HI Novias.
We are absolutely so excited to share this incredible new wedding with you. The lovely Ikela was kind enough to send us ALOT of AMAZING info on her wedding so we cannot wait to share!
Paratinovia: How did you and the groom meet?
We first met in 2005 when we began working together. We often times call it The Office, and If you happen to be familiar with the television show, it is easy to describe us as “Jim and Pam”. At the time we first met, our lives were focused on different people and directions, but as time went on, the daily co-worker antics always brought us together and we soon became really good friends.
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It wasn’t until I had to relocate in 2007, and after our lives had already taken many changes personally, that we realized how close we had actually become. After our first date, things became very clear and we no longer ignored the fact that we were more than just friends. We started dating that summer.
[We absolutely love that Ikela wore these adorable blue shoes - ladies....a great way to introduce color and interest into your attire is to add pops of color through your shoes and your jewelry!].
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Paratinovia: How long did you date before getting engaged?
We were dating for a little over a year when he proposed. We were an official couple Labor Day weekend of 2007, and he proposed exactly a year later, Labor Day of 2008.
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Paratinovia: How did he propose?
It was Labor Day Weekend 2008 when we headed to Lake Havasu to stay at his family’s vacation home for the long holiday weekend. We went with both our parents, who were in on the surprise. We arrived late that evening and were welcomed by lightening and thunder including some other minor setbacks due to monsoon season. After a few slight delays the next day, the sun came out and we finally managed to make it onto the water, but it wasn’t until later that night, when he got me out of the house by asking me to go to the supermarket with him (to throw me off). We ended up on a mysterious drive in the dark towards a familiar lighthouse. It was very suspicious yet very romantic when we parked near the water. We got out of the car and the only thing I could see was city lights and lightening in the distance. This is where he got down on one knee, and opened a brightly lit box. He proposed…and I said yes 
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Paratinovia: What were the main colors & theme of your wedding?
Our main colors were Aqua Blue & Brown. If I had to describe a theme for our wedding it would have to be somewhat modern with a Spanish vintage flare.
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Is there any significance to your colors?
Yes, they have been a favorite of mine for many years. I tried to pick other color schemes, but I kept coming back to those two.
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How did you choose your wedding venue?
We had decided from the very beginning that we wanted to have an outdoor reception and great food. Since his family is Cuban they suggested we check out a local Cuban Venue. We liked the food and that the venue capacity was exactly what we were aiming for. The outdoor terrace was also the perfect blank canvas to make our vision come alive.
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Paratinovia: Incorporating Cultural Traditions and Latina Background?
We did have a traditional Catholic ceremony with Laso & Aras. We also had traditional wedding candies brought in from my relatives who flew in from Ecuador, and Salsa dancing.
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Paratinovia: Did you incorporate anything unique into your wedding?
I wanted to incorporate the fact that Peter loves cooking. I found a website that helped me create a cookbook. I gathered traditional and fun recipes along with photo’s from both our families and created a book that we used as our Guestbook at the Wedding. We opted for white lounge cubes instead of cocktail tables, and we also used different Cities as our table names, to represent places we’ve been and places where our families are from (Cuba and Ecuador).
How did you pick your team?
Since he has two brothers, he wanted them both to be his best men. As for me I picked my dearest friend as my Maid of Honor. We then chose cousins and childhood friends.
Paratinovia: Was budget a factor? If so in what way?
Budget was a factor in the sense that we really had to make our pennies stretch. When it came to vendors I tried to do a lot of research and price comparisons. I learned that it doesn’t hurt to ask them to work with you on a better deal.
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Did you integrate any DIY (do-it-yourself) elements?
I loved incorporating DIY projects, I made my own flower hair piece, created the cork stands that held the name cards, and helped put together our Invitations.
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Paratinovia: What would you do different?
I would definitely have tried to stress less during all the planning; it really does go by so quickly.
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[PS. Now that you have seen Ikela's hair two different ways - consider working with your hair stylist to have two different looks for your wedding hair.]
Vendors:
Invitations/Design & Printing: Hugs & Besos
Ceremony: All Souls Catholic Church, Alhambra Ca.
Reception: Coco Palm Restaurant
Cake: Some Crust Bakery, Claremont, Ca.
Ceremony and Reception Flowers & Linens: Rosa Ruiz, Floreria La Elegancia, South Gate, Ca.
Lounge Furniture: Rosa Ruiz, Floreria La Elegancia, South Gate, Ca.
DJ/MC: A Night To Remember www.ANTRevents.com
Lighting: www.ANTRav.com
Chiavari Chairs: Chivari Chair Rentails
Photographer: Jordana Hazel
Videographer: Allan Video Productions
Guestbook: Taste Book
Bridal Hair: Mary Brambila for Hair Salon, Santa Monica, Ca
Bridal Make-up:
Make-up & Tanning by Francisca, Granada Hills, Ca. furenda29@yahoo.com
Wedding Gown:
Pronovias, Lili Bridal and Formals, Tarzana Ca.
Wedding Veil:
Blanca Jimenez, Blancas_custom_gowns@yahoo.com
Groom & Groomsmen attire:
Men’s Warehouse
