How about a beautiful wedding with a touch of romance and elegance? Yes, please! Dive right into these captured moments to experience it for yourself – all taken by Candice Adelle Photography.
From Candice Adelle Photography: “The couple met one another when Chris was having a BBQ and Pool Party at Chris’ parents’ house. Two things Pietra loves most; food and pool hangs. A mutual friend of theirs invited Pietra to accompany her. Coincidently, Chris’ parent’s house, and Pietra’s parent’s house, are across a major street from one another. The convenience on top of that was awesome! It was literally love at first sight for Chris because he had called “dibs” on Pietra.
Chris and Pietra were in Cabo with some of our closets friends when Chris popped the question. Chris and Pietra woke up one morning and decided to take a walk on the beach while our friends decided to play volleyball in over 100-degree weather. Chris and I were walking alongside the beach where he proceeded to talk about “our beginning”…Pietra jokingly said “is this your proposal speech to me?” Chris ignored Pietra and kept speaking. Then, I corrected him at one part of his speech, then Chris got down on one knee (the ring box also got stuck in Chris’ pocket), when she then proceeded to realize what was happening and almost threw up in sheer excitement. Chris said some other stuff, but she missed all of it because she occupied with crying and comprehending what was happening. Then, Chris asked me “you know you have to say something right?” I then said “yes yes yes of course yes!” Pietra recalls that she didn’t even see the ring because she was so all over the place. THEN! She finally registered the ring…in all of its stunning diamond glory.
From Pietra “Thank goodness I was wearing sunglasses, because that thing was blinding! Chris had designed it all on his own, and I couldn’t love it anymore. And it means so much more to me that he took the time to create it all himself. He had done research, met with a jeweler, tried different settings…before he made “the one.”
When asked about constructing the bridal party, this is what Pietra shared with us, “My bridesmaids consisted of my best friends and family members. My maid of honor was my cousin, Richia. She is more than a cousin – she is my sister. It was a no brainer having her be my MOH. My A 1 since Day 1. When it came to my other bridesmaids, I simply picked my best friends: Mel – best friend since freshman year of college. We would always get confused as sisters because of our similar features but, she is definitely the better of us two. Iris – my best friend from CA. The first time we met, it was instant chemistry. It was so natural meeting her and it was as if we were friends from a past life reconnecting. Rachael – she was actually my boss when I first moved to California, but we quickly realized we were meant to be best friends instead of work colleagues. Coincidently enough, Rachael and Chris went to high school together and it was completely random that I met Rachael out in CA since we are both originally from VA. Tina – my East Coast ride-or-die, friend-til-the-end. Tina and I worked at advertising company together, so we established a work relationship/friendship that soon turned into a stronger, forever friendship. Julia – my sister-in-law. I couldn’t wait for Julia to become family as well, so of course she’s a part of my crew”.
When asked about her dress selection process and how she picked out her bridesmaid’s dresses, this is what Pietra had to share with us, “I actually chose my dress while I was with another friend of mine at her trial for wedding dresses! I was wandering around the store and saw it. I didn’t tell anyone (mainly because I was at my friend’s trial dress run) so I made an appointment for myself later on. I had about 5-6 choices including the one I wanted, and the lady that helped me told me to try it on last to make sure it was indeed the one for me. I tried on others and they were nice, but when I tried on the one, I wanted, I knew it was “the one.” I went to another boutique as well just to make sure, but I indeed feel in love with my first choice. For my bridesmaids’ dresses, I actually wanted to find one for them that they could actually wear again. There are so many weddings you go to, or are a part of, that you can’t wear the dress again. It’s such a shame because dresses just aren’t cheap. I had been wanting the dress I picked out for my bridesmaids for myself actually! It’s this convertible dress that can literally be worn a hundred different ways. For the longest time too, I didn’t know what the color was, and kept calling it “pastel coral” and my bridesmaids thought I was crazy. I kept telling them “no no, once you see it, you’ll know what I mean and I promise all of you will love it.” Turns, out, the color is actually called “blush” or “rose water” and my bridesmaids indeed loved it! Don’t know why for the the life of me I couldn’t figure out the color LOL. One of my bridesmaids even used her dress for her own engagement photos! So, it’s safe to say, I picked a dress out that they can wear again, and in different styles too.”
I always like to ask clients what their favorite part of the wedding day was and this is what was shared with us, “I don’t even know where to begin. From the moment I woke up, till the moment I went to bed…everything was so memorable. I was so overjoyed with the amount of love I was receiving that day. From family, friends…and from my husband. Looking around to see all of the smiling faces, all the love that was in the air…it was such an incredible sight to see. I wish I was a guest at my own wedding because it was just so amazing beyond words to describe. A couple of moments though that were memorable was that right before I got into my dress, I received a letter from Chris. I read the letter to myself and his words stick with me to this day. His letter is something I will cherish till forever. Also! As we were leaving, Chris had another surprise for me! We drove off in a Duesenberg! It was the same car as Leonardo DiCaprio drove in The Great Gatsby! What a way to end the night!!!”