Dating when you have a mutual friend is the dream! I mean, no background checks required. Double checks. What if that friend was a friend of your boyfriend? Would you still date him? Why not, right? If you both end up being single, then it’s fair game. Isn’t that the best part of Facebook? Kudos to our bride Erika for spotting her soul mate. She admits to always having a crush on Bobby. We are crushing on her wedding. She looks stunning wearing our Callista off-shoulder wedding dress. The fitted silhouette complements her gorgeous figure, and the fringe hem informs her guest that they are in for a fun time. Seeing how remarkable she looks, it’s hard to imagine that she originally wanted a flowy dress. I’m sure she would have been a knockout in whatever wedding dress she chose, but this dress is entirely her. We are also obsessing over the use of color in her bouquet and her bridesmaid dresses. Everything about her wedding is a win! She had us at churros being one of her must-haves. Read Erika’s and Bobby’s story and get inspired to follow your heart, and do it all your way.
Tell us, how do did you meet?
Erika: My husband Bobby and I met about 10 years ago from a mutual friend. I was actually dating one of his friends for about 3 years, but I always had a little crush on Bobby. Then years later when we were both single, he messaged me on Facebook and we went on a date! And the rest is history!
Tell us all about the proposal
Erika: It happened when my husband Bobby and I were climbing/camping in Joshua Tree. His original plan was to propose on the first day at the top of a climb but unfortunately, that didn’t go as planned. I was having trouble climbing up the first few climbs and the weather wasn’t great. Then the next day, there was a little bit of sunshine, so we decided to take a walk. He put the go-pro on one of the trees so we could take some pictures together (which we always do) and then all of a sudden he got down on one knee! It was absolutely perfect. And then of course, right after that, we went climbing again and I climbed right up to the top! Perfect weekend.
A romantic wedding at Leo Carrillo Ranch in California
What readings, if any, did you have at your ceremony?
Erika: Yes, we had my brother read Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. About friendship in marriage!
9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! 11 Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? 12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Did you write your own vows? If so, what was your favorite phrase, verse or line?
Erika: No, we did not write our own vows.
Tell us about finding your wedding dress
Erika: I never really thought too much about what kind of dress I wanted to get married in until I was actually engaged. At first, I was only looking for flowy dresses because I don’t like wearing tight clothes. So I found one and I was soo close to buying it until I came across the Dreamers and Lovers website and I immediately fell in love with like 10 dresses. I had one specifically in mind when I went to their store, but the one I ended up buying was so much different. It was tight, it was off the shoulder, it had a beautiful train and it had fringes. And it was mine! Erika is wearing the Callista Off-Shoulder Bohemian Wedding Dress and the Cindy veil.
SHOP ERIKA’S DRESS AND MANY MORE DREAMY OFF SHOULDER WEDDING DRESSES MADE IN OUR CALIFORNIA DESIGN HOUSE
What is the one detail or vendor that you were so happy to have as a part of your wedding?
Erika: My favorite vendor was our photographers. They’re a married couple up in mammoth and the love they have for photography really shows in their pictures. My husband is an awkward photo taker and they made it so much fun for him. I am so glad we decided on them! SierraWillowPhotography!
What advice do you have for other future-brides currently planning a wedding?
Erika: We had a long engagement and that helped us save more money. Also, all-inclusive venues are worth it.
How many guests did you have?
Erika: We had about 110 people.
Describe your wedding cake or dessert?
Erika: We had a small little lemon cake for the two of us topped with a cactus, a Mr & Mrs topper and a bunch of different colored flowers. Then we had churros for all the guests.
What was your favorite detail of the wedding?
Erika: Our wedding was Spanish themed and the first two must-haves were churros and the white papel picado banners. Those were the only two things I really really cared about.
What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome while planning your wedding?
Erika: I would say budgeting and maybe the guest list.
What’s next for you as a couple?
Erika: We’re trying to take as many little trips as we can until we have some little ones running around in a few years.
Tell us about your wedding flowers?
Erika: We had a family friend do our flowers and she did an amazing job. I sort of left it all up to her except for a few little details I had wanted. We had the perfect Fall mixture of flowers and colors. I was completely surprised on the day of and I LOVED them.
Feel free to share any additional info about your day
Erika: All of my family and friends who are married told me the day goes by very fast and it is 100% true. Just try to take it all in and have a good time. It’ll be the best day of your life.
Inspired by Erika and Bobby’s Spanish style wedding? Planning your own wedding? Check out another bride who had an amazing Spanish-style bohemian wedding. See more of this wedding here
Photographer: Sierra Willow Photography
Venue: Leo Carillo Ranch
Dress: Dreamers & Lovers
