Real Weddings //August 4, 2015
Today’s bride, Gianna, is a bridal stylistfor one of our most favorite bridal shops,The Dress Theory,in San Diego, California. (How fun it must be to be surrounded by that much pretty on the daily, right?!). And though Gianna, of course, wore a gorgeous gown from The Dress Theory, her boss + the owner of the salon had more to do with the wedding than just providing a pretty dress!Gianna + Chad’s photographer,Michelle Lillywhite, tells us the story below:
Right after the Gianna and Chadgot engaged, Chad’sparents moved from CaliforniatoTennesseewhere theywould soon find out hisfather was diagnosed with a severe terminal illness. After a long journey of hisdeclining health, changing the wedding date and venue from different cities to different states in order to accommodate the circ*mstances, things could not have turned out better. This is more than just a love story between Chad and Gianna,it is one of all the people that loved and supported them through this journey and helped make it special.
Theirsmall backyard wedding consisted of 60 of their closest friends and family. Gianna’s boss, and owner of The Dress Theory, Summer Wynn, made itall happen, with only a month’s notice due to the circ*mstances. She hosted their wedding in her beautiful and quaint backyard in Mission Hills San Diego, pulling together some of the best vendors in southern California (thinkSiren Floral Co,Folklore Vintage Rentals+San Diego Taco Company) to bless this bride and groom with a wedding that was beyond all expectation. This was an incredible celebration of the joining together of families, coming together for a long awaited wedding day.
Gianna + Chad shared a super sweet pre-ceremony first touch.
During our reception we had a time set aside for toasts. Friends and family were standing up and sharing words of love, admiration and encouragement that were not previously planned or anticipated. Each and every person moved us to tears. To experience such an outpouring of love from so many special people was a beautiful thing. Chad’s father was even able to stand up from his wheelchair and give a speech while leaning on his bride of 28 years. It was a beautiful and emotional time, but something that we will remember for the rest of our lives.
Processional: The Girl – City And Colour + An Acoustic Rendition of Free Fallin' – John Mayer
Recessional: Home – Phillip Phillips
First Dance: Fast Car – Boyce Avenue
We absolutely adore Gianna’sSarah Sevendress fromThe Dress Theory. Isn’t it gorgeous?! And a perfect match for that stunning, stunning bouquet bySiren Floral Co!
See even more in the film below byAudrey Alba Films:
Working in the wedding industry, it was easy to get caught up in the bridesmaid dresses, save the dates, the DJ, the flowers, the table settings etc. But after venue changes, date changes and Todd (Chad’s father's) very serious diagnosis, my attention was quickly refocused. In the beginning I was so concerned with “my wedding” to be perfect, but I learned that a wedding is not supposed to be about “perfection”, it is supposed to be about the celebration of two imperfect people who love each other. Through all the obstacles we faced leading up to our big day, the day was more beautiful than we could have ever imagined. This day ended up being everything a wedding should be. A celebration of two people becoming one in front of their closest friends and family. Your wedding is ONE day, but if you learn to focus on what really matters, your marriage will last a lifetime.
photography: Michelle Lillywhite // venue name: Private Residence in San Diego, California // florals: Siren Floral Co // hair stylist: Carmen Tafoya // makeup artist: Jackie Ellis from Je'llis Faces // videography: Audrey Alba Films // catering: San Diego Taco Company // furniture rentals: Folklore Vintage Rentals // wedding dress: Sarah Seven from The Dress Theory // hair piece: Untamed Petals
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15 comments
Comments
Michelle says:
Tuesday, August, 4, 2015 at 7:38 am
Thanks so much for the feature! Their wedding was truly incredible :)!!
Reply
Gianna Baur says:
Tuesday, August, 4, 2015 at 8:18 am
Thank you to all that made this day happen for Chad and I! The wedding was actually hosted by Summer Wynn in her very own backyard, who is a co-owner of the wonderful Dress Theory that I have the privilege to work at!
Reply
Jesslan says:
Tuesday, August, 4, 2015 at 8:30 am
So stunning!! Michelle…killin it with the photos as usual!!
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Audrey Alba Films says:
Tuesday, August, 4, 2015 at 10:26 am
This was such an amazing wedding! Thanks for featuring the video :)
Reply
Tina says:
Tuesday, August, 4, 2015 at 10:40 am
Wow! So gorgeous. I love all the rich colors in the photography and decor.
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Elissa says:
Tuesday, August, 4, 2015 at 12:41 pm
WOW. I’m dying… this wedding is so dreamy! Michelle, these are stunning as always!!!
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Carissa cady says:
Tuesday, August, 4, 2015 at 5:22 pm
Stunning! What a beautiful venue and couple! The photographer did a great job capturing the day! ??
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Carissa cady says:
Tuesday, August, 4, 2015 at 5:24 pm
Stunning! Beautiful couple and venue! The photographer did a great job capturing the day!
Reply
Bella B says:
Tuesday, August, 4, 2015 at 6:23 pm
These are such amazing, rich photos. It looks like it was a memorable day.
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David Woodco*ck says:
Wednesday, August, 5, 2015 at 3:12 am
Really beautiful wedding photography
Reply
Camille Wynn says:
Thursday, August, 6, 2015 at 12:24 pm
Chad and Gianna are one of the most beautiful couples we’ve ever met in every way. We are so lucky we get to spend time with Gianna daily. She’s a true gem just like these photos show! She inspires everyone she meets from all our brides she works with to the vendors she met at the shop. It was so amazing to see so many of them come together to help in their beautiful celebration! And we’ve never see that Sarah Seven dress look more beautiful!
Reply
Kayla says:
Wednesday, August, 12, 2015 at 12:11 am
Wow! Photography is on point, great job! Love the beautiful colors and overall feel.
Reply
Thursday, August, 13, 2015 at 7:06 am
What a beautiful wedding! It is so romantic!
Reply
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