Drew + Alyza // Carlos Creek Winery

 

Love... it's a mental illness. Science is identifying the cocktail of chemicals that sparks this romance that one day spins out of control and lands us here. This is love. Let's talk about mental illness. "We have to talk about mental illness" the fools in the crowd shout! You're going to fix mental illness you say? How's that? Are you going to get in everyone's head? Are you going to right every wrong path their mind takes along the unknown neural network of chaos? No. It just sounds nice but means nothing. Everyone agrees that mental illness is bad. You're starting a revolution with your original thoughts. Redundant, arbitrary, meaningless thoughts. Have a cookie. And when you're done, try some real original thought. Mental illness will outlast us far beyond the final spit of light from our burning sun. Cure me. Cure my love. Cure this insatiable desire that is spinning out of control. I'm ill. I can't stop. Someone tell my love story.

Wired into the most primitive parts of our brain... this is where our love for mating exists. Good luck finding mine. You're light years away from finding the cure. Look at the joy. Did they find the greatest prize in life? They found vessels to create and pass on their DNA. Our illness is wired deep down inside, something so intertwined we can't pull it's root from our own soul without tearing us down in the process. I'm ill. Help me! I'm shouting to the crowd to save me. Let's talk about love. Can it save us? Save me from my love. The cocktail is too strong. I'm weak. I'm in the midst of chaotic chemical propositions and its culminating as an emotional kaleidoscope of intention. I feel the contradictions. I feel the sentimentality. There's hormonal forces at play that pull me in hundred, often crazed and inconclusive directions at once. We have to talk about love! Love being the only thing that can save us all. What is love? Too much. I need a cookie but I'll tell you after.

- Rick

Newly engaged? Ready to take the next step with the love of your life? We have some tips for you on how to get started planning one of the best days ever!

First, you should get started on deciding where and when you want your special day to take place. Alyza and Drew wanted a wedding that encouraged their friends and family to celebrate with them for as long as possible, so a semi-destination wedding at Carlos Creek Winery was the perfect choice for them. They started and ended their wedding festivities by having everyone join them at Arrowwood Resort for grilling, mini-golf, and lake time! Once you have your venue selected, we promise everything falls smoothly into place.

Second, you should decide on a wedding photographer. Like venues, the best photographers get booked rather quickly. You might be asking yourself what to look for in a photographer. You must research a photographer’s social media and website to be sure you love their style. Once you determine the style that you admire most, it would be in your best interest to set up a meeting to be sure your personalities match. Fun fact: Rick actually met Alyza through mutual friends out on our boat. She just knew Rick had to shoot her wedding. Even more fun fact: Rick had previously shoot both of Drew’s siblings weddings! A good vibe goes a long way. Finally, BOOK IT! Once you have a photographer, you know that the best day of your life is set and stone!

Next up… the guest list. This part can be one of the toughest parts. Remember who this day is about, invite who you want to invite! I promise you do not need to invite your mom’s second cousins, best friend’s, new boyfriend’s sister (sorry sister)!

Trust me; we didn’t forget about the bride’s beautiful gown. Be sure to find your dress in plenty of time for it to be shipped and altered. It’s ideal to factor in 9 months for this process to be safe. We also cannot skip out on the style and look for the wedding party! We loved how the bridesmaids dresses incorporated the beautiful wine and blush colors to compliment their venue.

The rest of your vendors are just about adding the fun details - food, flowers, favors, oh my! Whether you know what you’re looking for from the florist or you want their help, they will be there to provide you with ideas and inspiration. The DJ, band and sound production are one of the most important parts of the reception, so be sure to provide them with your favorite songs and party jams and find a group that understands what you want and knows how to throw a party.

Finally, BOOK THAT HONEYMOON!! This is such a fun step for our newlyweds. Be sure to be present on this vacation and spend time with the one you love. This is bucketlist time. Do something amazing! Live out something you only dreamed of. After all, you only live once (or so we recall).

Cheers!

Carlos Creek Winery Wedding Photo Inspo
WeddingRick Gmitrowedding photography, wedding videographyComment