Monica Wearing The Ari Dress
So tell us, how did you meet the love of your life?
Ryan and I saw each other at a concert while we were in college. We didn't talk much or exchange information. I didn't even know his name! I was so upset that I missed my chance with him at the end of the night. The next night, I went to a party at my college. He was visiting his friend that went to my school and tapped me on the shoulder asking me if I was at the concert the night before. My face instantly lit up and we have been dating ever since.
When did you know they were the one?
For me, it was love at first sight. I knew from the very first time I saw Ryan at that concert. For Ryan, it took a little longer!
Tell us the story of the proposal!
We live in NYC and last fall we went on a long weekend trip upstate to enjoy a city getaway of hiking, fishing, and fall foliage. Ryan proposed to me at the top of a mountain overlooking Lake George.
How long was your engagement? What went into deciding your wedding's date and location?
Our engagement was 10 months. I didn't want to wait too long to get married. We always wanted to have an adventure elopement, but we didn't know how to tell our families that we weren't going to be able to include everyone. With COVID changing the wedding landscape, it was the perfect opportunity for us to stay true to ourselves and get married in nature, surrounded by a few of our loved ones. I used to dream of a wedding in Yosemite, but it has been getting more crowded. We picked the PNW instead, found our amazing photographer Henry, and he helped us narrow down a location from there!
How would you describe your personal style? What was most important to you when you were planning your bridal look?
My style has always been laid back and boho. I wear a lot of neutral colors, but I also love to take a fashion risk! When planning my bridal look, I knew I wanted sleeves and an open back. And I needed something comfortable to hike in!
How did you find Wear Your Love?
I came across the Ari dress on social media and I was instantly drawn to the style. I loved that the dresses were made locally in California and the dreamy lace that they are made out of.
When did you know you had found your perfect dress?
I knew the dress was for me because I kept coming back to it. I went and tried on other dresses in person, but I kept returning to the Ari dress!
Which dress did you choose, and did you request any custom aspects?
I picked the Ari dress with an open V back, 7/8 sleeves, and a sweep train. I wanted a little train but couldn't do a full train due to the hiking aspect of our wedding. It was the perfect compromise.
What went through your mind when the Wear Your Love box arrived at your doorstep and you tried on your dress for the first time?
The Wear Your Love box arrived while I was out of town and on vacation. I was so anxious to get back from vacation and try the dress on! As soon as I tried the dress on, I couldn't believe how comfortable it was and how well it fit.
Did your wedding have a theme or style?
We didn't necessarily have a theme. Our wedding was outdoors in the PNW and we really wanted to highlight the natural beauty of the area instead of adding in too many other elements. The dress perfectly suited the landscape.
How involved was your partner in the wedding planning? Did your families help? Did you hire a coordinator, planner, or event stylist?
Given that we had an intimate wedding with only 13 people, including us, I did most of the planning myself. I didn't hire a coordinator or planner because I thought I didn't need it with so few people. Our photographer was incredible guiding us through, but looking back, I do wish I had hired a day of coordinator to help with the small details.
Let's show your wedding venue some love! What is the name of your venue, and why did you choose it for your special day?
We chose to get married in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, just outside of North Cascades National Park in Washington state. We held the reception inside an Airbnb.
Tell us about your wedding playlist! What song did you walk down the aisle to? Did you have a first dance song that was meaningful to you?
Lots of oldies & wedding classics! Our first dance was Come And Get Your Love by Redbone. We joked about that being our first dance because it always puts a smile on our faces and then we just decided to go with it!
What was your favorite moment of the day?
Due to the rain on our wedding day, we were so cold that we were shivering during the first look pictures. When we first started pictures, we were tense and barely enjoying it. There was a moment once we warmed up that I really looked around and was struck by the beauty of the place we were in. I was really seeing it for the first time. Ryan must have been experiencing the same thing because we just looked at each other in disbelief at the moment.
Who was involved in your special day? We would love to shout out your photographer, favorite vendors, and anyone else who made your day magical.
The biggest shoutout to our photographer @henrysdiary Some of our other vendors are below: Florist - Al & bloom @alandbloom Cake - Antler Baking Co @antlerbakingcompany HMUA - Anne Timss @mstimssmakeupartist
Do you have any advice or helpful tips for others planning a wedding?
Stay true to yourself and what you want. It was not always easy for us to plan a wedding for only 11 people when we both have family and friends that we wanted to include, but it was worth it. Our wedding day was focused on our love and not what anyone else wanted.
What has been the best part so far about being married?
After being together for over 6 years, it feels like we are in a bit of a honeymoon phase again. It feels so good to be married to my best friend.
Congratulations, Monica & Ryan! Monica is wearing The Ari with nude lining and a 12 inch sweep train.