Did you know that in all of the photo shoot features that we do, we use real brides and grooms as our models? It’s true! We love that these real couples are going through their wedding planning journey, just like you!
Now you get to learn a little bit more about our dapper grooms, Dakota & Chris! These guys rocked our “Rat Pack Revisited” styled photo shoot from the current Winter/Spring 2015 issue! Aren’t they handsome?
Thank you for being such awesome Real Weddings models, Dakota & Chris! Take it away:
Real Weddings: What made you want to model for this photo shoot?
Dakota: After meeting Real Weddings Magazine editor/publisher, Wendy Sipple, we were in talks about doing a photo shoot. About a year later—and after our wedding—Wendy said she had a photo shoot in the works; it just fell into place from there.
Chris: After hearing from Dakota for a while that we were going to do a photo shoot, I just brushed it off. Then when he said it was actually happening, I was really excited that his hopes became a reality.
RW: What was your favorite part about modeling?
Dakota: I loved the staging and that our creative input was welcomed. Everyone’s energy was awesome as well.
Chris: I can honestly say my favorite part was feeling like a celebrity the entire time. “Oh, what? I’m needed on set? Yes, let them finish my hair styling.”
RW: What was your favorite part of this shoot? Did you relate to the concept?
Dakota: I haven’t watched Mad Men and I certainly don’t smoke cigars, so I didn’t exactly relate to the concept, but the fun atmosphere made it feel very young and hip.
Chris: I wear suits sometimes for work, so I felt pretty comfortable. Not to mention my husband was the other model, so it was easy to be a couple in front of the camera since we are in real life.
RW: What do you do for a living?
Dakota: I stay at home, and as any house-spouse can tell you, it’s a full-time job. I live at my job. Morning to night is a 16-hour day. And now that we’re adopting, I’ll be pulling a lot over “overtime” and “all-nighters.”
Chris: I work full-time as a manager for Sally Beauty Supply. Nothing fancy, but I’ve been at it for five years, so it must not be too bad, right? I make the bacon and he cooks it. It’s a good system.
RW: Tell us about your own wedding.
Dakota: I’ve always loved the idea of “the secret garden.” It’s a beautiful setting anyone can picture in his or her head. Overgrown, lush and secluded—I had to find an outdoor setting that gave me the overgrown urban setting I desired. The courtyard at The Firehouse was perfect in every aspect. Our colors were our birthstones (amethyst and turquoise). Our guests even stuck to the colors, which just made for such a beautiful effect in the pictures. There’s so much more I wish I could describe, but how can one describe their wedding short and sweetly? It was a celebration of the best life I can imagine (past, present and future).
Chris: All I’ll say is he made it fabulous and personal for all 127 guests.
RW: Did you learn anything new about one another after going through this unique experience together?
Dakota: I found out, given the opportunity, my husband can be really romantic. There is still so much about him I have yet to discover.
Chris: We have been together for almost eight years now, and actually a couple months ago I found out that Dakota likes Jolly Ranchers. You don’t think to ever ask someone, “Hey, do you like Jolly Ranchers?” you just eventually find out. I know him, but I don’t know everything about him.
The “Rat Pack Revisted” feature was produced by Gina Lett—Inspirations by Gina, and Morgan Casarez and Wendy Sipple—Real Weddings Magazine.
Special thanks to our “models”—Dakota & Chris Pevino, Kourtney Jason and Siobhan Russell Pritt
And, thank you to all of the professionals who contributed to this feature:
Photographed on Location: The Citizen Hotel | 916-447-2700 | jdvhotels.com/citizen | citizenhotelweddingblog.com
Photographer: Mischa Photography | 916-905-2794 | photomischa.com
Design, Styling, Décor and Coordination: Inspirations by Gina | 916-243-9574 | 415-506-9070 | inspirationsbygina.com
Floral Design and Décor: The Party Concierge | 916-440-8080 | partyconcierge.com
Hair and Makeup: Jennifer Gilchrist on Location Hair & Makeup | 916-628-2633 | jennifergilchrist.biz
Siobhan’s Gowns: Sparkle Bridal Couture | 916-538-6615 | sparklebridalcouture.com
Kourtney’s Gowns, Siobhan and Kourtney’s Headpieces, and Dakota and Chris’s Tuxedos: Always Elegant Bridal & Tuxedo | 530-755-4282 | alwayselegantbridal.net
Siobhan’s Rings and Bracelets, and Dakota and Chris’s Ties
Macy’s | macys.com
Arden Fair Mall | 916-925-2845
Country Club Plaza | 916-485-3885
Downtown Plaza | 916-444-3333
Sunrise Mall | 916-962-3333
Westfield Galleria at Roseville | 916-771-3333
Siobhan’s Earrings and Necklace: Style Avenue Studios | 916-812-1114 | styleavenuestudios.com
Kourtney’s Earrings and Siobhan’s Headpiece for second look: Erica Koesler Wedding Accessories | ericakoesler.com
Cake: Above & Beyond Cakes | 916-672-2259 | aboveandbeyondcakes.com
Paperie: Bella Vita Invitations | 916-682-8226 | bellavitainvitations.com
Cigars: Perfecto Lounge-Wedding Cigar Roller | 916-783-2828 | perfectolounge.com
Linens and Rentals: Celebrations! Party Rentals & Tents | 916-773-2133 | celebrationspartyrentals.com
Videographer: JB Wedding Photography | 916-220-0159 | jbweddingphoto.com
Tune back in to our blog to see more from our “Rat Pack Revisited” decor inspiration story!
Blog post by Real Weddings Magazine’s Social Media Maven, Aimee Carroll.
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