Cori Wearing Custom Ari Dress
So tell us, how did you meet the love of your life?
Guy & I met through mutual friends that kept bugging us to go on a date together, we did and we both (tried) to shrug each other off because I was moving away to finish school so neither of us wanted to act on anything. We texted and kept in touch, and I invited him to come visit me. Everything was planned but something came up at his work and he couldn't make it last minute. I was super bummed but he sent surprise “sorry” flowers and that just about melted my heart for him. I couldn't get him off my mind after that.
When did you know they were the one?
When we were pulled back to that same mutual friend's wedding the following year, we were maid of honor & best man ironically enough. That's when we knew this feeling between us was real and we just could shake our pull towards each other. It did help that I pulled the cheesiest pick up move (with a little help from liquid courage- of course!)- “ Do I have anything in my teeth? '' just so I could get close and kiss him! After that it was basically a sealed deal.
Tell us the story of the proposal!
We were at a wedding (again) for the week in Florida. Guy proposed on the beach in Miami on Christmas Eve, after we went on one of our typical dessert adventures. The sweet tooth craving quickly left our minds when he got on one knee but we did find a beautiful lighthouse and yummy fudge that Guy still beats himself up over without proposing there!
How long was your engagement? What went into deciding your wedding's date and location?
Our engagement was actually rather long... about a year into our dating we found out we were pregnant with our baby girl, we got engaged when she was about 6 months and decided together to focus on raising our family and love and enjoy all the precious first moments that were to come. We then set a date at the end of 2019 for a later date in 2020 and then had to postpone because of Covid. So, on May 15th 2021 we tied the knot in a little Christian camp in Big Bear Lake, California with my parents' beautiful backyard as the reception! It was absolutely magical, we had string lights, twinkle lights in the lilac bushes in full bloom, confetti cannons, the crisp air, and all the pie you could eat!
How would you describe your personal style? What was most important to you when you were planning your bridal look?
I would describe my personal style as a little bit of vintage, lots of diy, nature driven, and just simple and comfortable! The most important thing was that everything would flow together even if it was all mismatched and it was sentimental in every piece that went into the day. I wanted a look that reflected “me” with lots of comfortability!
How did you find Wear Your Love?
I found wear your love through Pinterest! I was searching for dresses, I didn’t know what I really was looking for, I just knew at the top of my list was subtle soft lace with a backless detail.
When did you know you had found your perfect dress?
I knew I found the one when I started comparing every dress I saw elsewhere with the one I chose, I just couldn’t get it off my mind! It checked all my boxes of what I was looking for in a dress. Even more so that the material for all the wearyourlove dresses are sustainable and fair!
Which dress did you choose, and did you request any custom aspects?
I chose the Ari dress with the 12 inch train, natural lining, backless and a custom v neck
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 actually never went to a bridal studio, so this was my first ever experience looking and even holding a wedding dress. I ordered the Ari and sent in my measurements and held my breath! When I received the box I gathered all my girls together for wine and movies with a first try on! I was nervous & teared up a little bit, but it fit perfectly!! Like I mentioned before, our wedding was postponed so back in the box it went and I didn’t open it up again until the wedding day. I ended up working out harder during the pandemic and it fit even more perfectly on my second try on! Plus, the fabric was the most comfortable I’ve ever had in a dress!
Did your wedding have a theme or style?
The theme was kinda all over the place but I focused on the backyard nature feel of it all, I loved how everything came together- vintage lace, empty jars/bottles, loads of greenery, and all the twinkle lights! I would say it was more of a simple boho nature theme.
How involved was your partner in the wedding planning? Did your families help? Did you hire a coordinator, planner, or event stylist?
Lemme just say it was a full team effort! Everyone was included into making this day happen! My parents cabin had an empty rock and dirt area that we turned into a bocce/cornhole court area a week before the wedding- talk about a workout ! 16 tons of sand/dirt was moved! My husband is an electrician so he hung all the lights and made my dream of magic under the pines happen! We had friends come up during the week and pitch in- everyone had a hand in making our big day happen. I think that's what made our day so much more special. Everyone had a part in it and we all got to see and celebrate the final product! I love and am so forever grateful for all the hard work that went into this day!
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?
Our wedding venue was my parents cabin in Big Bear Lake! As soon as we saw the backyard we ALL agreed this was the place! It was such a big hit that we are now renting it out for small weddings! It’s called “Narrow Escape” cabin in Big Bear Lake. Our coordinator has taken the lead in bookings :)
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?
I walked down the aisle to Can You Feel the Love Tonight- piano version and We danced to Tennessee Whiskey by Chris Stapleton. I surprised Guy with a custom Jean jacket I made with the song lyrics and our date for our first dance!
What was your favorite moment of the day?
Seeing everyone enjoy the day and be gathered together after so much time apart was so humbling to watch. However, my favorite moment of the day was at the beginning of the ceremony when I saw our daughter walk down being the best flower girl she could possibly be, and how handsome my soon to be husband was and how calm he made me feel when we locked eyes at the beginning of the aisle. But squishing his butt for our first look was a close second lol
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.
Maya Lora photography- @mayaloraphoto she was absolutely the best ever! She kept the day rolling and captured us so naturally! Her golden hour skills are hands down amazing!
Miss Belles Vintage- @missbellesvintage - Terri was the best coordinator! She knew exactly what I wanted and how to execute it, she was there every step of the way and cannot wait to further our friendship together!
Big event Photobooth- they knew how to party and get everyone involved!
Tipsy Collective bartenders- @tipsycollective - the cutest vintage setup! They had vintage pour bottles and made the most delicious mixers, I’m so happy they enjoyed their time with us!
Eden Bee Designs florals- @edenbeedesigns - Kylie is a personal friend that started a beautiful floral business recently. Truly, she put all the magic together with every floral and greenery piece intentionally placed! I absolutely loved my bouquet. We couldn't have asked for anyone better!
@brehnandsparrow - Emma embroidered the bridesmaids “stitch bouquets”, so dainty and adorable!
@moondebutante - Made a beautiful crystal custom headpiece for me to wear during reception, she blessed the day and it was the perfect touch of a little extra magic for the day!
Do you have any advice or helpful tips for others planning a wedding?
Yes! There will be hiccups and bumps but remember your day and your significant other and what the day represents! Get a good DJ that connects with you and listens to you! Oh also, get confetti cannons for a grand entrance, it makes for an epic photo opportunity!
What has been the best part so far about being married?
The best part about being married is that we did it! Our story is a little different from normal but I wouldn’t trade it for anything! Having a child together before marriage or in early stages of a relationship, you tend to move out of the honeymoon stage rather quickly but after our wedding day, I felt it has lit up again, and each day I get to call Guy my husband and love him harder and harder. I get to do forever with him, and that’s the most exciting part!
Cori is wearing The Ari with a custom v-neck, natural lining, and a 12 inch sweep train.