Who are Shawn & Danielle?
Danielle is a revenue manager for three Los Angeles hotels. Shawn is a Radiology Technologist. We love to go to concerts and music events, spend time with family, travel, cook, treat ourselves to sushi, and a Chinese massage for fun.
We have been together for almost five years and met when we “Swiped Right” for each other on Tinder. But we texted for eight months before we even met.
Tell us about the proposal.
S: I had to do something to catch Dani off-guard because she was expecting it to happen (we were on vacation for our birthdays).
Going to different unique record shops is one of our favorite things to do now and then to build our library. So I had my friends create and plant a decorated vinyl of our favorite DJ “Above & Beyond” in Denver, in this cool old record store, and we just ‘stumbled in’ waiting for Danielle to find tucked away in the dance section. It read, “Danielle, I’m ABOVE & BEYOND ready to marry you!” I was behind her, down on one knee. She cried. She never cries!
What a cute idea! When it came to wedding planning, what sort of vibe were you going for?
We definitely wanted to showcase a real California vibe for our predominantly out-of-state guestlist. The venue was a gorgeous Spanish-style home on an avocado orchard. They also grow citrus, so we had lemons scattered as part of our décor.
That venue looks amazing! What about finding your wedding outfits?
Danielle went with the second dress she tried on from the first place she went.
Shawn tried dresses first, thinking she’d quickly rule it out, and then fell in love with a BHLDN dress. In the end, she felt a bridal suit fit her personality more. She found a designer to custom-make her vision of a feminine tuxedo with a train attached.
Talk to us about the big day!
It was a picture-perfect July 4th weekend. The weather was in the ’80s. While Danielle turned up with her girls, Shawn, her sisters, and her mom enjoyed a calm morning with Father of the Bride on a loop in the background.
We wanted to honor our family that had passed. So we did this during the ceremony and with a memorial table set up with photos. We also incorporated the typical fun traditions of a Jewish wedding.
It was a whirlwind, and as everyone says, it went by way too fast.
What are your favorite moments from the wedding day?
For us seeing all of our favorite people in the same place all at once. When else does that happen aside from your funeral, and you don’t even get to enjoy that. Also, when I first attempted to break the glass, it ricocheted into the audience. It was hilarious!
What about a kick-ass vendor?
Hands down, Raven and the Willow photographers, Bryan and Jenni-Kate. From our engagement shoot in LA’s Arts District to the wedding day and beyond, we have the most memorable photos that we will cherish forever. To us, that was the most important booking of the entire thing.
They are kind, open, honest, and we really felt that they cared and listened to our vision rather than just being ‘a vendor.’
Do you have any advice for other couples planning a wedding?
Don’t sweat the small stuff. Don’t let other people’s shit get in the way of your moment and happiness. And number the backs of your response cards (and make a note of that number on your guest list) before you send them out!
Photography by Raven and the Willow
Accessories BHLDN, Family Jewelry
Bridal Boutique Lili’s Bridal
Cinematographer Brand Videography
Cake Skiff’s Cakes
Cake Topper Wedding Pros (Etsy)
Catering Command Performance Catering
Ceremony & Reception Venue Quail Ranch
Celebrant Rabbi Barry Tuchman
Event Planner & Stylist Wheat and Honey Events
Entertainment Elegant Event Entertainment, DJ Chris Mortillaro
Engagement & Wedding Rings Platt Jewelers, Larry Turobiner
Florist Tangled Lotus
Flower Girl Outfits BHLDN
Gown Designer Willowby by Watters
H&MU Lisa Freshman, Page Beauty, Genevieve, Robyn Fisher
Page Boy Outfits J. Crew
Photo Booth Pixter
Save the Dates & Invitations Minted
Shoes Badgley Mishka
Signage Hazel Grey
Suit Designer Eduardo Lucero
Transport Mars Valet & Transportation
Wedding Favors Candy Warehouse
Wedding Party Outfits Vintage Mauve – Azazie, Dusty Blue – Bella Bridemaids
