How did the two of you meet?
Jose and I met for the first time on October 8, 2011. A mutual friend invited me to a “singles movie night” at Jose’s house, who I didn’t know at the time. We all met up at a Dollar Store to purchase candy and popcorn. That’s when we met in-person and said, “Hi” to each other. His green eyes captivated my attention. As the night progressed, Jose and I talked about our goals in life, what we like to do and so forth. Later that night, as we all went outside to walk around, I dared Jose to lay in the middle of the road with me just like in The Notebook. There we were, silently laying next to each other on the pavement. We held hands and from that moment, I knew I had fallen for him hard. We went on our first date the following night. Now, seven years later, I get to call Jose my husband! I believe things happen for a reason and I am so thankful our worlds crossed paths that night.
Dianna Sanders
Give us the proposal details! When? Where? How?
Jose proposed at our favorite local Italian restaurant, La Vera, in downtown Santa Rosa. We have been going to this restaurant for years, the pizza there is delicious! We have had the same server each time we have gone and she was aware of the proposal, so when Jose proposed she was hiding behind a bush, secretly filming. Not only that, but my best friend was in on the plan, too. She was also secretly filming from behind me the whole time.
What has been your favorite experience planning the wedding?
My favorite experiences of planning the wedding have been cake tasting with Jose and dress shopping. Our cake tasting appointment was so much fun and the flavors were delicious. Dress shopping was an experience that my bridesmaids made so much fun for me, especially since I am not the most confident in my body. Not once did I ever feel self-conscious in my body and the best part was that I found the dress on the first appointment!
Dianna Sanders
How do you stay sane under the pressures of wedding planning?
It helped that I spaced out my planning over the past two years. I started very early with my planning and I also take a lot of breaks. If I spend too much time focusing on one thing of my wedding, I get stressed and overwhelmed. So, I pause and get up to do something else not wedding related such as wash dishes, watch YouTube videos or organize my closet. After 30 minutes or so, I return back to what I was working on for my wedding. It also helps to create a to-do list with deadlines on an excel sheet, so you know when you need to complete certain tasks!
What is your favorite part of using Joy for your wedding?
There is an event code option so no one but your guests can access the information! It’s also very easy to use.
Dianna Sanders
What piece of advice would you give couples to ensure that they use Joy to its fullest potential?
Definitely add in your details, especially for your out-of-town guests. I liked that I could easily add in hotel information and it was organized so simply. Play around with the tools they give you to practice using them!
At Joy we believe that even though a wedding lasts a day, joy lasts forever. What does that mean to you?
Even though a wedding is only one day, a marriage lasts a lifetime. Preserve the joy in your lives. Life is truly short and every day that you get to spend with your loved ones is a joyful day.
