Anais + Charles | Monique Lhuillier Wedding from White Haute Photography

When Anais decided to list her wedding gown, she had the savvy bride in mind looking for the perfect dress that will make her feel as “princess-like” as she did on her big day. I love that! And how fitting that the royal feeling Anais is describing is reflected in her blush satin Monique Lhuillier gown called ‘Countess’?!  Princess…Countess…either one sounds really romantic and oh so feminine! Don’t miss the added diamond belt Anais tied on for an extra bit of bling – a subtle accessory that allows the bride’s hair to be an equally beautiful focal point. Enjoy!

Anais + Charles | January 6, 2012 | Pasadena, California

The Ceremony
Our wedding was the first week in January 2012 when I was on winter break of my third year in law school. Since we were living in LA, we hoped the warm weather would be on our side, and it was! It was over 100 degrees the entire week leading up to our day, and dropped to 88 just in time for our nuptials.  The ceremony was held at our local church St. Philip the Apostle in Pasadena. The pre-wedding jitters that I thought I would feel all melted away after our first look; I just remember feeling overjoyed to be getting married to the man of my dreams. We asked our aunts to do readings and little cousins to read a prayer; it was so nice that everyone could be involved.

The Reception
Charles and I managed to sneak to the upstairs area of our reception thanks to the coordination of our wedding planners (literally, they blocked our entrance with their bodies!). They brought drinks and appetizers and we relaxed with our photographers. During our cocktail hour, the DJ spinned low key tunes and our guests munched on foods that we loved from our backgrounds (my husband is Filipino and i’m Mexican-American) like lumpia, shrimp ceviche shots, and coconut shrimp skewers with mango chutney. My mom introduced us and asked us to come down the stairs of the grand Castle Green where she toasted us for the first time as Mr. and Mrs. Very sweet. For dinner, our guests had a pear salad, a duo of both chicken and tri-tip, and delicious veggies. After wedding cake, our caterers passed around cookies and shots of milk.

Anais’ Dress Search
I wanted a princess, fairy-tale wedding, complete with the poofy dress. My dress was the only one I tried on, it was love at first sight.

How Anais Felt in Her Wedding Dress
Happy, classic, and so so in love.

Why Anais Decided To Sell Her Wedding Dress
Everyone convinced me to do it, and to help make someone else’s dreams come true!

Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier ‘Countess’ | Photography: White Haute Photography, Chris Austin | Ceremony Venue: St Philip the Apostle Catholic Church | Reception Venue: The Castle Green | Hair and Makeup: Christine Craven Makeup + Hair | Event Planning: Pompey Events, Tiffany Pompey | Cake: Cake Sensations | Catering: Simply Elegant Catering