wedding wonders with Kristina + Eric: guest post!

All photos by Iris Cheung Photography

Hello, Anna Delores readers! I'm Kristina, writer behind the Southern California decor and lifestyle blog, Nook & Sea. I'm so grateful to Emily for inviting me to share my wedding experience with you. My biggest hope is that it will provide a little direction, inspiration and helpful insight for any of you brides-to-be (or just be a fun story to read) :]

My husband and I were married October 24, 2010, overlooking the glittering harbor in Dana Point, CA. It had rained almost the entire week; yet on the day of the wedding, there was a window of sunshine and warmth that lasted just until we were on our way to the airport for our honeymoon. It couldn't have been more perfect!

So where does one get married in Orange County with a million-dollar view (without the million-dollar price tag)? At the start of our planning, I admit to being a little unsure about the venue. The word "restaurant" doesn't usually come off as wedding-appropriate; but I'm living proof (well, I guess the photos are) that everything at the Chart House Restaurant was truly FANTASTIC.  Its management and was so familiar with hosting weddings every weekend (literally - we saw the calendar), and it showed as the day went on seamlessly, professionally, and elegantly (not to mention the food was bomb).

- - - - -

- - - - -

My favorite aspect of this venue were the numerous locations our guests could enjoy themselves. People could venture out the grass and look at the ocean, grab a drink in the bar, wander into the entertaining area with the band, or mingle with guests in the main dining room. For us, having this freedom (compared to a more formal ballroom-like venue) was such a huge appeal.

My husband, Eric, and I had been together for 9 years prior to our engagement (and had been to a LOT of weddings), so by the time we began planning for our own wedding, we knew what aspects we wanted and which ones we would rather go without.

Some non-traditional choices, for example: we had no flower girl or ring bearer (kids? too much work); preferred live Jack Johnson-esque music by Kai Kalama and his brother over a DJ (which we were sure would probably coordinate our grand entrance to the Space Jam theme song - I've seen it happen before), had cupcakes (made by a friend!) and Italian gelato instead of wedding cake (Ok, so we did use a cake-top for the cutting at our parents request) and didn't share any first dances - yup, that's right - not one!

- - - - -

- - - - -

- - - - -

And while that last bit may seem a little unconventional, there's one thing we really wanted to stick to - being ourselves. For two goofy best friends to take a serious star-gazed dance surrounded by a million people ... it was too far from our natural character, so we decided to nix it (luckily, our parents were cool with this decision, which made it even better)!

So if there's one piece of advice that I could give couples about to get married, it would be: don't do anything you're not comfortable with. Whatever it is, it will be awkward to do, awkward to watch, and awkward in photos. You want to be joyous and authentic, so do what's right for you! :]

- - - - -

- - - - -

My jewelry and accessories were definitely a fun and meaningful part of my attire. Julie Carson, seriously talented crafting lady and author of the blog, Joy's Hope; created my hairpiece, necklace and all my bridesmaid necklaces as well. She'd even sent the pieces to Texas to have the beading completed - all as my wedding gift. Julie and I have known each other since before Eric and I started dating. She practically watched the whole thing play out and was a huge mentor in my life. Her husband, Jason, was our youth pastor for 4 years our officiant! It couldn't have been more special to have them both there.

Decor, of course my biggest passion for the wedding, turned out incredible! I really wanted arrangements that were contemporary, fresh, and with a slight hint of Disney (yes, I actually said that - Disneyland was a huge part of our lives)! So for the florist to add apples (reminiscent of Snow White), candelabras (ode to The Haunted Mansion), and color without being cheesy was a ginormous plus. It was simply stunning!

- - - - -

- - - - -

- - - - -

- - - - -

- - - - -

Of course, I could go on and on about our big day. I am incredibly thankful to our parents for throwing everything together and blessing us throughout our relationship. God is so good!

(But if I may throw this last bit in...could you believe my mom found my shoes at Old Navy?!)

Again, thanks to Emily for allowing me share with you today!

What aspects of your wedding were your best-kept secrets? If you're in the planning mode now (or into dreamy "Pinterest" planning), what things have you always wanted to have or do? I'd love to hear!

Have an awesome rest of the week, and do pop by the blog to say hello!