We're happy to have Shiran Garcia on the blog today sharing her gorgeous wedding with us. Enjoy her wedding story and photos, and be sure to share this post with a soon-to-be-bride!
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Hi, Shiran! We appreciate you taking time to share your wedding with our readers today. How would you describe the style and vibe of your wedding?
I would say the style was urban/industrial/boho. Josh, my husband, and I have different styles, so I wanted to incorporate styles that we both love. With Josh growing up in Chicago, he loves a more modern and urban style, while I love more of a bohemian look. Both styles blended beautifully on our big day.
What are some of your favorite memories from your wedding day?
It’s so hard to choose between the violinist, the amazing venue, the live band, and the taco truck and popsicle stand. Being a COVID bride made me 100x more grateful for the friends and family that surrounded us on such a special day in our life. There were many loved ones that were unable to attend due to the pandemic, but we were so thankful for those that were able to celebrate with us. Being with friends and family that drove many miles to celebrate with us has to be my favorite memory.
Were there any funny moments or things that didn't go according to plan?
I was always told at least one thing will go wrong the day of a wedding. I'm so thankful the one thing that did go wrong was very minimal! There was a miscommunication between my wedding planner and I regarding my bridesmaid’s flowers. Well, about 3 hours before the ceremony we didn’t have any bouquets for my girls. My amazing wedding planner, Autumn Mayo, literally made the bouquets in 15 minutes, and they were GORGEOUS! She really saved the day. Then there was the nosebleed that Josh had that didn’t stop for about 10 minutes before the ceremony. That was pretty memorable and even calmed nerves. You just have to roll with it!
How did you find the perfect wedding dress?
Oh my, the dress. Finding a dress was definitely the most difficult part of the wedding planning. I had a style in mind, modern and simple. I tried on so many dresses and left the bridal shops always so discouraged that I would have to settle on something I truly didn’t love. I decided to reach out to a tailor that a friend recommended and spoke with her about making my dress. I had a few inspiration dresses on Pinterest and designed exactly how I wanted it to look. My tailor was incredible, and I only tried on the dress 3-4 times before the wedding. Mind you, we were only engaged for less than four months. Then about 3 weeks before the wedding I stumbled upon a full sequin, glam wedding dress. Of course, naturally, I had to get it! So that became my reception dress and made for a fun surprise!
Any advice you have for future brides?
Two things…One, this is your day, so do exactly what you want. I made up in my mind I wasn’t adding anything to my wedding just because I think “So-and- so” would think it was nice. Spend on the important things and the things that last, like an amazing photographer or videography. Speak up if there’s something you don’t like. I know it can be intimidating, especially if you don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings, but at the end of the day you have to do what you love! Be 100% you!
Two…my pastor’s wife, T’Neil Walea, gave me the best advice the day before my wedding. She told me to look around the room and look at the faces around me while I’m walking down the aisle and to embrace the specific moment. I’m so glad I did, because if not, I probably would have gotten tunnel vision. Look around. Take a minute. Breathe in the beautiful moment.
Anything else in particular that you'd like to share about your wedding or your love story?
Our love story is what we like to call a “modern-day” love story. Josh and I met on Instagram. Okay, I’ll admit it; I followed him first! After talking on the phone, texting, and FaceTiming for about 1 month, I flew from Florida to Wisconsin to meet him for the first time. The same day we met is the same day he asked me to be his girlfriend. The rest is history!
Photographer name and website: Toni Arauza //
https://saythercreative.zenfolio.com
