Val Wearing The Indigo Dress
So tell us, how did you meet the love of your life?
We met at church. I was a new believer at the time and Diego was the pastor's kid with the big afro who played in the worship band. We both had mutual friends in common which is how we knew of each other.
When did you know they were the one?
About two years ago, Diego and I were on staff and worked together at the church we met. Since we shared the same desk space, it was easy to talk every week and get to know each other as friends. At the time, we both were on complete different stages in our lives and were nowhere near interested in each other. One Friday, Diego tells me that he got offered a job as the Youth Director at another church and that he accepted the job and was leaving. Everything happened so quick that in a blink of an eye Diego was gone and Fridays were strange without him in the office. We kept in contact with one another even though we didn't see each other much. A few months passed and Diego was straight forward about his feelings towards me. He made it clear that he saw past my hurt, my past, and was falling in love with me. And so, slowly but surely he won me over and continues to do so through the highs and lows of our relationship putting Christ above all. We both stand here today by the grace of God choosing to serve, live, and love Jesus first and then one another.
Tell us the story of the proposal!
It was a Saturday morning when I was getting ready to go on a photoshoot with two of my best friends in Lake Cuyamaca. My friend Jade had asked me if I could be one of her "models" for her new clay collection, and of course I couldn't say no! My other friend, Mara, was the other "model" tagging along that day. I was very excited! Once we got to Lake Cuyamaca, Jade began doing her thing and was telling us what to do. We were probably at the lake for about an hour or so, and at that point I had no clue what was going to happen next. Mara was out of my sight for a little bit, and I thought she went to pick out flowers for herself. Suddenly out of nowhere I hear crunching sounds and as I am standing up, Diego was right there down on one knee with the ring at hand and other close friends of ours all around. Shocked, and very speechless, I said yes when he asked me to marry him, and we were engaged!
Later that evening, we were already on our way back home and Diego said he had another surprise for me. He told me he had a simple dinner planned just the two of us, but I had to be blindfolded on our way. I agreed and my eyes were shut for what felt like forever. I kept asking questions as to where we were going, but Diego ignored me and said to just trust him. As I got out of the car and walked carefully to wherever it was we were going, the moment came when he told me take off my blindfold and so I did. “SURPRISE!!” is the first thing I heard and I was very surprised indeed. I couldn’t believe my family threw me a surprise engagement dinner! I cried like a baby, hugged Diego, and finished off the night celebrating with family and friends!
How long was your engagement? What went into deciding your wedding's date and location?
10 month engagement and the date was decided due to COVID and family not being able to be together until then. The location was beautiful, and I always wanted an outdoor wedding so it all worked out perfectly!
How would you describe your personal style? What was most important to you when you were planning your bridal look?
My wedding "theme" was more of a modern, boho, farm-style wedding! I have so many styles I like, but I definitely wanted the modern boho look to stand out the most.
How did you find Wear Your Love?
My best friend Mara got her wedding dress from Wear Your Love so that's how I found you guys!
When did you know you had found your perfect dress?
When I couldn't stop scrolling through the website and kept going back to the dress I picked.
Which dress did you choose, and did you request any custom aspects?
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 very excited and loved that my dress fit like a glove! I didn't have to make any alterations to it!
Did your wedding have a theme or style?
Modern-Boho
How involved was your partner in the wedding planning? Did your families help? Did you hire a coordinator, planner, or event stylist?
I did the planning for the wedding myself. My husband was involved but not as much as me with details lol. Both our families and closed friends paid for the wedding and blessed us so much with gifts.
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?
Le Tournesol in Brawley CA.
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?
Our DJ was amazing!! Robert Flynt was his name.
What was your favorite moment of the day?
First Look with my sisters and parents!
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.
Jordan Grace @gracedayphotography Veil and Hair Clip: Jay Kay Braids and Bridal Makeup: Crunchi
Do you have any advice or helpful tips for others planning a wedding?
Always accept the help if someone offers! Lol. As a bride, you need your friends and family as support.
What has been the best part so far about being married?
Going home to the same place as your partner and knowing you are both now a team together!
Congrats, Val & Diego! Val is wearing The Indigo with white lining and a 6 inch train.