Temperatures are warm and springtime florals are becoming abundant. For those of you that adore a lush garden, glistening streams and a spring color palette, you will love Chris and Lorraine’s micro wedding at the JW Marriott in Las Vegas. Take a peek at their full gallery!

WHAT WORDS WOULD YOU USE TO DESCRIBE YOUR WEDDING?

Serene, Romantic, and Airy 

THE PROPOSAL:

Christopher’s parents, Mercy and John, retired to the Philippines in 2016. Through the years, we’ve traveled to Iloilo, Philippines to spend time with them and their whole family. In 2019, they renewed their vows during their 30th wedding anniversary by having the full white wedding they never had. Christopher was the Best Man and I was the Maid Of Honor. During the reception’s bouquet toss, the MC was counting down to when Christopher’s mom would toss the flowers. The MC says, “3….2….1….WAIT!” Christopher walks from the back of the venue, all the way to the front where I was standing, with flowers already in his hands. He went down on one knee and said, “You don’t have to catch that, because I already have these flowers for you. What better way to ask, than doing this in front of my whole family…Lo, will you marry me?” Everyone was in on it the whole time! Even my parents Noel and Loida, who are in the states, were in on it, as they were the ones who hid my ring for months leading up to our flight there. It felt special that our families, even across the world, took part in pulling this off! 

THE VISION:

I always envisioned a romantic and classic wedding. I wanted it to feel light and airy, with beautiful lush foliage. That’s why I chose the JW Marriott after seeing pictures of their outdoor ceremony location. The greenery and openness was perfect! I also chose lilac to be the main color theme and wow, did our floral team nail it on the head! Everything put together gave the feel of a garden wedding.  Emily and our florist were able to make arrangements for our ceremony, which I later used as center pieces and head table decor for our formal dinner. I was able to do an intimate party, without sacrificing the look and feel of a classic romantic wedding. 

THE PLANNING PROCESS:

 I am in a few wedding planning groups on Facebook and many people recommended Emily and her Elopement Las Vegas team for a destination wedding/ Elopement planner. When I looked at her website, I just knew she could capture the vision I always had. It was easy talking with her team because I already knew what I wanted and Emily made sure it all came together. I filled out their questionnaire, sent photos of my inspirations, and they took care of the rest! The welcome packet was also useful regarding vendors that were not included in their package (Hair/ Makeup, rentals, reception locations, transportation) because I liked that she already had working relationships with these other businesses and they understood how ELV operated. When it came to the week of the wedding, emails were sent out to all vendors (even the ones that I booked myself) and the ELV team made sure that everyone was all on the same page. Martha, my day of coordinator was wonderful and made sure each detail went according to plan, up until it was time to tear down. Everyone that I met was so friendly and I couldn’t thank them enough!

YOUR OUTFITS AND ACCESSORIES

Christopher wore a tailored lilac tuxedo from West End and matched it with a lilac bowtie from Stacy Adams. His accessories came from Zales, Emporio Armani, and Cole Haan. Lorraine’s dress is from Morilee by Madeline Gardner. Her jewelry and accessories came from Verragio, David’s Bridal, Steve Madden and Amazon.  

MEMORABLE MOMENTS

For me, my memorable moment was when we were walking out, I asked for a specific song to play during this time and the lyrics matched up so well. The photographer asked for us to kiss, and when we pulled away, I sang along to the song and sang “Can you kiss me more?” right at that moment. The song was “Kiss Me More” By Doja Cat and SZA. Lol! It was so cute to me and everyone laughed! For Christopher, his memorable moment was seeing me for the first time, down the aisle! He also liked spraying the champagne!!

ADVICE FOR OTHER COUPLES

My advice would be to slow down. We can get so lost and worked up over tiny details, whether or not we need this type of decor, or whether or not we choose the right outfits….and in the end, that is not the details you will end up seeing and remembering. You will always remember how you felt on your big day, you will remember the smile your significant other gave you the moment you see each other, and you will remember the love that you feel. So don’t stress yourself out to the point where you’re no longer enjoying the process. Because at that point, you’re no longer planning a wedding for yourselves. And trust me! I am a planner so I know what it’s like to feel the need to have everything down to the “T” and that’s okay! Because I was like that! Yes, plan so that you’re prepared, but the final days leading up to the wedding, just stop and relax. At that point, all the planning that could be planned is done, and all there is left to do is be in the moment with your loved one(s). 

VENDORS
Officiant : Peachy Keen Unions

Photographer : Kristen Joy Photo

Florist: Amy Wong Events

Video: Lomax Wedding Films

Coordinator & Permit: Desert Elopement Las Vegas