We’ve come up with an authentic wedding for you today, one that’s not just brimming with beautiful ideas but also packed with wedding-planning wisdom and a romantic love story that you can watch.
Melissa and Ryan are among the couples that prove the fact that even if you’re meant to be, it doesn’t mean that the relationship you’ll have will be easy from the beginning.
After some time of ‘will they, wouldn’t it’s, this adorable couple proved that it was worth it by having a Los Angeles wedding that was romantic, elegant, and laid-back. Although they had to compromise a few times during their wedding (make sure to follow their tips to other brides! ), Melissa & Ryan made their day feel “just like them,” – which is the best compliment you can get. Do you think?
Photographed taken by Gina Photographs Weddings and wedding planning by sweet Emilia Jane and a stunning location on the Fig House, along with delicious food, exquisite fashion, and a simple design (oh, and that gorgeous DIY garland created by Melissa’s mother! ), This wedding is an exercise in slack-jawed elegance.
I’m betting you’ll enjoy it!
Our Love Story
We often joke that our story is the basis for romantic comedy. We first met at the workplace in 2008, where the boss was a senior and I was just from college. Our company had an unwritten policy against fraternity, so I dismissed the whole affair as a flimsy schoolgirl crush that couldn’t be.
After a year of forming a friendship, We went out on our first date outside of work. I didn’t know that we were on an actual date until Ryan came over to kiss me goodnight, and I ended the night by escaping in shock.
We came back from the first mistake; however, the years that followed the first date were filled with uncertainty and drama. I ultimately left the firm and hoped that we would be able to test out an affair. But the three years of our relationship were a shambles for us, and eventually, we ended our relationship.
A few months after our last separation, Ryan saw me with one of my new friends. He felt a sting of regret when he saw how happy I appeared. He was able to reach me, and we had lunch together. It was the first time that I felt like he was fighting for me. I’ll never forget the look that he had in his eyes or the way his voice shook with emotion as the words came out: “M, I adore you.”
I am still awed by that conversation at the start of our marriage. It took another year until we finally decided to give it an opportunity; however, after that, it all came together. Once we had removed our past and discovered that we had all we’d been looking for, it was actually there.
The Proposal
In 2015, we bought our first home. Our careers were going well, and our life was chugging smoothly.
In our favorite pizza restaurant one evening, we made an informal (and somewhat drunk) bet, and I decided that the prize for winning was marriage.
I was unaware that Ryan had already decided the time to propose was autumn on our trip to Boston (where Ryan was born and raised).
After a long day in the city and a stroll through the Charles River in beautiful Back Bay he ,kindly gave me an engagement ring and asked if I would like to be his wife.
Our Wedding
We’ve all been to a fair amount of big weddings, in which wedding guests don’t get to go beyond “hello” and “thank you for coming” before they’re whisked away.
We wanted a different experience: a calm and stress-free wedding we could actually enjoy with our guests.
We had a private wedding ceremony that was attended by only our immediate family members, including our dog. Ryan’s brother officiated, and the bride’s sister sang a gorgeous performance of ” Can’t Help Falling in Love.” We didn’t want any aspect of the ceremony to appear fake, so we didn’t practice! The ceremony was natural, and the whole thing was a pleasant surprise.
The same spirit was carried throughout the reception. We wanted to give the atmosphere of a formal dinner party where guests could interact and talk naturally, free of seating assignments or a schedule, and it turned out beautifully!
Most importantly, Ryan and I got to spend time with our family and friends without worrying about where we were at a specific time.
