Allissa and Jerime's vendors:

Jerime & I met in the fall of 2008, at Valley West Mall. (Nothing says true love like retail!) I was working at what use to be, the Charm Connection and Jerime so happened to walk by. I thought he was one of the most handsome men I had ever seen and wondered when I would meet a man like that.

The next day at work I looked up and who do I see strolling by? Yes, my future husband, Jerime walking into T-Mobile for work. From that moment forward I knew one thing … that I MUST meet him. Just like that we got to know one another working right next door to each other. And 6 years later … here we are today!

Marriage was something we have always talked about, but we were in anticipation for that right moment. Jerime surprised me by taking me ring shopping; it did not take long till we found the one. Then it was just a matter of when. I can honestly say I was ALWAYS thinking about it! Jerime found that one day it was the last thing on my mind … My first dress fitting! As I left Schaffer’s with my closest family & friends, my handsome groom appeared and got down on one knee, asking for my hand in marriage. I was completely surprised and needless to say there were plenty of tears from everyone.

For the look, I was inspired by our own relationship, which we think of as romantic and fairytale-like and our other favorite love stories, including “Carrie & Big from Sex in the City” and “Jim & Pam from the Office”. I instantly knew I wanted lace, burlap, baby’s breath, and soft lighting. I wanted our guests to experience an enchanted evening.

I took a nontraditional route with my bridal party and asked my mother Diane to be one of my bridesmaids. In collaboration with my aunt, we wrote our own ceremony. It was intimate and allowed our guest to see into our relationship. My uncle was our officiant and added his own personal touches, which truly made it unique. Jerime’s favorite part from the reception was our first dance, which was to Lose You, by Meghan Trainor ft. John Legend. The ordinary reception hall was transformed into the night of our dreams.

The biggest piece of advice I could give is to be yourselves. Remember who you are. Don't get hung up on money, looks, or having the best of everything. Let your wedding represent and embody who you are in your relationship. Transform your inner love to an outer form for others to enjoy!