Today's gorgeous Fall wedding takes place at River Island Outfitters, a cozy quaint venue right on the river. You would never know from the lovely images captured by Jessica Lee Photographic Art that the couple faced heavy flooding, and driving through a river to enter their wedding venue.
The bride, Gabriela had such an incredible attitude despite the challenges she had to face on the day of her wedding. We couldn't agree more with her advice to future brides! Scroll through for all of the details from her perfectly imperfect day.
If you could change something about your wedding day look, would you?
I wish I would have had a second dress for the reception because my bustle ripped during one of the pictures Tyler (my hubby) & I were taking while our guests were eating, AND it started pouring cats and dogs so my dress was no longer white, it was more of a chocolate ombre if you know what I mean…
What is something you would have done differently for your wedding if given the chance and why?
I LOVED our wedding and reception location. It was located in Maryville TN, on an island surrounded by a river…the only downside about it is that the place wasn't supposed to open for another week or two because the water levels rise extremely fast when there is a downpour (April showers) but we convinced the owners to still let us get married prior to them opening.
Well, needless to say, that as soon as we said our “I Do's” it started raining and rained two days straight and we had to camp out three nights because the island flooded and there was no way of getting ourselves or our vehicles out.
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What are some things you wished you would have included in your wedding that you didn't?
I definitely wish I would have had a videographer. You see, I didn't have the privilege of having a father in my life, but I did have the most wonderful Godparents (my Aunt & Uncle) which are permanently living in Venezuela. Therefore my uncle was my father figure growing up. My mom finally found the most amazing man God could have placed in our lives and he has been more than any father could have been for a whole lifetime.
My point is that my uncle walked me down the aisle and handed me to my dad (my step-dad) who stood up there very proud for my mom and himself to give me away to the most wonderful man and my best friend, and I just wish I would have had a video of the three most important men being part of the most important day of my life (and to laugh about the ugliest cry I could have ever produced ALL the way down the aisle).
Throughout your wedding day, did you have anything go wrong or a “Bummed Bride” moment? If so, how did you handle it?
Well…I thought I lost the rings, so I decided a piece of grass should symbolize as much as a ring lol. Some of my bridesmaids got lost finding the location (and we were already behind on timing), so the photographer and I decided to get as many pictures as we could without the ones missing. Absolutely none of the decorations that I spent months and money on were put out because no one could find the boxes, yet I was completely fine with it because everything looked so natural. Absolutely none of the real roses that were bought for decoration everywhere were put out because they were forgotten on the back of the cabin. I almost forgot to send someone to pick up the cake. I couldn't find my hairpiece until the very last second before we started to take pictures. I never had time to set out signs for anything or for family members. I'm sure there was a lot more but at the end of the day, NO ONE will ever notice that those things are missing except for you.
What was your favorite moment from your wedding day?
Walking down the aisle and seeing the man I love waiting to have me for the rest of his life, my Godparents coming from Venezuela, the food, cake, and dancing the evening away with our family and friends.
What is your best advice for brides planning their wedding?
There is ALWAYS going to be something that won't go as planned, but remember that this amazing day is made for YOU and your significant other. People are there to celebrate you two, not to judge the color of the tablecloths or the quality of the food. And expect the unexpected with patience, nothing good comes out of stressing, things are going to happen how they're meant to happen and that's how it is. Remember this IS the moment you've been waiting for your whole life, don't live that day stressing! Have fun with no cares!
Photographer: Jessica Lee Photographic Art // Wedding Venue: River John's Island // DJ: Special Notes // Hair Stylist: Southern Strandz Salon