Someone once asked me; did you really find your soul mate when you were 15 years old? I smiled and said, "Yes, I did, I just didn't know it then". Alex and I met just about fifteen years ago in school through a mutual friend early in the morning before class. Little did I know that it would turn to this "Fairy Tale" and that, that day outside of school was the first day of the rest of my life with my best friend, and future husband. We remained good friends throughout all of our High School years and it wasn't until two years after graduation that we began our relationship as a couple. As the days turned into weeks and the weeks turned into months and the months turned into years we are now known as The Barrios.
How long did you date before he popped the question?
Year 7, the big question lol! Mr. Barrios and I dated for 7 years before the official popped the question" that night.
How did he propose?
It was my 27th birthday and Alex surprised me with a birthday dinner with close friends and our families. Little did I know that my birthday gift that year was a little black box with a lot of sparkle inside. We had a long dinner full of laughter and jokes. Towards the end of the night he surprised me with a delicious sweet treat and after singing the traditional birthday jingles he handed me a suspicious little black box. And there is was, a beautiful emerald cut engagement ring, staring at me. I was overcome by joy and happiness. There were tears of joy, happiness and lots of laughter. And there on my 27th birthday dinner I became Fiancé to Mr. Barrios.
Where were you married and how did you pick the place?
I came across The Addison while browsing through Pinterest. From the moment, we stepped onto The Addison we knew it would be the one. All who know me closely know that I have a slight obsession for timeless, vintage and historical things. The beautiful timeless venue located in Boca Raton offers a magical courtyard featuring beautiful Banyan trees, my personal favorites. The Addison offers many unique features, from its historic architecture and world-class cuisine to a courtyard featuring 100-year-old Banyan Trees and a cascading fountain that is simply breathtaking. Originally built in 1926 by acclaimed architect, Addison Mizner, the Addison is steeped in Old World elegance and charm. To say the least we were in absolute awe of the Venue and the outstanding customer service of their planning team, we booked our November wedding :) the same day we visited and the planning began!
What theme and/or colors have you chosen for your wedding and why?
I had a Vintage theme for our wedding and the colors were, champagne, ivory, gold and a lite hint of peach. I wanted a soft, chic, timeless look for our wedding day. Im a longtime lover of all vintage delicate things, from the music, to the décor and the glam, I love it all. And I must say that Daniel Events did a magnificent job on bringing my vision to life, from the flowers to the décor. Not to mention that the music selection by Julie at Master Musicians set in the tune for the day with their beautiful melodies.
Where did you go for your honeymoon?
Due to my husbands busy schedule and the Winter season we opted for a mini honeymoon to the beautiful warm island of Jamaica which it was so relaxing! (exactly what I need it after the wedding) and we are taking our 3-week honeymoon this upcoming Summer to the enchanted land of Greece!
Why did you choose Wonderland Bridal for your dream dress?
I cant say stress enough how AMAZING Alicyn and Patti were! Since the moment that you walk into Wonderland Bridal you feel like you are at home, and I know that might sound cheesy but they truly have a way with their Brides. I came to Alicyn with an inspiration picture of the dress that I wanted and rite away she knew what I was looking for. She saved my dress to try on last and told me the last dress Im going to have you try on will be your wedding dress and true enough that was the one for me! LOL! What can I say she is a total Guru! LOL!
Share your experience about your time with Wonderland Bridal.
I wish I could have a wedding every year, just to go dress shopping at Wonderland Bridal LOL! Dress shopping can be overwhelming and there are so many options that is a challenge for sure, especially with the wide selection that Wonderland Bridal offers! I think that Allisons extended experience and genuine commitment to help the brides makes all the difference on the Wonderland Bridal shopping experience! She was beyond helpful, accommodating, great listener, detail oriented and among all kind and friendly. By the end of our session we were friends lol! One of my favorite things from the experience was that you have privacy to shop, a personal wedding dress consultant assisting you always, and your appointment is not rushed. You also have the luxury of having the store to yourself for the entire time your appointment is scheduled. Doesnt get better than that!
What was the best part of your wedding day?
Thats a very difficult question to answer, I loved everything about my wedding day but besides the fact that I married the love of my life I must say the moment that I walked down the aisle and my husband and I saw each other. It sounds cliché but time does stop at that moment and it does feel like there is no one else with you at that moment, other than you and him.
Any advice to future couples currently planning a wedding?
Support each other, communicate, have fun with the planning, dont make it a job, BRIDES: dont forget about your groom, is his day too! Make him part of the planning, ask for his input. My husband was such great support throughout the planning and he was very much involved in everything. He has a very tight schedule and we had to accommodate all appointments around his schedule and at times it was a bit of a challenge, but we made it work. I wanted him to feel comfortable and part of the wedding planning. We went to all appointments together, except for dress shopping obviously, LOL! We did everything from, cake tasting to flower picking together. And it bonded us more and we had an absolute blast doing it together! Give yourself time to do everything, dont leave things for last minute it creates unnecessary stress. Lastly book your selfs a spa day the day before the wedding and relax!!!! You will need it! Enjoy the ride, it goes by faster than you think. Happy planning future brides, and best of luck.
Wedding Photographer: Adam Opris Photography
Vendors:
- Flowers: Daniel Events
- Accessories: Maria Elena Headpieces
- Flower Crown: Modern Muse Living Boutique
- Dress: Stella York
- Cake: Johnsons Custom Cakes
- Catering: The Addison
- Entertainment: Master Musicians
- Invitations: Its My Party
- Wedding Planner: The Bride herself ;)
- Bridal Shoot Photographer: Adam Opris
- Wedding Photographer: Geraldine Photography
- Videographer: Dana Lynn
- Decor: Daniel Events
- Venue: The Addison
- Wedding Coordinator (The Addison): Helene Parsons
