Client Info

Name: ♀Alyssa Hess & ♂Deshawn Johnson

Album Story

We’ve all joked about someone “sliding into someone’s DMs”. But this love story is actually a Facebook direct message success story! While they were both in college, Deshawn caught a glimpse of Alyssa at a school rugby game. After asking his roommate who this dream girl was, he knew he had to reach out to her. Deshawn messaged Alyssa on Facebook later that day saying he thought she was cute and wanted to get to know her. She was flattered, and they ended up hanging out all night long. They had an instant connection and from that night on they stayed up each night deep in conversation. On Valentine’s Day, a couple months after their first encounter, Alyssa had a water polo game out of town. Deshawn told her that he had class and couldn’t attend her game, but instead surprised her there with balloons, flowers, chocolate, a giant bear, and a sign that said “Will you be my girlfriend?” With two signs that read, “Yes” and “Or Nah”. She excitedly picked the “Yes” sign, and from that moment on they were inseparable.

Two and a half years of dating later, on a gorgeous summer day in July, they were on a family vacation at the lake. While Alyssa was out paddleboarding with her family, Deshawn was hiding in the woods- preparing and decorating the area where he would pop the question. As Alyssa turned the bend on her board and saw the string of pictures among the trees and her future husband down on one knee, she got off her board and rushed over to say YES!

From the day they got engaged to wedding day, they waited anxiously- knowing that with each passing day they were one step closer to their forever. After months of planning their gorgeous DIY wedding in Northern California, they were so ready to tie the knot! Wedding day was finally here!

Before these two even got engaged, they both researched wedding venues separately. Without knowing it, they both individually fell in love with the idea of having their wedding at the Brazilian Room at Tilden Park. Just outside the chaos of the Bay Area lies the calming and beautiful wilderness sanctuary of Tilden Park. Located among the rolling hills of lush green woods of Berkeley, California, they fell in love with the location and it’s natural beauty. They also adored the indoor reception site with both the glowing natural light and exposed wooden beams.

Their moody and romantic color palette consisted of blues, gold, white, and different types of wood, and was inspired by blue agate geodes. They specifically wanted to incorporate these into their wedding day because of the true beauty of the stones, but little did they know that their meaning is deeper than that. Agate geodes are the stone of strength and protection, as well as marital and romantic fidelity. Talk about true beauty! What a perfect detail to include in the decorations of the day! From the blue ombre cake from Susie Cakes and blue ombre collection of bridesmaids dresses, to the groom’s deep navy Calvin Klein suit from Men’s Warehouse, and the rich cobalt decor at the reception, this beautiful wedding was definitely not short of “something blue”.

Alyssa’s stunning princess gown from Weddings and Dreams had heads turning all day, and her DIY white rose and baby’s breath bouquet completed her gorgeous look! Her hair was elegantly curled, and both her hair and makeup were done by the talented Ericat. The details of this day were captured by Three16 Photography and came together perfectly thanks to the help and coordination of Celeste Makarewicz.

Associated Vendors

Tuxedo and Mens Attire: Mens Warehouse
Beauty: The Ericat
Dress Store: Weddings and Dreams Bridal Boutique
Event Planner: Celeste Makarewicz
Caterer: Susie Cakes
Event Venue: Brazilian Room
Photographer: Three16 Photography

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