Sheryl & Rocky - How He Asked

This is a first of these series that we've been wanting to do since we updated the website and blog earlier this year. 

We're always inspired by the different couples that we meet with their love and actual love story. Today, we're excited to share one of our couple's engagement story as this couple is very special to us. 

I met Sheryl a few years ago during her sister's Shanelle's consultation meeting and we've loved her since then. Her relationship with her big sis reminded me of my own "baby" - I totally get their "Ate/Baby" relationship. I was over the moon the day that Shanelle shared with me that Rocky (Sheryl's fiancé) will be proposing very soon. I waited and waited and waited until I saw all the posts on social media that confirmed that Rocky's popped the question and finally sent the couple all my love. I'm excited that they've chosen our team to be there on their wedding day to help them with the planning and coordination of this day. We still have a few more weeks/months to go before the big day but I'm excited to share their engagement story for now with all of you. For the full post of this big day, click here to see their feature on How He Asked. 

How Rocky Asked

With the beach of Santa Monica as the backdrop to their love story, Rocky knew that this was the perfect spot to ask Sheryl to be his wife. They were celebrating their 6th anniversary of being together last September 17 with a day packed of activities that included a couples' massage at Burke Williams followed by watching the sunset on the beach and a romantic dinner at the Santa Monica Pier. 

As they were walking on the shore, Rocky grabbed Sheryl's hands and started sharing his love for her. Before Sheryl even knew it, Rocky was down on bended knee asking her, “Will you marry me?” After Sheryl gave her astounding YES and gleamed at her beautiful ring, Rocky proceeded to tell Sheryl to look up towards the edge of the pier where their family & friends were witnessing this special moment before their eyes holding engagement signs for them.  Rocky had everything planned out including having this whole moment captured on video by Sheryl's cousins & brother for them to treasure even past their big day. 

Watch their engagement story unfold in the video below. 

Just Engaged? What's Next!

Engagement season is here and I don’t know about you, but my Instagram feed is overflowing with engagement announcements starting from Thanksgivng weekend. There is so much love and excitement that surrounds a newly engaged couple. 

When the excitement wears off, reality sets it and now you have to start planning your wedding - something that you have may not have any experience in planning so we figured we would help you with your next steps to jump start your wedding planning.  

Decide on a budget

Budget is imperative though it's not the funnest or most exciting part of the wedding planning but you really should not do anything before deciding on your budget. Figure out your finances, outside contributions, how much they can contribute and your total budget. 

Choose your date

Start by thinking what time of the year you like, consider the weather, work schedules/vacation time and holidays. Choose 2-3 potential dates that would work for you and rank them based on your preference. Consider that most venues still offer lower rates and packages on Friday and Sunday receptions due to their popularity. 

Start your guest list

Like the budget, your guest list is another task that might not seem as fun to get started on right after you get engaged but it's necessary since it will provide you an idea of your ideal guest count. Be realistic when you're creating your guests list since you're gonna want to add everyone but know that the more people you have, the more you have to spend. Guest counts typically decrease by the time the wedding day comes around but it is highly important to know how many people you're planning on having in order to make some decisions especially when it comes with your venue and catering. 

Decide on your wedding’s style

There are many different styles from modern, rustic, boho, vintage and classic. Do your research and find out what style you're most attracted to and what you envision your wedding day looking like. Know the general style of how you want your wedding to be. Knowing this will help you find your most perfect venue.  

Decide on your venue

Deciding on your budget, your ideal guest count, your possible wedding date and your general wedding style will help shape which type of venue you are looking for. Start your research and schedule some venue tours with your possible venues. Take advantage if the venue is offering an Open House event since this will be a wonderful opportunity for you to see the venue all "dressed up" and meet some of your potential wedding vendors. Be prepared when you do your venue tours with the appropriate questions that you need to ask the venue and potentially caterer. Once you have your venue booked and your date secured,

Celebrate with your fiance!  

You're off to a wonderful start to your wedding planning.