Tell us about your wedding day and surrounding events! Where did it all go down? Did you have any particular inspiration or musts when choosing the location?

I really wanted an indoor/outdoor wedding: something that would provide a beautiful canvas for what I was imagining the wedding would look like. We chose the Wilshire Ebell in LA, and it was truly perfect. The ceremony and cocktail hour were held outside, and the reception was in their ballroom. Our rehearsal dinner, where I wore my vintage Vicky Tiel gown from Happy Isles, was held at Swingers Diner on Beverly. Kody and I knew we wanted an iconic Los Angeles location to set the tone for the first event for our wedding weekend, and Swingers was an obvious choice.

How did you and your partner meet? What was the proposal like?

We met on Bumble! He was my third-ever online date. And the rest is history. A little less than three years later, he proposed to me on a horseback ride through the Malibu mountains the day before Valentine's Day. I was born and raised in Texas and rode horses my whole life, so I thought it was a perfectly special Valentine's Weekend treat on his part. I didn't realize it would be one of the best days of my life!

Describe your Happy Isles dress and/or dresses! When did you know it was the one?

My Happy Isles dress is a beautiful, white, perfectly draped, and semi-corseted 90s Vicky Tiel gown. I tried it on during an appointment at HI and thought it was so extremely special and unexpectedly comfortable that I had to take it! The sexy and playful vibe of it felt perfect for my rehearsal dinner.

What did your partner wear down the aisle, and did you share outfit pics before the big day?

Kody wore a custom-made red velvet suit down the aisle. I knew what it would look like because we had it designed and made by Pocket Square Clothing in downtown LA. I, however, didn't let him see either of my dresses until the day of.

How did your guests respond to your outfit/s? Were there any standout reactions?

We had a fairly medium-sized wedding of 120-ish guests, so most of them know me pretty well. I think they expected some fun 'fits, and I was happy to deliver. Guests especially loved my reception dress, which was custom-made by Felipe Salcedo and inspired by Guns n' Roses and Romeo & Juliet.

Where did you shop for accessories, and how did you style your look/s?

I shopped for most of my accessories at my favorite vintage stores and on Etsy! One of my absolute favorite wedding accessories was a Jack McConnell hat (also found at Happy Isles) that I wore for both my engagement photoshoot and Bridal shower. Another standout accessory was my wedding day earrings and giant rhinestone hearts, which I scored at another favorite LA vintage store, Recess. I wanted all of my wedding looks to be a reflection of the absolute joy I felt marrying the love of my life, and I think pieces like this special hat and those earrings were the perfect expression of that joy.

What was the most memorable aspect of your dress-shopping experience? Is there anything you would like to highlight or share with other brides considering an appointment at Happy Isles?

The thing that stood out to me most about shopping at Happy Isles was the kindness of the staff, as well as the genuine excitement in the air when I found something I really loved or resonated with. I also appreciated how in tune they were with the shopper's personal style and how willing they were to pull some gems from beyond the showroom if they felt they might be a perfect fit.

Okay. Your HI wedding dress is a person. What is their name, and describe their perfect date!

I can't help but name her Vicky. She loves a very dirty martini and a Diet Coke with her spaghetti and meatball dinner. Take her to a midnight showing of any Tarantino movie to end the night perfectly. (Realizing now that Vicky might just be me.)

Getting serious for a second. Did you ever feel like you were breaking the mold or challenging expectations while wedding planning? What were some ways you stayed true to yourself during what can be an emotionally complex experience?

I think what I kept reminding myself of, and what I tell any bride planning their own wedding, is that the day is truly for you and your partner at its core. In a society that sometimes puts pressure on making these kinds of celebrations about other people (family members, guests, etc), I think it's so important to focus on what would make YOU happy. Because the truth is, if you're feeling joy that day, it will absolutely resonate and glow and transform into the joy of every attendant, family member, and beyond. I had an Elvis impersonator and mariachis play at my wedding, and it was the absolute best night of my life so far.

They say every wedding has a “wild card” moment. Did anything unexpected happen or surprise you during planning or the day of?

So initially we had a whole other venue picked out. That fell through due to unexpected circumstances that were out of our control, as the venue sent us an email saying something to the effect that they were no longer able to host events. Thankfully, we had plenty of time to pivot, and I had a wonderful wedding planner in Chloe and Mint who helped me find a new spot. The funny thing is, I thought that the initial place was my dream venue, but my wedding day felt so perfect that I now couldn't imagine it anywhere but the Ebell. I really love the thought that rejection is redirection, and I think it truly fits this case.

HOT TAKES: Do you have any wedding planning or dress shopping advice? Please pay it forward to our future brides!

Do what brings you JOY!! Want to wear a black dress? Wear it. Want to have donuts instead of a cake? Why not? Seriously, it's so important to remember that there are no rules! This is your day. Live it exactly how you imagined!

If you had to choose your single best wedding day memory, what would it be?

My husband and I made our wedding exit in a 1950s white convertible with a red interior. It felt so surreal. We were cruising down Wilshire with the top down, and there were barely any other cars on the road. I'll never forget that feeling.

Now that the wedding chapter has come to a close, what are some dreams you have for your future, both personally and as a couple?

Personally, I'd like to continue to pursue my career in acting and directing, and my husband is currently growing his private practice as a therapist. As a couple, we hope to build a life together that feels exciting and is full of laughter, friends, and family

And finally - shout out your vendors!