Magdalena + Alex

How did you meet?

Alex and I met at a bar on the night of my 21st birthday (the first day I was legally allowed inside a bar in the US!). We had no mutual friends but started talking, traded numbers, and went on a date a few days later. 7 1/2 years later and we got married!

How did you know he was the one?

I knew Alex was the one when I could freely express my views of feminism, inequality, and social justice and he shared my beliefs that we can make this world a more beautiful and equitable place for all. He encourages me to stand up for what I think is right and take action!

What are your three favourite attributes of your partner?

He’s adventurous and loves exploring the outdoors. He is incredibly mature and skillful at conflict resolution- if we get in an argument, he listens and is never lets his ego get in the way of saying he’s sorry. He is sensitive, compassionate, and cares deeply about others.

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

I loved Harlie from the first time I came across a photo of her on Instagram a year and a half before my wedding. I took a screenshot and saved it, and when it came time to start shopping, I knew I had to try her on! I first tried her on in San Francisco and immediately knew she was the dress for me. I tried on 30 or so more dresses just to be sure, but I knew there was no better dress for me than Harlie with wings! I purchased my dress at Lovely Bride in NYC. I felt ethereal and glamorous!

Who proposed and how?

Alex proposed in Washington DC near a park bench where we sat and talked for hours on our first date many years ago. Then he surprised me with an engagement party at the restaurant where we had our first date, and my family and all our close friends were there!

What was the best moment for you at the wedding?

The best moment was reading our personal vows to each other underneath the canopy of California redwood trees. We spoke from the heart and made promises to each other in the presence of nature and 140 friends and family. Neither of us got through that with dry eyes!

What surprised you most at or about your wedding?

How much love I would feel radiating from our community in that moment. It was the most special day of my life having our family and best friends surround us with their love and energy.

What advice would you tell other brides?

I won’t tell you to “relax” or try to not be stressed about the planning, because let’s face it, planning a wedding is stressful! But I promise it’s worth it, and when the day comes, you’ll have the time of your life. And your guests will love the food and music you’ve chosen!

What was the one thing you did differently for your wedding?

We didn’t have a religious ceremony but we still wanted to incorporate some sort of ritual that was meaningful to us. We decided to plant a Redwood tree sapling together during our ceremony. Our officiant spoke about how Redwood trees are strong and everlasting, and despite their height, they have very shallow roots so they intertwine their roots with the trees around them to grow strong together. After our ceremony, all of our guests had a little packet of soil that they added to the pot where we had planted the tree to help our love grow!

 

Details.

MWL Design:

Harlie with detachable tulle wings

Venue:

 Nestldown in Los Gatos, California

MUA:

Danielle Dentoni

Flowers:

Asiel Design

Rings/jewelry:

Brilliant Earth and Dominion Jewelers

Bridesmaids:

All their own choice!

Shoes:

Target! Ha 🙂

Suits:

Black Lapel for groom; The Black Tux for groomsmen

Photographer:

Russ Levi Photography

MWL Stockist:

Lovely Bride NYC