supposed to be meeting our friends to leave to the show. I even told him to get up when he was on one knee because I was so shocked, and a guy on roller blades said "congratulations!" before I could even say yes. But nevertheless it was perfect, it was us.
We set the date to get married for Friday, September 21st, 2018, a day before the Fall Equinox and the Full Harvest Moon. We chose the perfect place called Reptacular Ranch which is nestled in the foothills of the Los Angeles mountains. My amazing Mother helped me plan my wedding, and i'm lucky because she is the Founder and Owner of Party Planners LA, one of the best event companies in Los Angeles! From the flowers to the food, it was flawless. But in the midst of making excel spreadsheets, tasting cakes and choosing colors, I had to find the perfect dress.
I found my dream dress at store called the Glamour Closet in Los Angeles. But i'm a short-stack and in order to get it right we had to find someone to alter it. I was so happy to have been referred to Anne of A Stitch in Time Bridal because as you can see, she did an amazing job and was an absolute dream to work with. Although, my look wouldn't be complete without a big ole' statement necklace to go with it, amiright?
So I began designing my Wedding necklace! All the way back in February I had gone to Tucson to go gem shopping and I found this insanely gorgeous golden rutilated tear drop stone. It was absolutely giant and the minute I saw it I knew it had to be in my wedding necklace. Like many things that are meant to be, the process was easy. I honestly didn't even think much about it, I just let the stones speak to me and designed a piece to showcase their beauty and my dress.
I started my necklace and hair pin designs in wax as I do most of my pieces. I cut out the shapes, made the bezels and then added the design details. Once the waxes were done I took them to be cast in sterling silver by my caster Edgar who also made our custom made wedding bands. It took about a week for the casts and once they were back in my hands I was able to finish them and set the stones. I was over the moon with how everything came out, I couldn't wait for the special day!
Well that day finally came and it was such a whirlwind! I spent the day getting ready with my best friend of 30 years and Maid of Honor Nicole, along with my other best friend, her daughter (my sage girl), and the Moms. My hair and make-up was done by the fabulous Brandy Palmieri, who made me feel more beautiful than I thought I could. We had snacks and tequila, I wore my grandmother's vintage art deco ring, Nicole's earrings, and my new wedding treasures. It was perfection.
The day was a blur, but it was beautiful blur and i'm so thankful to my amazing photographer Christine Ciszcon of Cattura Weddings for capturing the most special moments.
After the ceremony I changed into my "evening wear" which meant I just threw on one of my favorite pieces by my friend Brooke Worrel, a white faux fur stole. But as simple as it was, it up-leveled the look 100% and I went from princess to straight ice queen and it was fierce!
After all was said and done, I was glad it was over (it literally was like having a second job) but I am so happy I lived it. This Queen got her King and I can tell you, we are living happily ever after.
Photos by Christine Cisczon
