“In a world where millions go to seek fame and fortune, Chris, a comedy writer and Erin, a designer/marketer/actress/ninja collided, forever changing the course of their destiny. Despite insurmountable odds including Erin always running late and Chris always running his mouth, a girl from Kansas City met a boy from Brawley. At an audition for something that never came to be…something, in fact, came to be. Their first date was at the Largo, {although Erin didn’t think it was a first date and Chris definitely told everyone it was} where they shared laughs, a very awkward hug and Erin was given a mixed CD {a bold move indeed}. Their “first date” was followed by hundreds of outstanding ones including texting marathons, Kingdom adventures and wine walks in Paris. They found a shared love of family, comedy, spicy foods, competitive games, vigilantism, and binging TV shows. They can’t wait to start their lives together and go on many more adventures… right after one more episode.

They searched high and low for a “blank canvas” venue with white walls and unlimited potential to create their dream wedding vision. They found that in Venue by Three Petals! They loved that the space was large enough to separate ceremony, cocktail hour + reception into different sections while keeping everyone in one place. It also created a big WOW factor Erin wanted by sectioning off the reception area during cocktail hour to then reveal the giant, gorgeous chandelier and space for dinner. Erin designed everything for the wedding. Her to-create list started off 5 feet long! Immediately after they got engaged she started dreaming up all the things she could design and create. From the invitation suite to the dinner menus, the programs to table numbers, the drink signs and the perfect custom drink sticks! She even made custom getting ready t-shirts for her girls! To top it all off she designed a giant dance floor decal to let people know what she expected out of everyone.” –Mandee Johnson Photography

What is your favorite wedding day memory?

The whole WEEKEND was incredible, magical – all the best words. To celebrate my husband’s heritage {and because tacos are a staple}, we started with a pre-wedding Fiesta lunch at La Salle HQ, a fantastic little photo studio in an alley in Costa Mesa, CA. We had our favorite Kogi taco truck come down and cater and it was such a hit! Even my 93-year-old grandma loved the flavorful tacos, so much fun. The day of the wedding was extraordinarily perfect. A gorgeous 72 degree sunny day filled with family, friends and love. While we both loved the dinner and dancing, we agree nothing tops the ceremony. My groom and I felt ALL THE EMOTIONS as we said our hand-written vows to each other in front of our loved ones. My favorite memory by far.

What did you DIY for your wedding?

Ummm… everything?! In retrospect I definitely took on too much, but I had this insane urge to design and make everything our own. I designed the pre-wedding fiesta menu fans, pinata sign, wedding save the dates and invitation suite, bridesmaid t-shirts, table numbers, dance floor decal vinyl, “Darling you take the Cake” vinyl sign above the dessert table, escort cards, wedding programs, guest book sign, etc. Yep. Nuts. We also decided to DIY our floral centerpieces by going to the LA Flower Market 2 days before. The Groom did his own guy DIY by the way, surprising me with the STUNNING hexagon ceremony backdrop! We also “DIY’d” our ceremony and cocktail party music with a pre-made Spotify playlist, you can check it out under Christopher Encell’s public playlists {titled “Processional/Cocktail Hour”}. Two of my Bridesmaid’s graciously roped in their husbands to bring their GoPro cameras to film our ceremony, spee ches, dancing, etc. A wonderful cost-saver and the footage is fantastic! My Brother-in-Law also helped us out with a DIY masterpiece – the cake pop stairs! My Aunt Mary Beth also made us special toasting glasses for the speeches – I mean, how I did I get such a talented family?!

While we did DIY so much, everything wouldn’t have come together without the help of our wedding coordinator, Claudia Casanova, my Aunt Barbara, Aunt Nancy, Aunt Mary Beth and cousin Emma, who worked all day to set everything up! We can’t thank them enough.

Did you have a something old, new, borrowed and blue?

Yes! My something old: My Grandpa Casement passed several years ago, to honor his memory I wrapped pearls around my bouquet that had given my grandma after the war. So special. My something new: way too much! Dress, earrings, shoes…My something borrowed: my sister lent me her veil from her own wedding, which was doubly special as my Aunt Barbara made it for her. Lastly, my something blue: I carried a lucky sixpence a family friend gave me wrapped in blue silk fabric.

Any advice for brides currently in the planning process?

When people offer to help – take them up on it! // Savor the moments and people who are there to celebrate you, it really does go by so fast! // SPREADSHEETS – make sure you stay organized with timelines, vendor info, etc. and hand out itineraries to your immediate family so they know when to be where! // Don’t neglect the ceremony – everyone is there to celebrate your love and vows and whatever happens during the ceremony really sets the tone for the whole day/night! -Erin, the Bride

Event Credits

Photographer: Mandee Johnson Photography // Venue + Catering: Venue by Three Petals // Wedding Planner: One Darling Day // Photo Booth: AV Photo Booth // Florist: Three Petals // Cake: Cre8ive Cake and Candy // Invitations: Design Punch // DJ: Jag Affair // Engagement Ring: XIV Karats // Bride's Attire: Essense of Australia // Bride's Belt: Sabrina KW Design // Bride's Shoes: Cole Haan // Hair + Make-up: Design Visage Beauty // Groom's Attire: Calvin Klein // Groom's Shoes: Aldo // Groomsmen's Attire: Friar Tux Shop // Socks: Happy Socks // Bridal Party T-Shirts: Design Punch // Matchbooks: Sip Hip Hooray // Chris + Erin Sign: RayMels