Kiara + Chad

How did you meet?

We both went to the same high school, but he was older than I was so we didn’t hang out around the same crowd. When I started college I ran into him in the parking lot and it was like an instant spark when we made eye contact. It didn’t take long for him to find me on social media and follow me on every platform. I finally took the initiative and replied to a tweet he posted. He instantly slid in my DM’s and and asked for my number. We went on our first date shortly after and we’ve been inseparable ever since.

When did you know they were the one?

We were out on the lake with our dog Riley fishing. I suddenly felt this rush of emotions, and that’s when I knew I loved him. It didn’t take long after to realize I didn’t want to be with out him. He’s a firefighter and can be gone for weeks during fire season. After I made it through my first fire season with him I knew I wanted to be his safe space to come home to and saw my future with him.

What are your three favourite attributes of your partner?

His patience- he’s always been patient, especially with me. He thinks before he acts, he uses logic and reasoning. He’s my opposite, and because of that he keeps me grounded.
His work ethic- he’s always worked hard in his career and in his life. He takes a lot of pride in knowing everything he has is due to his hard work.
His sense of humor- he knows me so well and knows exactly how to make me laugh, even when I absolutely don’t want to.

Who proposed and how?

He proposed to me in 2020 in Maui, Hawaii. We took the Road to Hana and made stops along the way to see the black sand beaches and waterfalls. During one of our hikes we reach the Waimoku Falls, we pose to take a picture and he suddenly drops to one knee and proposes. I still can’t recall exactly what he said because I blacked out, but it was a moment I will never forget.

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

I went to Ivory Bridal Boutique in Fresno, CA. I told Kacy what I was looking for, and the first dress she pulled for me was the dress I picked! I was in love the second I put it on. The intricate details, the latte color beneath which matched perfectly with our color scheme, and the beautiful matching veil.

What was the best moment for you at your wedding?

My favorite moment was when we did our first touch and read our personal vows to each other. I was so nervous the entire day, and having that moment before the ceremony where I can hold his hand and and hear him read his vows automatically put me at ease.

What were your favourite details?

My dad always carries handkerchiefs with him, so for his gift I had a custom embroidered handkerchief made, and it made our father-daughter first look that much more special. There were so many other special details throughout our wedding. Our remembrance area to honor those who passed away, our custom cake plate and forks, our custom neon sign, so many more.

What advice would you tell other brides?

Enjoy every moment because it really does go by so fast! Book your photographer for at least 8 hours to ensure you get photos of everything and with everyone! Remember that the day is about you and your partner and soak in every moment.

Any standout vendors?

We had an amazing team of vendors and loved each and every one of them!!!
@the_wedding_coordinators- Dee Sanchez was our wedding coordinator and she was so amazing! She made sure everything was taken care of accordingly, and when we did have a hiccup ( when my husband stepped on my dress and broke my bustle) she was there to save the day!
@djclaudiovalero- he came in hot with the custom photo display, a custom neon sign, and was all around amazing with MC-ing and music selections.
@ivory_bridalboutique- Kacy’s boutique is so beautiful and aesthetically pleasing. All of the gowns are gorgeous. She really knows what she’s doing and I had such a positive experience with her. She picked out my dream dress, and it was the first one pulled off the rack.
@cerenades.photography- I’m so glad to have met Cerenade through school. She took our engagement photos so of course I had to have her for our wedding as well. She was so efficient with her time and the photos were absolutely stunning!