Bride Talk: Darlene and Walter’s Simi Valley Wedding

Darlene and her fiancé Walter
Darlene and her fiancé Walter

Getting help from your family and friends is one of the BEST things you can do throughout the wedding planning process. Not only will it save you time and money, but it’s a great way to share a few laughs and create new memories with those closest to you, which is exactly what bride-to-be Darlene has luckily found out. With only 6 months to go until her big day, read more about her upcoming wedding in our latest Bride Talk, below!

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Name: Darlene

Occupation: Substitute Teacher

Wedding City: Simi Valley, CA

How many weeks/months until the big day? 6 months left!

Have you had any major hurdles planning the wedding, or has anything been easier than expected?
Surprisingly it’s been an easier process than I think we expected it to be. It helps when you have family from both ends contributing

What’s one thing you’ve totally splurged on and why?
Entertainment. We believe that our wedding is a celebration that should reflect who we are and we like to think that we’re a hoot! We really want our family and friends to have a great time and truly enjoy themselves.

What about saved on?
Weddings are EXPENSIVE! But thankfully we have been blessed by family members who have donated their time and money. I was able to save on things like my wedding dress and flowers because of my mom and sister’s generosity. #thanksmom

What made you pick your wedding venue?
We picked The Vineyard because it was simply beautiful.

Have you taken on any DIY projects? If so, tell us about them!
We’re going to be handcrafting the save-the-dates and wedding invitations ourselves. We’re also making a video that will play during the reception that will show us all how two people, like Walter and I, despite all odds, can cross each other’s paths.

What are you most nervous about or looking forward to?
I’m so nervous about the first dance. I have two left feet! Also, Walter is planning some kind of surprise for me during the reception. In fact, he calls it his “super secret surprise.” I can’t wait to find out what it is. And I really hope he doesn’t embarrass me! We can’t wait for the wedding itself! We’re looking forward to the cake and food tasting as well.

Did you create a wedding planning timeline for yourself or just tackle things as they came up?
We did a little bit of both. Actually, an app we downloaded on our iPhones (WeddingHappy) helped a lot and we were able to create a game plan and tackle things as they came.

Darlene and Walter's Wedding To-Do List

Done and Done:

  • Booked venue
  • Booked Videographer
  • Booked photobooth
  • Purchase wedding dress

In Progress:

  • Looking for photographer, live band, DJ
  • Also looking for translator for our English and Spanish ceremony

Not Yet Started:

  • Save-the-dates
  • Wedding invites
  • His wedding suit
  • Groomsman and bridesmaid outfits
  • Wedding Cake and pretty much everything else not mentioned

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