Amanda and Christopher met in high school, but didn’t actually get together until after college. Christopher was living in Texas, but got injured playing a pick-up game of football. He was supposed to have surgery, but ended up coming back home to get a second opinion. He didn’t need the surgery, but decided to stay in California. The two ran into each other at the gym about a year after he came back—and the rest is history!
Give us the details! When? Where? How?
Chris took me to the Festival of Lights at the Mission Inn in Riverside at Christmas-time. I went to school out there, so I knew about the beautiful display. He remembered and took us out there for dinner at ProAbition in downtown Riverside. We had festive cocktails and dinner and then proceeded to look at all the Christmas lights. He ended up proposing to me in the middle of the Mission Inn driveway, surrounded by a sea of Christmas lights and people. It was amazing! My sister was there taking pictures, too! I had no idea.
AlyssaDawn Photography
What has been your favorite experience planning the wedding?
Buying my dress. I’ve never been someone who gets all dressed up. I do it occasionally, but definitely not very often. My sister planned for me to have a whole bridal boutique to myself and anyone I wanted to come. We shared champagne and I tried on dresses. It was the most surreal experience; I felt so beautiful. I ended up finding my dress that day. It was a very special experience to share with my closest friends, my mom, and future mother-in-law.
How do you stay sane under the pressures of wedding planning?
I’m trying to plan as much as I can, as soon as I can. I don’t want it to be last minute. But, I’m also reminding myself that if things go wrong, it’s not the end of the world, it just makes for a more memorable experience. I know things are bound to go wrong, but I’m trying to stay in the moment and soak it up.
AlyssaDawn Photography
What is your favorite part of using Joy for your wedding?
I love how I can bring my unique taste to it. I love that I can add photos to the sections and provide my guests with details all in one convenient place.
What piece of advice would you give couples to ensure that they use Joy to its fullest potential?
Use the chat for any questions and advice! It’s been very helpful to me so far.
At Joy we believe that even though a wedding lasts a day, joy should last forever. What does that mean to you?
AlyssaDawn Photography
I believe that joy comes from the Lord and I love that he gives me that. Happiness and weddings last a day, but joy is a state of being, a state of mind. To be joyful is who someone is.
