Location: Brentwood, California, US
Setting: Scenic golf club
The number of guests: 110
Wedding Season: Summer
How long did the couple plan the event: 1 year
Wedding theme/style: A summer cocktail wedding style with vibrant, lively, festive, and refreshing elements.
Charles and Alisha’s love story began on Hinge, the dating app. After swiping right on each other, they hit it off and decided to meet for their first date in Lodi, California. They chose a restaurant on a small street, not knowing that the street was having a fair that day. This fair turned out to be a pleasant surprise, as they spent the whole day walking and talking, getting to know each other for hours. At the time, Alisha was in medical school at Davis, while Charles worked for his local school district in Stockton. Despite the distance, they were determined to make their relationship work. They continued to date and get to know each other, even as Alisha moved to San Francisco for her residency. Charles and Alisha refused to let distance get in the way of their love. They continued to commute to see each other, and their love grew stronger. Finally, after Charles made a career transition into tech, they moved to their new home in the Bay Area together, bringing their first cat with them. Their family continued to grow with the addition of a second cat and a new puppy.
Alisha looked absolutely breathtaking on her wedding day. She chose a beautiful Maggie Sottero Tuscany Royale dress paired with a Tuscany Royale veil from BoLee Bridal Couture in the South Bay. Her makeup gave her a natural, glowing look with nude lips, while her hair was styled in loose curls. With the help of her family, Alisha got ready for their magical wedding day.
Charles chose a tuxedo with a burgundy coat and a custom-embroidered white shirt with his initials and the date of the wedding hidden beneath the blazer collar. He was eager for the first look and the ceremony with his soon-to-be-wife.
The first look was a special and intimate moment for Alisha and Charles. Charles was amazed by Alisha’s stunning wedding look, and they both cherished their time together just before the ceremony and festivities began.
The ceremony was particularly memorable because Charles’ father officiated it. As they exchanged vows, every guest was touched by their heartfelt words. A unique highlight of Alisha and Charles’ wedding was having loved ones from various places around the world, such as Texas, New York, and even all the way from Kenya. They made sure that all their dear ones were included, even streaming the event to friends and family in Uganda, ensuring everyone could witness their special day.
The beginning of the reception was filled with well-wishes from their loved ones and their first dance. Alisha and Charles knew that the rest of the evening would be a whirlwind of activities, traditions, and expectations, so they wanted to make sure they could do something solely for themselves. The newlyweds decided to prepare a choreographed dance to the song “Best Part” by Daniel Caesar featuring H.E.R. They dedicated weeks to getting everything right and performed it flawlessly for everyone in attendance. The joyous hours spent practicing, dancing together night after night, and sharing laughs and inside jokes added a special touch to their wedding day and made the surprise dance even more memorable.
The wedding was inspired by a summer cocktail style, incorporating vibrant, festive, and refreshing elements that captured the essence of the warm summer day. The talented photographer chosen by the couple, Diane B. Photography, expertly captured their love, the stunning venue, the celebration, and the special moments they shared with their guests.
Charles and Alisha’s wedding concept was a collaborative effort inspired by their mutual interests and the unique aspects of their chosen date and venue. They found inspiration in the rich burgundy and champagne color palette, reflecting a timeless and elegant theme that resonated with their vision. The indoor setting with carpeted floors influenced their decision to create a refined and intimate atmosphere. They incorporated personal stories, memories, and cultural influences into the celebration to reflect their journey together. Exploring various wedding styles and eras through online platforms, professional consultations, and the vibrant hues of the July season, they crafted a concept that seamlessly combined sophistication, romance, and a hint of playfulness. The result was a wedding celebration tailored to their personalities and love story.
As the evening continued, the newlyweds and their loved ones danced to the upbeat music, creating a lively atmosphere. The wedding was an unforgettable and enjoyable celebration for all the guests, leaving lasting memories for everyone involved.
Advice from the couple:
• Take time for yourselves! The wedding day goes by much quicker than you realize, and you are expected to be everywhere at once with everyone. Even though this day is special for everyone in attendance, it has to be special most of all to yourselves. Take 2-3 minutes here and there throughout the evening to have some 1-on-1 time to check in on each other. And remember to soak up as many memories as you can! Not specifically of what the venue looks like or what everyone is doing, remember your interactions with all your loved ones and cherish those interactions fully.
PHOTOGRAPHER Diane B. Photo | FLORIST Paula’s Family Florist | MAKEUP ARTIST Beauty By Miz Kiesh | HAIRSTYLE Let’s Get Cute | DRESS Maggie Sottero Designs, BoLee Bridal Couture | TUX Knot Standard | VENUE Wedgewood Wedding | VIOLINISTS Corelli Strings | PASTOR Larry Clark (groom’s father)
