When we came across this particular bride, we knew you would just have to take a peek. The wedding is beautiful and so is the couple…
Ok so take a peek:
How they met:
Ivette and Joe met while they were studying at the University of Notre Dame in one of South Bend, Indiana’s finest… a club formally known as “Heartland”. Ivette recalls the meeting, but did not really make anything of it besides thinking, “Isn’t that the cute boy from freshman year psychology class?” But Joe remembers the night he saw Ivette for the first time and instantly fell in love.
After countless, seemingly coincidental encounters at LaFortune (which were actually meticulously planned by Joe), a lunch at Panera, and a fun and friendly date to a formal at the Notre Dame Press Box, Joe and Ivette graduated from college and went their separate ways. But Joe’s conquest continued… his friendly calls seemed to come more frequently and the flowers and Godiva chocolates he would send made him known as “Godiva Boy” to Ivette’s friends in Houston.
After a trip to a Notre Dame football game during the fall of 2006, and a later trip out to LA for the Deloitte Prom in Feburary 2007, Ivette was hooked. The distance between Los Angeles and Houston could no longer keep them apart… and their friendship developed into something stronger, a relationship that could withstand anything.
How did he propose?
Despite being busy with 5 days a week of grueling therapy to realize his goal to walk again, Joe planned the fantasy proposal of a lifetime. His cover story started as a surprise trip for our two-year anniversary. All I knew was that I should practice my French, and pack like we were going to Miami, but I could not have dreamed of what was to come. Fifteen minutes before we were supposed to leave on our trip, Joe handed me an envelope: the cover read, “CONFIDENTIAL! For Ivette’s eyes only. DO NOT discuss with anyone until after February 21, 2008.” In the envelope was a paper that said, “You have won a trip to TAHITI”.
Tahiti has been a long standing inside joke of ours that started our first weekend as a couple, so celebrating our anniversary there was so heartfelt. From the moment we stepped off the plane, all the stress from our busy lives back in LA disappeared… we were literally in paradise. After a short ferry ride to a nearby island, we arrived at a private bungalow suite over the beautiful crystal-clear blue water.
We watched the sunset and headed back to our bungalow to finish getting ready to go out to dinner… or so I thought; but there was a knock at the door and our dinner had come to us! Our balcony was set up for a most romantic dinner for two. The view and the company could not have been better. We enjoyed our dinner, and right before dessert was served Joe asked me to come over to his side of the table to give him a kiss. Thinking nothing of it, I approached him like I usually would, and before I knew it, Joe was wiggling his way down to the floor and knelt on one knee. He started to say how he had thought about what he was supposed to say at that moment, but hadn’t come up with anything good so he was just going to say what was in his heart. That very moment, my brain froze… I heard nothing else until he said, “Will you marry me?” “Oh my gosh, oh my gosh,” I said over and over.
Then Joe was trying to get back up in the chair, so I had to help him up, since kneeling on one knee wasn’t something he regularly practiced during therapy. Once he was back in the chair, he said with a somewhat puzzled face, “But you didn’t answer my question.” At that moment I screamed, “Of course!” He pulled out a little box out of his jean pocket, opened it, and gave me the shock of my life. Things could not have been more perfect at that moment. Time stood still, and we were living a dream.
How did you choose your wedding venue:
We researched a bunch of outdoor venues in the LA area and found the LA River Center and Gardens. It had the “Spanish” feel we were looking for and was absolutely beautiful.
Did you incorporate anything unique into your wedding?
We blended the Filipino and Mexican cultures in the ceremony (veil, coins and lazo sponsors during the Mass). Traditionally, the handling of the coins to the bride represents the groom’s dedication to the welfare of the bride. The coins were be presented by the coin sponsors and Ivette and Joe passed them to each other as a symbol of their mutual hope for wealth, prosperity, and security as their joint efforts help build their lives and family together.
Our place cards were personalized fans that doubled as a favor that helped keep the guests cool on the warm September evening and place cards that helped them know where they were sitting.
Our other favors were individual Godiva Chocolates in the shape of tiny wedding cakes.
We had a martini luge (groom’s only request) that the bartenders used to serve Lychee and Cucumber Martinis for our guests.
Our dinner was served “Russian Style”, similar to family style, where large platters of food were brought to the table and guests could eat Mahi Mahi, Beef, Tortellini, Grilled Veggies and Fingerling Potatoes.
Incorporating Cultural Traditions and Latina Background:
The ceremony was a traditional Mass with all traditions of padrinos and the offering of the flowers to the Virigin. The cantor of the church sang Ave Maria during this part of the ceremony.
We had a Mariachi band perform during the cocktail hour before the reception and we had a live Salsa and Latin Jazz band play during dinner and the beginning of dancing.
Did you integrate any DIY (do-it-yourself) elements:
We made all our own stationary (save-the-dates, invitations, place cards, programs, menus and thank you cards).
Was budget a factor? If so in what way:
Yes – we went over! We had a rough budget at the beginning but continually added to it after we realized how much things actually cost. In the end we ended up going over budget, but it was completely worth every penny.
What would you do different?
Nothing! Well, maybe just stress less during the planning process.
List your wedding vendors:
Photographer: Henry Chen
Videographer: Tom Buckley
Catering: Truly Yours
DJ: Kidd Spin
Live Band: Iliniza
Coordinator: Jeannie Ward (Wedding Jeannie)
Cake: Wonder Bakery
Other Comments:
We had the time of our lives! The only other advice I would give to brides-to-be planning their big day would be to enjoy every minute of it and stick by your grooms’ side. It goes by so fast and you want to take it all in as it is happening to have the memories that will last a lifetime.
