Describe Your Wedding Vision 

The vision for our wedding was simple and intimate, to say the least. We both agreed that a large, traditional wedding wasn’t for us, so much so that we even entertained the idea of eloping. There was no maid of honor, bridesmaids, best man, groomsmen, flower girl, or ring bearer—just me, my husband, and our son in the middle of the Shiojiri Garden, surrounded by our close family and friends as witnesses to the moment we became one. 

Since our ceremony took place in September, we asked our immediate family members to coordinate fall-inspired, earth-tone colors such as brown, orange, and tan to complement the overall vibe. They did an amazing job, and our wedding photos turned out beautifully. 

We were incredibly fortunate and grateful for all the help we received in bringing everything together in such a short amount of time. In just two months, our wedding vision became a reality. 

Describe Your Wedding Day 

My wedding day was everything I could have hoped for and more, truly one of the best days of my life! The one and only goal that day was to marry my best friend, and that’s exactly what we did. 

I did my own hair, carefully curling all 72 of my locs to perfection, and my makeup was beautifully done by the amazing Lyz Coleman. I felt so pretty, and my makeup lasted flawlessly from day to night. The pearl details on my nails, veil, shoes, bouquet, bracelet, and earrings coordinated seamlessly with my wedding dress. 

My custom-made wedding dress, designed and handcrafted by the talented Paris Jo Thomas, was absolutely stunning. I felt like the most beautiful bride in the world! My husband and our son looked incredibly handsome in their tuxedo and suit. 

Our wedding ceremony was intimate, short, and sweet. The photos captured by our amazing photographer, Paris Jo Thomas, are breathtaking and beautifully reflect the love we share. 

To top it all off, we ended the day with a small reception surrounded by our loved ones. It gave us the opportunity to mingle, enjoy delicious food, celebrate, and personally thank everyone for their love, support, and presence on our special day. 

Your Advice to Engaged Couples 

My advice to engaged couples is to truly enjoy your engagement, no matter how long it lasts. Savor every moment of the journey leading up to your wedding day. 

When the big day arrives, soak up every minute of it. All the hard work, planning, and preparation that brought you to this moment have finally paid off. Be present and take it all in. Document your day as much as possible so you’ll have plenty of ways to look back and relive those memories for years to come. 

One practical piece of advice: make sure you eat, especially at the beginning of the day. My husband and I both made the mistake of putting it off, and our first meal wasn’t until the reception! 

Most importantly, don’t lose sight of the bigger picture. Your wedding is a beautiful celebration, but it’s only one day. The same time, energy, and focus you invest in planning your wedding should also be invested in your relationship. Nurture your connection, support one another, and continue building a strong foundation for a lifelong, happy, and healthy marriage.