Now that the newly weds are back from a fabulous honeymoon in Tahiti, we can blog about their stunning wedding in mid March. I first met Cristal and one of her daughters, Nicole, on a flight from here to California in September of 2013. Our daughters were sitting together and hit it off, and next thing you know they were styling hair and just giggling being girls. Since we are still a bit new to Juneau, I participated in the Bridal Bliss event put on by Creativation Events, so that we could start marketing our name. We needed to branch out a little and let soon to be brides and groom know that we are ready to take on Juneau, and create memories of a lifetime with them. When Cristal and Miguel first stepped into our booth, I knew that there was some type of connection, but just couldn't put my finger on it. They asked a few questions and then asked if I had anyone booked for their date, just a short 4 weeks away! I am soo glad that the date was not taken and we were able to be there for their special day.

Pictures in front the the state Capital building

We started at the Prospector hotel for pre-wedding readiness. Guys on one floor and ladies on another. Vera Lumbab, with Independent Beauty Consultants helped with make up and the brides sister, Bernice Amy , did everyone's hair. As everyone was getting ready, Matt, Josh and I ran from floor to floor capturing every little detail that we could. We borrowed the rings, bibles, shoes, accessories, even moved all the dresses to an empty banquet room, so that we could avoid some of the wedding day clutter and the very very flowery decor in the rooms. I remember at one point coming back up to the girls room, Matt and I looked at each other and was like...."hairspray!" Josh followed just a short while later and we all laughed when he entered the room and said, well you know that this is the girls floor! But hey, that hairspray comes in handy when you don't want static cling on your dresses :)

Since Cristal and Miguel wanted to have a first look, we had to strategicaly plan their movement to downtown Juneau. The boys shuttled on one van and the girls in several suburbans. Cristal hid behind my giant golf umbrella and then we blind folded Miguel and had him wait in the square. It was perfect. In a little under 20 minutes we were able to pull off a first look and pose for some group shots on the steps of the capital. We even had the fire department drive by and wave as well as a few passer-bys that waved hi with just one finger!

A brief drive to the Chapel by the Lake and it was wedding time. The ceremony was just beautiful. The mother of the bride and all of her siblings and children honored Cristal by giving her away. Hand written vows were spoken and a tear or two was shed by all. You could hear hearts melt when they were ready for their first kiss. Being that this was a Christ wedding, Cristal and Miguel had not kissed yet, and everyone was waiting for it to happen. Perfection! Man and Wife.

We then headed back downtown, to Centennial Hall for the reception. Melissa McCormick, with Creativation Events did an awesome job setting up the decor and helping to plan their wedding. The tables were set in a Tiffany blue motif and hand written booklets for the couple to share years down the road were laid out for guest to write well wishes in. The grooms brother was pumping jams to get the party started and Cristal's mom outdid herself with the menu. Lets just say that they were some of the biggest and yummiest king crab legs that I have ever had.

After dinner, a few speeches were told, but none were more touching than Matthews, son of the bride, who had the whole room in tears. Heck, just thinking about it now makes me choke up a little. (Hugs Matthew!!)

Then it was time for cake. And the cake, Jessica Sullivan, owner of Sweet Sullivans, nailed it. The bride and groom wanted scriptures written on each layer and she did just that. I caught several people standing at the cake table reading it and complementing Jessica on it. And the taste was even better. I had a champagne piece - and it totally tasted like it too.

We finished the night up with some dancing and then I followed the new Mr. and Mrs. Heras out to their car - even noticed that the parking lot welcomed the new Mrs. by engraving her new initials in the pavement. Congratulations Cristal and Miguel.

Vendors:

Photos: Crow Fox Photography

Photographer: Carol Lahnum

Photographer: Matthew Brown

Assistant: Joshua Lahnum

Hotel: Prospector Hotel

Hair: Bernice Amy

Makeup: Vera Lumbab, with Independent Beauty Consultants

Planning: Melissa McCormick, with Creativation Events

Reception: Centennial Hall

Wedding: Chapel by the Lake