Real weddings are extremely inspiring! To get you in the mood to plan, we asked real brides to spill the facts from getting engaged to finding their wedding gowns to the special touches and surprising moments that made their celebrations completely one-of-a-kind. Jordan and Alfonso planned their intimate California elopement in 3 months! Read on for additional mini-wedding inspiration!

Alfonso and I were talking around the phone and texting nonstop before our first date. I think both of us knew this was something. We spent over four hours in this restaurant! Talking about everything on the planet, a lot of laughs, and a lot of flirty smiles. It honestly felt like we knew one another for years. We felt a lot of comfort together. We never experienced anything such as this before. It wasn’t too much time before I was spending a few days together on and on constant adventures and seeking new things. Over time, we learned a lot from one another and grew together not just as individuals but as partners.

It was intimate and sweet. Just a couple of us. On Christmas Day, we spent the morning in our Christmas pajamas and opening presents with this 8-month-old puppy. We were so happy and relaxed, sipping coffee. It was honestly an ideal moment. The next thing I know, he disappears along with a tiny little red box in his hands. Lots of happy tears and kisses were shared once we opened up this new chapter in our life.Click

I knew I wanted something unique and never super formal. I wanted to appear gorgeous but additionally relaxed! Honestly, it was the first dress I tried on. I felt like ME! The top piece was my personal favorite. The beadwork was exquisite and unique. I felt 100 % comfortable. I tried on the second dress or bridal gowns afterward as I had a minimum of six others picked but I knew instantly that the very first one was THE ONE!

Go together with your heart. I guaranteed that you'll know as soon as you see yourself in the dress!

We did a short champagne toast after our ceremony along with a close friend and a member of the family prepared a little speech during that time. Unexpectedly, nearly every single our family members started approaching us to say an address. It was so unexpected and spontaneous. It would be a circle of tears and a lot of laughs as both our families bonded over our love.

Despite us skipping the standard wedding route on and on for a minimum, there still would be a lot of detail to think about! I would say get organized around the vendors, their contact, their deposits, etc. It was a great deal to keep track of and certainly have a designated person around the wedding day too. Luckily, my pal took to help take care of the administrative stuff throughout the wedding so I was without to worry.