San Luis Obispo Bride in the City: Tonya Strickland
Style Unveiled, as hard as we try, knows that sometimes it takes a woman who's walking in your same 'heels' to help with something like planning a day as big as a wedding. And while we will always be here to help with inspirational photos, real weddings, vendor suggestions, venue ideas, engagement photo ideas, and more ... we want to bring you something priceless ... Advice from brides who are doing the same as you (right now!!) ... PLANNING THEIR WEDDING :) Our blog addition, Bride in the City will give you inside info from other brides to help you along the way and make you feel like you're not the only one :) So ... get ready to bond with Bride in the City guest: Tonya Strickland
When did you become engaged?
October 24, 2009
When is the big day?
August 7, 2011
Who are the wedding vendors that you have already decided to hire?
Our florist, cupcake baker, photographer, videographer and a handful of artists on Etsy.com are helping create the day! We chose folks with a certain eye for rustic/vintage/romantic flair.
They are:
April Peet of April Flowers in San Luis Obispo
Sadie Agueda of Clementine Cupcake Co. in Paso Robles
Sarah Kathleen of Sarah Kathleen Photography
Bobby Burns of Redmond Digital Media
Etsy artists:
Jamie McCoy of Davita for seed-paper favors; Jennifer Kate of Just Kate, Etc. for burlap table runners; Stephanie of stephlovesben for banners and paper bird garland; Tammy of expressionsindesign for a "Just Married" banner; Mary Leavitt of RiverRoadRustics for chalkboards.
The ladies at The Queens Bees out of San Luis Obispo are doing my hair and makeup
What is your venue and why did you choose it?
We chose the Dallidet Adobe & Gardens for our wedding venue. Tucked away from the street, it's an outdoor venue with all sorts of trees - even a giant redwood! There all also bursts of colorful flowers, rich green plants and meandering pathways. We loved the idea of getting married with nature by our side.
I also have a soft spot for history. In the center of its brick courtyards is an 1850's adobe that was once home to Frenchman Pierre Hypolite Dallidet and his family. According to the historical society, they lived on the property for more than a century and farmed everything from artichokes to melons and even ran a Brandy distillery. Too cool.
What are you most excited about for your wedding day?
Being in the moment of the day.
Is there anything you are nervous about for your wedding day?
Nothing ... yet! We'll see how I feel that morning!
What is your wedding theme or concept going to be? What inspired it?
Our colors are coral and cream and we picked decorations to go with that, which I felt had a romantic/whimsical feel. Also, almost everything is going to be handmade. Our friends are cooking for us and my mom is making branches for the centerpieces. Etsy crafters also made us darling paper bird garland to string from the arbor and ruffle burlap runners for the barn-wood tables. It was also fun to mix it up -- hints of silver for the buffet with rustic touches here and there.
Did you decide to hire a wedding coordinator? Why did you decide this?
We didn't hire one, mainly because we wanted to spend the money elsewhere.
Where are you planning to go for your honeymoon?
We rented a cabin in the Sequoia National Forest. The property has river access with giant rocks that have smoothed from years of aligning with the currents. People have been using them as natural rock slides and sunning spots for decades. The cabin actually has a black-and-white photo of people in the 1930's stretched out in swim trunks. So cute!! I personally can't wait for the fresh mountain air, picturesque hikes and red wine on the porch!
What are some of your favorite wedding planning blogs and tools?
Style Me Pretty, Wedding Bee and Etsy.
Is your husband-to-be helping with the planning? What are his jobs?
Bowen picked out all the wine and drinks, but of course I helped him taste-test :)
What is your best advice to brides who are currently planning their wedding?
Do everything early if you can! Rushing is the worst.
Are you planning to see each other before the ceremony for photos? Why or why not?
I might try to hide in the morning for tradition's sake (we bought our home together last year) but we're totally down to see each other once we're at the venue. That way, we're not pulled away too long from our family and friends during pictures.
What are 3 words that describe how you feel right now?
Full of excitement.
{DARLING} Eye-Candy Submitted to us by Sarah Kathleen Photography
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Reader Comments (2)
Really happy for you both, Tonya. I know Jerry is proud! Congratulations!
You both look very natural and comfortable with each other in your photos....not to mention happy and enjoying the moment! Results in great photos. The lighting on the one with the "sunset bubble" is exceptional ! .