Ariana + Branden

How did you meet?

We met working at a restaurant together! He caught my eye when we all started at a new restaurant and the rest was history. We have been together 8.5 years and married for 3 months!

When did you know they were the one?

We met working at a restaurant together! He caught my eye when we all started at a new restaurant and the rest was history. We have been together 8.5 years and married for 3 months!

What are your three favourite attributes of your partner?

His sense of humor, his drive, and how caring he is.

Who proposed and how?

He did! For my 30th birthday I wanted to go to Hamburger Mary’s which was a drag show up the street from our house but Covid prevented that so the next year for my 31st birthday, he planned a surprise birthday party there with all our friends and families and he proposed during the show. It was perfect!

Where did you fall in love with your dress and why?

First, I fell in love with it online! I was looking to get some ideas and didn’t see myself in anything I saw online and then Made With Love started popping up on my explore page on Instagram and LOVED the bows because I felt they were so cute, fun, and unique. I found out MWL was carried at the local bridal store, Love and Lace Bridal Salon in Irvine, CA and I had to try it on. I gave others a shot but knew this was the one. I originally was going to have the tulle wings for the ceremony and switch to the bows for the reception but I loved the bows so much that I decided to do both wings and bows and I’m so glad I did!

What was the best moment for you at your wedding?

Our first look! It was so fun to do a little surprise with him and after we got that out of the way, we felt so at ease and had the best day ever.

What were your favourite details?

I am half Persian so we had a Persian ceremony which was important to my family and heard from so many guests that they loved that part. We also had the in-n-out truck came as a late night snack for everyone and that was a good move!

What advice would you tell other brides?

Relax! The planning process is very overwhelming and sometimes very frustrating but it will all fall together and the day will be so much fun. It is so easy to get exhausted from all the logistics and planning and there are times where you want to throw your hands up in the air and just quit but I promise it is worth it in the end! You have such great memories of an amazing day.

Any standout vendors?

Our photographer! They are a husband and wife duo and they are AMAZING. They shot my friend/bridesmaid/wedding planners wedding the year prior and when her photos came back I knew I had to have them and they didn’t disappoint! My hair and make-up crew was amazing as well! My make-up artist even traveled with my to the venue to do touch ups throughout photos and she made me feel like she was my best friend. She was amazing and my make-up didn’t budge!