REAL WEDDING: MIKE & HAYLEY TRUEX

CV LUX: When did you first meet your fiancée? How did he pop
the question?

Hayley: I met my husband during the summer of 2008 when I was visiting friends in Los Angeles and we begin dating at the end of 2008. Although we lived in different cities, me in San Francisco and Mike in Los Angeles, we had an instant connection, stayed in touch after we first met and began dating long-distance.

We flew up and down California visiting each other or met in the middle in my hometown of Fresno. Although we were almost 400 miles apart, we planned many trips exploring restaurants in the city by the bay, going to the beach, and skiing at China Peak. A few years later I moved to Los Angeles and we were engaged in August of 2013.

My husband completely surprised me with a proposal at the beach in Malibu. After a bridal shower and an engagement party that same day, he told me we were meeting friends during the evening. While driving along PCH taking in the beautiful Pacific Ocean, he pulled over at the beach to kill time as we waited to meet our friends. We walked down to take in the views. With the sun setting, he tricked me into touching his shirt pocket where he had hidden the ring. I froze as soon as I felt the ring and he got down on one knee. It was such a special moment for us and incredibly romantic.

Later that night, he surprised me with a romantic dinner under the twinkle-lit patio of an Italian restaurant in Beverly Hills. Our engagement spot left such a special place in my heart that we decided to go back for engagement pictures a few months later.

CV LUX: When you first started planning your wedding, what was the most important thing to you?

Hayley: We wanted to plan our special day in a way that reflected us as a couple and allowed our friends and family to share in our happiness, enjoy good food and drinks, and dance the night away. Choosing a venue we searched for a romantic setting that would allow us to have both the ceremony and reception at the same locale with a door area for the ceremony and a classic Spanish style dining room in which we could dance the night away. We loved getting married close to where we first met in Los Angeles.

CV LUX: Looking back on your big day, what three things stand out the most to you and why?

Hayley: Our big day was truly special and magical, but if I had to choose three of my favorite things from our wedding:

1. My husband and I took 15 minutes to spend just the two of us after the ceremony and before the reception. I loved having that time together and a few moments that were just between us. It was one of those little things I will always cherish and the perfect way for us to reflect on our special day before it was all over in a flash.

2. Our band was absolutely incredible, full of energy, and so much fun. Not to mention their amazing voices and even having me up on stage to sing one of my favorite songs (Don’t Stop Believin’, by Journey). Our dance floor was packed until the end of the night. They really helped set the mood for a fun and truly special evening. My husband and I spent the majority of our evening after dinner on the dance floor with our guests, enjoying the music, and creating memories with our families and friends.

3. We were touched by how many notes we received from guests after the wedding about the amazing time they had, the delicious food and fun band. It was so meaningful to have created such special memories with our family and friends, knowing they had a great time and were there to support us. Our photographer did a spectacular job capturing the extraordinary moments and details of our day, with beautiful pictures that will let us cherish our wedding day forever.

CV LUX: Who designed your dress, and how did you make your selection?

Hayley: I went into dress shopping with an open mind and ended up trying on several styles and designers. After my first weekend dress shopping, I went back to a Reem Acra trunk show at a boutique in Corona Del Mar where I found my dress. I initially had my eye on another Reem Acra dress I had fallen in love with while looking at dresses online. To my surprise, I found an even more perfect dress for me and was so glad I went back to the trunk show. It was different than anything I had seen or tried on: it was romantic, elegant, and most importantly, I felt confident and “myself” in it. I loved the detail of the floral beading, offset by the gorgeous skirt on the dress. Our wedding cake was even designed and inspired based on the floral detail of my dress.

CV LUX: If you had one suggestion to future brides about planning the perfect wedding, what would it be and why?

Hayley: After having gone through the experience of planning a wedding, I have encouraged friends and other brides to hire a wedding planner. Even if it’s for partial planning, it’s so helpful and comforting to have a professional in the business who can answer your questions, assist with vendor referrals, bring your vision to life, and ensure your day goes smoothly, so you, your family and friends can enjoy your day to the fullest extent possible. On the day of the wedding, I was truly relaxed and took comfort in not having to worry about any of the details, knowing that my planner was completely organized and had the day planned out to a “T.”

I’d also remind brides to not get too caught up in the details and try not to get overwhelmed. Focus on why you’re getting married and the love you have for each other.