Eclectic & Rustic Carondelet House Wedding / Michelle + Patrick

Eclectic & Rustic Carondelet House Wedding /
Michelle + Patrick

Real Weddings

Michelle and Patrick met in October 2008, at a work conference for the American Cancer Society in Los Angeles. They felt an immediate connection with each other, a special spark that became more and more apparent as they continued to bump into each other at work events throughout the Fall of 2008. That December, Michelle came to visit Patrick in San Francisco for New Year’s Eve, and they had a blast playing tourists in the city together. They soon began officially dating long distance – Michelle in Orange County, Patrick in the Bay Area. Eventually, Michelle moved to the Bay Area for about a year, before they moved back to Orange County together in 2010, where they now live with their beloved dog Charlie. Michelle continues her inspiring work with the American Cancer Society, while Patrick now lives his dream working for a mountain bike website.

PROPOSAL STORY. Michelle and Patrick got engaged on July 13, 2013. Patrick decided to ask for Michelle’s hand in marriage at the site of one of their first dates – the Griffith Observatory overlooking the Los Angeles cityscape. Patrick arranged for a sign with the words “Will You Marry Me” to be hung on the roof of a building, far off in the distance below the observatory. Patrick brought Michelle to the observation platform on the back side of the observatory, where a row of coin operated telescopes provide a great view of Los Angeles below. Patrick put a few quarters in a pre-selected telescope, aimed it at the proposal sign hanging in the distance, and got down on his knee…

WEDDING DETAILS. The style of our wedding was an eclectic representation of our interests and personal tastes. For example, we selected earth tones because we think they feel warm and comforting. We selected succulents and gold trimmed accessories because they infused our unique style into the natural rustic beauty of Carondelet House. In recognition of Michelle’s Mexican heritage we incorporated traditional Mexican folk elements into the decor. The combination of the traditional Mexican themes with the modern rustic venue made for a balanced representation of our tastes and personalities.

TRADITIONS. It was important for us to make our ceremony very personal and specific to our relationship. We included unique elements like having our dog as our ring bearer, reading a Spanish poem, and planting cilantro (one of our favorite herbs) in a seed planting ceremony. What was most special was writing and reciting very personal vows.

MEMORABLE MOMENT. The moment after the ceremony when we had a few minutes alone to toast each other with champagne and soak in the fact that we were finally married.

Our day of coordinator was fabulous and really helped us relax and enjoy the day.

ADVICE TO BRIDES. Focus on what you as a couple want on your special day, don’t stress about other people’s expectations.

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