Once upon a time (I mean, I have to start off like a fairy tale, right?), in a world where love knew no bounds, I found myself embarking on a magical journey of planning not just one, but three weddings. As a bride with a deep-rooted passion for creating unforgettable experiences, I decided to take on the role of both the bride and the wedding planner for these extraordinary celebrations.
The idea was sparked by my love for connecting with the people who mean the world to me. The joy of witnessing friends exchanging vows, the warmth of cozy dinners with cousins while watching movies, and the exploration of new culinary delights with my now-husband, Daniel—it was these moments that filled my heart with fulfillment. And so, I knew that planning my own weddings would be the perfect opportunity to weave love, creativity, and cherished memories into every detail.
Balancing the roles of both the bride and the wedding planner was an adventure in itself. Alongside the wedding preparations, I was working full-time as the Chief of Staff at Northwestern Mutual Florham Park. The balancing act taught me independence and the art of prioritization. I learned that self-care was essential, and I made sure not to let my health suffer in the midst of the beautiful chaos.
Each wedding held its own unique theme and style while maintaining a consistent color scheme of terracotta rust, sage green, and beige. I carefully crafted smaller centerpieces and designs that encouraged conversation and love to flow freely among our guests.
Memories were made at every turn throughout the three weddings. The first wedding took place in the cozy embrace of my childhood home on December 24, 2022. My father, Ed Ramos, better known as "Tatay" which means Dad in Tagalog, had the honor of marrying us. It was an intimate affair, shared only with our immediate family. Love filled the air, and warmth enveloped every corner, reminding us of the cherished moments we had spent there. We then dined as a joined family at Bloom in Verona, our favorite local restaurant.
The second wedding, held on February 21, 2023, at The Fives Hotel & Beach Residences in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, unfolded as a week-long celebration. Surrounded by our loved ones, we danced under the stars, indulged in endless tacos and margaritas, and created memories that would forever be etched in our hearts.
The final wedding on April 1, 2023, at Felina in Ridgewood, New Jersey, held a special place in our story. The unique venue, an old bank with a mezzanine overlooking the main floor, added an element of grandeur. It was there that we shared our first dance, capturing the hearts of all who witnessed it, before inviting everyone to join us on the main floor for the festivities.
Of course, there were unexpected surprises and obstacles along the way. One of the greatest challenges was navigating the balance between my own vision and the opinions of others. I learned to trust my instincts and stay true to the vision I had for each celebration.
Selecting venues for each wedding required careful consideration. Setting a budget and establishing a clear vision were paramount. Visiting the venues beforehand allowed me to make informed decisions and create lasting memories with my bridesmaids, who supported me every step of the way.
Designing and creating the wedding decor was a labor of love. Social media, especially Pinterest and TikTok, became my trusted companions, helping me gather ideas and inspiration. I immersed myself in the world of color schemes, floral arrangements, and personalized touches. For the Mexico wedding, I designed luggage tags that served both as wedding favors and escort cards, a nod to our shared love for travel and adventure. And if you know us well, you would know that Daniel and I are serial binge-watchers and lovers of movies and TV shows. Our table numbers for all the weddings were named after our favorite fictional places like Hogwarts from Harry Potter and Dragonstone from Game of Thrones. Our favors were microwavable popcorn (corny, I know), but with labels of all our recommended shows and movies to watch when you have a lazy Sunday on the couch!
Collaborating with vendors and professionals was crucial to bringing my vision to life. From photographers to entertainers, their expertise and familiarity with the venues elevated each celebration. The seamless collaboration allowed us to capture the essence of every moment, creating a treasure trove of memories to look back upon.
Managing the logistics of coordinating three weddings was no small feat. Detailed guidebooks, checklists, and itineraries became my lifeline. The support of a wedding planner was indispensable, freeing me to fully enjoy the process and the precious moments with family and friends.
As I reflect on this remarkable journey, I have some advice for couples considering planning and having multiple weddings. Start with a clear vision and budget, and don't be afraid to seek professional help (like consulting with LSC Event Planning!). Trust your instincts, stay true to your vision, and embrace the love and support of your loved ones. Let the relationships deepen throughout the planning process, and savor the joy that comes from crafting moments that will be treasured forever.
Planning and having three weddings as both the bride and the wedding planner was a tale of love and creativity. It was a journey of self-discovery, balance, and the power of staying true to one's vision. Each wedding held its own magical moments, woven together by the threads of love and celebration. As I look back, I raise a toast to the unforgettable experiences, the cherished memories, and the beautiful journey that brought us here. Cheers to love, togetherness, and the power of creating moments that last a lifetime.
Mexico Photographer: Timeless Photography
Felina Photographer: Michael J Ramos Photography
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