Photos courtesy of Priscila Valentina .

Favorite Memories of the Day

Skyler's favorite memories: Since our wedding day was the most perfect day ever, I can't choose just one! My favorites are seeing Aaron for the first time and seeing my dad right before the ceremony. Aaron and my first look was so us. You know how the bride typically taps the groom's shoulder to signal for him to turn around? Well, that was the plan but Aaron forgot the directions of our photographers, heard Nick say, "Go!", and in his eagerness totally turned around just as I was about to tap him! It was perfect in it's own way. Seeing my dad right before the ceremony was like our own first look as well. It was so emotional, knowing that you are stepping out of one chapter and moving onto the next. I'm so happy I had my dad to stand by me and walk me into my happily ever after. Oh, and let me tell you about Aaron's vows. They were so sweet, heartfelt, and intimate, I literally felt like it was just him and me. Can you guess how many people (okay, women) came up to me saying how Aaron had made them cry and to hang on to him forever? Oh, and I loved getting down on the dance floor! Oh, and the sparkler exit. Okay, I just really loved everything about our day!

Aaron's favorite memories: Oh wow, there were so many fantastic moments! My absolute favorite moment was finally seeing my bride in her gorgeous wedding gown for the first time. She was (is) stunning, and being able to see her in the beautiful backdrop of the old San Juan Capistrano Mission was just perfect. Another favorite for me was just before I saw her as I was opening a gift that she had given me; it was a small pin with a picture of my late grandfather that had a note she had written saying that the pin was for me to wear inside my jacket. The fact that she did that with such intimate thoughtfulness still blesses me and reminds me of how much she loves me. Best. Wife. Ever.

Wedding Details

From Skyler: We were sure to add sweet, personal touches to our day. For example, Aaron't grandpa's war medal was incorporated into his boutonniere. This was a way for Aaron's grandpa to be close to his heart since he was unable to be with us that day (he passed away last year). Incorporated onto the handle of my bouquet was the bracelet I wore to my mom & step-dad's wedding when I was the flower girl. My grandma kept it for me all these years and gifted it to me at our rehearsal dinner. I knew it deserved a place in our special day.

From our handmade invites, escort windows and dessert table to the lettered buntings, signs and succulents in cans, we tried to incorporate as much of who we are as a couple into our day. Our day was about love, pure, sweet, whimsical, handmade, colorful love.

Advice for Couples Planning Now

My advice to other brides is to not let the stress of wedding planning get in the way of your growing as a couple. Engagement is a sweet, sweet time that you will never have again, so don't wish it away! Decide which things about your day are most important (ours were photography, videography, and the venue) and don't try to be like all of the weddings you see on blogs or in magazines. Trust me, you will go crazy! Take something you like from each wedding and make it your own. Lastly, don't forget what the day is all about: saying yes to forever with your best friend! 

Vendors

Floral Design: Christa Rose

Photography: Priscila Valentina Photography

Venue: Franciscan Gardens, San Juan Capistrano, CA

Event Coordinator: Christi Gartner

Wedding Dress:Justin Alexander

Hairpiece: Gilded Shadows

Bridesmaid's Jewelry: 31 Bits

Shoes: Enzo Angiolini 

Hair and Makeup: Sarah Spurlock, Bride's Mother and Kandis Hutton, Bridesmaid

Groom's Suit: Hugo Boss

Cinematography: Chemistry of Light

Paper Goods: Designed and printed by bride

Catering:24 Carrots

Cupcakes + Donuts: Christi Gartner and KD’s Donuts 

DJ: APC Entertainment