Cessia + Rafael | Valyermo California Wedding

It is always so inspiring and heartwarming for me to learn about what what draws them together, especially if couples have gone through some hard times together. For Cessia & Rafael, it was laughter that brought them together (when I met them, they really emphasized how much they love laughing together) but they also hard to go through a really difficult journey when Rafael was in a horrible motorcycle accident RIGHT after he moved away and they began their long distance relationship. When you see them, you can tell how much stronger their love is because of what they’ve had to go through. Their zest for life is so easy to see and makes you want to live life to the fullest.

Rafael’s proposal to Cessia was straight out of a movie. They were watching his favorite team, the Vikings, during the playoffs where they had a crazy miraculous win. Afterwards, his nieces and nephews (6 of them) went upstairs to "play". When they came back down, all of them in a single file line handed me their handwritten cards with a few roses. His mom handed me a large bouquet and was the final person in line before Rafael got down on one knee. I’m literally tearing up just writing about it. Sigh.

In true fashion, their wedding day was absolutely incredible. It was so obvious how much they love one another and how much fun they have together, and true to what I learned about them, they didn’t stress about little things -- instead, they focused on living life to the fullest and loving each other on the best day of their lives. I we all lived our lives like Cessia & Rafael, the world would be a better place. Also, side note -- how beautiful is this she in that dress? Wow.

Cessia & Rafael, it was the biggest honor and joy to hear your story and to document the next chapter of your lives together. After what you’ve overcome, I have no doubt that you will be able to get through any obstacle that comes your way. Congratulations!!!

VENDOR TEAM:

Photography: Carmela Joy Photography

Venue: Hacienda Valyermo

Wedding Planner: Knots and Belles

Dress: Pebbles Bridal

Florist: Flourished Co.

DJ: DJ Estradation

Suit: Mens Wearhouse

Hair: C.A.S. Experience

Makeup: Candice Renae

Cake: Gen’s Batter

Caterer: Tacos don Jorge