Married Lawrence on October 10th, 2020.
the bride
The dress shopping experience
“It was exciting times since my MOH was also engaged so we ventured around a few Los Angeles bridal shops together. I tried on about 40 dresses. Since Lawrence and I were together for almost 10-years, we wanted to be involved in each other's wedding attire, so every time I came back after wedding dress shopping, I showed him the photos my amazing MOH took. None of the dresses looked like "Vanessa" so I knew my dress shopping process wasn't over. I honestly didn't think the process would have been as long or as difficult as it was. Kinsley James was always a bridal shop I wanted to visit, so the weekend before I visited, I told Lawrence, "I booked an appointment at Kinsley James and want you to come." While I knew this wasn't traditional, I didn't mind since how Lawrence and I go about life isn't traditional. Prior to our visit, Lawrence and I looked at various wedding dresses available at Kinsley James and marked them down. Ones from Princess to A-Line to Boho, from Angel Rivera to Anne Barge to Rita Vinieris. I knew it'd be a long day of trying on more dresses, but I was excited to enjoy the process with my future husband.”
This dress is the one!
“The first dress I tried on at Kinsley James was one that Lawrence and I picked out online the week before we visited. It was a beautiful Princess Angel Rivera gown - lacey sleeves, flower patterns, blush color, and a stunning long train. The lacey sleeves were a must since that's what my Mom had and the show-stopper train was a must for me knowing our venue had stairs to walk up for the ceremony. It was very heavy too, but it was gorgeous and I couldn't wait to show Lawrence! Knowing his reaction to the other dresses I tried on and showed him through photos, I was a bit anxious. But I still came out with a smile on my face because the dress felt "right". Once Lawrence saw me, he said, "You look beautiful, like a Princess. I can tell you feel pretty in it too." Right then, I knew the dress was special. And while I tried on at least 15 other dresses, I kept going back to Angel Rivera's Cianna dress. After trying on about 60 dresses, it was finally "the one"! The Kinsley James Team was incredible - The ladies in Los Angeles are genuine and lovely. They helped provide suggestions to elevate all the dresses I tried on, but ultimately, they were able to "just know" when I felt especially content and let me relish the moment. Thank you so much, Team KJ!”
the groom
He’s “the One”
“We were together for 7 years before we got engaged, and through those 7 years (and to this day), he was my best friend and helped me grow in all the best ways. Whether professionally or personally, he was always there for me and wanted me happy always. He helped me grow mentally and into the woman I am today! I'll forever be grateful to him for that.”
the first look
the ceremony
the married couple
the reception
Wedding Inspo
“Once we visited Colony 29, we immediately fell in love with the vibe! It was perfect and stunning. Lawrence has a keen eye for mid-century modern design and we wanted to highlight those feels, and while you can't go wrong with neutral colors, I love the color pink and our Planner incorporated dusty rose and mauve, along with gold accents to align with my engagement ring. Additionally, we both adore Frank Sinatra (after all, we played it during our first date while making homemade pasta and drinking wine) so we included an old Hollywood, classy mood too.”
Advice from the bride
“Don't worry if planning your wedding takes more than a year! We took 3-years and were able to have the wedding exactly the way we wanted. Also, take in the whole day with your best friend and future husband. Prior to our wedding day, we were told by so many people that "the day goes by so quickly". But to us, it went the perfect pace. We had a tangible timeline created by our Planner and Photographers which prepared us for what to expect hour-by-hour, and we knew that our vendors were absolutely incredible, so we trusted the day by staying present and enjoying it to its fullest by each other's side.”
Her favorite moment
“Our first dance because it was to Frank Sinatra's "I've Got a Crush on You" and while we didn't practice our dance once, Lawrence twirled and dipped me perfectly! And saying our most sincere, personalized vows to each other surrounded by family and friends, so much love.”
congratulations vanessa & lawrence!!
vendors
Hair: Brooklyn Cardenas
Makeup: That Goddess Glow
Tux: JB Clothiers
His Shoes: Charles Tyrwhitt
Jewelry: Blue Nile, Holden
Rentals: Witty Rentals, Hostess Haven, Signature Party Rentals
Catering/Cake: MIHO Catering
Music: Gemini Strings, Dart Collective
Photo: Kaylee Chelsea Photography
Planner: Details Darling, Aubrey Huffman
Venue: Colony 29
Florals: Joy of Bloom Florals
Signage: Wildhouse Ink
Video: Iron & Fern
Dress: Angel Rivera, Kinsley James Couture Bridal
Her Shoes: Bella Belle, Ted Baker