Chantelle Wearing The Cleo Dress
Congratulations, Chantelle & Devon on their gorgeous wedding! Photography by Studio Atelier.
So tell us, how did you meet the love of your life?
We initially met during undergrad at Cal Poly, Pomona! We dated for a short while and ended up breaking up. We didn’t speak or have any communication after the break up, but we randomly ran into each other again 7 years later and we’ve been together ever since.
What is your favorite part about them that lights up your life?
Devon matches my silly and makes me laugh everyday! It’s awesome to have someone to not take life so seriously with.
Tell us the story of the proposal!
It was like any regular day. Devon and I just came home from the mall to get cinnamon rolls. He parked the car in the garage and went to the trunk, and asked me to help him with grabbing something. I got out of the passenger seat and went to the trunk and there he was on bended knee. He proposed to me in the garage of my parents house and it couldn’t be more perfect. I told him I didn’t want an extravagant proposal; I didn’t want anyone else around and really wanted it to be just us. So it was perfect.
Was there a specific moment when you knew they were the one?
When my mom was really sick, Devon was there for me everyday. He stayed up with me when I couldn’t sleep and he even rubbed my moms feet to help with the swelling. Seeing all the support he gave, not only to me, but also to my family made me feel really safe and secure. That feeling was when I really knew he was the one for me.
How would you describe your personal style? What was most important to you when choosing your wedding dress?
My personal style revolves around simplicity and comfort. These were also some of the most important things to me when choosing a wedding dress! I wanted something comfortable, simple and unique that would make me look and feel like a princess! I was in LOVE with Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton’s wedding dresses; they were simple, long sleeves, with clean lines, and just looked so elegant.
How did you first find Wear Your Love? What initially drew you to us?
I found WYL on Instagram! I loved that every dress was so unique and unlike anything I was able to find anywhere else.
Which dress did you choose, and how did you know it was the one? Did you request any customizations?
I chose the Cleo! It has the most amazing pattern and the low back is just the right amount of sexy. I opted to have the sleeves fully lined because I wanted to have my tattoos covered on our wedding day.
We know buying a wedding dress online can be scary, what made you take the leap of faith and become a Wear Your Love bride?
The photos and the available information online was enough for me to take the leap! I felt very confident when filling out the measurement guide knowing that my dress was being made especially for me. The communication between myself and the WYL team was also always wonderful!
For brides who might be nervous about buying their dress online, what would you say to them?
DO IT! The team at WYL is fantastic with answering any questions and accommodating any requests! The quality is amazing and the dress looks even better in person!
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?
I was so excited! The dress was perfect and fit like a glove; it was made just for me. I tried the dress on for the first time with my sisters and my mom. It was the only time my mom got to see me into wedding dress and I remember her smiling and telling me it was beautiful; that made me feel so good.
Tell us about your wedding! Was it important to you to have a large wedding, a smaller ceremony, or intimate elopement? Did your wedding have a theme or style?
Due to COVID, Devon and I had our wedding postponed from April 2020 to a February 2022, so I actually had to wait 2 years to wear my dress. Before we postponed the wedding in April, we had a small wedding ceremony with about 40 people in my parents living room on February 15, 2020 to ensure my mom could witness us getting married. We had our big wedding ceremony, which was actually a vow renewal with 180 guests more recently on February 12, 2022. Both weddings were perfect, small wedding or big wedding, its just so amazing to have everyone you love in one place.
What was most meaningful to you during your ceremony? How did you feel sharing your vows with each other?
The most meaningful thing to me during the ceremony was just watching Devon give his vows and tell everyone in the room how much he loves me. He’s a pretty private guy, and not always the best with words, so that was very special to me. The vows felt really easy for me, and I felt like it was just us two in the room.
How did your wedding reflect your unique relationship?
The day was worry-free and SO FUN. As soon as the dance floor opened we were on it, and we stayed there all night. We were singing and dancing and having so much fun with everyone. I think that’s super reflective of who we are as a couple: fun and always ready to get groovy.
What was your favorite part about wearing your dress on your wedding day? How did your dress make you feel?
I loved that I looked like a princess! It was what I was waiting 2 years for, and when I finally put it on with my hair and makeup done, I was not disappointed!
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 had our wedding at The Villa (@lifetimewedding) in Westminster, CA! We chose the venue because we wanted a traditional Asian wedding banquet, but at a modern venue and The Villa was perfect for that! We served our guests an 8 course meal, had an open bar, and a dim sum cart and boba cart for late night snacking!
Tell us about the music! Was there live music, a DJ, or simply the sounds of the ocean or birds? Is there a song that you included in your wedding that means a lot to your relationship?
We had DJ Wrex (djwrex) at our wedding and he is AWESOME! We actually booked DJ Wrex as our first vendor and booked our venue based on his availability. Devon and I listened to a lot of DJ Wrex in college together, so we really wanted him to DJ our wedding. Our first dance song was “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You” by Lauryn Hill because we can relate to every lyric in that song. We also had so much fun dancing to this song together; it really set the mood for the rest of the night!
What was your favorite moment of the day?
My favorite moment of the day was walking into the reception area with Devon as husband and wife!
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.
We had some AMAZING vendors. They made the process of postponing twice so easy. We appreciate all of them so much! Photographer - Becca Romero (@studioatelier.co) Videographer - Christian Samson (@christiansamsonstudios) DJ - DJ Wrex (@djwrex) Venue - The Villa (@lifetimewedding) Desserts - Tiffany-Ann, she makes the most amazing cupcakes btw (@sweetsongbirdbakery) Wedding Cake - Vans Bakery Photo booth - @pixsterphotobooth Florals - Billiann (@bloomsdoneright) Makeup/Hair - Maritza (@glamourbymaritza)
Do you have any advice or helpful tips for others planning a wedding?
Have fun! No one's going to remember the details, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
What has been the best part so far about being married?
Having someone to share this life with. I never feel alone and it’s just the best having someone to come home to everyday!
Looking ahead, what does the future hold that you can’t wait to experience as a married couple?
We can’t wait to grow our family.
Chantelle is wearing The Cleo with ivory lining, custom lined sleeves, and a full 24 inch train.