When brides come in with a vision, we make it happen. Marissa fell in love with two dresses, so we worked with her to create the perfect look with the best of each of the dresses she found.
Read her story below.
Tell us about your love story. I call our story “Joe & Marissa~The Love Story of East Meets West.” The story about us is that Joe moved from San Diego, California to Atlanta, Georgia in March of 2014 when he accepted a corporate promotion from Cox Communications. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Joe knew he would have to start a new life on the East Coast, but also hoped he would meet the woman who would become the love of his life. And he did. With some patience and knowing the right woman would come along when it was meant to be, Joe met Marissa. Finally, on the beautiful evening of October 2nd, Joe and Marissa met and their love story began at an Atlanta restaurant called “1kept”. Marissa immediately knew that Joe was the right man for her and she truly hoped that Joe felt she was the right woman for him. Marissa’s hope became a reality when Joe called for a second date, a third, a fourth. It didn’t take long before they were inseparable and on Memorial Day weekend the following year, Joe asked Marissa to be his partner-for-life by becoming his bride in Marissa’s favorite spot, Rosemary Beach, Florida. Joe and Marissa are avid travelers and had a whirlwind honeymoon planned to Paris, Mauritius and Seychelles but first, a magnificent wedding in sunny San Diego!
What was your wedding vision?
The aesthetic I wanted for our wedding was a beautiful Spring color palette but while not making any specific color the primary color and showcasing beautiful pale yellows, pinks and peaches and lots of beautiful lush creme shades. Details like blush colored glassware and gold accent touches graced the entire wedding day. Since my Father passed away a few years ago, I have found perfect white feathers in my path on a regular basis so I incorporated small touches of gold feathers in the wedding, like in our gorgeous feather wedding favors so in different points of the day, I saw the feathers in the decor and felt that my dad was with me in spirit. We had flowing beautiful creme striped linens as if you felt like you were celebrating at a styled garden party, light, airy and romantic.
What is your favorite memory from your wedding day?
I have two favorite moments – one was in the suites at The Westgate Hotel when our best man and matron of honor exchanged the journals Joe and I wrote to each other and then when the beautiful doors of the Immaculata Catholic church opened and I saw Joe at the end of the aisle – I had the biggest smile on my face of pure love and joy, I will never forget the emotion that I was overcome with.
What was your favorite part of your dress?
I said yes to the dress on the first day gown shopping. I put on the Halo gown first, I fell in love with the lace top – it was so unique and uncommon – nothing like I had ever seen before. I always dreamed of a huge skirt and when I tried on the London dress, I knew that was the skirt. After a long debate I blended my favorite things of both into one magnificent custom gown – the Halo top & London skirt! We purchased additional Halo bodice gown lace and Wedding Angels made a custom bolero; something I will wear in the future and absolutely love! I also adorned the matching veil.
Photography: Sally Pinera
Planning: Mallory Joyce Designs
Florals: Catalina Neal Florals
Ceremony: The Immaculata Catholic Church
Accommodations: The Westgate Hotel
Reception: Balboa Park
Makeup: Claire Alyse Makeup
Hair: Wedding Hair by Jillian Rae
Cake: Sweet Cheeks Baking