Romantic Wedding Handcrafted by the Groom

It’s always a treat when we see a groom get involved in the wedding planning process, but I don’t think we’ve ever seen a groom quite this involved. Cayselyn’s beau Louie is artistic through and through, so he put his talents to work designing paper goods, the seating chart, cutting out petals for the paper flower backdrop — we could go on and on! Luckily the images from Onelove Photography speak for themselves.

From the bride, Cayselyn: Our inspiration was behind the dress, something romantic, so the Groom started cutting eight to ten petals per flower for our backdrop. We chose peach and mint for a feminine and masculine touch. We love personal details, and we’re lucky that the Groom is very artistic. He designed and printed the invitations, escort cards, ceremony pamphlet, and giveaway stickers and signs. He made the Bride’s hanger with her name for the gown, marquee and chalkboard signs, gift box, guest sign-in table props, origami, and signature drink sign.

We bought our centerpieces such as the Eiffel Tower, honey bear jars, mason jars, and vases, and spray-painted it. He bought wood and cut it into rectangles, and spray-painted it with peach numbers. He spray-painted the ‘Find your Seat’ sign and hand-wrote each name. The Groom designed how the flowers should look, and one of the Bridesmaids’ mom helped us arranged it. He also spray-painted the vinyl records, and made the Bride and Groom sign. He made the photo booth camera, props, Instagram sign, and designed the photo booth logo. This made me fall in love with him all over again for working very hard, and I’m so proud of my husband! The dessert such as macarons, cake pops, meringue, and pretzels were handmade by our friend. Our video was done by our friend, but the Groom edited it.

Our favorite memory of the day was when everyone got up as we passed the LED light sticks, and danced as our band performed. It felt worthwhile getting compliments from our guests how much fun they’re having because it wasn’t another ordinary wedding they expected, and that the wedding reflected our personalities and styles.

Any advice for couples planning their weddings now? Our advice for brides planning now is to start early. There will be many opinions how your wedding day should be, however in the end it should reflect the Bride and Groom’s choices. It’ll be stressful, try not to please everybody, and just enjoy the journey. Don’t get caught up with details that you forget to have a life outside of planning. Be prepared that nothing will come out as perfect as you would envision, and that’s okay. Just remind yourself of positive things, love, and people’s presence joining you to celebrate your marriage.

Wedding Music:
Bridal Party Processional: “Young and Beautiful,” Lana Del Rey
Bride’s Processional: “Thousand Years,” Christina Perri
First Dance: “Let’s Stay Together,” Al Green
Party Song: “A Little Party Never Killed Nobody (All We Got),” Fergie
Grand Exit: “Marry You,” Bruno Mars

Wedding Location: Oak Park, CA / Photographer: Onelove Photography / Event Planner: Frank Martinez / Flowers: Bridesmaid’s Mom / Ceremony Venue: Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church / Reception Venue: Oak Park Community Center and Gardens / Wedding Gown, Veil, and Sash: Vera Wang / Reception Gown: Jovani Fashions / Wedding Shoes: Tory Burch / Jewelry: Givenchy / Accessories: Woomee / Hair and Makeup: Nathaly Morago / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Jessica McClintock, Windsor Fashions, Macy’s / Groom’s Suits: Indochino / Groom’s Shoes and Accessories: Cole Haan and Diesel / Groomsmen Attire: H&M and Express / Caterer: Mr. Ardi’s Catering / Wedding Cake: A Sweet Design / Dessert: handmade by a friend / Band: Night Owl Productions / DIY Decorations and Signage: Groom / DIY Photo Booth: Groom / Wedding Invitations: Groom / Videographer: Chelsea Knight (friend), edited by Groom