Real Wedding Q&A: Tara & Jonathan

Photographer: Roberto Valenzuela  |  Bella Showroom: San Francisco  |  Designer: Jenny Yoo

There are so many things to love about Tara & Jonathan's dual ceremony. With the fusion of both Hindu and Catholic, their big day was truly something out of a storybook. Bridesmaids wearing dresses by Jenny Yoo Collection from #BellaSF!

How did you meet your Fiance?

Jonathan and I met at work (cliche i know). We both were in public accounting at the time and I got placed on his engagement for about a month. He was (and still is) the funniest person I have ever known!

Tell us about the proposal!

I had no clue it was coming! It was our 3.5 year anniversary and he woke me up in bed saying he had made breakfast for us. When I came downstairs, he suggested we eat in the backyard where he had set up a picnic for us. He had set up a blanket, picnic basket, and made a funfetti cake for me. In our years of dating, I had continuously told him all I wanted from him was to take me on a picnic and bake me a funfetti cake. You think I would have figured out the proposal was coming by now but I thought he was just being romantic! I unwrapped the foil on the cake and saw “Will you marry me?” written on the top. I looked at him and he was down on his knee holding the ring….

I said YES of course! We met his family for brunch to celebrate the engagement. He then surprised me by flying us out to Phoenix to celebrate the engagement with my family. His parents surprised me at the airport and flew to Phoenix with us so that both our families could be together on this special day.

How did you choose the location for your wedding? What type of venue were you looking for?

We got married at Nestldown in Los Gatos, CA.  It is one of the most beautiful venues I have ever seen and I fell in love with it the moment I saw it. We got married outdoors surrounded by beautiful redwoods, had dinner on the lawn overlooking the property, and finished the night dancing in the barn. This venue was incredibly romantic and magical.

How did you decide on your bridesmaids dresses? Tell us about your experience at Bella.

I had seen several pictures of the Annabelle dress on Pinterest and fell in love with its versatility. I had nine bridesmaids so it was important to me that the girls could wear the dress in different ways. We got married in October and I wanted a dark rich color for the dresses which is why I chose Raisin.

I had such a great experience at Bella!  The sales associates were always so patient, knowledgeable, and helpful. What sold me was when the owner, Eva, spent my entire second appointment showing my MOH and I the different ways we could style the Annabelle dress. I lived across the street from the SF store and spent a lot of time there. The girls (especially Charmaine!) were always so welcoming and personable and made every experience so enjoyable.

Who designed your bridal gown? Where did you get it?

My dress was designed by Watters. I got it from Mariee Bridal in Phoenix, AZ. The dress was actually a two-piece (corset and skirt). My sister found the separate pieces in the store and encouraged me to try it on. We all fell in love with it and knew it was the one…

What was your favorite part of the day?

The entire day was incredible but my favorite part was dancing in the barn with our friends and family at the end of the night. We could finally slow down after a busy day and spend time with everyone!

What inspired you when you were planning your big day?

My sister’s wedding inspired me the most when planning our big day. We had two ceremonies - a Catholic ceremony and a Hindu ceremony - to celebrate both of our cultures. My sister actually did the same for her wedding about six years ago. Her wedding was so beautiful and unique so we tried to incorporate similar elements to make a memorable experience for us and our guests.

What advice do you have for other brides?

And then, Pinterest, of course! The day goes by so fast so try to enjoy every minute of it! Don't get caught up in the small details- all that your guests will remember is good food, good drinks, and good music!