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Wedding Day

Wedding day from the Bride:

It was magical.  I just want to relive it all over again.  The Victorian was the perfect backdrop for our love story; elegant and sophisticated, yet modern and timeless.  Hints of vintage with a sparking chandelier and a speakeasie-like basement which served as the groom’s quarters before the ceremony began.   The weeks leading up to the wedding were probably the most stressful of my life.  I was balancing an 80 hour work week at the hospital as a new doctor while working closely with the wedding planner on our wedding.  Meanwhile, I was also trying to look like the typical fully- rested, glowing, blushing bride.  I was so afraid the stress of it all would show.  And then the wedding day came, and despite 3 hours of sleep the night before, I woke up refreshed, excited, and full of energy.  I could not stop smiling. I felt free as a bird, and light.  I knew regardless if Aunt Mary’s plus one sat in the right seat or if Uncle Patrick came late, I was going to leave with my best friend and new husband.  Nothing else mattered.  Once we said I do standing under the Victorian’s gorgeously sparkling chandelier,  under this massive and beautifully lit tree at twilight, I knew instantly it was the best day of my life.  The music was great, the food was amazing (we chose the prime rib), the guests were wonderful, and the weather was LA perfect.  But his smile that greeted me down the aisle was all I needed; that smile was priceless.  And a part of me wakes up every morning still feeling like a bride on my wedding day.  

Wedding day from the Groom:

I wasn’t nervous at all.  I felt really excited that this moment had finally arrived.  All of the planning, completing numerous tasks, was finally over, and everything was looking spectacular.  As I walked out of the Victorian doors after my groomsmen, I felt like this is exactly where I wanted to be.  All my family and friends were there.  My future in-laws, who have accepted me as family over the past few years were there.  I felt like I was looking flawless in my tuxedo.  And then Jen walked down the aisle.  I had the biggest smile on my face when I saw her in her wedding dress.  She was stunning.

Most memorable moment:

Bride- My father walking me down the aisle in his United States Marine Corps Blue Dress Uniform was a moment I will never forget.  I was his last daughter to marry and he had never previously worn the uniform to other ceremonies.  The uniform was decorated with his medals and traditional pins.  I knew he was proud and I felt safe in his arms one last time before being given away.  It was magical.

Groom- The night was kind of a blur.  Everything went extremely well.  I’d say the most memorable part was the party after dinner.  Dancing with my bride, smoking cigars with my Frat Brothers on the patio, and we serenaded her with the Alpha Phi Alpha hymn.  Hanging out with family and friends.  It was a really fun reception.    

Favorite wedding detail: Our place cards!  They had little bow ties on them for the male guests.  I loved this small detail.

Wedding song: Jill Scotts “He loves me”

What are you most looking forward to as a married couple? Establishing our own family traditions.  We are now a family and determining what our priorities will be and where our family vacations will be really excites me.

Advice for a Bride/Groom on their wedding day:
Be present in every moment of your wedding day.  Live every moment and every detail.  Then when you're done, RE-LIVE every moment and detail over and over until people get sick of you talking about it.  At this very moment we still haven’t put all our gifts away.  They are still occupying the majority of our living room and blocking the door entrance.  But everyday when I come home from work, they are a reminder of the love that was shared that day.  We have decided that we will put the gifts away by Christmas :)

The Standard Hotel, Hollywood

Vendors:

Wedding Planner: Bella Dawn Planning & Events, www.belladawnplanning.com

Photographer: Jeff Lewis Photography, www.jefflewisweddingphotography.com

Ceremony & Reception: The Victorian, Santa Monica, www.thevictorian.com

Cake: Sweet and Saucy Cakes, Long Beach, www.sweetandsaucyshop.com

Bride’s Gown & Veil: Gown: Panache Bridal, Pasadena, www.panchebridals.com Veil: David’s Bridal, Los Angeles, www.davidsbridal.com

Bride’s shoes: Blue by Betsey Johnson www.betseyjohnson.com

Bouquet: Nicolasa Cicero www.nicolasacicero.com/shop

Bridesmaid’s Attire: Alfred Sung www.dessy.com/bridesmaid-dresses/alfredsung/

Groom’s Tuxedo: Bartorelli Napoli with white pique vest and white bow tie 
(groom and groomsmen purchased the tuxedos).

Groom’s shoes: Cole Haan Cambridge Wingtip Boot

Groom's cuff links: Gift from the bride

DJ/MC: Q-20 Entertainment

Hair: So fierce Hair By Tanya Vaughn, www.instagram.com/sofiercehair/?hl=en

Makeup: Make up by Drini,  www.eyedreamofdrini.com

Wedding Invitations and Thank You Cards: Quite Fetching Invites by Jessica Torola, www.etsy.com/people/QuiteFetchingArt

Officiant: Associate Pastor Leon Madlock

Wedding Rings: General Diamonds, Downtown Los Angeles, www.generaldiamonds.com

Registries: Macy’s, Bed Bath and Beyond, and Target.

Website design: The groom, www.jasondouglaslewis.com