This week on the podcast, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Leslie, one of the big winners at the 2024 Wedding Showcase. Leslie and her fiancé, Artie, have been together for over 12 years, sharing a beautiful journey with two kids, a home, and, finally, an engagement since February 2023. As she shared her experience and wedding planning insights, Leslie’s story is one that many couples can relate to, especially those planning a destination wedding. Here’s a look into Leslie’s journey from engagement to her dream wedding in Mexico this October.
From Long-Term Love to a Dream Destination
After years together, Leslie and Artie’s engagement was a perfect surprise, happening at the very spot they first met. While the planning wasn’t something Leslie had anticipated right away, she quickly embraced the experience. And now, with their wedding just 12 weeks away, Leslie is thrilled to see her dream of a destination wedding come to life in Mexico. She shared that although a destination wedding presents unique logistics, it’s everything she’s hoped for.
A Memorable Wedding Showcase with Mom
Leslie’s experience at the 2024 Wedding Showcase was unforgettable. Originally planning to attend with Artie, who got caught up with their kids’ activities, Leslie brought her mom instead. Together, they navigated everything from décor ideas to tuxedos, benefiting from her mom’s hosting expertise. For Leslie, this mother-daughter day became a valuable bonding experience, one filled with unexpected planning insights and helpful vendor advice.
Behind the Scenes at Bella Bridesmaids and David’s Bridal
Leslie found Bella Bridesmaids to be a hidden gem. Though she does hair and makeup for brides, she hadn’t realized the options for bridesmaid dresses until she visited with her sister. Bella Bridesmaids provided a dedicated, personalized experience, complete with a color-matching session for her sage green and greenery theme. Her daughter’s flower girl dress, picked at David’s Bridal, completed the bridal party’s look, making it a memorable experience for the little one, who had her own “princess moment.”
Destination Wedding Style: Tuxedo Tips and Customization
One important lesson Leslie learned was that a destination wedding can make tuxedo rentals tricky. At Tuxedo Den, she found that some rental companies charge for extra days for destination events, but Tuxedo Den didn’t. Leslie appreciated their flexibility and expertise, especially for Artie’s custom details. By trusting the professionals, she ensured a polished, cohesive look for Artie, her son, and her dad – all styled to fit perfectly without needing last-minute alterations.
Capturing Love with In Focus Love Studio
Winning an engagement shoot with In Focus Love Studio was a dream come true for Leslie and Artie. From coordinating style and location to delivering beautiful, ready-to-use photos, the studio nailed every detail. The pictures captured their essence and doubled as perfect additions to their wedding invitations, creating memories that set the tone for the wedding day.
Leslie’s Tips for Engaged Couples
Leslie emphasized a few key tips for couples starting the wedding journey:
- Stay Organized: Write down questions for vendors in advance, especially about timelines and fitting details.
- Embrace Professional Input: Vendors are experts. Share your vision and trust their advice to help bring it to life.
- Prioritize What Matters Most: Focus on top priorities, whether it’s the photos, food, or fashion. Delegating other details helps keep the day enjoyable and stress-free.
- Let People Help: Friends and family are happy to pitch in, so let them! This way, you can focus on the meaningful moments with your partner.
Looking Ahead to More Wedding Magic
With her October wedding fast approaching, Leslie is ready to savor every moment. She’s also looking forward to her sister’s wedding journey, which kicks off with the next showcase on February 2, 2025. And who knows, we may see Leslie and her sister in that TikTok maid-of-honor dress swap video soon!
Thank you, Leslie, for sharing your story, and we can’t wait to see your destination dream come to life! And a big shoutout to our sponsors – Lush Balloons, Real Weddings Magazine, Retreat Salon and Spa, Carriage House Flower Farms, Petite Events, White Moon Rustics, and a doh boink – for making these experiences possible. Grab your tickets now for the 2025 Wedding Showcase!