I love getting weddings where the couple absolutely and completely make the wedding about them and their wants and design style. And this wedding is definitely like this. There are so many personal touches that are definite nods to the couple’s taste….it’s great!
Jose and Desiree
A little about Jose and I’s love story. Id been over it, love and dating. I promised myself that I would give any guy a chance, I even made a few online profiles to further my search. Then Jose sent me an email. I have to say at first I had my doubts about a latin man covered in tattoos from Oakland. I mean I watch the news. I accepted his date, we went for sushi. Jose always says it was love at first sight for him, for me I took a little convincing. His humor and compassion for other people bowled me over though. His quiet calm seems to perfectly match my quirky over the top personality.
I knew from the moment I became engaged it wasn’t about inviting 300 people whom I have no idea who they were. My mom and dad just happened to have a beautiful 1920’s English tutor. So that decision may have been one of the first I made right away. After I decided the venue I knew I had to find the dress, as I knew it would set the tone for color and style of wedding I would be having. Being a plus sized bride my dress search was difficult to say the least. I searched the biggest plus sized selections in every bridal store I could. I wanted to feel like myself in the dress, not what is deemed appropriate plus size bridal wear. Then I found her, she was quirky and classic. I just felt like a bridal version of myself. My beautful headband was DIY from a vintage broach and beautiful satin ribbon. My shoes had to be important as everyone knows me for my shoes…so I got two pairs of killer shoes. One for standing, and one for dancing.
So after that so important decision was made I then decided on colors, pink, black and white. With flur de lys as my design element. The flur was a nod to my love of all things vintage and southern. Mom and I have a eye for details, every little thing was decided upon individually. When it came to deciding the fashion for the girls I knew it had to be tea length. When I saw the timeless black satin dress I knew that would pair perfectly next to me. I also really wanted the girls to have something they could wear again. We added lovely tulle sashes for a pop of color, I also had a black party sash.
My husband Jose is a Oakland native, loves it here. I know when I think of Oakland I think of Lake Merritt, I knew our formal shots had to be taken at lake Merritt. The Bridal party and I had a total blast down there taking those photos, it just happened to be a hot beautiful day there at the lake. I must say it helped having such a gorgeous wedding party!
We had a few DIY things at our wedding. The escort cards which we attached to silver butterflies, another nod to my fun style. I also knew the food was going to have to be amazing, as my whole family loves to eat (and drink). For our menu we had a napa salad, assortment of yummy breads, golden seared scallops in a curry sauce, prime rib.
A little something from my caterer. Desiree & Jose have been a joy and never ending pleasure to work with…From the very start when I met them at their tasting… To the very end when seeing Desiree in her wedding dress brought tears to my eyes….I fell in love with this couple and their family! Their Wedding location was at Desiree’s moms house, a amazing English Tudor Style, nestled in the Oakland hills. The views alone would take my breath away… We enjoyed setting up her Buffet & Food Stations on the back porch where a light breeze was a wonderful relief to add to the creative work. Her colors were a outstanding Pink & Black with a Ivory base. They had every thing ready for us to just create this wonderful European Style Setting…Desiree’s Reception is one for our memory books! Barbara Perry, Small Thyme Catering
The designing of my wedding was truly a combination of my mother’s elegant style and my quirky fun! I knew that we had to have a candy bar as our favor, Jose and I both suffer from a need to have sugar.
Vendor Love: Photography: Jane Mann // reception flats: Vera Wang Lavender // Grooms Shoes: DC // Makeup : blow dry bar // Hair : blow dry bar // Bridesmaids Dresses: Bill Levkoff // Rentals: Stuart Rentals // shoes : Badgley Mischka // Floral Design: Susan Bell Floral // Cake: la farine bakery // Catering: small thyme catering // Wedding Dress: Justin Alexander
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