I want to become a society lady Rockin' a new rock?!

Alma and Luis’ wedding at Quail Ranch is filled with colorful details that compliment the venue’s Spanish style and add personality to the day designed by In Focus Events. The full, bold florals by Unique Floral Designs are filled with giant dahlias, hydrangeas, peach roses, and accented by deep plum and magenta blooms. We’re loving the groom’s retro flair—all the way down to his personal vintage cadillac get-away ride. And, the hand-painted Mexican piggy bank gifts are adorable. See all the details and the pure joy of the lovely couple in these images by Jenny Smith & Co.

What made the wedding special and unique?

There are many things that made our wedding special. For both of us, seeing all our family and friends come together was the most special thing. I had family fly in from Mexico which was very meaningful for me. My uncle was also our officiant and did a wonderful job. For Luis, having the Cadillac on site was special for him. Since he purchased the car he has dedicated a lot of time to fixing it up and envisioned getting married in it. We loaded up the car the day before the wedding and came back in it as a married couple.

Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!

I wanted something I could dance in and envisioned something fitted at the top and flowy at the bottom. When we went shopping my sister actually picked out the dress. I was a bit hesitant at first because it was part of Martina Liana’s separate collection, so a bit unconventional, but once I tried it on I loved it. The corset was very romantic and fit the Spanish style of the venue. I first found the dress in Pasadena, CA but had one more appointment at The Dress in Santa Barbara, CA so I waited. When I arrived at my appointment in Santa Barbara the owner pulled out the same dress for me. I tried it on one more time and just knew it was the one. I kept swaying side to side in it; I could see myself at the wedding.

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?

My mom bought these beautiful hand painted piggy banks from our hometown in Mexico. She found an artist to paint them for us and write our names and wedding date on them. They became not only our wedding favors but also the name cards for our guests. The display table had a sign that read, “Be rich in love,” to fit the piggy bank theme. Our guests loved them! In addition to the piggy banks my mom also picked up some blue tiles with numbers from Mexico to serve as our table numbers. They were a nice touch to the Spanish style of the venue.

What was the most memorable part of the day?

I would have to say reading our vows and the poems we selected. We each wrote our own vows and selected a poem to read during our ceremony. I read Ana Castillo’s poem, I Ask The Impossible, which I have always loved. Luis surprised me when he decided to write his own poem! It was a very emotional moment for both of us.

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

The short version: We met through a mutual friend, Ambar, who was also one of my bridesmaids. At the time, Ambar worked for the UFW (United Farm Workers) and Luis was at a fundraising event she had organized. They connected over some Santana shoes that Luis had bid on. Fast forward to my birthday celebration at the Conga Room where Luis was there celebrating one of his friends. He asked me to dance and Ambar encouraged me to give him a chance since she knew him. We had a great time dancing and the rest is history.

 

Alma + Luis : Quail Ranch Simi Valley CA from David Chaidez Cinema on Vimeo.

Photography: Jenny Smith & Co. // Planner: In Focus Events // Paper Goods: Hadley Designs // Florals: Unique Floral Designs // Venue: Quail Ranch // Entertainment: DJ Lunatic // Ceremony Music: Mariachi Imperial de Mexico // Videography: David Chaidez Cinema // Hair & Make Up: Girl Meets Bongga // Photo Booth: PixaBooth // Dessert: Porto’s Bakery & Cafe // Rentals & Lighting: Party Pleasers // Catering: Command Performance Catering