Meet: Jessica + Lloyd

Jessica + Lloyd are planning to have a beautiful intimate wedding celebration with their closest family + friends. I just love working with couples that are so truly in love + you can tell through their planning. Of course, everyone knows how I admire wedding planning stories + personal experience from my couples so here we are- I'd like you to meet Jessica + Lloyd!

Where did you two meet?

In the mall! I was a manager at Hollister and I was assigned to manage the Abercrombie and Fitch store in my mall for a day. They are Hollister’s parent company and it was common for managers to help out at either store. Lloyd was working as an associate at A&F that day. Our first encounter was interesting… my goal was to make sure all the clothes were folded perfectly, and Lloyd didn’t seem to be on the same page :) We kept running into each other in the mall. I would spend my lunch breaks talking to him and flirting with him. Eventually we went out on a date and it’s been amazing ever since!

How did he propose?

We had a great day spending time together. After we got home, Lloyd told me to relax while he cooked dinner. He made the most amazing meal—salad, pasta tossed in a creamy tomato sauce, steamed mussels, deliciously seasoned chicken, and cocktails. He set the table beautifully and had Frank Sinatra playing. As I sat down to eat he got down on one knee and presented me with the most gorgeous engagement ring. It was very private and sweet.

What is the style/theme of your wedding day?

We are going for a 1940s old Hollywood glam look. We’ll be using Tiffany blue, red, and silver as our colors.

Which vendor has been the most important to you and why?

My coordinator. If I have a question during my planning process, all I have to do is ask Jaclyn and I get a speedy response. I also feel confident that my wedding will go the way I want it to with her on my team. One of my other vendors wasn’t on board with a part of my wedding (I don’t want to talk badly, so I won’t give details). I told Jaclyn and she let me know that it wouldn’t be a problem. It’s those little things that take away the stress.

What has been the biggest hurdle in your wedding planning?

Doing too much too soon. I got excited and did most of my planning soon after I got engaged. It’s nice that I won’t have to stress too much as the big day gets closer, but I also miss the planning.

SPOILER ALERT: What will be the most unique aspect of your wedding day?

We are having an intimate wedding of about 20 guests, and we will all sit at one large table together. This really gives Lloyd and I the opportunity to spend quality time with our guests. We are going to decorate our table with a few pictures of us from throughout our relationship that hold a special memory. On the back of each picture we are going to write a little note that explains the memory, and share that with our guests. We want them to be able to have a peek into how our love has grown for each other and understand some of the best times we have had.

What has been the best part about planning your wedding?

Getting the accessories for my dress. I love my dress, but didn’t have that “tears of joy” moment in the store when I bought it. I just recently got my veil, tiara, and jewelry and tried it all on with my dress. It all came together for me in that instant, and I finally had my moment where I where overwhelmed with joy.

Has your groom been involved in the planning? What has been his favorite part so far?

Yes he has. His favorite part so far was picking out our venue. I was stressing out about finding a place that would fit into our budget and also be beautiful. He instantly suggested one our favorite restaurants, and it all made so much sense. Not only is it the location for our ceremony, but it serves as our reception site, and we didn’t have to find a caterer! He also picked out, and interviewed our officiant, and has been quite involved with the decorations for both the ceremony and reception.